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Mount Loretto, Staten Island, NY by Donald Laub June 5, 2009

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General View of Mount Loretto Staten Island, N.Y., Digital ID 104622, New York Public LibraryThis picture is at Mount Loretto, which was founded as Catholic orphanage on Staten Island in the late 19th century. It is still operating today, but it is not really an orphanage anymore; it is more of a social service agency. They recently built a CYO on its grounds and it has become a community center, with inside basketball courts and meeting rooms.

The church in the picture is still standing, but the buildings on either side are gone. In the early 1970's the exterior of the church was used in a scene from the famous movie The Godfather. There was a fire at the church shortly after the filming; only the facade was still standing. The church was rebuilt and was in operation again a few years later.

Mount Loretto is located about a mile from the Tottenville Library.

For more information, check out these two websites:

http://mountloretto.org/document/18621

http://www.miv-mountloretto.org/home.html

Comments

Patron-generated content represents the views and interpretations of the patron, not necessarily those of The New York Public Library. For more information see NYPL's Website Terms and Conditions.

I was in Mount loretto from

Submitted by Joanne Gilstorf on July 3, 2009 at 7:12 PM.

I was in Mount loretto from AGE 6 TO 18. lOOKING BACK AT IT, The nuns taught me a lot of values that I still use in life. I have a lot to be grateful for.

I was in Mount Loretto at

Submitted by Anonymous on August 11, 2009 at 3:38 PM.

I was in Mount Loretto at same age but was into a home at age 12 I have 3 sisters and 2 brothers that I do not now what happen to them.

omg joanne

Submitted on May 2, 2010 at 9:25 PM.

hi, its julio reyes, think about you offten. i hope all is well with you. and life has been good.

Angel Reyes

Submitted by Anonymous on April 23, 2011 at 1:40 PM.

Good Day,

This is a shot in the dark but here we go. My mother, Dora Rodriguez, was in Mount Lorreto in the 1940's - 1950's. During her stay she met a man named Angel Reyes who had a relationship with my mom during her stay and after she left. Angel Reyes may be the dad of my sister which is why I am reaching out. It is very important for my sister to know if Angel is her dad. Please email me at LiquidationPlatform@sprint.Blackberry.net if you are the brother of Angel Reyes.

julio rayes . we used to

Submitted by james on August 1, 2012 at 8:43 PM.

julio rayes . we used to call you moon man . the other kids now and then we are all in our sixtys now. take care.

Looking for Pictures

Submitted by Anonymous on August 29, 2012 at 1:02 PM.

Did anyone know my dad, Nelson A? I think he was at the Mount in the mid to late 50's.

i was at mt loretto from,

Submitted by Anonymous on July 9, 2009 at 6:55 PM.

i was at mt loretto from, l923 to 1932. Looking back, I was very fortunate to have been place there with my sisters and brother. The nuns were very special indeed.

My father and his brothers

Submitted by Carol on September 19, 2009 at 1:59 AM.

My father and his brothers were there at the same time, which I knew, but was confirmed when I saw the 1930 census list. Bernard, Joe, Frank, James and Vincent (very bad eyesight) Was looking for grandparents origin at the time.
I remember Bernie told me he learned how to sew there.

My mother was at Mt. Loretto

Submitted by Marion on October 29, 2009 at 2:34 AM.

My mother was at Mt. Loretto from the age of 8 until she was 16. She was born in 1918, so she was there from, approximately, 1926 until 1934. She was then placed in a series of private homes working as a "mother's helper". Her name was Marion Muller. Do you remember anyone by that name? She passed away 2 years ago, but she spoke about Mt. Loretto many times while I was growing up. I have a picture of her graduating class and her diploma. If you can give me any information about my mother and/or your years at Mt. Loretto, I would be most appreciative. Thank you.

My mother Mary Smith was

Submitted by Caroline Grayson on November 17, 2009 at 10:07 PM.

My mother Mary Smith was born in 1919 and was at Mount Loretto at the same time as you mother. MY uncle Raymond Smith was a few years younger and was there too.
My mother died in 2004. She took me there as a child so I remember it well.
She referred to it as the convent and spoke of Sister Hortense.
May God rest their souls.
I going to try the census records for that time and also the Archdiocese
of NY

Records

Submitted on February 10, 2010 at 10:38 PM.

I was at Mount Loretto and I emailed them for my records. I recieved all that they had about me a month later. All they requested was a donation. My Aunt who was born in 1911 she has since past she was there with her siblings. At that time they were separated since their Mother was Irish and father was black. That is how I landed there in 1953. They were wonderful to me and my siblings.

Records

Submitted on May 24, 2010 at 10:50 PM.

Could you please tell me the email address you used to get your records? I am searching for my aunt...we believe she was given to Mount Loretto as a baby in 1934! I appreciate any help you can give me...

Thank you

Submitted by John on October 1, 2010 at 9:00 PM.

I would like the e-m as well for my research

email address for Mt. Loretto

Submitted by Anonymous on July 14, 2010 at 1:13 PM.

I am trying to obtain medical records for my late husband who was placed at Mt. Loretto about 60 years ago. I saw your email message online and see that you were able to obtain your records for a donation.

I would greatly appreciate your forwarding me the email address that you used to get these records so that I may contact them for this very important matter. Many thanks for any help that you can provide.

Records

Submitted by John on October 1, 2010 at 9:34 PM.

I contacted MSL to ask for records when my Father was there, they told me there was a fire and no reords were available
1933>

did u have any luck?
John

Mount

Submitted by Deanna on August 8, 2012 at 12:08 PM.

Hi. My dad and his 4 brothers were in Mount Loretta from age 7 to 13 around 1950. May I ask how you get records from Mount Loretta.

old records from 1948-1960

Submitted by Anonymous on December 3, 2012 at 1:14 AM.

I was in the mount for 12 years - age two to 14 - how can I get my old records? Thanks

Mount Loretta

Submitted on April 24, 2010 at 9:00 PM.

My mom was born 1920 her name is Virginia O'Brien she talks about sister Hortense and how good she was to her.My older sister is named Loretta.

Archdiocese of NY Census Records

Submitted by Anonymous on November 28, 2010 at 4:10 PM.

I was at Mt. Loretto from the age 6 to 14 (1946 to 1954), and I can't imagine what my life would have been like without it. (Please check it out on WikiPedia.) For a neglected child (and not an "orphan") it was a great place to grow up. Thanks to all those Franciscan nuns who devoted their lives. (See you in heaven, Sr. Juanita!)

I, too, am interested in your research (census and Archdiocese). Could you please let me know how to contact these sources. Thanks for your help and God bless you.

Get in touch

Submitted by diane fitzpatrick on April 13, 2011 at 10:57 PM.

Hi - Saw your posting and I was there from 1948 until 1956. My name is Diane Fitzpatrick. If you remember me email me at DIJON@midtel.net. Hope to hear from you. Diane

MY GRANDMOTHER AND HER SISTERS AND BROTHER WERE THERE

Submitted by dolores scozzesi on June 14, 2010 at 9:07 PM.

i'm trying to trace them. They were McGraws. Their mom put four of them in Mt. Loretto when they were different ages. i think they were put in mt. loretto's in 1904.

Mt Loretta

Submitted by sheila schisler on July 16, 2012 at 2:20 AM.

My mother was at Mt Loretta. She was also born in 1918 and went there when she was 4 years old, staying till aged 16. Your mother and mine would be the same age. It would be so wonderful to see that graduation picture. My mother passed away the day after Christmas in 2006.
She told us so many stories about "the home". She was there with her sister and one brother.
Her name was Estelle Marie McHugh. she was born October 5, 1918, her father passed away in the influenza epidemic when she was 6 weeks old and her mother had to give the 3 children over to the care of the nuns at Mt. Loretta 4 years later.
My name is Sheila Schisler, I am in Columbus, OH. I hope to hear from you.

Mount Loretto - looking for info about my grandfather

Submitted on February 14, 2010 at 10:18 PM.

Does anyone remember Nicholas Mele or his brothers and sisters (Ernest, Basil, John, Agnes)? The only thing I knew growing up is that he lived there with his siblings. He was born in 1913. I found a 1920 census that shows them living in Bronx, NY and then a 1930 census showing them at Mount Loretto.

Their parents had to have died between 1920-1930...but otherwise I don't know much more. I'm researching my family history and would love to know more.

Any help you could give me is greatly appreciated. If anyone remembers any of them and went there the same time...I would love to hear from you as well.

Michele
mrinn30@yahoo.com

Re: A possible connection

Submitted by Dawn on September 16, 2010 at 3:33 PM.

Hello,

I have been digging into my family history and found that my maternal grandmother was there at the same time. Can you please let me know if you knew her? Her name was Josephine Manderano 1914-1977.

Thank you
Dawn

hello

Submitted by judy salguero on July 29, 2011 at 9:24 PM.

yea i was there i remember josephine manderano

Thank you

Submitted by John on October 1, 2010 at 8:57 PM.

My Father, his Brother and Sister were all in MSL,after their Mother died in 1933.

What was the orphanage like.

were kids taught, as if they were in school?
Did they work and if so did they get paid?

Thank you,
John

Thank you

Submitted by john Monaco on October 12, 2010 at 5:43 AM.

My father Domenick Monaco(Sonny,his brother Salvaltore, his sister Jean were all at MSL after their mother died in 1923.

I dont know how long they were there?

My friend's father Phil O'Mara and his siblings were also in MSL. I dont know the years

Any info,
Thank you
John

MT LORETTO

Submitted by MARY SP on December 7, 2011 at 9:29 AM.

DEAR ANONYMOUS, MIGHT YOU HAVE KNOWN A BOY NAME "EDDY" THAT WAS THERE WITH A COUPLE OF BROTHERS???????

I just heard this name from

Submitted by Pat Rogers on August 2, 2009 at 11:17 AM.

I just heard this name from my sister as a place where our mothers' cousins were placed as children. We are not sure why, when. They were 3 daughters Anne, May, Ella Donnelly. Do you have people interested in Family History research that have a point of contact in your organization?

Pat, New York Public Library

Submitted by Kate Cordes on August 5, 2009 at 5:00 PM.

Pat,
New York Public Library has a Local History and Genealogy Division at the research library on 42nd Street. You can ask them for guidance in your genealogical research by sending an e-mail with your questions to histref@nypl.org.

My father was at Mtl

Submitted by Anne Fernald on October 21, 2009 at 2:17 PM.

My father was at Mtl Loretto. His sister was sent to the Angel Guardian Home (for iinfants and toddlers) then the Convent of Mercy on Willoughby St, Brooklyn. All these orphanages were run by the Sisters of Mercy. They may still have records. Also check the US Census. I know the 1930 census has the names of nuns and kids at the Convent of Mercy.

I was at Mt Loretto back in

Submitted by Sandra Sierra on September 20, 2009 at 2:51 PM.

I was at Mt Loretto back in the 1950 and 1960's..it is where me and my brothers went to school..this was our home...we have all good memories and will always remember the good times...

I didn't get your name, mine

Submitted by Walter on November 26, 2009 at 3:59 AM.

I didn't get your name, mine is walter and I wrote a book about Mount Loretto, which is called,"Autobiography of an American Orphan." It's on sale at Barnes and Noble.com, and Amazon.com and in selected Barnes and Noble stores now.
My story begins in 1949 and covers about ten years in the orpanage. Please take a look at my book and send me your impressions. Thank you.
Sincerely,
-Walter-

Book

Submitted on February 10, 2010 at 10:59 PM.

Hi Walter,
My name is Deborah. I have written many times about the Mission, but never published. How wonderful! I am going to buy your book. I hope when I come back to this page and post my comment you will be here!

Your book

Submitted by Jose Ruiz on July 5, 2010 at 10:39 AM.

Dear Walter,

It appears that I was at the Mount a couple of years ahead of you. I just finished reading your book and it is so similar to the path that I took during my Mission experience. You didn't mention a Mr. Norse in house 3. He was a large Santa Claus looking man with a gentle demeanor and a terrific rapport with us little guys. I was baptized at the Mount and he was my godfather. I liked your description of Nick in house 6. All the dancing that I did throughout my life was made possible because he took the time to teach us. You also didn't Sister Saint Williams in Cottage A.

I don't recall all the violence. My wife thinks that my mind is still blocking most of this. I do remember Chuck Mc Carthy. He was the most terrifying sadistic son of a bitch I've met. I know that I was never his target and it never occurred to me that having older siblings in the big side may have had something to do with this. Anyway, I truly enjoyed your account of life at the Mount.

I am a retired Accountant living in Winder, Georgia. I have many photos of the Mount and I would like to get copies of some of Father Kenny's photo collection. I played quarterback for his Trojans and point guard on the basketball team. Like you I believe that We were better off at the Mount than living with our parents in the city. I will be 70 Years old on my next birthday and I still play basketball several times a week. Oh yeah, One more thing. Sister Rose Assumpta. She was my first love and Mary Jane kachik was my second love. I would sure like to tell them what they meant to me.

Jose (Pee Wee) Ruiz
520 Rosewood Circle
Winder, Georgia 30680

678-963-5061

E-mail ustwn@bellsouth.net

Pictures

Submitted by John on August 7, 2010 at 3:50 PM.

Hi Jose,

With respect to your comment abou having pictures of the Mount, would you by any chance have a good picture of St. Aloysius School? How about Loretto and Corcoran Cottages? If so, is there any way you could email clear copies to me?

Based on what you recount in your post, I'd say that we may have been there at the same time (although I may have been a bit ahead of you). I well recall an Alice Kachik who was a classmate of mine at THS, and I seem to recall that she had (at least) one sister who used to tag along with us on the almost daily walk from the Mount into THS, and that very well could have been Mary Jane. And, I, too, had a crush on Sr. Rose Assumpta. I think it started right after I saw her whack a ball a hell of a lot harder and futher than I was able to!

Thanks, John

Mt Loretto 1950s

Submitted by Neal Mulligan on October 18, 2010 at 12:16 PM.

Hi John,
I have a couple hundred pictures of the Mt from the 50s. We were probably in the same classes at St. Aloysius and maybe the same cottages. E me and I'll send you the pics. I had Mr. O'connor and Nick in the cottages then I was in St. Agnes in the old buildings and Then St. Peters and one other place whose name escapes.

NEAL

Photo's of St. Aloysius school & cottage"s

Submitted by Anonymous on September 10, 2011 at 2:22 PM.

Dear neal
I just saw your note to John, and I and my sister would love it!!!
if you would be so kind as to also email us picture's of the school. :)
I and my sister all lived and went to school at the mount.
We first arrived there in 1970 I know it probaly was different somehow...
but still would love to see pic's of the cottages too my sisters live in the
castle at that time a big big dog named brandy lay at the front doors near office
here is my email address summitresort14@aol.com we would appreciate it greatly.. :)
My sister got some pic's shortly after the fire from a photographer who took them
I myself live in the villa across from the castle as we call it at that time.. it was
located on the side of ocean.... Thank you take care..... hope my email reaches you

Mt.Loretto

Submitted by Laura (Waldorf) Olivo on January 19, 2013 at 10:51 PM.

Saw your post....me, my brothers: Mark and Larry and sister Karen were there from 1970 to 1973.

brother and friend from Mount Loretto

Submitted by Raymond Figueroa (Figgy) on April 9, 2012 at 10:32 AM.

Hope to hear from you soon had contact with PeeWee

mount loretto

Submitted by walter james on December 31, 2011 at 6:45 PM.

Dear Jose,
Thank you for reading my book. I apologize for not answering sooner. There's been some turmoil in my life.
I dont recall Mr. Norse, he may have left or died by the time I came. Nick, in the 6th house, got us into volleyball, that's all I remember of his interaction with us. A couple of years can make a big difference.
As for the violence and the beatings, I didn't recall it either, until I tried to do so while alone. The reason I attempted to do so, was because of a murderous rage that terrified the people around me and no doubt blocked my path in life. It didn't matter how hard I worked or how much education I acquired, I was never acceptable and I believe it was in large part because of this. Though I have never been violent, the rage alone had to be confronted. I truly believe I'm much better off for doing so.
Your assessment of Chuck McCarthy was also different than mine. So, I suppose that we all see the world through our own experiences. God bless you and keep you comfortable in this life and the next.
Sincerely,
-Walter-

Book

Submitted by M.E.W. on November 4, 2010 at 9:30 AM.

very depressing - from all the people I know from the Mount, no one can relate to your experience. The Mount was a saving grace for me and my brother and we are grateful for the benefits we received there. My brother doesn't relate at all and he was there at the same time you were. You sure have an axe to grind!!!

Hi Walter, my name is Jose. I

Submitted by Anonymous on January 1, 2011 at 1:15 AM.

Hi Walter, my name is Jose. I entered the mission in October of 1949. Can you tell me if any photos exist that may have been taken there between that date through the end of 1952. I had two sisters that were on the "Girl's Side" during that time. I'm going to see about your book "Autobiography of an American Orphan". I was just looking to see what it was like then, but it's been a long time, & things have changed a lot. It's sort of strange, because my youngest brother had had discussed with me about writing a book too, but God took him before we even got the chance for an attempt to start on it. Anyway, I just happened to see your note of November 26, 2009 at 2:59 AM & decided to send you this one. Hope you had a beautiful Christmas, & may you enjoy a very "Happy New Year" together with your family!

I was also there after one of my adoptive parents died

Submitted by mary on February 13, 2011 at 5:27 PM.

I was there in there in the early 70's.I was adopted from the angel guardian home in brooklyn. My parents gave me up when I was 1 maybe a little older. I was adoptive at the age 2.My mom was puerto-rican and my dad was jewish. Guess back in the day that was a no no. Still looking for my dad. Anyhow I ended up and the mount as well.
I was on the girls side of course. Anyone remember sister helen fox. She was a big lady, who nearly threw me out the window. I lived on the third floor in a dorm setting with many other girls. my experience was not as happy as many say here. I was assaulted by other kids, and people stole the little I had. Sister Helen was the worst. She sat on me, and I thought I would die of sufucation. She made me stand behind doors for hours. I remember saying a bad word, and she grabbed me and choked me, and hung my head out a window.The good memories I do have are those of the beautiful view of the ocean as you came out the entrance. The horse-shoe crabs on
the beach were everywhere, and at night you could look up the hill and see the monsignor's house. I use to walk the ocean's edge for miles. I don't really know what I was looking for, but I guess I wanted to be rescued somehow from all of it.
I went and lived in a foster care home in Staten Island and went to tottenville high.
I lived with a family named the "Flickers" They had a daughter named Gina I recall. A really nice jewish family who wanted to adopt me, and the state being the state said no. I mean why have a family commit to taking care of me. After that they pulled me out of their home, claiming they didn't want them or myself to get too "attached".Imagine that.All I know is growing up and being placed on all these places was horrible. I do have some good memories, not many though. I was happy to finally grow up, and not have people controlling my every move. How ironic I work for the Department of Corrections. Life is good. If anyone has any pictures of the the girls side please email me @ AzCorrections@aol.com

Thank You
Mary

mt. loretto

Submitted by carmelo on July 30, 2011 at 7:39 PM.

Hi Mary
i was in mt. loretto during that time and i also went to the same school you did and my two sisters were in your house as well Frances and Julia
if you remember me email me at worldbcq2317@verizon.net

This is the Miv Mount Loretto

Submitted by B pardo on January 22, 2012 at 12:52 AM.

This is the Miv Mount Loretto Web Site page.

miv-mountloretto.org....You will see a lot of pictures and read a lot of stories. I wasn't there that long, however, I do understand how you felt. I was there for about 3 1/2 yrs, but it somehow seemed longer. You must of been a tough cookie for sister Helen to be able to do those things to you. I was so afraid of her. I do remember her being mean to me and how hard it was for me being there as well. I was bullied by all the kids. I had no confidence in myself. I suffered from depression most of my life and now I am taking medicine to control it. I went there at the age of 9, it was 1970 was there till about 75/75, memory is fading, but I could never ever forget that home. All I remember is crying a lot for my mother and just wanting to be home. Althoug I went home early, it wasn't the home I dreamed of. It was always so crazy and disfuntional living with family reletives then moving back with my mom and the man she was living with. She always took his side. I was there with my sister and my brother. Well, I am glad you finally grew up and found yourself. It's great being an adult. Nobody can tell us what to do anymore and we can live our own lives and control what we do. I truly hope you found your happiness. Take care and God bless you.

Hi, i was in the baby group

Submitted by Anonymous on February 22, 2012 at 8:42 PM.

Hi,
i was in the baby group for five years and i have horrible memories. I remember Sister Helen and she was so like a bully, so i understand what you went through. I have no good memories of that place, sorry to all the people who say it was so great.
For me it was nightmarish, it seemed there was alot of punishment, control and forced silence going on, and i was scared almost the whole time i was there. If you didn't do exactly what they wanted it seemed every minute you were being punished and if one girl acted up they believed in punishing the whole group and they did.
I remember being forced to stand for long hours in the drafty hallway, i remember we had to bend over so they could hit us with a radiator brush, i remember them inspecting our underwear at the end of the day to see if we soiled them. I guess that was open for punishment too. I was so afraid to wear my underwear! I remember having my head shoved into the wall by a nun in the baby group for singing a jingle and then the next day being sent to the hospital with a concussion after i was dizzy and throwing up.
I have one good memory of a counselor named Miss Azella, a large women from Cuba in the junior group who used to tell us about her escape from Cuba. She was so nice to us kids. I remember Sister Georgina and her crazy stories in the junior group too.

Sister Helen

Submitted by Anonymous on May 8, 2012 at 11:02 AM.

Hi,
I totally can relate to all you mentioned here about your experiences living in The Mission, My 3 Brothers and Myself was put in this horriable home for 7 years back in 1964 till 1970 I was 8 my older bro 9 and middle bro 7 and littlest one was 4 he went to Saint Michaels till he got of age and came to the Mission, Mean while Living there has really impacted our lives far beyond our control an has effected us all till this day ,Silence, bitterness,unpleasant memories ETC..of that place and to all the NUNS some of which should have never never been a part on such holy grounds, some played a part of the devil Let me start with Sister Helen how can I describe her and all of her actions she was by far the meanist NUN and would pull me out of my bed slam me behind a door for hours of the night nail on clothes pins and stand stright up with my hands/arms behind my back and lock me outside the area and tell me the boyside boys will come and rape me while i was outside the stair well with the firescape over top she had it out for me every night she would pull me out of my bed and beat me and she was a big woman as well, I tried so hard to be fearless when it came to her, I remember one night standing with my hands and arms in back of me telling her I had to pee and I couldn't hold it any longer and I said I was going to pee on the floor she said to me if I did that I would lick it all up! I never hated a person as much as I hated her for bulling me while I was so young and couldn't defend for myself, I also remembering me always running and hiding at the lighthouse at the ocean and she knew where I would be at times and would punish me for going down to the ocean that woman has stressed me so bad and made my life misable and she would strip my bed and my locker said it wasnt neat enough and to do it all over I then beat her with a broom and they had the balls to send me to a shrink for hitting a NUN I ended up with Rehematic fever and St Vitis dance and was put in hospital and later on I was released I was 13 at the time of leaving I too have no good memories of that place, that horriable Nun Sister Helen stopped me from doing anything I would tell Sister Jaunita on her and sister roselie was very nice to me and I would run away down to the bus stop and Sister Georgina would come down there and get me I liked her she had a good heart and A kind soul, That place did NOT teach me anything except I didnt belive in being a Catholic An for what it was supposed to stand for Sister Helen ruined that for me , and the list goes on and on about that place and my experience and I cant speak for my Brothers they too had a horriable time on there side, so the morral to my story is I have no Religion Thanks to Mount Lorretto, and for all of you who said you had a good time there will Im happy for you and I hope your life is good now, and to all that had a horrified experience living there Note to SELF your a good person no matter what they tried to steal from us never give up!!Its a shame that all that bad is intertwined with the good and we have to live with it I do hope life is treating all of you kind and make the best of it, Happy Trails.....

Hello I am trying to discover

Submitted by Dawn on August 25, 2012 at 3:06 PM.

Hello I am trying to discover the things my mom went through as she was there with her little brother. She has traumatic memories from the nun cutting her hair off and beating her, this was from around 1945-1950 Her name is Christina and her little brother was Eddy...He has passed away some time ago...

Remember someone

Submitted by Racquel on April 23, 2011 at 11:58 AM.

Hi,
I am looking for an Angel Reyes, he may have been there in the 50"s did you know him?

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