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The long history of St. Joseph’s Center, dating from
its founding as St. Joseph’s Society in 1888, saw many
location changes, name changes, and clientele changes. For many,
May 1900 was the major step as the main part of the present
building at 2010 Adams Avenue, Scranton, the site donated by
Mr. John B. Smith, was completed. By October 1909 the two wings
were constructed and by 1920 the name changed to St. Joseph’s
Children’s and Maternity Hospital. (60)
From the time of Mother Mary Francis in 1889 to the present,
St. Joseph’s has provided loving care for infants, unwed
mothers, orphans, and neurologically impaired children and young
adults. In Mother Kathleen’s time, fifty-five years after
the initial construction of St. Joseph’s, major renovation
was the order of the day. Beginning in 1956, aided by a grant
of $106,800 from the Ford Foundation, $231,000 in bequests and
gifts from donors, and a loan of $140,000 from the Scranton
Diocese, a three-year project of repairs and renovations was
carried out. The kitchen, the laundry, and areas occupied by
the children were completed in 1959. (61)
Administrators of this facility since the 1950s have included
Sisters Christine Clark, Naomi McCloskey, Maria Dolora Legnard,
Marian Denise Walsh, Vincentia Dorsey, and Therese O’Rourke.
Numerous IHMs have served on the staff over the years as full-time
or summer-time assistants. In 2004, the IHM staff members include
Sisters Mary Kay Faliskie, St. Francis Lyons, Ann Walsh, Kathleen
M. Kelly, and Jean Toolan.
Additional property and buildings would be added over the years
to the original St. Joseph’s Children’s and Maternity
Hospital, but the dedication of the sisters to the care of the
children and young adults remains its hallmark.
References:
60. Annals of St. Joseph’s Maternity and Children’s
Hospital, 1888-1920.
61. Annals of St. Joseph’s Maternity and Children’s
Hospital, 1956-1959
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