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From: "Cathy Joynt Labath" <>
Subject: !! Davenport Democrat; Scott Co, IA; July 24, 1924 "St. Vincent's Orphanage"
Date: Tue, 20 Jul 2004 15:27:30 -0500


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/



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