Newark Orphan Asylum Record Books

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: MG NWK Orphan-(Main)

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The collection contains ledger volumes and notebooks with census lists of children aided by the Asylum and other statistical information, and a small amount of correspondence. The contents of the collection are organized by:

Box 1: Census Volumes 1868-1929
Box 2: Ledger 1885-1905
Box 3: Notebooks and Correspondence 1912-1919

Dates

1868 - 1929

Conditions Governing Use

Photocopying of materials is limited and no materials may be photocopied without permission from library staff. Researchers wishing to publish, reproduce, or reprint materials from this collection must obtain permission.

Biographical / Historical

The Newark Orphan Asylum, founded in Newark in 1847 by a group of Protestant women, was granted its charter in 1848. Elizabeth Stryker Ricord was among the Asylum's founders and was Directress of the Board of Managers until her death in 1865. In 1857 a building, replete with gas lights, steam heat, hot and cold running water, and a fire extinguishing system was erected at 323 High Street; a south wing was added to the building in 1874. The Asylum could house 110 children. Most were between the ages of 2 and 10 when they entered, and they generally were released by the age of 12. The asylum also maintained a country home in Westfield, NJ where children lived and learned farming during the summer.

In the 1900 census, 84 orphans between the ages of 4 and 11 were living at the Asylum; they were supervised and cared for by Matron Susan Van Vleck, two caretakers, and a staff of seven who included a "kindergartener," seamstress, nurse, cook, waitress, laundress, and janitor. By 1912, Mrs. F. S. Douglas was Directress of the Board of Managers; Mrs. N.A. Merritt was Secretary and Chair of the Admissions Committee; and Mrs. C. A. Woodhull was Treasurer.

In 1948 the Newark Orphan Asylum and the Protestant Foster Home merged to become the Newark Home for Foster Care

Extent

2.63 Linear Feet (3 Oversized Boxes) : Drop Front Flap Box ; 15.5" x 11" x 3" and 12.5" x 9.5" x 3"

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Related Materials

Association of Children Documents and Newark Orphan Asylum annual reports available in: Newark Quasi Documents

See also the Association for Children of New Jersey Records (MG 1087) at the New Jersey Historical Society

Listings of "inmates" and staff at all orphans' homes in Newark in 1900 are available: HERE