Davenport Democrat Davenport, Scott, Iowa July 24, 1924 ST. VINCENT'S ORPHANAGE FOUNDED BY SISTERS OF HUMILITY HERE IN 1895, NOW HOME OF 125 BOYS AND GIRLS. Among Davenport philanthropie and charitable institutions there are few closer to the hearts of the people that St. Vincent's orphanage. The reason for this is, no doubt, to be found in the fact that St. Vincent's is a real home. This worthy and charitable institution was established in 1895. It was first located on the northwest corner of Fifteenth street and Grand avenue. The Sisters of the Humility of Mary, whose mother house is located in Ottumwa, Ia., were invited by Bishop Cosgrove to take charge of the young institution. Four sisters, with Mother Vincent in charge, took up the laudable work. In less than a year it was apparent to all the friends of the growing institution that more commodious quarters were necessary if St. Vincent's were to meet the demands made upon it. In 1896, under the immediate supervision of Bishop Cosgrove, property- about ten acres- was purchased on North Gaines street where St. Vincent's home now stands. An appeal for funds was sent out and in an incredibly short time the bishop and sisters were able to erect a substantial three story brick building that was to serve the needs of the home for some years. The pew St. Vincent's was opened, Nov. 2 1897. At that time 35 children were cared for by four sisters. Bishop Cosgrove Officiates. This was indeed a happy day for the friends of the struggling institution. On the occasion of the solemn dedication Bishop Cosgrove officiated. Addresses were made by the Hon. S.F. Smith, mayor of Davenport, and the Very Rev. Thomas Machin, pastor of St. Joseph's church, Rock Island. Music was furnished by Strasser's band and the Orion quartet composed of Messrs. Brown, Kelly, Huot and Johnson. Articles of incorporation were filed Oct. 31, 1897, and the trustees of the home were Mother Angeline, Mother Vincent and Mother Joseph- all Sisters of Humility. Mother Angeline passed away May 10, 1903. The other trustees are still living and actively engaged in the work of the community at the mother house in Ottumwa, Ia. Now 125 Children. At the present time St. Vincent's home is caring for 125 children. Eight Sisters of Humility are in charge under the direction of Sister Visitation. In 1902 it was found necessary to enlarge the building to more than twice the original size. From time to time more property was acquired. Today, St. Vincent's has a thoroly modern building fully equipped with all modern conveniences; 60 acres of land; barns; chicken house; fruit trees; drives and other equipment necessary for the successful operation of the home. In 1907 an up-to-date laundry was installed under the direction of F.J. Lewis, now of Chicago. A few years ago extensive improvements were made at an expenditure of $20,000. These much needed improvements were made possible by the munificient legacy left to St. Vincent's by the late Mr. and Mrs. W.J. Dittoe. In March, 1917, the articles of incorporation were amended. According to these amended articles the members of the corporation shall be the bishop of Davenport and the vicar general by virtue of their positions, and three priests of the diocese of Davenport. The present directors are Rt. Rev. James Davis, Very Rev. J.T.A. Flannagan, V.G., Very Rev. A.H. Schoeningh, Rev. R.J. Renihan and Rev. C.J. Donahue. The officers of the corporation are: President, James Davis, bishop of Davenport; vice president J.T. A. Flannagan, V.G.; secretary and treasurer, C.J. Donohue. Sister Ignatus' Work. No sketch of St. Vincent's would be complete without special mention pictures, auto rides, and other by the late lamented Sister Ignatus. From the founding of the institute to the day of her death, Dec. 7, 1907, during those struggling years, this true servant of God worked early and late to make St. Vincent's a real home for the children committed there. To the orphan and friendless she was a mother and when she died at the post of duty the children in the home and all others who knew her broad charity and kindness felt they had lost the truest of friends. Besides looking after the bodily needs of the children, St. Vincent's home conducts a regularly graded school. Physically, mentally and morally, the children committed to St. Vincent's receive every attention to make them grow up as worthy members of the church and loyal citizens of the state. During the years of its existence St. Vincent's home has taken care of 1500 children. Almost 1000 of these have been returned to friends or relatives. Good homes have been found for those whose relatives have passed away. But t?? children died at the home. This is certainly a remarkable record and is a fine tribute to the self-sacrificing work of the devoted sisters charge. On account of the ever increasing number of children that seek a home at St. Vincent's the institution is badly in need of a suitable contagious hospital. Besides the hospital a gymnasium should also be erected. With this gymnasium there should be installed more play ground apparatus. The needs of the home appeal to those anxious to bring sunshine and happiness into the lives of our less fortunate children. The Sunshine club of Davenport, a non-sectarian organization, contributes materially to the well being of the home by furnishing motion pictures, auto rides and other forms of amusement. FYI- For futher information: Transcribed Census Records for St. Vincent's Orphanage 1900-1930 may be found at http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/1900stvincents.htm http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/1910stvincents.htm http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/1920stvincents.htm http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/1930stvincents.htm Cathy Joynt Labath Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/index.htm Iowa Old Press http://www.IowaOldPress.com/