1876 Philadelphia Orphan Home Band Civil War George Meade Centennial Photograph For Sale

This is a large original photograph of the orphanage known as The Educational Home for Boys ages 3-12. Not a reprint. Image is of a small group of boys formed into a band and ranks of others following behind. They could very well been practicing to march in parade at the Centennial Exhibition that was taking place in the City of Philadelphia that year. It is named, dated and located on the back in pencil from that era. Much of the writing I cannot make out but am able to see 49th and Greenway. This is an intersection that still exists and is the location of the Woodland SEPTA transit maintenance facility with nothing resembling what the image shows. S 49th and Greenway Ave. From newspaper accounts: 5 acres of land was purchased at a discount for $15,000. $10,000 of which came from Isaiah V Williamson. 1871 building contract was for 45,530, furnishings 3,000 and outside fencing and paving 1,470. Total $50,000. Groundbreaking was June 8,1871 with Major General George Meade presiding. Meade became involved as the majority of these boys were Union Soldier orphans who were cared for until they reached 12 years of age at which time they moved on to the Lincoln Institute. The silver shovel used by General Meade was kept as a prized artifact of the groundbreaking ceremony. The building of 5 floors was completed in 1872 with gray stone from the Leiperville quarry. Yarnall & Copper architects.
A rare image of forgotten post Civil War Philadelphia history and possibly the centennial celebration that probably should be displayed at a historical society or organization. 16x13 inches for actual photograph. 24x16 inches for the entire presentation

In February, 1856, Miss Mary McHenry, sister of railroad tycoon James McHenry, began a charity called the Church Home for Children, an organization that was created to house and educate orphans,or “friendless children.” She ran the charity out of her home at 1902 Chestnut Street. Then the Civil War began, and, well, orphan production soared. McHenry saw the need and chartering the Lincoln Institute on May 9th, 1866, exactly a year after the end of the war.

The Educational Home (ages 3-12) and Lincoln Institute (ages 12-21) captured the attention of General George Meade who began to help raise the funds necessary for the housing and education of soldier-orphaned boys. Once they reached the age of 12 the boys would be set up with apprenticeships outside the school and eventually be discharged once they were able to support themselves.

In 1871, (this image) a separate home under Lincoln Institute administration was set up on a large plot at 49th and Greenway streets for the younger veteran-orphans aged 3-12 who would then transfer to the Lincoln Institute when they came of age. They called it the Educational Home for Boys. The Lincoln Institute was considered the fashionable charity of choice by wealthy women philanthropists of the period. Despite having George Meade as president for the first few years, the organization was almost entirely run by women.

By the end of the 1870s, there were few Civil War orphans left young enough to qualify for the Institute. In 1881, the school transferred its remaining residents to the 49th and Greenway campus.