USA > Ohio > Cuyahoga County > Cleveland > A history of Catholicity in northern Ohio and in the diocese of Cleveland from 1749 to December 31, 1900, Volume I, pt2 > Part 32
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In the early spring of 1891 work was begun on the building, which, after unavoidable delays, was brought to completion, and opened to the public, on May 12, 1892. Bishop Horstmann " dedicated it on that day to St. John of God, the special patron of hospitals. It was placed in charge of four Sisters of St. Francis, who belong to the same community as that in charge of St. Alexis' Hospital.
By degrees the hospital won favor with the people of the West Side, and now receives generous support. As the building was erected by means of borrowed money, the debt was for some years a considerable burden on the institution. But by prudent
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tnanagement on the part of the Sisters, and generous support on the part of the public, Protestants and Catholics alike assisting, the large running expenses have been met and the debt consid- erably diminished.
St. John's Hospital is an. imposing frame structure of attractive design and has pleasant, well ventilated wards and very neatly furnished rooms, with a capacity of sixty beds. These are nearly always filled, especially in that part of the building set aside for free patients, and for such as can pay in part for the care given them. The operating room is thoroughly modern in its outfit, and the surgical and medical work is inferior to none.
In 1899 a large lot, adjoining the hospital grounds to the east, was bought by Bishop Horstmann. The spacious frame residence on the lot was moved back from the street and annexed to the hospital and, entirely remodeled, was made part of the main build- ing. It has a number of elegantly appointed rooms for private patients.
In accord with Bishop Gilmour's rule, that the title to all institutions in the diocese which are supported entirely, or in part, by public charity, should be held by the Bishop for the diocese, St. John's Hospital is diocesan property .*
The hospital was recently put in good repair and is now in excellent condition. The spacious grounds surrounding the building are also well kept. St. John's Hospital, as it is situated in an exclusively residence district, enjoys the advantage of a charming location, free from the smoke and dust and noise insep- arable from city traffic. It is confidently hoped that in the near future the temporary building will be replaced by a permanent structure that will be a credit to Cleveland.
The following Sisters have filled the office of Superioress of St. John's Hospital since its opening: Sister Beatrice, from May, 1892, to February, 1894; Sister Hedwig, to 1896; Sister Donata, to 1898; and, since October, 1898, Sister Agatha. Sixteen Sisters have charge of the patients.
The Sisters have reason to be grateful to the benefactors of the hospital, past and present, to the various parishes and societies connected with the churches on the West Side, and to Bishop Horstmann and his venerable mother, now deceased, for specially large donations; also to the medical and surgical staffs for their uniform kindness and unremitting care and attention to the patients of the hospital-all important factors in the success it has so far achieved.
*The title to the following Institutions In the diocese Is held by the Bishop of Cleveland: St. Mary's Theological Seminary, Charity Hospital, St. John's Hospital, St. Vincent's Asy- lum, St. Ann's Asylum, Cleveland; St. Louis' Asylum, Louisville; and St. Vincent's Asy- lum, Toledo. All the other Institutions In the diocese are owned by the religious orders or sisterhoods who have charge of them. As civil corporations, they hold title under the laws of Oblo. See also page 131 of this volume.
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LORAIN. ST. JOSEPH'S HOSPITAL.
The late Rev. Joseph L. Bihn was the founder of St. Joseph's Hospital. It is a two-story frame structure, 70 by 100 feet, with broad verandas, and was formerly a Sanitarium. Father Bihn bought the building in February, 1892, and at once had it remod- eled for the purposes of an orphan asylum, and as a home for aged people, able and willing to pay their board. The institution was opened in the fall of 1892, and placed in charge of three Franciscan Sisters, members of the community Father Bihn established at Tiffin. Two years later he closed the asylum and utilized a large part of the building as a hospital, for the care and treatment of patients, mostly accident cases, from the Steel plant and ship yards located at Lorain. This venture proved successful, as the number of patients steadily increased.
The hospital is in a flourishing condition, and has fully rea- lized the expectations of its founder and the Sisters who now own and control it. It has also the good will of all the citizens of Lorain, and thus far has been self-supporting. Sister Ludmilla was the first Superioress. She was succeeded in July, 1894, by Sister Seraphin, who since then has been in charge of the hospital.
TOLEDO. ST. VINCENT'S HOSPITAL.
In the face of many obstacles and great financial embarrass- ment this institution was commenced in March, 1875, by the Sisters of Charity (Grey Nuns) of Montreal, under the direction of Mother M. Deschamps, then local Superioress of St. Vincent's Asylum, Toledo. About half of the present large buildings was completed in May, 1876. It was opened for the reception of patients, July 19, 1876. The fine site fronting on Cherry street, next to St. Vincent's Asylum, in one of the most desirable sections of Toledo, had been bought by the Sisters ten years previous. The land was bought and the buildings erected with borrowed money, procured at an exorbitant rate of interest. The debt at the time the hospital was opened amounted to nearly $50,000. It was a very heavy burden on the institution for many years, but is now considerably reduced, and the interest charged is moderate. Steadily the hospital and its devoted Sisters gained favor with the public, though for a long time the contrary feeling existed on the part of many non-Catholics.
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In 1890 the hospital was enlarged to its present size, and many improvements were added from time to time, so that now it is fully equipped with all modern surgical and medical appliances. Its wards are large and cheerful, and its private rooms are fitted up in excellent taste. The same is to be said also of the reception rooms, offices, pharmacy, etc.
In 1897 a training school for nurses was established and in the short time of its existence excellent results have been obtained. At present twenty Sisters and ten nurses have charge of the patients. The medical and surgical staffs are composed of some of Toledo's best physicians and surgeons.
The hospital has long since passed the experimental stage and the dark days of financial distress are no more. It is now in a prosperous condition and bids fair to continue so, its good work increasing with the growth of busy, bustling Toledo.
The Jesuit Fathers attend faithfully to the spiritual interests of the hospital and have done so for many years.
The office of local Superioress was filled by the following Sisters, since the opening of the hospital in 1876: Mother M. Deschamps, Sisters O'Donoghue, Filiatreault, Ried, Fernand, Peltier, Tasse, Malard, and again, since August, 1899, Sister Tasse, who is now in charge.
The hospital is indebted to its many benefactors, whose names are legion. Among the most noted were Denis Coghlin, B. Meilink and H. P. L. Machen, and the St. Vincent's Hospital Aid Society. The narrow limits of this sketch forbid a more extended list to be given. But to each and all who ever favored the hospital by financial or moral support the Sisters of Charity extend heart- felt thanks, with the daily prayer that the Good Samaritan may repay them an hundredfold for their benefactions.
ASYLUMS, HOMES, ETC.
CLEVELAND.
ST. ANN'S INFANT ASYLUM AND MATERNITY HOME.
These two institutions are in charge of the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine. Both are now in the same building on Marion street, immediately east of Charity Hospital, but this arrangement is only temporary. As appears from the titles, they have two distinct objects-to provide a home and a mother's care for abandoned infants, and to show mercy and give the shelter of
ST. ANN'S INFANT ASYLUM (1900), CLEVELAND.
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privacy to a certain class of unfortunate women. Later on, when means are available, there will be a separate place for each object now provided for under one roof. Married women will also be received, as a few are now, previous to confinement.
Bishop Gilmour is the founder of these worthy and beneficent institutions. The first buildings used were two rented frame houses on Garden street (now Central avenue), near Charity Hospital. They were opened in March, 1873. The present building was erected in 1874. It is a substantial three-story brick structure, 45 feet wide by 75 feet long. The rooms and wards are high and well ventilated, and the entire building is heated by steam and lighted by gas. It has a capacity for 40 patients and 50 foundlings, and cost about $20,000. The Very Rev. James Conlan, V.G., gave $1,000, and a considerable amount was col- lected in the city and diocese of Cleveland, but a large part of the cost of the building and its outfit remained a debt on the institu- tion for many years, but has long since been cancelled.
The asylum is supported in part by money received from patients able to pay for their care in the Maternity Home; and in part by collections in the diocese, to which is added a pro rata of the annual Orphans' Fair held in Cleveland.
About 150 is the average number of foundlings in the asylum, and about 100 patients in the Maternity Home, cared for each year. Many of the waifs were deposited at the door of the insti- tution in baskets or other receptacles at night, and often in inclement weather, by unnatural or unfortunate mothers. They, as well as those born in the Maternity Home, receive the most tender care; but, in spite of all care, many of them die within a year or two after their birth. All are baptized when received, and a record is kept of them. For those surviving, homes are pro- cured in private families, or when of proper age they are transferred to one of the orphan asylums. During the twenty- seven years, since the opening of the Foundling Asylum, thousands of infants have been saved from unnatural death, and hundreds have grown up, of whom many are now useful members of society.
In the Maternity Home the greatest secrecy is observed with regard to the identity of the unfortunates who come there to hide their shame under the mantle of charity. No one, not even the Sisters in charge, may ask for any information concerning them- their name, residence. family. antecedents; everything about them is kept a profound secret. No one need know who they are, for they are permitted to register under any name they choose. A censorious world may say, this is fostering crime; but no, it is the Saviour's own method: "Woman, neither will I condemn
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thee. Go, and now sin no more." It saves many a poor victim of sin and shame from the scorn of a pitiless world, and keeps the escutcheon of family honor untarnished.
The following Sisters have consecutively filled the responsible office of Superioress of the institution since its opening: Sisters Mary, Rose, Martha, Gertrude, Charles, Aloysius, Thomas, and since September, 1895, Sister Peter. In their grand work of charity in behalf of the waifs and of the unfortunate girls and women whom they shelter, they are nobly seconded by their Sisters in religion.
The Sisters owe and acknowledge a debt of gratitude to their many benefactors among the clergy and laity, to the Charity Hos- pital staff, and especially to Dr. Powell, who for many years has attended the children and patients gratuitously.
With the constant increase of population, there is a corre- sponding increase in the number of those who seek refuge in this institution. So great is the demand made upon the Sisters at present, that they will be forced to provide more accommodation soon. They hope to be able to secure larger and better quarters within a year or two.
The great city of Cleveland has never given a dollar towards the support of this institution of charity, but has allowed private charity to take care of the City's wards. Only within the last few years has it made provision out of the public funds for a similar institution, under its control.
CLEVELAND.
ST. MARY'S ASYLUM FOR ORPHAN GIRLS.
Bishop Rappe, justly called "Father of the Orphans," pro- vided early in his Episcopal career for the homeless and fatherless wards of the diocese. The cholera of 1849 and 1850 left many an orphan, notably in Cleveland and Sandusky, where this terrible plague counted its victims by the hundred. The Bishop had no Sisterhood in his diocese to care for these helpless little ones. He therefore commissioned his Vicar General, the Very Rev. Louis De Goesbriand, to go to France, and enlist some one of the many Sisterhoods there to found two orphan asylums in Cleveland- one for boys, the other for girls. Father De Goesbriand's mission was successful, as his offer was accepted by the Sisters of Charity, at Boulogne, and by the Ladies of the Sacred Heart of Mary, at Paris. The latter agreed to found an asylum for orphan girls and sent Misses Pance, Ferec and Blehen to establish such an institu- tion. On October 10, 1851. they arrived at Cleveland, where the Ursulines offered them hospitality. After some weeks Bishop
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ST. JOSEPH'S ORPHAN ASYLUM (FOR GIRLS), CLEVELAND.
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Rappe procured a small house on St. Clair street, near Bond, to serve as a temporary orphan asylum for girls. The first orphan was received on Christmas day, 1851. By the end of 1852 there were 25 orphans in charge of these good Sisters.
In the spring of 1853 Miss Pance inherited a considerable fortune. With it, and the financial aid sent from France, she bought two lots on Harinon street and commenced on it a per- manent brick structure, to be known as St. Mary's Orphan Asylum. Miss Pance died, however, before the completion of the building. Her death was a severe blow to the little struggling community, which meanwhile was augmented by additional mem- bers from the Motherhouse in France. In October, 1853, the new asylum was opened, whereupon the building on St. Clair street was abandoned. At that time the community consisted of only six members, with twenty-six orphans to be cared for. This was also the parent community in this country of the Ladies of the Sacred Heart of Mary. They have asylums and other institutions now in many dioceses in the Eastern States and in Canada. In 1880 the principal or Motherhouse was located at Buffalo, but is now in New York City, since 1898.
In July, 1854, the community bought six additional lots on Harmon street, to be used as a play-ground for the children. The asylum was considerably enlarged and improved in 1861. For sanitary reasons the location of the asylum, however, proved unsatisfactory in time. Hence, in order to provide more healthful quarters, at least for the small children, they established St. Joseph's Asylum, in 1863, in what was then "in the country," but has long since become a part of the city.
St. Mary's Asylum continued to be used for the larger girls until October, 1894, when they, too, were removed to St. Joseph's Asylum. St. Mary's was then changed to a Home for working women, which purpose it has since served.
CLEVELAND. ST. JOSEPH'S ASYLUM FOR ORPHAN GIRLS.
As stated in the previous sketch, this asylum was established in 1863, for the purpose of taking the younger children from St. Mary's Asylum out of the city, in order that they might have advantages of the pure country air. For this end the Ladies of the Sacred Heart of Mary purchased, in 1862, five acres of land on Woodland avenue, next to Woodland Cemetery-at that time on the eastern outskirts of the city, but long since a part of it. A large unfinished brick house was on the land. After it had been remodeled to suit the needs of an asylum, Miss Morgan was placed
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in charge of it in the spring of 1863. At the same time twelve of the younger children were sent thither from St. Mary's. This was the beginning of the present flourishing orphanage, known as St. Joseph's Asylum, which, however, for many years, was dependent on St. Mary's (the Motherhouse) for food and all necessaries.
A beautiful grove of five acres, adjoining the property first purchased, was secured in 1864. The chapel now in use was built two years later. In it were held the first services for Holy Family, Holy Trinity and St. Elizabeth's parishes, until they built their own churches.
In 1879 a three-story brick addition was made to the original building to accommodate the rapidly increasing number of orphans. Part of the property belonging to St. Joseph's Asylum was sold in 1893, in order to raise funds for a second addition to the institution, which had become entirely too small for the number of inmates. The spacious addition-also a three-story brick structure-was begun in the early spring of 1894 and brought to completion before the close of the year. At Bishop Horstmann's suggestion all the children were then transferred from St. Mary's to St. Joseph's Asylum, which was then large enough to afford ample accommodation to all the orphans under the community's care.
St. Joseph's Asylum is supported, as was also St. Mary's in its day, by donations from the country districts in the diocese, by the annual fairs and collections held in Cleveland parishes for the orphans, and in part also by the earnings of the teaching members of the community. At present 38 Sisters have charge of 226 orphan girls, varying in age from 5 to 15 years. As soon as proper homes can be found for the children they are placed in them. While in the asylum they receive the best of care and an elementary education in the school conducted in the asylum. The larger girls are also taught all the womanly accomplishments necessary to make them useful members of society.
For many years the Ladies of the Sacred Heart of Mary had charge of the parish schools in Louisville, Sandusky, Canton. Youngstown, and elsewhere in the diocese, as also in a number of schools in Cleveland. Gradually they were obliged to give them up for want of sufficient teachers and help in schools and institu- tions of which the community had charge, or had established in other dioceses. The only school taught by them at present in the diocese is that of the Holy Name parish, Cleveland.
The office of Superioress of the community, in Cleveland, was filled by the following: Misses Pance, Ferec, Le Masson, Hogan, Hoyt, and, at present, Miss Laurent.
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ST. VINCENT'S ORPHAN ASYLUM, CLEVELAND.
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CLEVELAND.
ST. VINCENT'S ASYLUM FOR ORPHAN BOYS.
Bishop Rappe realized early in his episcopal career the neces- sity of providing for the many helpless and homeless orphans in his diocese: When he came to Cleveland in 1847 there was neither an, orphan asylum, nor a Sisterhood trained to take charge of such an institution of charity.
The solution of this difficult problem on the part of the Bishop to provide a refuge for his helpless wards, will be found in the sketch of St. Mary's Asylum, Cleveland .* With the Ladies of the Sacred Heart of Mary, who accepted the Bishop's invita- tion, to found an asylum for orphan girls, came also, from France, two Sisters of Charity and two Novices to found an asylum for orphan boys, and eventually also a hospital. Their names were Sisters Bernardine and Frances, and those of the Novices, Miss Louise Brulon and Miss Cornelie Muselet. They arrived at Cleveland on October 11, 1851, and were received as guests at the Ursuline Convent, then on Euclid avenue, where they remained for some time. There they also met Miss Catharine Bissonette, at that time an Ursuline Novice, and later known as Mother Ursula. She was a native of La Prairie. Sandusky county, where she was born in 1816. During the cholera epidemic at and near Sandusky, in 1849 and 1850, she proved herself a heroine in caring for the patients, and later for their orphaned offspring.
Shortly after the arrival of the Sisters, from France, Bishop Rappe bought eight acres of ground at the intersection of Monroe and Willet streets, then some distance from the city limits. By a judicious contract with the Cleveland and Columbus railroad com- pany he realized enough from the sale of sand and gravel to pay for the land. Upon these grounds the Bishop erected a one-story brick structure, 32 by 117 feet. On August 11, 1852, the Sisters were installed in the new building-the beginning of the present St. Vincent's Asylum. Part of the building served for a short time as a hospital (St. Joseph's) but, for want of support and patients, it soon proved a failure.
Sisters Bernardine and Frances found their health much impaired by the change of climate, and difficult as well to acquire a sufficient knowledge of English to deal with their responsible charge. With Bishop Rappe's approval they there- fore severed their connection with the asylum in 1853 and returned to their native France, leaving the two Novices, who had come with them, to continue the work. For a few months these
*Page 765, this volume.
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were placed in temporary charge of Mother des Seraphines, an Ursuline. She returned to her convent on the installation of Mother Ursula (Catharine Bissonette, above mentioned) as the first Superioress of the asylum. The efforts of the little com- munity, consisting of the Superioress, the two Novices from France and a postulant, were devoted entirely to the orphan boys under their charge. The number of inmates increased so rapidly that it was found necessary to enlarge the asylum considerably. This was done in 1859, by the erection of the present main building and west wing. Again, and for the same reason, the building had to be enlarged in 1865, when it was completed according to the original design. Two years later the present chapel also was enlarged and its interior neatly furnished.
With the growth of the city and diocese the number of orphan boys seeking or needing the shelter of the asylum also increased; and again provision had to be made for the additional number. Bishop Gilmour came to the rescue in this emergency, in Novem- ber, 1883, by placing at the disposal of the Sisters and fifty of their wards a large building at Louisville, Stark county, formerly used as a college, and later as an academy. This, and the subsequent transfer of some of the orphans to Louisville, gave relief to St. Vincent's Orphan Asylum for a time. However, between 1895 and 1900, the number of orphans increased so largely that the asylum again became overcrowded and forced its enlargement a third time. In 1897 a three-story addition of brick was built at a cost of about $13,000; that which was built in 1865 cost $25,000. The new structure forms the east wing of the asylum and has all the modern conveniences. It serves as the residence of the thirty Sisters in charge, and contains the refectory, reception rooms, etc. Thus the main building and west wing are devoted exclusively to the use of the orphans, and, besides the chapel, contain class rooms, dormitories and refectories.
A two-story brick building, containing the laundry and a boiler house to supply steam heat for the entire building, was erected in 1900, at a cost of $14,000. With these improvements St. Vincent's Asylum has now all the modern requirements, and ample accommodations for at least some years to come.
Up to 1892 the Mother Superior of the Sisters of Charity was 'also in charge of the asylum. Beginning, however, with 1892, a local Superioress was appointed, which office has been filled since then by the following members of the community: Sisters Mary John, Amadeus, and Gertrude. The last mentioned Sister is now in charge, assisted by thirty Sisters, who care for 225 orphan boys.
Upwards of 13,000 children have found shelter at St. Vincent's since its foundation. Many of the former inmates are now useful
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GOOD SHEPHERD CONVENT (Front and Rear Views), CLEVELAND.
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citizens, and some of them have been prosperous in business and prominent in public affairs. And all of them, whatever their lot, recall with pleasure the memory of these good Sisters, who became mothers to them for God's sake, and made them a home in their childhood-the only one of which many of them have any recol- lection.
The expense connected with this work of charity amounts to about $10,000 annually. It is generously supported by the dio- cese, chiefly by the annual orphans' fairs in Cleveland, and by collection of produce and money by the Sisters themselves among the ever generous farmers and townspeople throughout the diocese.
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