Lost souls rest here. At Saint Vincent’s Orphan Asylum Burial Ground. This quiet corner of Philadelphia holds a poignant history. It whispers tales of children. Children whose lives were marked by hardship. By loss.
Saint Vincent’s Orphan Asylum. A place of refuge. A place of sorrow. This burial ground is a solemn reminder. A reminder of the many children who found their final resting place here. Established in 1855 the asylum served Philadelphia’s German Catholic population. Initially on two 49-acre farms near the Delaware River. The land bordered the river railroad Cottman Street and Princeton Avenue. The orphanage opened its doors in 1858. Eleven children were the first residents. Their ages ranged from three to nine years old. Five were girls six were boys.
Disease plagued the early years. The orphanage’s proximity to the river caused flooding. Unsanitary conditions led to outbreaks of infectious diseases. Scarlet fever typhoid fever. These diseases tragically affected many children. Improvements in sanitation came slowly. A bathtub arrived in 1868. New bath and toilet systems were installed much later in 1885.
Saint Vincent’s wasn’t just an orphanage. It also served as Tacony’s only Catholic church. Its chapel was a focal point. Initially in the south wing of the building. A new chapel and dormitories were added in 1861. The school at Saint Vincent’s opened in the same year as the orphanage. One teacher initially taught all grades. Over time the school expanded. By 1893 over 300 children lived at the orphanage.
The asylum continued to evolve. A boy’s dormitory was built in 1901. Washing machines were also installed. Improvements continued into the 1920s. Electricity arrived. Showers were added. The focus shifted over time. From orphans to children facing neglect or abuse. By the late 20th century the children ranged in age from two to twelve years old. They stayed for periods ranging from one month to one year. In 1984 a fire destroyed the main building. The orphanage eventually closed. The building was demolished in 2021. Yet its legacy lives on. In this peaceful cemetery. Where the children of Saint Vincent’s find their eternal rest. Remember them. Their stories are part of Philadelphia’s history. A history of hope hardship and resilience.