St. Stanislaus Institute facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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St. Stanislaus Institute
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The main dormitory building.
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | 141 Old Newport St., Newport Township, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 4.1 acres (1.7 ha) |
| Built | 1918 |
| Architect | Prawdzik, Alexander, I.; et al. |
| Architectural style | Mission/Spanish Revival, Modern Movement |
| NRHP reference No. | 08001267 |
| Added to NRHP | December 30, 2008 |
St. Stanislaus Institute, also known as St. Stanislaus Orphanage, was a historic Catholic home for children in Newport Township, Pennsylvania. For many years, it provided a safe place for Polish children who needed care. Today, the buildings are recognized as an important part of American history.
The site is located in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, and was part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Scranton.
Contents
History of the Institute
A Home for Children
The St. Stanislaus Institute was built to be an orphanage, which is a home for children whose parents are unable to care for them. Construction began around 1918. The main goal was to provide a home and education for children from Polish families in the area.
For over 50 years, the institute was a busy place filled with children. It had everything they needed, including places to sleep, learn, and pray. The facility officially closed in 1972.
Becoming a Historic Place
Because of its important history and unique buildings, the St. Stanislaus Institute was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2008. This is a special list of places that the United States government considers important to preserve for the future.
The Buildings and Architecture
The institute is not just one building, but a group of buildings constructed between 1918 and 1939. Some of the buildings are connected to each other.
Building Design
The main dormitory, where the boys lived, was designed in a style called Spanish Revival. This style was inspired by buildings from early Spanish colonies and often features stucco walls and clay tile roofs. This makes it look different from many other buildings in Pennsylvania.
What's on the Property?
The property includes several key buildings:
- Boys Dormitory: The main building where the children slept, built in 1918.
- Holy Child Chapel: A small church where residents could attend services, built in 1939.
- Laundry/Boiler Building: A practical building used for washing clothes and heating the entire complex.
- Rectory and Garage: A house where the priests or administrators lived, along with a garage.
