Orphanages in Maryland - Family History & Genealogy Message Board

Books Donation

joselyn_esguerra — 2013-06-19 03:57:04Z

Hi my brother in law is currently looking for an orphanage where he can donate tons of toys and books. It's all weebeast books that children loves so much. I came across St. Vincent de Paul in the net. Can someone help him please..

Are there any other institution that he can visit to distribute books and toys within the area?

Thank you in advance!!

Re: Orphanage for Cumberland, MD

wrightracing47 — 2013-06-15 05:29:55Z

maby the glendora on forest ave valley rd i know it was an orphanage in cumberland md???

Searching for Augsburg Luthern Orphans circa 1954 through 1964

edwardklug1 — 2013-05-06 03:59:15Z

My wife was seeking friends from the past while she was at the orphanage, so the history of the Augsburg Lutheran Home orphanage was as follows:

"In 1921, the present 52-acre property on Campfield Road was purchased in Baltimore County. Subsequently, a new facility with a capacity for 35 adults and 60 children was dedicated on November 17, 1929.

Over the next few decades, Augsburg continued to grow. The nursing care wing and chapel were just two of the additions. In 1970, the care for orphans was discontinued."

This is there website where I got that.

http://www.augsburg.org/about-us/history-2/

If you happened to be there doing that time let me know and we'll see what we can put together.

Re: ISO info on St. Vincents Infant Asylum in Baltimore, MD

algbas — 2013-03-02 16:44:37Z

Hi wanted to jump in just to let you all know I actually found the Fohner Family/Mother/and Children all togehter here in the 1910 census...For whatever reason the children and their mother were all staying there..Mom Annie was working as a servant..This is page 6 of 7 in this census section here is link

http://search.ancestry.com/iexec?htx=View&r=an&dbid=...

It says she is married 14 yrs and I found her husband, Joseph P Fohner is listed as "Single" and living with his widowed mother, Shopia. He was a Blacksmith at Shop (Horse)., same occp as in 1900 when he can be found with wife Ann and children.

At any rate it seems to me that Mom, Annie and her children were kept together at St Vincents Infant Asylum.

Mother Annie and children in the 1920 census all living together and renting on Greenmount Ave., all be it, in a Billards House it looks like, she is this time widowed and all children listed (except oldest Joseph Lawrence Fohner, who married at appx 18yrs old to Julia "Ruth" Brooks and in appx 1918-19 removed w/her parents to Bueamont Tx for a time), Eugene the youngest being 10 yrs old, I also found in St Vincents 1910 census as 4 months old..So it would seem to me that maybe St Vincents first made an attempt to keep children and desirous Mothers together..Just a thought I wanted pass along

Baltimore Orphan Info.

hammettbrian1 — 2012-12-14 19:09:51Z

I am trying to gather information on my great-grandfather. He was placed in a Catholic orphanage in Baltimore, MD in 1921 by his father after the death of his mother, along with 3 brothers and 1 sister. Their names were Louise, Will, George, Joseph, and Frnacis Harris. I have no idea which orphanage. I am trying to find out anything at all about their parents, Jennie (or Johanna) Mendelis Harris and George W. Harris. George and Jennie are buried in Most Holy Redeemer in Baltimore.

Re: ISO info on St. Vincents Infant Asylum in Baltimore, MD

marlenaspellissy — 2012-11-09 02:35:01Z

just a little bit of info. for u.from 1942i lived there as my parens divroced when i was two, so my father was awarded my sister and me, as he had to work and need somwone to take care of us. they only kept children up six and we were tranfered to st. marys villa in baltimore also ran by the sisters of charity.i have pictures from st.vincents as they has a farm, where they had chicken and ducks and even slaughtere their own cows. as i was very young i dont have any vivid memories except from pictures, we were treated alright as we were always dress nice and my father wouldnt keep us there otherwise.

brothers John and Anthony

muscalli1951 — 2012-10-07 01:10:40Z

looking for my half brothers in St vincents in aprox.1949 to 1955 my name is Madeline my dad told me you were my brothers mothers name Lucy or Celia i was 4yrs at the time
I remember coming to visit once.my dads name is Albert

Re: St. Vincent de Paul Male Orphan Asylum Baltimore MD

Thomas_s_fitz — 2012-08-11 21:20:22Z

That was a part of my life I don,t remember too well. I remember a "Hugh hill" we used to slide down. A few fights I was in, I won 1 or 2 of them defending a real short boy who was bullied, the laundry which was
Located behind the main bldg, a picture I have showed me in my Sunday best, the Minstrel shows we did, the old songs we sang, the Christmas tree and train set (BIG trains) and old radio programs we listened to, (Tom Mix, Green Hornet, Capt. Midnight etc. the choir we had, I sang soprano, my mothers occasional visits, our money accounts and the candy cart that came around to spent money on and the friends that came around when you had some money, sometimes.. Our victory gardens and marble arcades set up around the fence, and "hoodles". Sometimes when someone won and possessed all the marbles, he would throw them off the top of the sliding board for a free-for-all. Kids have it too good now. The K-rations that were in a hole in front of the main bldg....Love.."Fitz"

Re: St. Vincent de Paul Male Orphan Asylum Baltimore MD

jamesjack09 — 2012-08-02 04:19:47Z

Hi. My name at the Orphanage was Richard Jackson. My Brother Walter was also there. I had Sister Mercy in C dorm. and Sis. Edward in B dorm. and yes I remember Sis. Sabastian from the infirmary. My name is James R Jackson, from south Baltimore. Now live in Douglasville, Ga. You should find your names in the 1940 census. I saw Sis. Edwards name in the census. I am attaching a photo of St Vin. that I got from a fellow inmate Bill Sexton. would like to correspond with you if you would agree. I am writing a memoir and would like input. You are the fourth person I met since I started my research 2 years ago. I have been in touch with Lynn and Marty Rice also Bill Sexton. You are welcome to look at my family tree anytime you like. I am 72 years old e-mail add: jamesjack09@comcast.net Ph # 678-720-4394.

Re: St. Vincent de Paul Male Orphan Asylum Baltimore MD

Thomas_s_fitz — 2012-08-01 21:21:45Z

I was in St Vincents from 1940 to 1949, while there I had two brothers there for shorter times, (they were olderq than me). I remember sisters Sabastian (nurse), sister Noel,(she taught one of my kids in grade school), Sister Cirel, she was the principle and my great aunt. I sang soprano in the choir, we had sung on WFBR radio, the state prison, the Empty Stocking Club and other venues. We all had chores and slept in open dormitories, had victory gardens and quiet times for hobbies. I still have many memories of that place. I understand the buildings are gone and the grounds have been developed. If I remember rightly the address was on York Road, Govens Md.

Re: St. Vincent de Paul Male Orphan Asylum Baltimore MD

katgrubb1 — 2012-07-08 15:41:40Z

My great grandfather was in the St. Vincents male Orphan Asylum his name was Joseph Anthony Mckenna I know he was there in 1920 if you have any pictures or know anything about him that would be great if you could relay the info to me

Re: St. Vincent de Paul Male Orphan Asylum Baltimore MD

jamesjack09 — 2012-06-29 22:45:23Z

If you read my post again you will see that is what I said. It moved to York Rd in the 1900's. When it moved the name was changed to St. Vincent's Male Orphan Asylum. It is listed by this name in the 1940 census.

Re: St. Vincent de Paul Male Orphan Asylum Baltimore MD

1_rkeenan77 — 2012-06-29 16:42:28Z

St. Vincent's actually opened in 1840 at 112 Front Street in Baltimore.

Re: ISO info on St. Vincents Infant Asylum in Baltimore, MD

carlislebright — 2012-06-15 23:07:36Z

I just today received my mother's birth certificate that I applied for with the Maryland Archives. I had to fill out an application and send $25.

She was born in 1917 and died last month.

I have been doing research on my family and was able to track down her mother (my grandmother) and relatives to when they immigrated from Germany. Well, it appears my mother was adopted from St. Vincent's Infant Asylum because that name was on the birth certificate as place of birth. The mother and father were unknown altho the age for the mother was 24.

You can get certified birth certificates from the Maryland Archives if the person was born before 1924 and you fill out an application.

Maybe your grandfather's birth certificate will have the mother and/or father listed.

Good Luck!!!!!!

BTW here is the link to St. Vincent's: http://www.catholiccharities-md.org/st-vincents-center/histo...

Re: ISO info on St. Vincents Infant Asylum in Baltimore, MD

psfurlong356 — 2012-06-07 17:35:45Z

Yes thank you.... Helen Graham must be VERY busy because I have left two messages for her (she only works as a volunteer once a week) in the last 4 months and have had no response yet. I have talked to the main office and been assured I will "go on a list"

I believe I have found my father in the 1920 census housed at "St. Vincent's Children's Asylum" The name is correct but the age and place of birth are not... I assume these "facts" were subject to errors based on the nature of the facility and the reasons the children were being left there...

I am very hopeful I can get the information on him sometime soon.....

Bethesda Children's Home, Bethesda, MD

jones9159 — 2012-05-19 20:28:33Z

I am looking for any information on the Bethesda Children's Home in Bethesda, Maryland. I have been told that it was located off of Old Georgetown Road near NIH. Any information would be helpful. Thank You.

German Orphanage

sshosmer — 2012-04-16 11:17:14Z

HI,

I am looking for some history about the general day-to-day activities that took place at the old DC German Orphanage. It opened in 1845 and was active at 2300 Good Hope Road for many years before moving and having the original house taken down sometimes in the early 1900 I believe. If anyone knows where I can get some information or might be willing to share some information with me I would very happy. OH, by the way I am not related to anyone who was at the orphanage.

Thank you
Steve H.

Re: St. Vincent de Paul Male Orphan Asylum Baltimore MD

jamesjack09 — 2012-04-15 05:44:52Z

I was a resident orphan at St Vincent's from 1944 to 1951. I have been researching the subject for three years. It was origionally located on Front St, Balti. in abt 1840. It was moved abt 1909 to York Rd, Balti. Iwas unable to obtain my records from the catholic charitys. I have a web page for The Catholic University of America if you want to try them. That is where records ( what still exist) are supposed to be. I was told to contact Wash. DC Catholic Charities. They said contact Cath. Univ. of Amer. ( I got nothng ) I do have photos and articles that I got from other people I met during my search. Will share if you are interrested. Regards, James R Jackson

Re: St. Mary's Orphanage and Medical Records

AlicejonesA — 2012-03-06 17:41:15Z

Records are now maintained at Catholic Charities, 2601 N. Howard St. Suite 200 Baltimore, MD 21218

Re: Grantsville Maryland Orphanage?

shortmom58 — 2012-02-19 00:00:36Z

go to this website http://locustgrovemc.org/grace/ch7.htm
It is the site has info on the LOCUST GROVE amish mennonite orphanage That you are looking for The Orphanage was in Grantsville, Garrett County, Maryland
HOPE THIS HELPS YOU
RuthAAnderson at yahoo.com

Re: Baltimore Orphan Asylum Address

Vivian_Eicke — 2012-02-15 14:28:15Z

It is possible that your grandmother's birth certificate was destroyed in a fire. On February 8, 1904, there was a large fire in central Baltimore. Over 1,500 buildings were destroyed. If the records were stored in any of these buildings they probably burned.

I'm having the same fun trying to locate records for my great-grandmother who put in an orphanage in Baltimore by her grandmother. So good luck.

St. Vincent de Paul Male Orphan Asylum Baltimore MD

temcowe — 2012-02-04 03:09:51Z

I recently found an 1850 Census of Ward 5 Baltimore MD listing for an ancestor who was age 6. He is listed with several other (unrelated) young boys. In the census page margin is what I believe to read "St. V. de P. M. O. A." I have found little information on a St Vincent Male Orphan Asylum in Baltimore and it indicated it formed later than 1850. Can anyone provide more info on this institution and how do I go about finding records from residents there?

Re: Orphanage for Cumberland, MD

jimbartlett1 — 2011-12-17 16:46:55Z

I've still not found one, and am now wondering what became of orphans in this area in the late 1880s and 90s.

I believe there is a home the now.

Jim Bartlett

Re: Orphanage for Cumberland, MD

wildpetes1 — 2011-12-17 15:40:55Z

Please let me know if you were able to find out anything. I am also looking for orphanages in the same area around the 1930's.

Re: St. Leo's Orphanage, Baltimore, MD

heidileigh2010 — 2011-11-30 01:10:45Z

I am also looking for information on the orphange, my aunt was there around 40's. Just looking for it's history and why it closed down, etc.

Re: ISO info on St. Vincents Infant Asylum in Baltimore, MD

mvsdes74 — 2011-04-28 22:53:26Z

Yes I also have info on St Vincents. My grandmother was placed there in 1909, at age 2 1/2 with her brother who was a year younger. I also contacted Helen Graham and was sent lots of information. She sent me some information on what a normal day would have been like. My grandmother was there until she was 13, at which time, they moved the kids to a different orphanage. My grandmother's name was actually changed when she was placed there (her first name). I don't know when it became her given name, but it did. If you go to the library websites, you can find newspaper articles and photos of some of the events or situations that existed there. It was very sad to read and like you it was a total shock to the family that my grandmother who we were extremely close to, never ever told anyone she was there. She died in 1998. So many questions left unanswered, some things understood for her daughter now 75. Helen Graham said there used to be photos but they were misplaced. I wish they had some - I would love one photo of her as a child. I also contacted the Daughters of Charity who ran St Vincents and St Joseph School of Industry for the girls over 13. I was given a lot of info by them, but mostly photos, and daily activites although they did get me the date of the day my grandmother left the orphange at 15 (St Joseph School of Industry) and the reason why, who removed her also. My grandmother's last name was Franey....

Re: ISO info on St. Vincents Infant Asylum in Baltimore, MD

jmhusser — 2011-04-20 00:44:56Z

Tina, thank you SO much. This is so helpful and gives me hope that maybe we can find out something. Even the name of his birth mother would be helpful. I'm going to call tomorrow. Thank you again.

Re: ISO info on St. Vincents Infant Asylum in Baltimore, MD

THINTON514 — 2011-04-19 21:00:59Z

My grandmother and her sister were place in St. Vincents on May 7, 1923. I called Center For Family Services, Records and Archives, 11 East Mount Royal Avenue, 2nd Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202-2753 phone: 410-685-2363, fax: 410-685-2364. Mrs. Helen Graham (Director of Records and Archivist) sent me all the information she had. They kept all the records from St. Vincent's. I also got the certificate of Baptism. Unfortunately for me the birth mother DID NOT list the father's name.
I hope this helps you out.
Tina

Grantsville Maryland Orphanage?

SueQ702 — 2011-04-16 21:50:35Z

Looking for information about an orphanage in Grantsville, Maryland. Young child (4-6 yrs old?) named Howard Clay Brotemarkle or Clay Howard Brotemarkle would have been there around 1918-1920. Also possibly a brother named Leslie Brotemarkle. Anyone know anything about the orphanage or how to access adoption records?

ISO info on St. Vincents Infant Asylum in Baltimore, MD

jmhusser — 2011-03-30 04:55:39Z

I recently discovered (much to my families surprise) through the 1920 Federal Census that my grandfather was in the St. Vincents Infant Asylum in Baltimore. I am hoping that I will be able to contact them and get info on his birth parents (if known). Has anyone had luck doing this? (He died in 1986.) I'm also curious as to what the conditions were like in St. Vincents. It just seems so sad. I'm heartbroken for my grandfather. I'm also curious about the family who adopted him (he had no contact with them after he left at 18 or so) but that's another story.

I'd love to hear from anyone who knows ANYTHING about St. Vincents in Baltimore.

Re: St. Mary's Orphanage and Medical Records

hazer00 — 2011-03-14 05:31:39Z

Maybe one of you can help me figure out my real last name. My father told me that my last name was changed to what it currently is when my grandfather left the orphanage as a child. It is rumored that when he left the orphanage, he wanted to create a new name for himself, so he apparently picked up a phone book and chose a name that there were very few of, and changed it to Hayes the moment we walked out the door (I have no idea what his last name was before he changed it, and that is what I would like to know). His name from what I can remember was Frederick Eugene Hayes Sr., and from what I can tell he was always a resident in Baltimore, MD. In fact, I know something is very suspicious, because in my research of my family, my grandfather did not sign the deed to the house he and my grandmother bought; which is very odd for those days. If any one can help, or might have any idea on where I can search, any leads would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Stephen Hayes, Grandson of Frederick E. Hayes Sr.

..I would really like to trace my family back further then 100yrs ago and I need to know his birth last name in order to do that. I have been told that I am of German and Irish decent if that helps any. Also my father used to joke around that my grandfather used to be called Fritz.

Thanks again.

Re: St. Leo's Orphanage, Baltimore, MD

jamesoninteriors1 — 2011-03-11 17:39:21Z

Mildred,
Did you happen to know Joseph Leo Porcella? His sons (John, Leo and Frank) were at the orphanage in the 1920s. Their mother Mary (Hinkle) Porcella died sometime between 1918 and 1920 from the flu? Leo was our grandfather. (My brother started this thread). From what I have found; Joseph then married a Selena Rollison (also a widower) around 1921. I then found a 1930 census putting him with a new wife Mary and the youngest of the 3 sons; Frank.
We would be grateful for any information.
Regards,
Amy

Re: St. Leo's Orphanage, Baltimore, MD

MildredCimino — 2011-02-12 14:36:58Z

I was born and raised on Front St. where St. Leo's orphanage was. Have you tried looking for records at St. Vincent de Paul Church which is still on Front St?

Re: ST.Vincents Orpanage,Balto,City

kshuller — 2011-01-20 19:19:33Z

The records for St. Vincents according to the Catholic Church were destroyed by fire. To find his original birth record you must go to the State of Maryland. Maryland makes it almost impossible to find birth records for anyone as they require the applicant to either be the person born or one of his/her parents. Your name must be ON the birth record to obtain a birth record. Wish I had better news. I am also searching for a child "imprisoned" in St. Vincent's orphange and released at age 14 without a birth certificate nor a valid surname. He made one up so he could at least have a name. Horrid stuff. I say imprisoned because he did not agree to be there and his mother recovered his younger brother but left him behind. Come to think of it no adopted child agrees to their adoption. They are denied their rights of citizenship for the rest of their lives. Today adoption rules at least require a health background but still hide the identity of the parents and this in my opinion is absolute child abuse.

Re: St. Mary's Orphanage and Medical Records

bird99 — 2010-12-02 05:25:09Z

My father and uncle were placed at the St. Mary's orphanage in Annapolis, MD. During the time, mixed (mullato children) were placed at St. Mary's orphanges. They both were placed around 1933.

Re: St. Mary's Orphanage and Medical Records

jfjordan2 — 2010-11-01 01:06:08Z

Hi -

I just ran across your note through some google searches I am doing on Maryland orphanage records.

I realize this reply is years from when you first wrote this note, but I thought this might help...

My aunts and uncles spent time at St. Elizabeth's Home for Colored Infants and Children in the early 1900's. I did find them in ANCESTRY records. They were census records, they were recorded as 'inmates' at the St Elizabeth's Home. So, ancestry has census records listing all of the children at the home in a particular year.

This may help you. Maybe ancestry has St Mary's Orphanage records as well.

Or -- maybe you were able to locate the orphanage records through some other source. If you were, I would love to hear how you found out more.

Good luck!

Joy

Re: St. Agatha Home for Children

ashleyykim13 — 2010-09-08 03:47:12Z

Hi, I would like to know more information about St. Agatha. Where is your orphanage located? and if you guys have volunteering work available, please let me know! I would love working with you guys. Hope to hear from you soon!

Re: St. Agatha Home for Children

jjorna — 2010-08-11 19:53:26Z

Hi - I am interested in this book - is it still available?
:ucy

Re: St. Leo's Orphanage, Baltimore, MD

ElWeger — 2010-07-20 15:31:50Z

The Maryland State Archives site claims to have some information on microfilm for this orphanage. The Archdiocese of Batimore may also give information. That is what the on-line information for the archives of St Mary's Seminary states, I'm waiting for a response from them for a different orphanage but I thought I would pass along these options.

Re: St. Leo's Orphanage, Baltimore, MD

peterlcassidy — 2009-10-31 19:40:53Z

To beach 3107

My brother and sister and I were there in late 50's-Patricia, Pete and Tom Cassidy. What info are you looking for?

Re: St. Leo's Orphanage, Baltimore, MD

beach3107 — 2009-10-31 17:58:58Z

My younger brother and I were placed in St Vincent's in 1951 and my 2 older sisters and a brother were sent to St Leo's. I have tried for years to find information and have hit only dead ends

Re: St. Leo's Orphanage, Baltimore, MD

peterlcassidy — 2009-09-28 01:11:02Z

st Leo's was on Front st in Baltimore Md. next to St. Vincent's Church. The church is still there but the orphanage was torn down . I'm not sure when. I was there in the 50's.

St.Elizabeth Home

bettyZellner70 — 2009-09-27 17:17:39Z

If anyone has any information about st elizabeth's home arouond 1940 -1960 please contact me. I am looking for a Frances Martin born June 4, 1924.

Orphanage for Cumberland, MD

jimbartlett1 — 2009-08-27 19:58:11Z

Can anyone tell me the orphanage that would have been used in 1880s and 1890s for Cumberland, Allegany Co, MD area?

Thanks, Jim Bartlett

Re: St. Leo's Orphanage, Baltimore, MD

tanyalee14_1 — 2009-02-18 19:02:31Z

we could be looking for same person my grandfather was there about the same he had two brothers (older and the other younger) and a sister who died at the orphanage at the age of 14 from TB. his younger brother is named Gus and was adoped, married and had 11 children. my grandfather is now 95 and he is being placed in a nursing home. we cant locate his birth certificate and the department of records has nothing

St. Leo's Orphanage, Baltimore, MD

lilpigs6 — 2009-01-10 20:09:26Z

If anyone can help..... I'm looking for the records holder for St. Leo's Orphanage located in Baltimore, MD.

My grandfather and his two brothers are on the 1920 census registered as inmates. I've seen the orphanage listed as St. Leo's Italian Orphanage and St. Leo Orphan Asylum. I have searched online with negative results.

I believe it is also associated with St. Leo's Roman Catholic Church, also located in Baltimore. I've emailed St. Leo's church but have not received a response.

If you can point me in the right direction please reply.

Thank you!

Warner/Levin?

jjorna — 2007-12-12 20:21:50Z

I have very little information to go on. I understand my grandfather was put into an orphanage in Maryland circa 1880's. We believe his birth mother's name was Sara Levin(?) and that his last name was Warner or Horner.
I anyone has any information whatsoever that may help in this search - please contact me.

Re: Edwin Cleveland Brooks

MBrown3049 — 2008-04-04 06:12:36Z

Try googling Associated Catholic Charities in Baltimore, MD. I think that the address is on Mt. something street. That is where all the old Catholic Orphanage records are archived.
Ask about St. Vincent's Home for Infants and St. James Orphanage.
Also, google The Orphan's Court of Baltimore.
Give as much info as possible to each researcher. Be sure to inquire about research fees up front.
Good luck!

Re: Edwin Cleveland Brooks

Ewedman — 2008-02-25 22:48:51Z

Ed,

Your welcome.

The link again is. http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~orphanshome/censusr...

Re: Edwin Cleveland Brooks

ase33592 — 2008-02-25 16:47:13Z

Thank you so much for this link. I will attempt go through it.
Sincerely Ed BRooks