The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1901-07-20
THE ORPHAN ASYLUM
A MODEL OF ITS KIND.

The Rhode Island Catholic Orphan
Asylum or. as IL Is more Familiarity
known, "St. Aloysius' Home" situated
on Prairie avenue in this city. is a model
or Its kind. For period of half a CEN
tury IL has been doing its work of pure
charity, simply and quietly, for the home
less and friendless little children.
What is more remarkable is the fact
that there has been no distinction what
ever In the reception of children as to
race or religion and as in the past. so
In the present, TO be a poor and friendless
orphan Is the only requisite for admis-
sion.
The asylum was established in 1851
by the Rt Rev. Bernard O'Reilly, then
the second bishop OF Hartford, residing
In Providence.
A small wooden building on Claverick
street was the neucleus OF the present
magnificent charity. This soon gave
way, however. TO a much larger brick
structure now part of the convent
property on Claverick street.
Ere many years, however, the work
outgrew its quarters on Claverick street
and in 1862 the present home on Prairie
avenue was opened by Bishop McFar-
land
ne present property ana
buildings Is the outgrowth OF the one
brick building built In 1862. During the
administration of the late Bishop Hen
dricken many modern improvements were
made in the interior OF the building and
many tracts OF land adjoining added TO
the asylum estate.
Upon the advent OF Rt. Rev Bishop
Harkins he at once became intensely in
terested in the work OF the homo and
set about securing larger accommodations
which he saw were imperative both for
the noble. self-sacrificing sisters i'm
charge and the needy little orphans.
AS n result OF Bishop Harkins labors
two large wings were added to the asy-
lum and since that time other needed
improvements have been added
The last addition to the property is the
beautiful new school building at the rear
of the asylum.
The school rooms in this building, six
in number, are quite as pretty and well
appointed as are the school rooms OF
our public school buildings. The desks
in each Of the rooms were given TO the
school by the little son OF DIR. James e.
Sullivan of this ciNy. The upper floor
of the building is large we'll appointed
hall, where exhibitions or entertainments
arc given by the children.
The school IL maintained entirely by
the sisters, save that q teacher of physi-
side.
There are at present about 800 children
I'm the home. from the ages OF TO l5. and
over these i3 sisters exercise unweary-
ing love and care.
Every part of the domestic labor OF
the great household Is performed under
the guidance and by the assistance of the
sisters and no ONE can estimate the
great sacrifice required I'm their labor.
Health and life have been set at naught.
vet as one sister declared; This Is our
happiness and we would not live other
wise
The clothing worn by the 300 children
Of the home Is all made within the fold
and under the eyes of q faithful sister.
" no. year I'm and year out, cuts out and
plans the garments and teaches the older !
girls how Co fashion them.
But aside from the making of the cloth |
nx what can hc said ~ the mcnding aud !
he Keeping In repair OF the same.
The sanitary condition of the home Us
'Ncellent the domitories ABOVE and the /
lining rooms below being ms neat and |
inviting as a. Is within the power OF the !
sisters 60 make them.
The home h supported. as u has been |
nj through the years. entirely by charity, |