What to do with orphaned or runaway children was a major question in New York City (and most urban areas) throughout the nineteenth century.  In many cases they were housed in orphanages while infants and toddlers in the city and then sent out west to foster homes on what would be known as “Orphan Trains” (something I should do a post on at some point).  This had mixed success with some children finding happy lives with families that treated them as one of their own while others were regarded as servants or even abused.  

Another concern this system created among religious groups was that children would be raised in a faith other than the one they were born to, especially among non-Protestant religions.  A Catholic priest, Father John Christopher Drumgoole, took special interest in providing needy children with both safe living conditions and providing access to the Catholic faith.  Recognized for his charity work and programs to help children in 1871 he was put in charge of St. Vincent De Paul Society’s Newsboys Lodging House.  This provided shelter, schooling, and religious services for boys surviving on their own as newsboys.  Drumgoole would also establish the St. Joseph’s Union to raise funds and work to build a larger building to house newsboys.  This larger building began construction in 1879 and opened its doors to working children by 1881.

Article and photographs of Mount Loretto, commemorating the orphanage’s 100th year.  Mount Loretto was established one Staten Island by Father Drumgoole as a home for young orphans.  It was created as part of his wish to expand from providing housing and education for older children, typically boys working as newsboys or boot blacks.

On a clear and warm first day of Autumn, Joseph Padalino cut the ribbon to new accessible

trails at Mount Loretto Unique Area. Flanked by the politicians and officials who made it all possible, Padalino let out a whoop of delight.  

“I think it’s a very good park for people with disabilities like me,” observed Padalino, who uses a wheelchair. “It’s a very tranquil place to meditate. People feel at peace in that park.”

Padalino attended with a contingent of participants and staff from Lifestyles for the Disabled, one of a number of organizations represented, including Protectors of Pine Oak Woods and the Independent Living Center.

“When we build a trail to be accessible, it’s for everyone,” Carole Fraser, Universal Access Coordinator for the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), told Padalino. “It isn’t only for people with disabilities, it’s for people with small children in strollers. It’s for older adults and everyone to come and enjoy these spaces together.  Everyone can come and be more accepting of each other.”

Steve Zahn, Regional Director for the DEC, thanked State Assemblymen Ron Castarina, Jr. and Michael Cusick; Ed Burke, Staten Island Deputy Borough President; and NYC Parks officials for their efforts to improve the Pleasant Plains park.

Ed Burke, Deputy Borough President. Photo: Meredith Arout for Life-Wire News Service.

The festivities took place on a long, wide gravel path flanked by mowed grass and goldenrod.  The program was followed by a walk down the path to a deck on a bucolic pond where everyone can enjoy the ducks and, when there is more water, some fishing.

“Did you know that Staten Island has 12,000 acres of parks and natural areas,” Burke told reporter Anthony Pabon. “That’s a third of Staten Island.  So we’ve done a great job of protecting parkland and natural areas like this.”

In addition to the trail at Mount Loretto, improvements in access at New York State parks in the area also include amenities at Butler Manor Woods, North Mt Loretto State Forest and Lemon Creek.

Rachel Chernock, Lifestyles for the Disabled. Photo: Joseph Padalino for Life-Wire News Service.

”We have everything here, deer, raccoon, woodchuck, skunk,” Ray Matarazzo of the Protectors of the Pine Oak Woods told reporter Rachel Chernock. “The big thrill of the day was the bald eagle.  They’re always soaring overhead.”

Mount Loretto Unique Area is at 6450 Hylan Blvd. on Staten Island.  Call 718.482.4942 for information.

Rachel Chernock, Anthony DiCostanzo, Anthony DiFato, Kareem Ellison, Steven Filoramo, Anthony Kefalinos, Andrew Moszenberg, Anthony Pabon, Joseph Padalino, Dolores Palermo, and Gregory Perosi with Kathryn Carse and Edward Gregory.

Photo: Meredith Arout for Life-Wire News Service.

Steve Zahn, Regional Director for the NYS DEC. Photo: Meredith Arout for Life-Wire News Service.

Steve Zahn, Regional Director for the NYS DEC. Photo: Meredith Arout for Life-Wire News Service.

Photo: Meredith Arout for Life-Wire News Service.

Joseph Padalino (center) at the ribbon cutting. Photo: Michael Cilmi for Life-Wire News Service.

Ron Castarina, Jr., NYS Assembly. Photo: Meredith Arout for Life-Wire News Service.

Michael Cusick, NYS Assemblyman. Photo: Meredith Arout for Life-Wire News Service.

Photo: Meredith Arout for Life-Wire News Service.

Photo: Anthony DiCostanzo for Life-Wire News Service.

Photo: Anthony DiCostanzo for Life-Wire News Service.

Anthony Kefalinos, Lifestyles for the Disabled. Photo: Anthony DiCostanzo for Life-Wire News Service.

Chuck Perry, Protectors of the Pine Oaks Woods. Photo: Joseph Padalino for Life-Wire News Service.

Goldenrod. Photo: Andrew Moszenberg for Life-Wire News Service.

Photo: Anthony Pabon for Life-Wire News Service.

Photo: Kareem Ellison for Life-Wire News Service.

Read “A facelift for state lands: More accessible trails, walkways, parking” at SILive.com.

Watch “Department of Environmental Conservation Improves Access to Parks on Staten Island” on NY1.com.

Read “Work Completed to Make Staten Island Parks More Accessible to Disabled” at DNAInfo.com.