In 1880, the newly constructed Canal Street (later called Meigs Avenue) orphanage had a capacity of 45 children and held 24, from ages 3 to 12. Children over 12 routinely lived as servants in the homes of area families. With no vetting system in place, young people often faced brutality and exploitation in these "adoptive" homes. | Date: 1880 | Source: Family Search 1880 US Census Sheet 177BDownload Original File
