By 1887, the number of orphans increased to 47 boys and 43 girls and a new wing was added to St. Joseph's Orphanage in St. Paul. However, this orphanage quickly outgrew its downtown location and became a problem for Assumption Parish where they were educated. A suitable place was found at the outskirts of the city on Randolph Street. Here a large orphanage, including farm buildings and a shop for the boys, was built in 1900. Through the years, the sisters' salary remained at $10.00 a month. Despite some diocesan aid, the sisters were forced to go begging for funds throughout the state; some went with wagons, soliciting food from hotels and bakeries. Later this orphanage became known as St. Joseph's Home for Children and eventually was merged with Minneapolis Catholic Boys Home and moved to the Minneapolis location (Saint Benedict's Monastery Archives).
The Vasa Orphans' Home was founded by Eric Norelius in 1865 and operated by the Minnesota Conference of the Augustana Lutheran Church from 1876 onward. The postcard picture was taken on Decoration Day, 1907, and shows the children playing on the grounds, enjoying their holiday.
Biennial report containing a brief history of the Washburn Memorial Orphan Asylum and financial report for 1909 and 1910. Superintendent's report includes information on institutional methods, the institution of a farm school, and after care service.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
Annual report containing a brief history of the Washburn Memorial Orphan Asylum and a financial report of the endowment fund and expenses. Includes photographs of the interior and exterior of the orphan asylum.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
Photograph of young children posed with Easter baskets, rabbits and Easter lilies inside the Protestant Orphan Asylum, located at 670 Marshall Avenue, St. Paul, Minnesota.