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Once known as Watertown Home for Destitute and Friendless Orphans and Children, the first permanent home built on Franklin St (near Keyes Ave) in 1864 saw its name changed to Jefferson County Orphan Asylum. Its operations would later move to State Street in 1928, its name changing two years later to what it is known as today, Children’s Home of Jefferson County. This photo is likely from sometime around its opening on Franklin Street in 1864 to 1880.
Facebook post from You haven't lived in Watertown, N.Y., if -
The old building was torn down and is currently the site of:
Saint Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church
Google map location of: 502 Franklin St, Watertown, NY 13601
Jefferson County Orphan Asylum Watertown NY Orphanage Antique History Booklet SOLD
Original Historical Ephemera, Watertown New York, Early Children's Orphanage, Jefferson County, Orphan Asylum, Antique Historical Booklet, By Gertrude Knowlton, 1912, Measures 6.25 X 8.25 Inches, W/ 25 Full Pages, Good Condition, W/ Small Edge Tear & Soiling To Cover, Clean Inside Pages, Please See Images
Administrative Office P.O. Box 6550 1704 State Street Watertown, NY 13601
Phone: (315) 788-7430 Fax: (315) 785-5637
Campus/Residential/Foster Care P.O. Box 6550 1704 State Street Watertown, NY 13601 Phone: (315) 788-7430
Children's Home on the Jefferson County Wiki
UPDATE 2/18/2022 – I believe I have found the parents of my “orphans” – James Garfield Durham, I and Elizabeth "Jane" A. Durham LaPlant. It appears the children may have been placed in the orphanage during some sort of family breakup as Elizabeth later marries a man named Carmel LaPlant and appears with George “LaPlant” (son George Durham?) in the 1880 Jefferson County US Census.
George is listed as Elizabeth’s spouse on Find a Grave, which I will have corrected when I have a little more proof and information.
I believe they also had two other children – Jane Durham and Betsey Durham, but they don’t appear to have been living with James and Elizabeth at that time.