Orphanages in Wisconsin - Family History & Genealogy Message Board

Re: LaCrosse, Wisconsin Orphanage

ffwelch61 — 2013-05-18 15:04:05Z

Hi JayceeBabee! I lived there from 1969 to 1974. The 3rd floor was the younger boy's and the 2nd floor was the middle aged boy's, and the first floor was the older boy's! we came from all walks of life,with one thing in common,we all had no home.It was very scary time in our lives not knowing where we would be tomorrow! Or what collage student would be watching us the next day!

birth at the orphanage

sandrabauman54 — 2013-04-13 02:17:49Z

My sister gave birth to a baby girl around 1960, my parents took her to an unwed mother's home in LaCrosse, what are the chances of finding this baby?

Re: St Joseph's Orphanage Green Bay 1910-1920

revusup — 2013-04-01 20:10:51Z

Thank you Lobezen for the information and for looking. I know he was adopted not sure of the year. My grandfather was born Joseph Letourneau adopted as Bernard Joseph Rolf (mother Mary Letourneau)sometime between 1907-1912. Thats all the info I have.
Can you direct me to where you found this information?
Feel free to email me directly revusup@yahoo.com.
Thanks Wendy J

Re: St Joseph's Orphanage Green Bay 1910-1920

revusup — 2013-04-01 20:10:51Z

Re: St Joseph's Orphanage Green Bay 1910-1920

revusup — 2013-04-01 20:03:34Z

You can contact Catholic Diosease of Green Bay in charge of the records for St Joseph orphange directly 608-266-7163 Ask for Tara. She handles records. If he was there she would be able to look and get back to you. If adoption accurred after 1906 records are sealed in Wisconsin and only persons to get that information even after death is , real parents, child adopted or children of adoptee if they have died. Good luck in your search.

Re: LaCrosse, Wisconsin Orphanage

vickik38 — 2013-03-30 21:16:47Z

i was at st mikes 1973-1976 allthe abuse Ihad at home AND hard life earlier as a young man Inow look back at st mikes on how they taught me right from wrong Imight of had a ruff start but Iwas able to stay clear of getting into trouble Ido feel for a few who could not protect themselves better,Ihave good memories and this placed saved me from abuse from home Ihave memory issues so Icannot remember names to well but I loved the dances they put on and memories at the roller rink and listoning to WLS on the radio at night,Keith keller Milwaukee.

Re: LaCrosse, Wisconsin Orphanage

vickik38 — 2013-03-30 21:02:01Z

I have just discovered this site,Iwas abused at home and came here in the 1970's from 1973 to 1976 then foster home nd back to more abuse realized years later that the kids were all problem of just from broken up or abused some didn't make it to well and others had learned to survive,Ilook back now I really miss st mikes and the love from the staff they loved their work .Ihave memory issues from abuse but my memories from st mikes will never die Ihave a hard time rembering names but your faces and the joys like the simple dances and the roller rinks that place taught me matter what happens just do yurs best as Bent would tell me or someone else my name is keith keller Milwaukee

Re: St Joseph's Orphanage Green Bay 1910-1920

lobezen — 2013-03-29 20:43:04Z

I happened upon an orphanage in Green Bay in the 1910 census. I could not find the name or address of the convent/orphanage but the first names of all the nuns and the first, last names and ages of all the children were listed there. I did not see your grandfather's name on the list, but it may be helpful for you to know that although adoption records are sealed, you may be able to locate him via census records.

Re: roy shadbolt blanchardville wi

shadbolt541 — 2013-03-28 05:38:45Z

Thank you!! I will look for her passport. I was able to find and download a copy of Roy and Mary's "application" (not sure what they officially call it in Scotland) of Marriage for November 18, 1918.
I am now trying to track down Roy's father Arthur. From what I have found so far, he appears to have had some issues with commitment . . .

Re: roy shadbolt blanchardville wi

evsldf — 2013-03-26 21:47:17Z

I can answer to their marriage date. Roy and Mary were married in Brechin, Scotland 18 November 1918. Ancestry.com has a copy of Mary's passport application which shows their marriage date. You'll find her name indexed as "Mary Allan Shadpoldt."

Re: Orphanges in Wisconsin - Dates of Operation

mary_schilke — 2013-03-22 19:31:34Z

why?

Re: roy shadbolt blanchardville wi

merandamaier — 2013-03-19 05:30:45Z

i dont have much info but i will dig up what i do have and i will post it for you.

Re: roy shadbolt blanchardville wi

shadbolt541 — 2013-03-19 05:26:52Z

Did you ever find out more about Roy Vernon Shadbolt? His DOB is 1 aug 1895 on his WWI draft card and 1 Aug 1890 on his WWII draft card. As near as I can find out, Arthur Shadbolt had 2 wives, the first Minnie, he abandoned to marry Lucy (?Roy's mother?)in 1895. I believe Roy and Mary were married in 1911 but have not confirmed that yet. If so, the 1895 birthdate is probably too young for him.
Another confusing fact is the birthdate on Roy's headstone: 1 Aug 1890; yet also on his headstone, it clearly says he fought in WWI which would have made him about 27 at the time.
Very frustrating!!! Any help is much appreciated!

Re: St. Joseph's Orphanage- Superior, WI

vivian_josephson — 2013-03-11 16:38:55Z

My husband and his 2 brothers were there in 1959. We were able to obtain some records from the Catholic Social Services,1416 Cummings Ave. P.O. Box 219, Superior,WI 54880. Their agency retains all the children's homes records there. Good Luck.

Re: 1910 School Sisters of Notre Dame, Elm Grove. Wisconsin

cartertrudi — 2013-03-07 07:20:57Z

I believe my great aunts, Audrey, and Margie Uelmen were placed in the Elm Grove orphanage after their mother, Mary Uelmen, died in childbirth. They were first sent to live with an aunt who claimed that they were too mischievousness and so the girls were sent to the orphanage. What kind of information are you looking for?

Re: St Joseph's Orphanage Green Bay 1910-1920

revusup — 2013-03-06 17:47:34Z

I too am searching but for my grandfather Bernard J Rolf at St Josephs orphanage in 1900s. Mother Mary LeTourneau, He was born in 1906 not sure when he was adopted. Adopted by Rolf family in Freedom. I am being told record are sealed in Wisconsin post 1907, except for actual adoptee and parents are only ones who can obtain information.
Try to call the adoption records in madison 608-266-7163, also try Catholic Diocesean of Green Bay 920-437-7531 ask for adoption specialist-Child welfare Specialist. Last try Guarding Angels program 920-437-7531 ext 8186. Good luck in your search.

Re: St Joseph's Orphanage

revusup — 2013-03-06 17:27:05Z

call the adoption records in madison 608-266-7163, also try Catholic Diocesean of Green Bay 920-437-7531 ask for adoption specialist-Child welfare Specialist. Last try Guarding Angels program 920-437-7531 ext 8186. Good luck in your search.

Re: Milwaukee County Orphanage

revusup — 2013-03-06 17:24:38Z

Re: birth parents names - 1911

revusup — 2013-03-06 17:17:15Z

Re: Addresses Re: St. Joseph's Orphanage- Superior, WI

revusup — 2013-03-06 17:02:29Z

Re: orphnages in wisconsin

revusup — 2013-03-06 16:58:11Z

Re: Orphanges in Wisconsin - Dates of Operation

revusup — 2013-03-06 16:53:32Z

call Madison adoption search specialist 608-266-7163, You can also try catholic diosease of Green Bay 920-437-7531. Might help if you have a town or county, maybe even repost with that info added. Good luck to you

Re: St. Joseph's Orphanage, Green Bay Wisconsin, 1955-56

revusup — 2013-03-06 16:38:55Z

Re: St. Joseph's Orphanage, Green Bay Wisconsin, 1955-56

rcwiegert — 2013-03-06 05:39:10Z

I don't have a lot of information to share.
But My Husband was at st joe's from about 1951
to 1956. He would like any information you might
share from your research.

St Joseph's Orphanage Green Bay 1910-1920

suz2uall — 2013-02-07 03:13:26Z

According to family lore my grandfather, Andrew E Forsythe, was placed in an orphanage following the death of his mother sometime between 1910 and 1918, probably leaving at age 16 (1918). According to descriptions, I believe he was at St. Joseph's in Green Bay. I'm looking for any information at all about this period at the facitity, and obviously, whether Andrew was there. I know it was run by the Sisters of Notre Dame. Any clues?

Re: St. Joseph's Orphanage- Superior, WI

tony8699 — 2013-01-22 03:15:46Z

Your Mother would have been there long before I got stuck in the joint. Funny, reading some of the earlier post...it seems that many people had a good experience there. I did not.
But I was not there too long, a couple of years and the family was pretty munch reunited a few years after that. I used to have nightmares about the place when I was a kid. It was no place for a child.

Re: St. Joseph's Orphanage- Superior, WI

mommother34 — 2013-01-21 17:34:53Z

My email address is mommother@yahoo.com

Re: St. Joseph's Orphanage- Superior, WI

mommother34 — 2013-01-21 17:21:30Z

Hello,
I do not know if I am at the right place on the internet, My mom was born nov 18 1930. One of 12 or 13 children. she would like to know the names of other people who were there Her name was Virginia Klaver
Thank you so much,
My name is Alyce Marie Jacob
dauther of Virginia Klaver /mangerson/bigalke

Re: Orphanages in Wauwatosa, WI

newgwld — 2013-01-20 23:34:50Z

When you mention local papers you are probably looking for the Wauwatosa News-Times.

Hope the link helps;

http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn86086500/

Re: LaCrosse, Wisconsin Orphanage

bobv51 — 2013-01-17 14:21:35Z

I also lived there in the early 70's maybe we were friends at the time my name is laura calkins my nick name was lolly i was placed at st michaels in 1966 and remained there until 1974.I recall many of the childrens 1st names ..and I have many memories from being there

Re: Orphanages in Wauwatosa, WI

fleamarket4u — 2013-01-15 21:36:24Z

I lived there from 1970-1975 and my name was John Perry Timmerman. I was age 7 when I arrived ang age 12 when I was adopted. I have tried to locate any of the other 30 boys that were there durring the same time period but have not been successful. I was finally adopted at age 12 by Richard and Gayle Leep, a Milwaukee manufacturing plant owner, couple, and then had my name legally changed in 1976 to John W. Leep. I am also trying to locate a news article that I wrote to the local paper that was printed around 1971. The article was directly related to my time at LCFS. I am currently working on publishing a book about my lifes history. Anyones research or any other information is greatly appreciated. God Bless!!

Re: LaCrosse, Wisconsin Orphanage

mccgram7229 — 2013-01-14 14:33:26Z

to dybgal,
I have someone who was there at the same time as yourself, I tried to send you her email, but for some reason the send thing isn't working

could you please email
immisty038 at hotmail.com

she would very much like to talk with you

ty

Re: LaCrosse, Wisconsin Orphanage

timburns1962 — 2013-01-14 11:37:14Z

I also lived at St. Micheal's home for children from 1977 - 1978 some of the people i was there with are...Joe B, John S, Sandy J, Joe W, Dave K, Deb M, Renee, Mary. I'd like to hear from anyone that was there.

Re: LaCrosse, Wisconsin Orphanage

cjohnson6676 — 2012-11-12 01:36:16Z

I lived there for 8 months 1980 and 1981. It was saint Mike's then. The only staff iremember was named "Dan ". I was there. With Tina, Tammy, Jeanie',wanda. Carol, kris davis. Im the other Chris.

Re: LaCrosse, Wisconsin Orphanage

cjohnson6676 — 2012-11-03 20:06:55Z

I lived at St, micheals home for children in lacrosse for 8 month's. In 1980&1981.I remember. A staff named Dan. I was there with Tammy, Jeanine, Kris, Wanda, Carol.

Re: Orphanages in Wauwatosa, WI

Rick_Riehl — 2012-10-29 12:17:57Z

Thanks James

I was able to meet my birth mother and two biological brothers. My mom had kept the bits of info she was allowed and that made it possible.

Guess we hung out together way back. I was at the orphanage from December of 1948 until I was adopted in July of 1950. My brother and sister were also adopted.

Re: Orphanages in Wauwatosa, WI

JamesSchneider75 — 2012-10-28 19:57:59Z

Rick,

Just happened on your message. I was there over the same time period you were. I came there in August of 1948 and was adopted in September of 1951. I stopped by there two years ago. They told me that the original building is gone. They also told me about how to contact the State of Wisconsin about adoption information and I was actually able to track down my birth mother although I was a bit too late.

Good luck with your search. It was well worth it in my case. I was able to answer a lot of questions and I'm glad I did it.

- James

St. Joe's

rssenarighi — 2012-10-23 13:53:19Z

I do not have any experience w/ St. Joe's as an orphange, but I did work there as a summer school teacher the summers of 1971 and 1972 when it was a residential facility for adjudicated youth.

Re: LaCrosse, Wisconsin Orphanage

jdixon6833 — 2012-10-21 22:20:33Z

At age of 14 I was entered into St. Michaels not as an orphan but troubled teen. This happened during 1974 thru 1976.
I witnessed an incredible amount of missuse and abuse of the system. I have a fairly good recollection of the events so if any one requires any further info feel free to contact me.

Re: Milwaukee County Home for Dependent Children

shaq_58 — 2012-10-11 23:25:27Z

at the time it would have been Deloris Neujahr

Re: Milwaukee County Home for Dependent Children

lisa_dickson34 — 2012-10-11 03:45:24Z

What is your mother's name?

Re: Milwaukee County Home for Dependent Children

shaq_58 — 2012-10-10 23:49:43Z

i am wondering how to get to the census records for 1930 for the milwaukee county home for dependent children. My mother was there from 1930-1938. I would apprcieciate any help. thank you very much

Re: Milwaukee County Home for Dependent Children

aliaamma — 2012-08-24 21:44:39Z

If anyone hears of records existing for this place, I would be most interested.

My father and his siblings were sent there in 1924. I would very much like to know the circumstances.

My email: janueb@aol.com

Re: Orphanages in Wauwatosa, WI

jmilwi — 2012-08-20 02:46:23Z

Census attachment from 1940, shows the kids at the orphanage at 8138 Harwood, Wauwatosa, WI
Name Age
George B Propp
48
Lina Propp
42
Winifred Propp
21
Lois Propp
20
Warner Atkinson
9
Elywyn Baumgart
7/12
James Bell
9
Theodore Bell
12
Dennis K Bennett
1
Lorraine Berndt
8
Roy Earl Blum
2
Allan Bohlman
9
Delores Bohlman
10
William Bohlman
10
Richard Costa
9
Kermet Craig
10
Richard Lee Dietz
8
Louise Gottfred
14
Ronald Gretz
3
Arnold Handel
10
Chales Hanlon
11
George Hanlon
14
Wayne Allen Hensch
2
Verle Hickey
17
William Hilgendorf
2
Dorothy Estell
13
Robert Earl Jacobson
12
Elmer Keske
12
Allen Kinserdahl
2
Sylvia Kohlhoff
1
Julia Jean Krieger
2
Carol Laue
12
Marion Mesenbrink
9
Donald Mueller
5
Doris Neils
9
Ronald Neils
7
Sally Olson
8
Stanley Olson
7
Arthur Quade
10
Donald Quade
9
Lois Quade
12
Leona Scheel
13
Adrian Schlecht
10
Donald Senner
10
Grace Senner
13
Jean Senner
9
Marion Senner
8
Norman Senner
10
Carol Stenger
10
Edward Stenger
9
Eugene Stenger
10
Kenneth Stenger
12
Gertrude Stillman
10
Hugo Stillman
12
Levi Stillman
3
Martin Stillman
3
William Stillman
4
Doma Mae Thress
9
Betty Jane Wagner
7
Jean Wagner
9
Alice Wyland
11
Ronald Gordon Zwieg
2
Gerald Gritz
7
June Ann Heinzelman
4/12
Thomas Malwitz
11
Donald Roedl
11
George Felder
12
Vincent Sorano
11
Linus Wendorf
9
Patrick Fagan
11
Otto Wilbert
10
James Tenke
9
Benny Wendorf
11
John Dolan
12
Leonard Reopelle
14
Francis Peckman
13
Fred Obaovatz
13
Lawrence Komatz
13
Richard Sonn
12
William Menard
13
Henry Ellenberger
13
Michael Ahrens
12
Anthony Martin
13
Robert Remington
12
John Johnson
13
Emma Winterberger
10
John Schlems
12
John Mojto
1
Nickie Cameranesi
10
Tony La Togia
11
Robert Sorsck
12
Kennet Schmit
13
Leo Bryck
12
Harold Warzewik
11
Lourene Laloggia
12
James Kwallek
11
Robert Heim
9
Arthur Brockel
11
Robert Rick
12
Donald Kieckbusch
10

Re: St. Josephs, Superior Wisconsin. circa 1919

jeschmidt_ch — 2012-08-08 11:12:31Z

http://www.bizapedia.com/wi/ST-JOSEPH-CHILDRENS-HOME-INC.htm...

Re: Milwaukee County Orphanage

G7539H1728n — 2012-08-05 05:28:31Z

From 1945-47, my siblings and I were at the Milwaukee County Home for Dependent Children.
I went home sooner than they did and they stayed a year or two later.
We had to earn our keep and where worked like dogs and mistreated.
I have a sister who is still suffering to this day because of being locked in a closet every night.
My brother was beaten with a rubber hose and I suffered at the hands of a matron that couldn't stand me.
There were four of us.

The idea of records being burned is just an excuse to me. Just like when my son asked for his records from treatment he received from Behavorial health, no one seemed to know where they were either after a big move.

I remember those tunnels and the horrid food we would be forced to eat. The only time our food was decent is when inspectors came in, then we were treated like royality by the people in charge. Mr & Mrs Brandstetter or ? Can't quite recall how to spell it right.

I found an article through Newspaper Archives.com about beatings with the hose and when the desk drawer was opened there it was and the story was out. Then was covered up due to the DA running for office and never prosecuted the responsible parties.
My brother suffered at their hands and was never the same.

We were taken from our parents due to neglect.

Miserable life. I will never forget it.

The building still stands and is a spooky place even now. My bed was in front of the upstairs window in the center.

If anyone knows anything about that place or was there, it would be good to hear from them.

Re: St. Josephs, Superior Wisconsin. circa 1919

msmacallgordon — 2012-07-30 03:25:25Z

My grandfather (Allen Dunahee) and his siblings lived in an orphanage in Superior from 1921-1924. He said it was "Belknap Children's Home" but I can't find this place. Could it have been St. Joseph's?

Re: St. Joseph Orphanage 3249 S. 18th Street, Milwaukee, WI

jimdziewik — 2012-07-18 11:09:24Z

UNFORTUNATELY THE YEAR IS NOT WRITTEN ON THE PICTURE! HOWEVER THE GENTLEMAN THAT SENT IT TO STATED THAT IT WAS TAKEN BETWEEN 1945-1947.

Re: St. Joseph Orphanage 3249 S. 18th Street, Milwaukee, WI

gracieduffy — 2012-07-18 04:16:34Z

What year was the picture taken?
Becky

Re: St. Joseph Orphanage 3249 S. 18th Street, Milwaukee, WI

jimdziewik — 2012-07-18 02:51:19Z

SISTER ELVIRA WAS "MY DAD'S NUN". HE CREDITED HER WITH RAISING HIM. ATTACHED IS A PICTURE, SISTER ELVIRIA IS THE NUN STANDING. MY DAD IS THE 2ND STANDING ON THE RIGHT IN THE BACK.