Newark Orphan Asylum, 1852 - 1947

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.

In 1960, the Home for Foster Care merged with the Children's Aid Society and became Newark Child Service Association.

In 1970, the Child Service Association merged with the Citizens Committee for Children and became Advocates for Children of New Jersey which still exists today.