Article taken from the book :

Historical and Descriptive Review of Dunkirk NY Chautauqua County 1889

St Mary's Orphan Asylum And School

The Sisters of St Joseph, a benevolent order of the Catholic faith, founded in France more than 200 years ago, established the St. Mary's Orphan Asylum of this place in 1857, and on January 11, succeeding, secured charter of incorporation. Two years later the present Mother Superior, Sister Anastasia (Donovan), was given the superintendence. In 1864 a commodious  private residence was purchased for the orphan family, and a two-story structure for dormitories, kitchen and lavatory erected in the rear. Those buildings were for some years sufficiently large, but in 1878 the present handsome brick structure, three stories and mansford roof, on Buffalo Street, was completed and occupied. This is of elegant architectural design, a model of convenience and utility from basement to garret, fitted with everything necessary for comfort and health, and would on pressure accommodate 100 persons. This structure, with its furniture, grounds and surroundings, is worth about $30,000., and is largely indebted for its existence to the generous bequest of H.J.Miner, a former resident of Dunkirk, although the patient zeal and economy of the sisters and liberal donations from others has made it possible to add many excellent improvements to the building and grounds. Recently an adjoining lot has been purchased, thereby insuring abundance of room on all sides and giving an air of freedom to the surroundings.  There are 14 sisters connected with the institution. Five are engaged in teaching the parochial school of St Mary's church in Columbus Hall, three  in St.George's Hall and one in charge of the educational department in the asylum, which receives aid from the County Supervisors and the City Board of Education. There are over 40 children now connected with the asylum, and in all about 330 have enjoyed the home-like influences, the religious and moral training of this worthy institution. The orphan children, who might otherwise struggle into vagabondism, are here educated and taught useful occupations. Some find homes in good families and others engage in the consecrated life of sisters and teachers. The institution is largely supported from private donations and the economical savings of the sisters, although by an Act of Legislature, mainly secured through the untiring energy of W.P. Letchworth, of Buffalo, an allowance of one dollar per week is made by the County Supervisors for each orphan committed to the asylum. The St Mary's Orphan Asylum is a very worthy charitable institution, reflecting much credit upon it's management and the city which fosters a home for the homeless. May its good work continue to be a blessing to our city and county.

This building still stands today on Bennett State Rd (Rt.60) and is no longer used as an Orphan Asylum. If you or anyone you know wishes to contribute to this article, please email me herePlease put the word Asylum in subject line.

From a reader- Thank you!-Hello there. I have been doing as much research as the universe will allow me to do. The picture you have on the obits website is sort of list correctly…the picture is of St. Mary’s Assylum for orphaned girls. And the school they talk about – St. Mary’s Academy…now St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton, on Washington in Dunkirk . St. Joseph ’s Farm and School was for Orphaned boys and is what is now the current JCC North Campus. The St. Mary’s Cemetery is right across the street from the old boys school. My father, two of his uncles and his grandmother were all at St. Joe’s, in the 1930s and His aunt was at St. Mary’s. My great aunt is still alive and tells me of this time. The nuns were very nice, she liked them a lot. And My great grandmother worked in the laundry and all the nuns at both St Mary’s and St. Joes loved her dearly. My Dad’s best friend is still alive and tells me of when they were teen agers, he would go to the orphanage to pick up my father and go out and cause trouble together. Katherine Storey Media Production and Promotions Specialist Department of Education Seneca Nation of Indians 12861 Route 438 Irving, NY 14081 (716) 532-3341 ext. 5147

A cousin of mine who had spent time there, also remembers it being called St Joseph's .