Civil War: Saint Ann Orphanage

Wabash Valley profiles : a series of tributes to hometown people and events that have shaped our history

Description:	One typed page including photograph; a brief history of the Saint Ann Orphanage. WABASH VALLEY P R O F I L E SA series of tributes to hometown people and events that have shaped our history.Saint Ann Orphanagecommanding edifice on Terre Hautes north side served the community for 47 years, first as a hospital and then as an orphanage for girls. In 1869 the city did not have a permanent hospital. Local philanthropist Chauncey Rose, aware of the dedication of the Sisters of Providence in managing a military hospital in Indianapolis during the Civil War, presented the order with five acres and $31,500 to found a new medical center on the southeast corner of 13th Street and Sixth Avenue. The cornerstone was laid Sept. 20, 1870. Distinguished Terre Haute architect Josse A. Vrydagh designed a spectacular gothic structure, originally named Providence Hospital. Thomas B. Snapp was the general contractor. Erected at a cost exceeding $100,000, the magnificent three-story 152-foot by 85-foot building, with basement, three elevators and a spacious attic, was dedicated June 30, 1872. Every room had a fireplace. A terrace, gardens and fruit trees were added. John I. Baty, MD, of Vincennes was designated chief of staff in November. Though highly qualified, Baty was unpopular with the local medical community, particularly after his wife incurred $10,000 in unauthorized expenses for furnishings. He resigned in late September 1873 and was replaced by Dr. Leon J. Willien. On Nov. 17, 1874, the hospital closed. The Financial Panic of 1872-73 and reluctance by non-Catholics and governmental agencies to patronize the non-sectarian facility were blamed for its failure. In 1875 Bishop Maurice de Saint-Palais acquired the building for $15,000 and converted it into a home for orphaned girls of all ages. On Jan. 11, 1876, 176 residents were transferred from an orphanage in Vincennes to the newly dedicated Saint Ann Orphanage. For most of its existence, the facility accommodated more than 100 residents. The orphanage included a chapel, which became the foundation for Saint Ann School and Church. Father Michael Quinn, the first chaplain at the orphanage, became the first pastor of Saint Ann Parish. Saint Ann Orphanage survived by relying on the volunteer services of the Sisters of Providence and donations to orphan societies and orphan boxes placed near doors at local churches. It was rebuilt after a devastating fire on Jan. 2, 1908, through its former elegance was sacrificed for the sake of economy. However, on Jan. 20, 1919, Bishop Joseph Chatrand elected to combine the Terre Haute orphanage with another at Highland, three miles east of Vincennes. The building was sold and later demolished.ATERRE HAUTE(812) 238-6000NATIONAL BANKAlways Close to HomeDate published: September 21, 2000Filename: Saint Ann Orphanage profile
Origin:	2000-09-20
Created By:	McCormick, Mike
Publisher:	Terre Haute Tribune-Star
Source:	http://indianamemory.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/vchs/id/566
Collection:	Vigo County Historical Society
Rights:	http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/UND/1.0/
Copyright:	Copyright Undetermined
Subjects:	United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 Hospitals Orphanages Wars & Conflicts Civil War -- Image Architecture Education

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