The Immaculate Heart of Mary Orphan's Home Photo Gallery by Karl R. Josker at pbase.com

photo sharing and upload

picture albums

photo forums

search pictures

popular photos

photography help

login

Karl R. Josker | profile | all galleries >> Buffalo >> The Immaculate Heart of Mary Orphan's Home

tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

The Immaculate Heart of Mary Orphan's Home

The Immaculate Heart of Mary Orphan's Home was founded in 1895 by the Felician Sisters from St. Stanislaus Church, Buffalo. They acquired land at 2600 William Street, Cheektowaga and built the orphanage.

In 1942, the name was changed to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Children's Home. At one point, it housed and cared for over 400 children. The last child was admitted in March of 1979, and the facility closed in 1983.

Due to arson fires in 1989 and 1992, the complex was demolished in 1992.

comment |

Michele Huffman		19-Apr-2012 02:24
Wayne Diebold, my mother's family has Diebolds, wonder if we are related? Lorraine Winans (Huffman when married my Dad, David)) was my Mom. She died in 1961 when I was 2 and was why my sister & I wound up in the home. I always wonder when I see Diebold safes in banks if any relation, how cool would that be?

Michele Huffman		19-Apr-2012 02:15
My sister and I were in the home from 1965 to about 1970 on and off (2 foster homes in between). I remember that they split us up in the home anbd I was on a higher floor with Sister Virgil's group. I thought that was mean, we were together in foster care. Does anyine remember picking weeds on Saturdays and getting a jellybean for each weed, then the kid with the most jellybeans got to pull a small toy from a paper bag that was tied to a string? Sister Virgil was mean, I hated the endless walks and prayers around the grounds and it seemed like there was a Saints Feast Day almost every week. Santa came in a helicopter and gave us all toys in the gym and it made the local news every yr. That was cool, but I HATED the aluminum Christmas tree with the color wheel, so fake and cold, like the home....some nuns were very sweet but I was not fortunate enough to get any of them for my group or teachers that I can think of. I remember Ervolinos but cannot recall any of my groupmates names....anyone remember me? Scrawny, buck-toothed and sad most of the time. I recall being friends with a few people, but for the life of me cannot recall names. One black girl in my group hung out with me, sorry I wish I could remember names....it feels like I should never have forgotten those most precious parts of this whole experience, so sad. I had a few phone numbers but lost tehm over the yrs. I remember shopping in the commissary for Christmas gifts for my Dad and grandparents (handkerchiefs and cologne, etc) that they would take out of your acct if your family put money in for you. NO SNOW DAYS!!! remember the school connected to the dorms & church etc. Family visit days were nice if you had a visit but awful if not.....Also remember airdrills, huddling in the halls covering our heads. I think there was a huge windstorm that some said was a tip of a tornado that ripped up trees on the huge grounds. It never seemed warm there, always cold to me, but I loved the statues and artwork. St Teresa, little heart of the infant Jesus with Roses raining down upon her death, I took her name for confirmation. I don't remember any pictures but I never had a camera. Hope everyone that went there is doing well and are happy now. e-mail me if you remember me or want to share.

Guest		23-Feb-2012 14:00
Sharon: I do remeber that.Also, din't Nick Gervasi paint/created a picture for the play? I havea photo of us. Hope you're happy and well? ron

Brandy		11-Feb-2012 14:31
My grandfather was put here from about 1933 until he ran away from the home in about 1943. He was 10 years old when he ran away. We have been looking for more information on him and it is hard to find any information on him since his mother would never give anyone his real father's name and she would never let him or anyone else see his birtrh certificate. His first name was Robert....in the later years he found his real mother and her new husband and he than took on the last name Sitarek. If anyone knew him please contact me.

Sharon G		26-Jan-2012 20:13
Some of the names I do remember, Ronald Scoma. Ronald if we read this do you remember writing a play and performing it on stage with a couple of classmates? I was one of them, I helped with the props for the play and performed in the play. I do have pictures of us performing somewhere. I may have lost them when I moved. But I know there were alot of kids that really did not like being there, two of which were my sister and brother, but I and my friends made our own fun, sometimes at the expense of punishments. I did alot of scrubbing walls and floors during that time. God Bless Everyone that survived.

Kathi Miller Kolczynski		21-Jan-2012 22:26
I grew up on Milsom, the street running perpendicular to the Columbus, the Orphanage, the "priest house" and convent were a big part of our lives. My first Christmas Eve Midnight mass I net to was at the IHM chapel. We played baseball for hours in the empty lot between Kennedy and Gerard. My brother wanted to adopt a boy named Joe from the home, I don't recall his last name or circumstances. This would have been the late 60's into the 70's. Spent many evenings with friends hanging out on the stone wall that ran along Columbus. I witnessed the big fire, it was heartbreaking to see this once magnificent complex destroyed. Worrier still that politics has left the owner few options so it sits vacant.

lisa Munshi		03-Dec-2011 21:16
I lived in the Home thru the early 70's.. I have mostly good memories of the home.. I also remember Mircole(the maintence) man. Connie, and Angelo Ervolina.. I remember Sister Rosalma, Sister Joseann, Sr. Carmeline, and father Walter.. I lived there for 6 years. it was my last option, having traveled all thru the foster care system.. thank God my life today is happy.. It was a rocky start to a great finish !! My name is Lisa Campanelli, and now i am Lisa Munshi.. I am on facebook,if you like to contact me..

WAYNE DIEBOLD		13-Nov-2011 02:59
Christine; the nun for the sixth grade 1957 1958 was Sister MARY MAGDALINE from what I remember of her, she was the sweetest of them all. She was the one who got me interested in reading. I remember her reading Charlots web.and madecit so realistic I could almost see the animals.WAYNE DIEBOLD ARKANSAS

Guest		24-Oct-2011 19:35
Christine-who were your teachers? I had Celestine; Anselm ('57-'58)(5th gr)and I cant rember the nun for 6th ('58-'59) R

Christine		18-Oct-2011 11:51
Christine Pawlik 1951-1958,,,,have some interior pics....Elias was my first boyfriend and ron do I know you....Have been a RN for 45 yrs....those were the good old days

Christine Madigan		14-Oct-2011 23:04
I am the daughter of Alice Demyanick.She and her sister and 3 brother were at the home in the late 30's and 40's.I would like to know if the records from them would possibly be availabe. My mother died in 1970 . I was told that the Felcian Sisters on Doat street have the records.Does anyone know if this is true ? Thank you

dina_1		28-Sep-2011 17:53
Does anyone remember Shirley Erickson? She was at the orphanage some where around 1968-71. She was my aunt. I recently found information regarding her history there. I have been Blessed by recently adopting her beautiful grandaughter. As I read through her profile, I realize her grandaughter's personality is exactly like Shirley's. I would love more insight if anyone is willing to share with me. Their story is remarkable. "For I know the plans I have for you" Jeremiah 29:11

R		19-Sep-2011 18:29
I'm curious: did anyone go to the "reunion"? What was said by the residents? What did the nuns say?

Ron		19-Sep-2011 18:25
Wayne; I remember the smell of the burning tires and being allowed to go play on the piles and along the rail yard. I remember a "bum" talking to me saying he was hungry and so I brought him back to the orphanage and told him maybe the nuns would give him food. They werent happy. Do you rember the other smell from the tanning factory on William St that would blow over the place? One side was burning rubber; the other was tanning factory.

WAYNE DIEBOLD		17-Sep-2011 01:43
WALTER CAUKINS. I WAS A NAVY CORPSMAN AT KHE SANH IN 68 I CAN'T SAY FOR SURE I WORKRD ON WALTER BUT IF HE WAS A 2/5 MARINE THERES A GOOD CHANCE I DID. THERE WERE A LOT OF GOOD MEN WHO DIED THERE. RON. ONE OTHER THING I.M SURE YOU.LL REMEMBER ABOUT IMH IS THAT AWFUL SMELL OF BURNING RUBBER LATE AT NIGHT FROM THAT TIRE PLANT SOMEWHERE DOWN THE ROAD.WISH YOU'D E-MAIL ME AT THE ADDRESS I GAVE WAYNE DIEBOLD ARKANSAS

Guest		30-Aug-2011 08:21
I am a fire fighter who responded to the fire. To this date, it is still the biggest fire every in Cheektowaga. I have a video of the fire and some news print. Whoever started this page can contact me and I can send them the pics if anyone is interested.

pastor123		14-Aug-2011 22:37
I was in the orphanage from 1964-1976. I remember the Ervolinas, Intorres, Susan Monde, the Kania Brothers, the Reynolds, Kessicks, Deers, Fran Rogers, ..Nuns...like Sisters Hiltrudis, Dennis, Agneta, Lauretine, Virgil, Carmeline, Rita, Josanne, Celestine, Mr Mirko, Mr Slack, Dorothy Gay our dance teacher, Rusty, the german sheperd dog,and many more. I remember the Halloween and Christmas parties, camping at Seven Hills girl scout camp, Sunday night movies, along with the many unjust and painful moments of punishment and challenging relationships with those involved. Good or bad, pretty and ugly, God had a plan for all of us. I learned that if you dwell on the past, you forsake your future. Today can be your new beginning, because YOU have the power to change anything with the help of Jesus, who really loves you! God bless...you are all the best! God bless and have an awesome day! Love you all!, Sylvia Rose Bettencourt (Kremblas)....

Robert North Jr		10-Aug-2011 08:37
I WAS IN THIS HOME WITH MY BROTHER I WAS IN THE JR GROUP I WAS A ALLTERBOY ILL NEVER FOR GET THIS HOME AND HOW SOME OF US WOULD GET BEET THERE WAS TIMES I COULD NOT SIT DOWN FOR DAYS AFTER GETING HIT OR BEET THE SISTERS THERE KNEW NOTHING OF GOD BECAUSE GOD NEVER BEET ANY ONE MY NAME IS ROBERT NORTH JR IM 49 YEARS OLD I WAS IN THIS HOME FROM AGE 9 TO 10 I KNEW EVERY ONE IN THIS HOME ITS SOME THING YOU COULD NEVER FOR GET AND ALL THE BAD THINGS THAT WENT ON HERE AT THIS HOME I JUST FOUND THIS SITE ANY ONE THAT WAS THERE YOU CAN CALL ME IF YOU LIKE AT 17166735000 MY EMAIL IS BONORTH@YAHOO.COM AND IM ON MESSENGER AS WELL SO MENNY BAD THINGS WENT ON IN THIS HOME AND TO DAY STILL KNOW ONE REALLY KNOWS ABOUT IT ILL TELL EVERY ONE I KNOW WHAT KIND OF THINGS WENT ON HERE AT Immaculate Heart of Mary Orphan's Home THEY BEET THE SHIT OUT OF SOME OF US BAD GOD LOVE EVERY ONE THAT WAS THERE ILL NEVER FOR GET THIS HELL HOLE AS LONG AS I LIVE CALL ME OR TEXT MY OLD FRIENDS I LOVE YOUS ALL FROM ROBERT NORTH JR

Guest		09-Aug-2011 17:27
We were at St Vincents and when they closed we went to Immaculate Heart. There were 4 of us all girls,Gloria, Kay, Joan, and Mary Lou Walden. i WENT TO THE Reunion and was sorry I didn't get some of the pictures that were passed along. We were there from 1952 to 1954 and then were put in a foster home. My mother died when I was 7 and we called ourselfs 1/2 an orphan.

Kenny B		03-Aug-2011 21:36
Looking for members of the class of 1973 Pat Kesick, Tom LaValley Salina Osika, and me Kenny Beilman! where are You????

Ron		29-Jun-2011 18:36
Walter-Hope thats you that replied? You're right about Sr Erminelda. Who had the eniors and Martin DePorres? We fought to a draw, but you were bigger then me. Fighting was pretty routine as the bigger kids beat on the smaller ones calling it "initiation". I was stationed at Ft Sill for AIT. ( Do you remember the nuns shreiking that we were worthless and garbage and should join the Army so we would we be fed, clothed and housed?) Do you remember taking the two toboggans over to the hills in the construction area. The biggest kids took them and us little guys took are chances running and jumping and trying to pile on as they went down the hill. The price of the ride was being punched all the way down or tossed off, if you couldn't take it. I stepped back on the grounds a few years ago when I was in town. It was winter time and Buffalo-grey. Very sad;very eeiry Will try to conect when I have access to facebook Anybody else out there from the residents from '55 to 60?

Guest		28-Jun-2011 03:51
Ron, Sr Ermanelda I believe was in charge of the Juniors. Got lucky and spent eighteen months in Panama, 67-69, instead of the Nam. Lots of beer and women. Haven't been back to Buffalo since accept between semesters in college, Oklahoma. I was sad to hear the place burnt down. My wife wanted to go see it if we ever went back to visit. I am on facebook if you are interested. I have a poor memory but some things stick out. I had so many fights I cannot remember any of them. Hope I didn't hurt ya.

Ron Scoma		23-Jun-2011 18:50
Just came across a posting that Elias Pembleton who was a fellow resident in the '50's won a Silver Star for gallantry under fire as a marine platoon Sargeant in Viet Nam in '69. I think thats wonderful! Now I'm curious: how many of us made it successfully? please post a note.

Ron Scoma		23-Jun-2011 18:04
Hi Walter; We were in the same groups together and Scouts-Martin DePorres and then the Seniors. We duked it out one time, but you were bigger then me. The 5th grade teacher was Sr Mary Anselm-. I remember that your dad came racing to the orpahange on the night of the fire to see if you were ok. And I remember Sr Agnetta-she also conducted the choir. We had Sr Celestine in 4th grade. Do you remember the names of the nuns that were responsible for the groups? Have you ever encountered any of the other residents? I saw Elias Pembleton a few years agao at a GRCO reunion-he looks great and happy. Anybody else out there from '55-'59?

Walter Calkins		05-Jun-2011 15:36
Ron Scoma, I am sorry but I don't recognize your name. I do remember Gregory Vann,Walter and James Tyrcz (Read where Walter was killed at Khe Sanh in Jan 68). They had a sister Julia and I think she was James twin. Somebody mentioned about somebody drowning, that was Butchie Lappa in the twelve foot pool at a pool I believe was on Clinton street. The fifth grade techer was a mean one. She used to hit you with a stick or ruler, not sure which, but would always get on me for day dreaming saying I was "At the bar", funny. I remember a lot of kids coming from another place because of a fire and I guess that would be you. The name Diebold rings a bell but cannot remember the first name. Schelkeoff was fun and so were the Sunday night movies and visitor days on Sundays in the auditorium. There were four of us there,me, my brother and two sisters. I don't recall the nunsbeing mean just strict and quick with the paddle for disciplain. I guess we gotthere in 53 and left in 58, not sure of dates just 1st thru 5th grade. Been a long time ago since we were there.

Debbie		15-May-2011 12:56
I keep on reading the coments but noone said they remembered my mom and aunt. Edith Bogardus and Diane. My uncle Ralph. Anyone? Please email me if you do. Dec28ltr@aol.com. My mom would love to hear from anyone. Thanks Debbie

icu2hehe		29-Mar-2011 16:20
WOW!!!!! I have so many memories from IMH and like others I have both good and bad memories. I see people mentioning names that I remember quite well. I do remember the Ervolino's Angelo, John and Connie. I was there from around 1965 through 1972 when I outgrew the place and moved on to Baker Hall. If it will help others remember, I can throw out some other names that stick out for me. There were brothers: Danny and Martin Batherson. Sisters: Marlene, Celine and Carmella Intorre. Someone mentioned Father Walter Gartska (I too was an alterboy). Sister (where's my clapper) Gertrude. Social Worker Dianne Dingleberry. The Chech guy in charge of maintenance I think his name was Miro. Sister Josephine. Dorris Hart and yes I seem to have faint memories of a Cynthia Deering. Thanks Mr. Josker for the brief trip down memory lane.

Robin McGee		21-Mar-2011 04:37
The home was haunted. The building your're talking about was where we had shop. The grounds keeper/handyman Eugene lived above it w/ his mom.

Guest		07-Jan-2011 16:19
I was at IHM 1954-1955, graduated from 8th grade and was then in a couple of pretty dreary foster homes. I remember the IHM nuns as sad, frustrated and lacking in any human warmth - the mother superior as a self-righteous, nasty person who didn't really like kids. But to be fair - we weren't really likable; we fought, stole things, ran away and pushed the envelope of what we thought we could get away with. And they punished us with a thick leather strap (and we usually deserved it). So it was almost like a prison with guards (who clearly wished to be somewhere else) and the inmates (who had no choice on where they lived); with neither trusting or even liking the other. Thinking back on it, I think that the nuns did the best they could. They had their own demons. The only bright spot was the music teacher, Sister Agnetta, who everyone seemed to like. I went on to college, medical school, became a surgeon and eventually returned to Buffalo. I called Sister Agnetta who was then living at the old folks home for nuns: Villa Maria. I offered to go over there and take her for a ride in my Ferrari (I know - I was showing off back then - now I drive around in a 20 year old Mercury wagon). But Sister Agnetta was neither impressed nor interested. To her credit, she didn't know what a Ferrari was. More likely, her memories of the past were probably no better than mine and she saw no joy in reliving them.

Ron Scoma		30-Sep-2010 18:46
I was there from '56 to '59. There were x3 buildings set apart from the main structure. One was a woodworking shop where the 5th grade boys took a basic wood working class. Another building was agarage. A third building was across the street from the main front office and was aresidence for the developmentally disabled residents. Does anybody remember the group of Hungarian refugee men that the diocese sent to the home briefly? They had escapedduring the '56 uprising. Does anybody remember the fire caused by careless smoking of one of the resident maintenance men? One was killed trying to get back to his room for money he hidden and was saving. The nuns kept us in the building to keep us away from the commotion and firefighters. I remember the name Nick/Rick Ervilino.

Ron Scoma		30-Sep-2010 18:29
There were x2 free standing buildings on the grounds when I was there from '56 to '59. One was a woodworking shop where the boys took a shop class. I remember building a toy boat. A second building was a garage. There was a third building across the street from the gate to the admin offices. It was a seperate facility for a group of residents who were developmentally disabled. Was there a Nick Ervilino? Does anyone remember when the diocese had a group of Hungarian refugee men who escaped during the '56 uprising housed at the home?

Debbie		13-Sep-2010 07:08
Hi everyone. My mother was raised in this home during 1937-1950. Her name is Edith Bogardus. Maybe she went by Jane. Her sister were named Diane, Kay, Roseanne, and she had 2 brother.One of them were named Ralph. Did anyone knew any of my family members. I would be really interested in hearing your stories. Im sure my mom would too. Thank you for your time and website. It was very informative. Please email me with any question. Thanks again. Debbie

Investigator Ryan		12-Sep-2010 02:51
well i am a resident in cheektowaga and i was wondering if this place is haunted...? me and a buddy were there last night and i walked past the fence and i felt like i wanted to cry cause all the kids who were here...there is only one small building right in the middle of the field..makes it more creepy well if anyone can kindly get back to me with some information im gonna investigate the one small house and the fields with cameras..well thanks for your help..---> Ryan ^.^

Guest		05-Sep-2010 17:56
Lived there with my sister around 1965 I believe Remember some names Ervolinos stick out I believe connie tony and angelo Surprised to find this site Huffman was our last name. Any one remember?

Lynda Murphy Gardner		30-Aug-2010 11:45
I have great memories of the home. Oh how I wish I could visit it today. What a shame that such a beautiful place was destroyed. I was there from late forties until early 50's. The nuns were very nice to my sister and I. I never saw abuse such as stated in some of these posts. Thank God for those nuns. Any inside pics sure would be apprciated if any one knows where I can find some.

Guest		15-Jul-2010 00:33
I love hearing all of your stories. my family recently moved in the area and the grounds are across the street on William from my street. I dated someone who was in the home. His name was Rick and he had a sister. They were adopted together but I do not know when. He did not have many nice things to say about this home and now every day I look at what remains and I wonder why they can't do something with this land. I never got to see the grounds and don't even remember the fire. The house that remains standing, can someone tell me what that house was? It appears to have what looks like a pool outside of it.

Robert		25-Jun-2010 18:43
I was in the Children's Home from 1968 thru 1973 and felt the nuns treated me well; I also remember Father Walter since I was one of his alter boys. I am really glad Mr. Josker took these pictures some are very memorable for me.

Guest		02-Apr-2010 14:33
I grew up in the area and for a few years before and up til it burned me and my friends would go in there. Only during the day it was scary at night I swear the place was haunted. I wish I could have seen it before the vandels got it. A few of my friends started the first fire by accident in the church trying to stay warm partying. Then second time was arson I dont even think it was winter. The police came looking for my friends at jfk that started the 1st fire, my friends were in school at the time so they had alibi's. It was found to be kids from Maryvale or Central I cant remember.

Guest		27-Feb-2010 03:39
RON SCOMA' WRITE ME AT armorbearerseph611@sbcglobal.net WAYNE DIEBOLD

Haydee		09-Feb-2010 16:19
Message to Isabel Martinez - I just found this website and read that you were at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Orphanage in 1961 as part of the Pedro Pan Group. My sister and I were there also as part of Pedro Pan. We arrived in September 1961 and after three months were placed in a foster home. My name is Haydee and my sister is Aleida. I would love to contact you. Thank you.

RScoma		06-Jan-2010 19:38
I remember the names Wayne Diebold, Walter caulkins and Sister Liguria. Did anyone besides me go to IHM from German Roman Catholic orphanage after it was set on fire in Jan.56 by a resident? Does anyone remember the beating that kid took from the nuns?

Guest		23-Dec-2009 04:21
The elderly priest in the late 50's was Father Bernardo

WAYNE DIEBOLD		23-Oct-2009 02:21
ONE OF THE MOST ABUSIVE NUNS I REMEMBER WAS ANOLD NUN BY THE NAME OF SISTER LIGORIA I REMEMBER HER BECAUSE SHE KNOCKED TWO OF MY TEETH OUT WITH A SPOON. REMEMBER THE SMELL OF COOKIES BAKING WHILE THE GIRLS WERE HAVING HOME EC. DOES ANY ONE REMEMBER THE NAME OF THE OLD PRIEST BACK IN THE LATE 50'S AND EARLY 60'S W DIEBOLD

Joyce czuprynSki		19-Oct-2009 06:28
I lived a few streets away from the children's home. I was born in1969 a d have lots of memories of the home. A friend of my mom was a nun there briefly (sr Paula Skalski). My mom and I would come to visit often and I remember playing with the children on the playground. After it closed I would sneak in often. The place was amazing, woodwork, church, I couldn't believe everything that was left behind; kids artwork, writings, furniture. I loved roaming the place and exploring. As the years went on there was more and more vandalism. I remember hearing steps and voices above or below where I was. As a high school student I did a lot of black & white pencil & charcoal drawings of the inside of the home.

R Scoma		05-Jun-2009 18:32
I was suprised to find this site. I was a resident from 8/56 until 7/59. I was there for the fire in 58, which was due to careless smoking by a resident worker. He went back into the bldg to retrive money he was saving to go back home. He was either Polish or may have been a Hungarian refugee that the nuns took in following the hungarian uprising. I remember the nuns as pretty abusivive: Sr Anselm was a teacher in the 5th grade who taught by slapping and hitting. saw another kid tossed down a flight of stairs. Beatings for not doing clean up to standard was pretty common. I remember a Walter Caulkins, Jerry Gorski, Walter and Jim Tyrcz, Roberto Becerril, the Pembleton Brothers, Nick Gervasi, Dennis Cooper, David and Gregory Vann. I remember camp Schelkoff; Sunday nite movies; and that stale crumbcake bread on Sunday mornings and some boiled mweat concction that we called "Shlitz double bubble" because of all the fat and grizzle. The nuns used to tell us we were garbage; our families were garbage and that we should join the army so we would have a gurantee of clothes, a bed and food. I have a masters degree and retired from the USAR as a Major. I think I did those things to spite them! Ron

Isabel Martinez		20-May-2009 22:46
I was at the orphanage 61-62. I was part of the Pedro Pan Operation of children from Cuba. I would love to have these pics. How can I download or buy. If there is anyone there from these times, I would love to have you contact me. Isabel Martinez. I was in the girls area, 8-12 group. Thanks and God Bless.

Guest		05-May-2009 01:18
TO ROBIN McGEE-MY NAME IS CYNTHIA DEERING,I WAS IN THE HOME AROUND 1972.I WAS IN SISTER DEBRAS GROUP.I REMEMBER YOU .I REMEMBER TRYING TO GET MY MOTHER TO ADOPT YOU.I GUESS I WAS TOO YOUNG TO UNDERSTAND MY BROTHERS,SISTERS & I WERE IN THE HOME BECAUSE MY MOM WAS TOO SICK TO CARE FOR THE SIX SHE ALREADY HAD.ANYWAY,I HAVE OFTEN WONDERED WHAT BECAME OF YOU.I WOULD LIKE IT IF YOU WOULD E-MAIL ME-cynthia.deering@yahoo.com THANK YOU,CINDI

rosied51		13-Mar-2009 17:38
My 3 brothers were there in mid50's Frank, Anthony & Elmer Dilorenzo. Frank graduated in 1954 from there. I have pictures, some names were Mutka sisters.

rose		13-Mar-2009 13:07
The picture I have is from 1954.

Rosemary		13-Mar-2009 13:02
My brothers were there, Frank , Anthony & Elmer DiLorenzo. I have a photo of my brother Frank graduating from there.Have newpaper article could get copy if one would like.Has names in it.

Susan		02-Jan-2009 19:11
Wow - the memories. I lived in the home from 65' to 72' so I'm a bit more of an old timer than most of you. I've looked for a site on the place for years - surprised to finally find one. I was taken out of my family home by the state and placed in this home so for me it was a better situation than I was in. I also have mixed feeling but most of them are good. I was surprised to find the place burned down. I would have liked to sneek in myself with my kids and show them the place. It was a fantasic old building - I wonder if they just plowed over it or if they dug up the basements. There's old railroad tracks that ran under the place - I was always curious about what they were used for. There is not a lot of history to be found on the building so I guess I'll never know. I'm now living in Southern California - been out here for about 25 years now. I went home a couple years ago for my mom's funeral and swung by to have a look at the old place - well the grounds now. Had to show my boyfriend so he would not think I was a nut and made it all up. Whoever put this site up thanks. Sue

jjcblm5145		02-Nov-2008 15:50
WOW sorry bout this but my brother is the one who burnt this place down! sorry guys for all ur loss of memmories and stuff it was abbandoned and it was a hang out spot of ppl but it was cold so they (him and his friends) started a fire feel free to ask my bout the whole story

john		09-Oct-2008 01:09
Robin Caulkins sound familiar, real familair. But its been awhile. My last name Sgroi. I was around 7 when I arrived at the home, I ahve to check on those dates though. I was pretty young and wild. I remember going to school at the home. It seems like I have blocked a lot of memories but they come back slowly...john

Robin		29-Sep-2008 17:45
John, What was you last name? Do you remember the Caulkins? There were 7 of them. Robin

john		23-Sep-2008 02:38
Robin I lived in the orphanage from approx 1974-1979. Its funny but I remember the pipes running in the ceilings. I learned to swim in the pool after I was thrown in the deep end of the pool. I remember making scarfs at xmas time with yarn. Of course there was the church activities and the dormatory living. I also remember walking with other kids to a local theater to watch the move watership Down. The wood work was amazing and it was a city with in a city.

john		23-Sep-2008 01:22
I lived for 5 years as a child in the orphanage. Have many memories. Wondering if other photos are available.

Robin		08-Sep-2008 05:14
I'm in Lockport,NY. Who is this?

Guest		05-Jun-2008 15:04
Hi Robin, We wondered how you were, and how you got on after you left. My brother was the last child to graduate from the school, and they pretty much kept the place open for him. They closed it after the school year ended and they found him a home to go to. I left in 1979 from the place across the street. My auntie, and me by default, is still in touch with some of the nuns. Where did you land? I'm in NYC, a painfully hip section of Williamsburg to be exact.

Robin McGee		11-May-2008 06:22
I lived there from 1974-1980. When I first arrived there were 150 kids. When I left there were 50. I wanted to show my fiance the place and was suprised to see it gone. It was a city w/ in itself. There was an infirmary,beauty salon,dentist office, fully equipped gym,movie projector in the auditorium. There was a built in swimming pool, tennis court,shop building (we started Home Ec. & shop class in fourth grade)I'd love to hear from anyone else who lived there. I have mixed memories & feelings about the home.

Guest		27-Apr-2008 20:04
As an 8th grader at TR (public school nearby) we volunteered one summer to help at the "orphan home". The woodworking inside took my breath away!

click on thumbnails for full image