The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-12-16
THE SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH,
THE BENEVOLENT AND EDUCA.
Tl0NAL INSTITUTIONS UNDER
THEIR CARE...THE Or
PHAF ASYLUM, MGSPI.
TAI AND ACADEMY.

But few IF Our citizens, comparatively, are
aware of the great good done BY the noble and
devoted Sisters of Saint Joseph, or even that
such an Order exists in our city. So quietly
have these selEsacriicing and pious women
performed their offices of benetaqtion to the
suffering and destitute of our race here in St.
Paul, where the eye of the world fell not on
their unobtrusive labors, and their devoted Wig.
ills by the cot of the afflicted or the abode of
sorrow-that numbers will read tie headline
OF this article and enquire, who are the Sis
tiers of Saint Joseph p If their devotion to
the call of duty were prompted by the APP
plause OF the world or expectancy of reward
in this life, however, we would not be pub
fishing information new to so many OF our
readers, viz, that this sisterhood of mercy have
under their charge three important charitable
or benevolent, and educational institutions in
this city.
SAINT J0SEPH's HOSPITAL.
This is the Oldest of the institutions referred
to, we believe, having been founded almost
coeval with the city itself. It is situated in
fine three story stone building on Ninth
Street, at the head of Exchange Street. The
edifiee is solid and conveniently arranged for its
purposes. There are two general wards, high
and well ventilated, besides number of
smaller single rooms, which may be occupied
by private patients. There are at present seven
patients, less than an average number. Several
ofthese are very lowwithsevere complaints, and
require almost constant attention. Nothing
can exceed the tenderness and care with which
this is furnished by the devoted Sisters. No
matter what the condition, birth place or
creed of the sufferer. it is enough for them to
know that he is fellov-being in distress, and
his wants are supplied. The value of such an
institution in our city, where accidents are
continually happening. is incalculable. The
god attention and careful nursing here, has
undoubtedly saved many lives.
Ia one ward, we found Mr.. A. D. Fay, the
gentleman who had both legs crushed at the
Rumsey explosion month since. He is yet
is recovered. He suffers greatly, and yet all
that can be done to make him comfortable, is
done BY his attentive nurses. There is but
one city or county patient there at present.
Private patients are admitted at a sum suf:s-
cient to provide board and fuel only-no
charge being made for nursing.
ST. JosEPH's ORPHAN sYLUM.
The entire second story is devoted to- hos
pital purposes. The remainder of the build.
ing is occupied by the St. Joseph's Orphan
Asylum, and by the Sisters connected With the
various institutions. The Orphan Asylum is
noble charity. It has under its care, 81 or
phans at present. They are provided with
| all the comforts Of home. by the kind
hearted Sisters-nicely clad, are educated
carefully, and learned habits of obedience
cleanliness and order. So carefully, indeed
are their wants supplied, and looked to, tina,
not one child in the ,ohole number IS sick-a fac
that speaks volumes. The little folks look bright
and happy, and bid fair to become usefu
members of society. The girls are taught
household work, sewing and music, and tht
larger boys are also trained to habits of indus
try. The dormitories where they nestl,
away in comfortable beds are in the attic story
of the building-three large rooms being de
voted to the purpose. The dining rooms
kitchen, wash-house, &C. are in the basement
The labor of caring for such family-many
of them of an age requiring almost constan
care, is very great. The amount of washing
mending, cooking, &C., can be imagined. Ant
yet of how proportionally great value to socie
ty are the labors Of the Sisters. Instead O
growing up in restitution and want, ignorant
vicious and abandoned, these orphans are train
ed and educated, prepared to take useful place
in society and ultimately extend to Others tn
beuencence and charity they have enjoyed
Thus the good done is passed down the lin
Of humanity, radiating and extending In al
directions. One little boy or girl saved froh
| crime or infamyis great achievement. An