Friday, March 11, 2011

St. Joseph's Home - Peekskill, NY - Nunn Children

I have noticed a number of views on the blogs I did regarding St. Joseph’s Home in Peekskill, New York, so I thought I would expand on that information and add more photos.

In June of 1900 the Nunn family, who lived at 2030 First Avenue, New York, was struggling. Katherine had just given birth to her eleventh child, Charles Casper, born in May 1900. Her husband, Joseph, died in early June 1900. Thirteen-year-old Elizabeth was left to care for her siblings while attending to her father’s business. It was a losing battle. On June 12, 1900 the City of New York’s Department of Public Charities arrived at 2030 First Avenue and took the children, with the exception of Elizabeth and infant Charles Casper. The children were placed with the Sisters of the 3rd Order of St. Francis St. Joseph’s Home in Peekskill, New York. Elizabeth might have stayed with the Lewis family who lived in the same building, and who also had a large family. Baby Charles died in September of that year. The mother, Katherine, was admitted to the Manhattan State Hospital on June 26, 1900 for dementia. She died there seventeen years later on May 12, 1917 of Typhoid Fever. It is possible Katherine is buried on Hart’s Island, NY.

“Charity is the very center of Catholicism,” states the dissertation of Sister M. Jane Thomas Gorman FMSC.[1] During the mid-1800s, the Catholic Church reacted to the numbers of children throughout the country that no longer had family support. Catholic children were being placed in non-Catholic institutions, which threatened the core of their Catholic heritage.

St. Joseph's Home, Peekskill, NY
November 2010

In 1879 the New York Department of Public Welfare requested the Franciscan Missionary Sisters accept orphans at their property located in Peekskill, NY on the banks of the Hudson River; St. Joseph’s Home was born. The home took in destitute or orphaned children ages two to sixteen. 
On July 24, 1880 the first boy was admitted, and by 1899 St. Joseph’s was like a miniature city housing 1100 residents. The school offered traditional education courses, technical training, sewing, household arts, shoemaking, carpentry, baking and gardening. Travis Point, on the Hudson, provided bathing accommodations.  For chores done, the children received a daily salary of 12 cents; one cent fine for not doing their lessons was imposed. “St. Joseph’s was one of the first institutional schools to be placed under the New York State Regents.”[2]

St. Joseph Dormitory
In 1932, while chaplain at St. Joseph’s Home, Fr. Michael McGuire wrote the New Baltimore Catechism that was published in 1942.

Chapel at St. Joseph's Home, Peekskill, NY
November 2010
The school celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1979; an arson fire destroyed the buildings and the school was taken down in January 1980. 

In 1904 the home housed a total of 1,009 children, 711 of which were from New York City. By 1905, residents numbered 1,056, with 787 from New York City. The 1905 New York Census for the Fifth Election District Peekskill, NY St. Joseph’s Home shows the Nunn children in residence:

Emma Nunn   age 6
Emilie Nunn   age 8
Joseph Nunn  age 9
Katie Nunn    age 12
George Nunn  age 13

One hundred ten years separate me from when my grandfather walked these grounds of St. Joseph’s Home. Visiting there provided me with a better understanding of his growing up years. And if he only knew – maybe he does – that I found him a century later.
St. Joseph's Home - All Saints Day 2010


[1] Gorman, Sr. M. Jane Thomas, Fordham University Dissertation by. Tertiary Franciscan Missionary Sisters Sacred Heart, 1946 on St. Joseph’s Home, Peekskill, NY, April 15, 1946. Report at Westchester County Archives.
[2] Gorman, Sr. M. Jane Thomas, Fordham University Dissertation. 

135 comments:

  1. In the late 60s I was a volunteer for a specific child at the Saint Joseph's orphanage and picked her up every weekend to take her places. When I brought her back on Sunday nights we had to stop at the infirmary for her to take her meds. She would down the pills with water and turn to me and say, "There, now they can handle me!"

    Had to be truth to that because I would have her for 2 1/2 days without any drugs and she was fine. She begged me to adopt her so I went to see the nuns and told them I would like to adopt her. The nuns told me that she and her sisters were being adopted by a family who was taking all of them.

    Years later I found she was never adopted and instead was in Grasslands Psychiatric Hospital. I visited her there for a while and then life took me other places. She was 16 years old at the time she was in the hospital.

    Do you have a photo of the orphanage before it burned down? Or is it that building in the 2nd photo here, which looks familiar to me?

    Enjoyed reading your story.

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    1. HI Portable Graffiti, What was her name maybe she's in our Alumni group on Yahoo! My name is Carmen Velez. I lived in St Joseph's Home from 1967-1978& was there the day it closed because my graduating class in Peekskill HS had its commencement exercises on that day. I run an email group of St Joseph's Alumni my age but we also have 2 Yahoo!Groups websites. One StJosephPeekskill & the other Kennedy_Alumni_Association. Only the school was burnt down but the land was sold & the Church, Priest's home, front office building & girls buildings are still there. it's now called Mount St Francis. We just had a Reunion/Retirement fundraiser for the Sisters on April 28, 2012 & will have one in Pelham Bay Park, Bx, NY on Aug 11@12pm, if you want to join us. Hit me up on Facebook or brother, Fran or Francisco which may be easier to find. He will get us connected. He can help you too. We Welcome all our brothers & sisters from St Joe's no matter what year they were there. We share a unique experience & have people of all ages at our Reunions. I search for our lost bros & Srs on Facebook & other media so that they know that they are loved & have another family that understands them & welcomes them with open arms. If you know anyone that worked in St Joe's or took any of the kids into their homes please let them know about our Reunion & we hope to hear from you soon. May God Bless you & thank you for being there for our Sister. I also had a family that would pick me up on weekends, The Kowalski's, they were a saving grace to me while I was in St Joe's. I Thank God for The Sisters that raised us & for all the people that were our Angels throughout our lives. You all made a difference. I'm sure that the girl you cared for has kept your love in her soul throughout her life. She hasn't forgotten you & I hope that you will be reunited one day soon. I just found 5 of our bros & sisters in the past year so don't give up. I forgot to mention that we have a lot of photos of St Joseph's before it was torn down, thanks to my brother, Fran & that I always cherished pictures & kept them in a safe place. We got that from our parents. Love & Blessings, a St Joseph's Homie, Carmen M Velez

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    2. Carmen: Thank you for all the information on St. Joseph's Home and your alumni efforts. You are doing great work. If you don't mind, I would like to post some of your information on another blog. When I look at my blog stats, the ones I did on St. Joseph's Home consistently have the most views. There are a lot of folks out there interested in the home.

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    3. How are you doing I was sent to St Joseph's Home when I was about six years old. I loved it the sisters took care of you all the time. I tried to get in touch with some of the people that was there. but it never happen. I would love to help you fine some of them, if I can. You know I can't get it out of my mine, this one person name is Martha perez I think that there a E there. me and her was there when we were baby's but was there until we were in our teen's lost touch of her in the 80s. And other friends I had there. will my email address is jrgrry54@outlook.com or jrgrry@yahoo.com.

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    4. Hi Carmen, my name is Emiliano Valdez and my sister's name is Mercedes Valdez. we were there from 1972-77. I was in group 5 through Dorsy dorm, and then to the group home on Oregon road in peekskill. and my sister went to the group home in Poughkeepsie. I've been trying to get a hold of Elizabeth Perez, she was Rosie Perez sister, the they had a couple of other sister's that went there as well.if you have any information on them, please pass it on. she was my first love. lol I would love to know how she's doing. you can call me at 407-796-1506, or email: MOVEUNOW96@GMAIL.COM

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    5. I was in Saint Joseph's Home and am also trying to find family and friends and photos from 1975 & 1978. Please call me at 347-207-4843

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    6. Replying to Emiliano Valdez. It’s me. Lizzie Perez (true name Lisy). I cannot believe I accidentally came by your comment when researching the beginnings of St. Joe’s. What are the chances? I have searched for you nearly all of my life. I hope you’re well. I hope you will reconnect with me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/lizzie.perez.330.

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    7. Hi Carmen, my name is Milton Rosario. I grew up in St Joseph home, 1954-1966. I am planning on visiting St Joseph the month. I had 3 other brothers there also. St Joseph has help me in my later on in life in the military (24 yrs) and as a truck driver. Thank you for the work you do. I haven’t seen or met any of the kids I grew up with when I was there.

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    8. Does anyone remember James Rogers who was there from July 1939 until 1944 when he was taken to a foster home at the age of 5 years?

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    9. lived at st joes in peekskill,n.y. from 1948 to 1953 there were only girls , so why am i reading about boys ,also anyome from that time please contact me, thanks

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    10. If I wanted to give a donation to an orphanage that has "taken" over the duties of St Joseph's orphanage Peekskill NY who would that be? My Dad and three uncles of mine (Rudolph, (age 99), Johnny (age 98), Stephen (deceased) Frankie (deceased) Macey, lived at St Joseph's orphanage from about 1936 to 1940. They were from Tarrytown, NY. my email is gloriastiltner@gmail.com

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  2. There are at least two large dorm-like buildings still standing. Plus the chapel. Surrounding these building are all new high-end condominiums. But there was enough left that I could capture my grandfather's time there.

    I do have a newspaper photo of the fire, and maybe some other buildings, but as luck would have it, we are packing to move, and those family files are now in a box somewhere. When I do find them again, I will blog about it.

    Thank you for sharing your experience, as sad as it turned out. I know there are many people out there interested in St. Joseph's Home as those blogs consistently get the most views.

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  3. Wow! I'm so glad that I have found this site. I was an orphan there in 1974-1978. I remember sister Nancy, Francis and Mary. My counselor were Jerry Woods, Tony, Big Blue as we would call him and Bob Newman. I remember a lady called Barbra that drove a white corvette and I think her parents work at the office. I only recall Oman but cant remember his wife's name. I have my greatest memories there. I would love to get a hold of anyone that was in contact with me at the time. Some of the boys were, Edwin Gonzalez, Sammy Perez, David White, Alfredo and Dwayne. I do have 2 pictures from back in the seventies. Anyone that remembers me and would like to talk you can reach me at efrain.mercado@netzero.net
    Looking forward to re-connecting with old family friends.

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    1. Yo Efrain, I remember you and your brother. I was a counselor there.

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    2. Hi Efrain,

      While the home named my brother Sammy Perez, his true name is Santiago Pabon. He now goes by Santi and can be found on Facebook as Heavens Demon.

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    3. Hello Kevin, hope that all is well and thanks for the reply.
      Hope to hear from you soon.

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    4. Hi Lizzie, thanks for the info, I have been trying to get a hold of him for a while now.
      I just sent him a request through FB, hope to hear from him soon. How have you been doing?
      Stay safe and hope to hear from you.

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    5. Hi Efrain this is Miguel Maldonado. I was there from 69-79 then went to a group home on Susan Dr.

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  4. I hope you are able to connect with some of your friends. I am glad you enjoyed the posting. It was incredible to be where my grandfather and his siblings were raised. Good Luck!

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  5. Who should I contact to get information about my grandfather (James Scullen) who lived there in the 20s. I am trying to confirm my great grandmother's name. Thanks.

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  6. The contact information for the Franciscan Sisters is:
    250 South Street
    Peekskill, NY 10566

    914 737 3373

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    1. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR POSTING THIS!! IT will help with our own family research! Were you able to work with the sisters to obtain records about your family?

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    2. We can only hope that the sisters, along with the Alumni network managed by Carmen Velez, understand the importance of maintaining their archives. The pastor of the local church and the Field Library reference librarians are aware of the situation. It is up to researchers to let them know how critical this information is for families.

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    3. FYI, the Sisters have a Facebook page :)

      https://www.facebook.com/pages/Franciscan-Sisters-of-Peekskill/113565338676429?fref=ts

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    4. Was there from 1961 to 1966... it will always be the safest place i ever lived and my fondest place

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    5. Was there from 1961 to 1966... it will always be the safest place i ever lived and my fondest place

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  7. Just happened upon the Topix Website for St. Joe's in Peekskill. I have some great memories from there. I was with the Capuchin Franciscan friars from Garrison. Our "in service" training brought us every week to St. Joe's to work with the children. I loved the work tremendously. I was with the girls group -- age range about 8-10. That was in the late 1960s. Sr. Bernard (Joan Riley) and Sr. Theodora (Lois Sabarese) were the group "mothers." I believe we were the ones who introduced the folk Mass there. I know I used to play the guitar for them. Other friars were Fr. Alan Wilson and Fr. Francis Kline who also spent a lot of time at St. Joe's. Francis was a good friend of Sr. Marita Paul.

    I recall Kathy and Michael Brown, who were there at the time. I befriended them and used to take them on outings with some friends of mine in Mohawk, NY, who kind of played mother and father to Kathy and Michael. We even got to take the kids on vacation to Canada (Montreal/Quebec) once. Don't know whatever happened to Kathy and Michael. I think of them often, and so do the friends in Mohawk. My name is Fr. Peter Wright. Email is jopw@yahoo.com.

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    1. Hi Fr. Peter, I have such fond memories of you, especially you taking my brother (Michael & Pat), my sister (Kathleen) & myself to see the Green Berets. Whenever I see that movie, it reminds me of you. Thank you for being so kind, you are never forgotten!

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    3. Michael would like you to call him, his number 845-381-8087

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    4. Michael would like you to call him, his number 845-381-8087

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    5. Hello. I was there as a very young child. Maybe when I was about 3years old and was fostered around 6 years old. My name is Miguel Ayala but I think I was called Michael then. I had a younger brother Raymond and two sisters Marilyn and Madeline Ayala. All four of us were fostered together. I only have vague memories of the home but they were mostly good memories. Don't think anyone will remember me but did want to reach out and say hello.

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  8. James: Thank you for your wonderful memories of St. Joseph's Home. I have had mixed reviews about conditions there, and I suspect it depended on the staffing and caregivers of the time. I think my grandfather and his siblings were treated well, as my grandfather was a gentle, kind, loving soul. And children learn what they live.

    Peace,
    Mary

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  9. My mom, Helen Morrissey and several of her siblings grew up in St. Josephs in Peekskill in the 40s. Anyone out there that remembers her please contact me via this website.

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    1. My father in law George Sangiovanni and his siblings Dominick Anthony Mildred Mary and Marion I belle lived there in 1940. We trying to find any family of these siblings. Did your mom know them?

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    2. My grandmother, Sarah Morrissy, lived there.it would have been way before the 40's though.

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    3. My father, Joseph Novotny and his brothers Guy and Bob were there from the late 30s to the early 40s. Would love to contact anyone who had someone there at that time.

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    4. My grandfather, Harry Morrissey, and his sister, Regina, were taken from NYC to St. Joseph's around 1905. I would love to connect with anyone who knows of the Morrissey family. Supposedly they were descendants of Joe "Old Smoke" Morrissey, a bare-knuckles champ in NYC around mid-1850's. Thanks, Glory (gothamglo@gmail.com)

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  10. Dear Mary, My name is Fran Velez and I am Carmen's brother. I was there from October 1967 until September of 1975. That was when my wrestling coach Lawrence Cook and his wife became my foster parents during my senior year. As Carmen stated to you in the message she posted on your blog, I have many photos that I took since I became interested in photography at a young age and took countless photos of St. Joseph's since the early '70's and various times I visited the campus thoughout my life. I will be at the Franciscan Sister's Spring Festival this year on Saturday, 23 April. Would so much like to meet you and share experiences with you. Maybe we could do a video documentary. Think about it. By the way, my wife gave me a photo digitizer that I can covert slides and negatives. Would you like me to send you photos when I'm done? Let me know. My email address is VideoManFran76@hotmail.com. Carmen is somehow a magnet for meeting former kids from St. Joseph's and due to her vast contacts, reunited many family members that lost contact with each other. For some, it was decades. I want to thank you for blog for it opens another avenue for former kids, weekend foster family volunteers, staff members and family members to reconnect and communicate. I will post your blog site on my FB wall.

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  11. Fran: I sent you a note from my email. Thank you so much for contacting me. As I mentioned to you in my email, my posts on St. Joseph's Home are consistently the most viewed. I'm so glad Carman is able to meet with former residents and able to connect then with family members. That truly is a gift.

    Would love to have some photos to share.

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  12. Fran sent an email regarding the availability of a microfiche reader since the Sister's is broken. I responded to him via email, but then thought I should also share this response on the blog.

    Fran: In November 2012 I wrote to Fr. Higgins, Pastor of the Church of Assumption, 131 Union Avenue in Peekskill, NY requesting his assistance and support in making the records of St. Joseph's Home available to family researchers. I had also connected with the Field Library reference librarian, Kim Stucko, who said she might have a volunteer available to provide support for requests (There really aren't that many).

    Fr. Higgins wrote back in December saying he supported the use of volunteers from the Field Library and their access to the home's archives.

    Sounds like you and Carmen are a going concern, so with this information, maybe while there you can make sure this connection between the Sisters and the Library is in place. With that connection, film needing microfiche could be read and monitored at the library. Maybe set up a system where a request is made in advance so the film can be with the reference librarian, and watched carefully as it is used. In turn, whoever answers the phone at the home regarding requests, can just refer the caller to the Field Library Reference Desk.

    So, let me know how this all goes. And would LOVE to know how the reunion goes and getting some photos.

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    1. This is awesome!!! Please let us know if there are any updates.

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  13. Hi my mother was at the home in 1945-1950, we were just speaking about how she would like to visit. My mom's name is Carmen Iris Torres at the time, she has alot of fond memories n any inf. would be helpful condy072564@gmail.com. interested if facility is still functioning?

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    1. I WAS AT ST.JOSPH ORPHANAGE IN PEEKSKILL,N.Y. FROM 1948 TO 1953 MY SISTER WAS WITH ME , CARMEN & MARTHA VARGAS .DO YOU KOW US. THANKS

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  14. Cynthia: The school is no longer functioning. It ended in 1979 with a fire. Some of the buildings remain - see photos on blog - and the sisters live there. If you can respond to Fran Velez in one of the comments above, he can tell you about the alumni group they have gotten together. Maybe your mom can connect through them.

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  15. Hi, this comment is directed toward Carmen Velez. I grew up in Mahopac, NY, one of seven children. I attended St. John the Evangelist Elementary School in Mahopac, and we used to play against St. Joseph's Home in CYO basketball. There was a brother and sister who lived at St. Joseph's - Kathy and Eddie Brown. When we would visit there, the Brown's, particularly Eddie, would often have bruises from fights with other kids. My Dad tried to adopt the two of them, but the Sisters to whom my Dad made his application to be a foster parent / adoptive parent wouldn't let my parents adopt, because they said we already had seven children (though my Dad worked for IBM and we were a typical middle-class family of the era). I have been wondering what ever happened to Kathy and Eddie. Did you know them? Are they part of your alumni network. If you could share anything about them, I'm sure my siblings and my Mom would be interested to hear of them. Thanks very much, Kevin Skelly

    P.S. I hated playing basketball in that gym that was on the first floor or a basement where the ceiling was so low !! LOL

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    1. Hello Kevin. I had an extensive reply but it was erased when I picked the "Reply as:" choice. I 'll get back to answering you when I have time tonight. Or, You can call me at 845-561-7017. My name is Fran Velez and I'm Carmen's brother.
      Be Well,
      Fran

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    2. Hello again Kevin, The Brown siblings I remember growing up when I was in St. Joe's was (in age order) Kathaleen, Michael, Patrick and Eileen Brown. In 1971, their parents were able to care for all of them and took custody of them. Last I heard, the family was in NYC but may have moved to Boston. If you contact my sister Carmen, who have an extensive database of name, dates, addresses and phone numbers of people who were in St. Joe's, I'm sure she will point you to the right direction. If she does not have any info of them, she has vast network of contacts and by chance, someone knows where any of the Brown siblings are. Carmen's phone is 646-271-7787. Her emails are: citavelez@hotmail.com or cmvelez45@yahoo.com

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    3. Hi Kevin, You are speaking of my brother Pat. We would love to get intouch, please feel free to email me.

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    4. Kathy my name is John I lived at St Josephs home along with my sister .trying to get some information .I believe we knw you and patrick. Please call my sister when you have a chance to 217-853-1532 (Maria)

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    5. Wow! I remember Eileen Brown. Unfortunately, I hadn’t heard anything of her or her brothers since they left the home.

      I’m finding this repeated cycle of turned down requests for adoption quite troubling. I was there 1968-1978 and never once heard of any of the children ever being adopted. I now wonder if any ever were.

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  16. Kevin: I have forwarded your note to Carman via her brother, Fran. I do hope she has information on Kathy and Eddie Brown.
    Mary

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  17. Good Evening, I am researching the Pimienta Family and know the boys and one girl stayed here. Does anyone have any information or stories. I am also trying to find out what happened to their parents, Ralph Pimienta and Sarah. Thank you in advance for your help. Kindest Regards, Jennifer

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  18. Jennifer: Do you the timeframe the Pimienta children were at the home? Also, have you contacted Carmen Velez (see earlier posts). She maintains an alumni database, and has quite an extensive network.

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  21. Does anyone know when the st Joseph home opened to residents?

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  22. The Sisters took possession of the property April 5, 1869; May 1870 Our Lady of Angels girls day school began. The Sisters agreed to take accept boarding girls in 1879. On July 24, 1880 the first boy was admitted. By early 1900 it became St. Joseph's Home, an orphanage for Catholic children.

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    1. Mary do you know where I can find information, my Grandmother was there in the 1900-1910? era and I am looking for any information on her, her name was Mary Elizabeth Hayes, her father was Michael Hayes her mother was Mary (Casey) Hayes. any information would be greatly appreciated.

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  23. FYI, the Sisters have a Facebook page :)

    https://www.facebook.com/pages/Franciscan-Sisters-of-Peekskill/113565338676429?fref=ts

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  24. I was at St Joseph's from summer 1963 to summer 1967. I had some sad memories but some good ones too. I just hope every child that was there with me turned out all right. Any one out there who was there with me please contact me. a1nurse53@aol.com.

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  25. I was at St Joseph's from summer 1963 to summer 1967. I had some sad memories but some good ones too. I just hope every child that was there with me turned out all right. Any one out there who was there with me please contact me. a1nurse53@aol.com.

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  26. Does anyone have information on the Sangiovanni family, children of Nicola or Nicholas and Concetta. They were there for the 1940 census at St Joe's. The children were Dominick George or Genarino, Anthony, possible sisters Angelina, Mary Marion and Mildred. Any information to m.graz@erizon.net would be greatly appreciated.

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  27. HI-MY NAME IS VICTOR SERRANO- BY BROTHER HECTOR AND I BOTH GREW UP AT ST. JOE'S- WE WERE THERE JUST BEFORE THE FIRE THAT DESTROYED THE SCHOOL BUILDING AND EVENTUALLY CLOSED THE PLACE DOWN-WE WERE ALL TRANSFERRED TO THE CITY- I OFTEN WONDER WHAT BECAME OF THE PLACE AFTER WE LEFT- I KNEW A GIRL THERE NAMED CATHY MAGEE- SHE HAD TWO BROTHERS NAMED JOHN AND ALEX. ANY INFO ON ANY OF THIS.

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    1. I do remember the McGee siblings as I was there twice in 1969 and again in 1977 they were the only white kids there besides me

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    2. Hi Victor! I remember you and Hector well. The McGee siblings in St. Joe’s were Alfred (my child’s father, who can be found on Facebook), John (Now passed away), Cathy (Now Catherine Conneary can be found on Facebook), and Robert (who we used to call Bobby and can also be found on Facebook as Robert McGee).

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  28. hello..does anyone have any info on rose marie and della powers living at the home in 1930.....their mother was my grandmother and this is the first I ve heard of her girls being there in the home...pls write to me if any info doncinkel@gmail.com i'd so appreciate it. thank you

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  29. I WAS WONDERING IF ANYONE KNEW THE MEEHAN FAMILY? THEY WERE AT THE HOME IN THE 1940'S, DUE TO FATHER DIEING AT A YOUNG AGE. THEIR MOTHER AGNES WAS NOT ABLE TO CARE FOR THEM. THE CHILRENS NAMES WERE DOROTHY, LORRAINE, MARY, HELEN,JAMES,DONALD VICENT AND MICHAEL. NOW MY RESEARCH ON THEIR FATHER FELIX JAMES MEEHAN INDICATED HE PASSED AWAY IN 1930, SO SOME OF THE CHILDREN ARE NOT MEEHANS BUT BURKES. THE MYSTERY IS FIGURING OUT WHY AFTER THEIR MOTHER AGNES REMARRIED THOMAS BURKE THE CHILDREN WERE NOT REUNITED WITH THEM OR WHY THESE KIDS ARE LISTED AS MEEHANS AT THE HOME? AGNES PASSED IN 1936, AND I'M TRYING TO UNDERSTAND WHY HER 2ND HUSBAND THOMAS BURKE DID NOT TAKE THE KIDS OUT? ANYONE HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS? IS THERE A PLACE WERE WE CAN LOCATE THE RECORDS FOR ST.JOSEPHS HOME?

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    1. Who are you? Mary, Donald Vincent and Michael Meehan are related to me and grew up at St. Joseph's in the 40's, however, their mother and father's names are different then the ones you have listed. By looking at the St. Joseph's 1940 census I can see that there were multiple Meehan families in residence.

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    2. I have answers to your questions regarding both Meehan Family's: The first family belonging to Agnes and Felix Meehan included: Helen, Dorothy, James and Lorraine, the Second Family belonging to Pat and Sarah Meehan included: Mary, Donald Vincent, Michael, and Raymond. I can be reached at jmpstel@gmail.com if you are still interested in this information.

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    1. Roxanna, What years were you there? Barbara

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    2. Not sure when we even had locks on our room doors nor straight jackets roxy me and your sister bobbie can tell you that.She was there in the later 70's

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    3. I recall the tunnels well. My hiding place. I also had some horrible memories of my time there. My own of what I endured and of others I saw endure brutal abuse. Anyone recall the jail cell at the boys gym? What was that about? I don’t doubt Roxanna’s story. This home wasn’t all roses and sunshine for every child there. Quite the contrary.

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    4. Hi my name is Ronnette I was in st Joe's from 1973 to 1976, yes we had locks on our room doors for privacy. I was in group three. I'm on facebook

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    5. Lizzy do you remember Edna Parez in Dorci girls, and Rona Johnson

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    6. Hi Roxanne and thank you. My name is Neil Reed and I was there from'70-@'73. I belong to a Facebook group called St Joes kids of Peekskill where I don't contribute much of anything: I read their posts and it drives me up the wall how all these kids had nothing but positive memories of that place. I did not. I just wanted to let you you're not alone in your experience there. If you ever want to talk feel free to email me: reedneil2@gmail.com Also, I've spoken to a law firm about representing me about what happened back then. Thanks.

      Delete
    7. Hi again Roxanne. Sorry, I'm an idiot: I wrote '70-@'73 in my other post,I meant '74-@'77. Again sorry, but it's 420 where I live.😉🥳

      Delete
    8. Oh hey Ronnette. It's me, "White Bread" - you and Elizabeth Solis beat me up with a baseball bat, remember that? I do. That was after you and your other friends beat on me in the stairwell earlier that day. I still remember those hard kicks. One of those beatings cracked my tailbone and messed up my kidneys, if you saw me trying to maneuver sitting in a chair for a year following the beatings, you would have thought I was 84 years old instead of 14.

      Lizzy, you're right, there were a lot of things wrong with St. Joe's. The first night I got there, in 1975, they showed Bonnie and Clyde on the wall of the pool house. Who shows that to ten-year-old kids? Some of the counselors were well-meaning but poorly trained, the social workers onsite were well-meaning yet virtually useless, but I connected with some of the counselors, like Cynthia Bynum (Group 3) and Bruce Murden (art). They made life tolerable there. After reading one of the books on offer, Papillon (one of the counselors either had a sense of humor or didn't think anyone would actually read it, I guess?), I decided I would escape St. Joe's someday. There followed numerous attempts of varying success over the next year, but I kept getting sent back.

      There were definitely no locks on the doors when I was there in 1975/76, because after the counselors stopped Ronnette and her cronies from injuring me further, I had to block my door with a piece of furniture but was still so scared I took apart the towel rack and slept with one of its metal bars just in case. I ran away the next day, the first week of November 1976, and never went back. I went into foster care after that for a while. Maybe after my multiple beatings they installed locks. Or it could be that Roxanna was sequestered in the infirmary, where there *were* locks on the door.

      Anyway, the reason I came here to begin with before Ronnette's comment revived some memories I wish had remained on the back burner, if anyone remembers Bobbi Lee Thomas, pass along my regards. She was the only person my age who befriended me, and I think of her often.

      Thanks for this site.

      Delete
  31. I have been trying to research the McDonald and Lakeland siblings from Piermont whom I know were in St. Josephs from 1920-1925 based on Census records:

    John & Joseph Lakeland
    Mary & Frances (male) McDonald

    I have tried without success to find records from this time. Does anyone have any suggestions?

    TIA, Maria

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  32. Hello everyone from the past. I was there in from 1960 to 67. I am thankful for being there. It was me and my siblings. I was. The youngest of the girl's we are the Rodriguez siblings. my counselor name was Mr. Mananerchip something like that.the sister's that took care of my group was sister Delores Marie and sister Mary Jud. Do any one remember them. I loved the sled riding in the winter and swimming in the summer. Thanks for letting me here. hope we all keep in touch.

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  33. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  34. Hello everyone from the past. I was there in from 1960 to 67. I am thankful for being there. It was me and my siblings. I was. The youngest of the girl's we are the Rodriguez siblings. my counselor name was Mr. Mananerchip something like that.the sister's that took care of my group was sister Delores Marie and sister Mary Jud. Do any one remember them. I loved the sled riding in the winter and swimming in the summer. Thanks for letting me here. hope we all keep in touch.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi! I was there along with my twin sister and brother from 1963 to 1967. My name is Margaret and my sister is named Miriam. All I remember was the wonderful pool in the summer and this one boy named Randy Martinez whom I was nuts about!

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    2. I remember you girls, my group Mother was Sister Francis Marie. I left there in 1968.

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    3. My name is Israel and I remember Randy

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  35. I am researching information on my Grandmother and her Parents, her name was Mary E Hayes, her parents were Michael Hayes and Mary (Casey) my Grandma was at the St Joseph home in 1910. If anyone knows how I could get information in regards to my Grandmother I would greatly appreciate it. my personnel email is p.pawloski6@gmail.com
    Thank you

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am also searching, my wife's father was there from 1916 - 1930. He was an infant when his parents died... I am wondering if you received any feed back on searching for the old records?
      Thanks in advance. Steve

      Delete
    2. sue dec 2019
      my father and 2 brothers were there from 1920 to 1927. IN 2000 I contacted them and I had to write a letter stating their names and dates they were there. I did receive records back that were very helpful

      Delete
  36. Hi Steve.
    I have not been successful yet. If I find anything I will let yuh know.
    Good luck to you

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  37. I am searching for information on three of my great aunts, Katie, Bridget and Mamie Nally. They arrived October 22, 1897. They departed sometime between the 1905 NYS Census and the 1910 Federal Census. I believe their mother was Maggie Nally and their father is unknown.
    Any help or information would be greatly appreciated.
    Thank you
    Ray S

    ReplyDelete
  38. Hi Mary! I sent an email to you about my family. The Lunetta's. I found 3 of my Great great grandfathers boys were there in a 1910 census. I hope you get my email and find time to be able to connect with me. Thank you! :)

    ReplyDelete
  39. I would like to say that this blog really convinced me to do it! Thanks, very good post. I think this is an informative post and it is very useful and knowledgeable. therefore, I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. home security companies

    ReplyDelete
  40. I know this thread has been inactive for some time, but I'm looking for information on my great-grandmother whom I believe was at St. Joseph's Home from 1919 - to about 1925 or 1930. I believe I've found her on the 1920 St. Joseph's home census listed as Maria D'Angelo age 3, possibly with a sibling Lunardo, or Leonardo? D'Angelo age 6. Maria was adopted by 1930 by the Cornetto/Cornetta family (Samuel and Josephine) and moved to Queens, NY. She worked as a counter girl until the age of 16 when she met my great-grandfather Frank Cappuccio. Any one by chance remember her as a child or her adoption? please email cappv807@newschool.edu.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Happy to see happy memories here. My mother and her brothers were at the Home for about a year in 1934 or 35. Things must have been very very different, as their memories are not positive at all. The stories of abuse and the nightmares my 90 year old mother and her surviving brother (93) share are heartbreaking. They have stated that part of the reason was that they were the Italian kids (first generation), and I gathered many of the nuns at that time were Irish immigrants- but remember that this is the reasoning of children under 10. My uncle was with his brother and at least they had each other, but my mother was alone and didn’t get much of a chance to see her brothers. She tells stories of cod liver oil, kerosene combed through everyone’s hair to keep lice away, and other unpleasant things. It was a different time, I know. I’m so glad things clearly turned around in general.

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  42. Ive been trying to find my Grandmother who was in the home as a child Mary Jayes? Do you have any pictures,

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  43. They were very lucky to have been there for only a year. My father, his twin brother and older brother were at the home from about 1928-1940. For many years I heard the story of Thanksgiving with a turkey smothered with cod liver oil and all the children running to the bathroom afterwards. I have many other not pleasant stories. No Christmas presents, terrible education and physical punishments.

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  44. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  45. Hi my name is Ray Garcia I was there from1962 to1973 with my10brothers and sisters and one of my counselors was Joan if any body tenners me or my family contact me thank you

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  46. I would like to see if u have photos of me growing up my childhood memory, Evelyn Morales, can please send them through email address, it me, my brother Alberto, Wilfredo, my Sister , the oldest, Sandra Morales, I'm lost without memories, it will close some my doors, thank

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  47. I am searching for any/all info available regarding the placement of my grandfather and siblings by their mother in the 1920’s-30’s.

    All parties are no longer living but the story is that they were placed by their mother after divorcing and her soon-to-be husband did not want the children. Their father was searching for them and had contacted St. Josephs, and was told the children were not there; that is until my Great grandfather spotted one of the children and further pursuit revealed the children were placed under a false surname.

    Mother’s name used may have been BERTHA with any of the following surnames: Travers, Poltzner, Daniel, Daniels or Vietri. Their father, Michael Travers & his wife Mary, are who had removed the children.

    Children may have been placed with one of the above surnames however their true names and birthdates were:

    Nicholas Travers born 1913 +/- 1 year
    Jennie Elizabeth Travers born 1915*/- 1 year
    Martin Joseph Travers born 3/17 or 18/1917-18

    teresa heflin t.heflin@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  48. I remember being there in 1970-71, I was 5 tears old and I had a major left arm break. I was there with all my siblings, ANGEL, EVELYN,TONY, EDWIN AND MYSELF " RICHARD.
    THE BERRIOS family were pretty crazy but we still talk about that place. I only wish I could remember more of the home. I do, however remember that pool. Lol. There was this wall that the older boys would walk on, them jump to a tree branch, I tried doing it one summer and fell, breaking my arm. I remember the nun holding my arm in place as we drove in a station wagon to the hospital. My hope is that everyone who's been in this hope are blessed.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I believe the berries family took my youngest sister in when we were placed in St Joe's her name is Dawn

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    2. Didn’t you also ha e a sister Angela Berrios? There are many looking for her. Any chance you could shed some light on her whereabouts?

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    3. Do you know Rosie Pérez & or Lydia Montavlo.They were both in St. Joseph home?

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    4. The names Rosie Perez and Lydia Montalvo sound familiar. My name is Miguel Escalera, I my brother Robert and my sister Carmen were also at St. Joseph home. in the 60's and early 70's. Didn't Rosie have a brother named Jose. I remember a counselor John Wolman, I think his name was. Also remember from the boys dorm we had to walk down to the pool. Had a friends named David Anderson and Anthony Peters.

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    5. Angela was an aspiring gymnast if I recall correctly.

      Delete
  49. Hello I’m Albert. I believe myself and three of my brothers were living in St Joseph home in the 1960’s. Please contact me. Email alexashlee00@aol.com

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  50. My family of 4, Edward, Jeanette, myself, Jerome & Theresa Naccari, were there during the 2nd world war. I remember the lights coming on & the bells ringing announcing the end of the war. We did 3 1/2 yrs. at St. Josephs. My favorite nun was Sister Josephine Marie, who I visited in 1969. A lot of memories, some good & others bad. The worst was having to eat a piece of brown soap (lye) for saying a bad word, I think sh*t or hell. My mother got us out I believe in 1947.

    ReplyDelete
  51. My e-mail is safari.naccari @gmail.com I doubt I will get a reply from anyone as I am 83 yrs old now.

    ReplyDelete
  52. My name is Erin Byrnes Burke....iam researching family history and looking for anyone that might know of any information on my father...James Patrick Byrnes and his siblings Tommy, Elizabeth and Anna Marie Byrnes....they would of been there around the late 1920's....they later were put into foster home in New Rochelle....please contact me by my email...lilsiserin6259@yahoo.com or call 607.423.3682....Thank You

    ReplyDelete
  53. I live on main st in Peekskill. Last summer, 419 Main St was being renovated and they found two statues buried in the yard. I offered to take them since the contractors didn't know what to do with them. They have been in my yard ever since. Today I sold something via facebook marketplace to a couple, and to my disbelief the husband grew up in the house and his great grandfather used to take care of the statues at the house, apparently they came from Saint Jospeh's Home, they are more than 100 years old, it used to be a set of three, our lady fatima, one of her children, - these two I have- the third was a lamp she says but it fell apart. Does anyone know anything about these? I have been trying to track down where they came from and what the story is behind them- like how they ended up at the house and buried in the yard. She couldnt offer me anymore information, told me to contact the nuns at st josephs which led me to the Franciscan sisters in peekskill who did not know what I was talking about. please email me at karateb214@gmail.com thanks!

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  54. I came upon this website and have thought about the students and staff from years ago when I was employed at Saint Josephs Home as the Night Supervisor. My name is Mike Sackel, and I worked there for several years in the mid-70's, until I became a police officer/detective and Special Agent with the US Secret Service in NYC from 1977-1989. I went on to manage security operations for large corporations, but finally, went back to my roots where I was the happiest. For the past 7 years, I have been a Counselor, Teacher and Athletic Director for Ridge View Academy, Rite of Passage within the Denver Public School system in Colorado. Ridge View Youth Services Center is operated by Rite of Passage, a leading National provider of evidence-based therapeutic and educational programs for youth. Rite of Passage provides a diverse continuum of care with evidence-based programs in education, youth shelter programs, family and community aftercare and intensive treatment for youth involved in the juvenile justice system. I am now retired, but have great memories of the young men and women and dedicated staff that I have worked with while working at Saint Joseph's Home. I do recognize some of the names mentioned in this blog, and if anyone remembers me, I would love to hear from you. Bless you all, Mike Sackel, msackel@msn.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Mike, my name is Neil Reed and I think I remember you.I was they from 74 to 77 or so in group 3 and group 4 boys dorms. Anyway, I'm trying to find some information about a staff member from back then, Tony Tiani. I think he worked for the church but he did work the dorm areas occasionally. Actually I don't really know if the payrolls were separate or not.
      The only dorm counselors I remember names of are Randy North and a Chris, who lived right across the street, but I can't remember his last name. Any help you can offer will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

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    2. Hi again Mike. Sorry, forgot to leave my email: reedneil2@gmail.com Thanks.

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    3. I worked with Randy, my name is Kevin Christopher.

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  55. Hi Carmen.
    My Name is Anthony Perez and i used to hang out with Phillip Miranda. I was in St Joseph in 1969 until about 1977. When i first went to Saint Joseph there were Nuns who use to take care of all the kids. I was in Group 1 all the way thru group 9. I do remember Carmen and her brother. It was such a beautiful place and very structured. I remember Sister Marita Paul and Sister Teresa Hulahan. My favorite days was Friday which was allowance day and Saturday we would go to the canteen and watch movies and buy candy. I give the Home lots of credit for the person i am today.

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  56. Hi Anthony,

    You can reconnect with Philip on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/adnarim.pilihp.

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  57. My mom as a child lived there. From 1935 to 1942ish. She said it was HELL.

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  58. My father, Joseph Novotny and his two brothers Guy and Robert were there then. Later on their sisters, Esther and Gladys were there. My dad did not have good memories of St. Josephs but the girls did and stayed close to some of the nuns that were there.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I wonder if my MOM knew Esther and Gladys They were there at the same time according to the 1940 census.

      Delete
  59. My name is Mary meehan.i am looking for Jeanne Marie stel. I am her cousin and she found me on ancestry. She was in contact with my other cousin and left her e mail.when I put it in this site comes up. Can u please let me know if u can help me. Thank you and God Bless
    .

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  60. My Mother Helen Cmiel, her sisters Sophie and Anna and their brother Joseph Cmiel were their from 1925 to 1935. Trying to find out any information or pictures. Thank you

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    ReplyDelete
  62. I am helping a friend who tells me her foster brother was taken away from their family in Yonkers when he was 7 and sent to St. Joseph's Home for Boys. His name was David Antonucci and this would have been in the early 1950s. He had some acting-out issues at school and his teacher went after him (a 7 year old!) and complained. Is there any way to find him? All these years later she still remembers him. When he was taken away from their family, he told his foster mother: "Mommy, I feel like a checker on a checkerboard." They never fostered another child after that--too heartbreaking to lose them to bureaucracy.

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  63. I am searching for any information on James Rogers who was there from July, 1939 until sometime in 1944 when he went to a foster home in Manhattan. Birth parents name would be very helpful also searching for any siblings.

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  64. I am looking for information on a St Joe’s alum who would have been there in the late 1950s until the early 1970s. Her name was Cindy. Please contact me with information. kathleensmithkerns@gmail.com

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  66. My name is Israel Acosta 1963 1969
    Me my brothers Jimmy Charlie

    ReplyDelete
  67. Hello,

    My husband Israel Acosta was in St. Jospeh's home in the 60's. Along with his brothers, Angel Arvelo, Charlie Arvelo and Jimmy Vaszquez. To anyone out there reading this, if these names sound familiar to you feel free to reach out. Israel has fond memories of growing up there and often wonders how many of his "brothers & sisters" from the home are? Feel free to email Israel at Izziea@aol.com.

    ReplyDelete
  68. Also, can you send out the facebook page for this group? How can I find it?

    ReplyDelete
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  70. Gloriastiltner@gmail.com
    My Dad and his 4 brothers were at St. Joseph's from about Approximately 1932 to 1942. My Dad will be 100 in April 2022, John is 98. (Stephen and Fran deceased). Rudy, Stephen, John all left to join the Navy for WWII.
    Names Rudolph Macey, Stephen Macey, John Macey, Frank Macey. They were from Tarrytown, NY
    Their Mom (Anna) Died and the father had to place them there. Their sisters name were Helen Macey, Adele Macey (both deceased)
    thye stayed with teh father Stephen Macey (Maceya)

    ReplyDelete
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