Gusky Orphanage postcard
The Jewish Encyclopedia
of Western Pennsylvania
A project of the Rauh Jewish Archives at the Heinz History Center
The J. M. Gusky Hebrew Orphanage and Home of Western Pennsylvania was a Jewish orphanage in Allegheny, Pa. It was established in 1890 with a $30,000 initial gift, $1,000 annual commitment, and a purchase of land from Esther Gusky, one of the owners of Gusky’s Department Store in Pittsburgh, Pa.. Prior to the creation of the Gusky Orphanage, Jewish children in Western Pennsylvania who did not have adult care were either sent to Jewish orphanages in other cities or to Christian orphanages within the region. The initial plans and founding documents for the Gusky Orphanage were prepared during a meeting at Rodef Shalom Congregation. Ongoing funds, furnishings, and supplies for the maintenance of the home were donated through the years by people and businesses throughout both the Jewish and general communities. Leadership of the home included both Reform and Conservative leaders in Pittsburgh, but the Orthodox community founded alternatives institutions.[1]Feldman, “The Jewish Experience in Western Pennsylvania,” p. 131-133. [2]“The J. M. Gusky Hebrew Orphanage and Home of Western Pennsylvania,” Pittsburgh Daily Post, Feb. 12, 1891 (online-Newspapers.com).
The Gusky Orphanage was dedicated June 9, 1891. The three-story home on Perrysville Avenue had common areas, boys’ and girls’ dormitories, and staff quarters.[3]“Gusky Home Dedicated,” Pittsburgh Daily Post, June 10, 1891 (online-Newspapers.com). The complex was expanded twice to accommodate growth. The Bertha Rauh Cohen Memorial was dedicated in 1898,[4]“Rauh-Cohen Memorial,” Pittsburgh Press, Nov. 13, 1898 (online-Newspapers.com). [5]“Cohen Memorial,” Pittsburgh Press, Nov. 20, 1898 (online-Newspapers.com). and the Fannie H. Hamburger Dormitory was dedicated in 1911.[6]Fannie H. Hamburger Dormitory dedication program (online). [7]“Orphanage Annex is Dedicated,” Jewish Criterion, Nov. 24, 1911 (online).
The Gusky Orphanage was among the initial beneficiaries of the Federation of the Jewish Philanthropies of Pittsburgh in 1912. With the rise of foster care and adoption, enrollment declined at the Gusky Orphanage. The Federation proposed a merger in 1941 between the Gusky Orphanage and the Jewish Home for Babies and Children, but cultural differences between the organizations stalled the negotiations. The Gusky Orphanage closed in 1943 and some of its responsibilities were transferred to Jewish Family & Children’s Service.[8]“Gusky Home Prepares To Close,” Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph, Sept. 18, 1943 (online-Newspapers.com).
References
| ↑1 | Feldman, “The Jewish Experience in Western Pennsylvania,” p. 131-133. |
|---|---|
| ↑2 | “The J. M. Gusky Hebrew Orphanage and Home of Western Pennsylvania,” Pittsburgh Daily Post, Feb. 12, 1891 (online-Newspapers.com). |
| ↑3 | “Gusky Home Dedicated,” Pittsburgh Daily Post, June 10, 1891 (online-Newspapers.com). |
| ↑4 | “Rauh-Cohen Memorial,” Pittsburgh Press, Nov. 13, 1898 (online-Newspapers.com). |
| ↑5 | “Cohen Memorial,” Pittsburgh Press, Nov. 20, 1898 (online-Newspapers.com). |
| ↑6 | Fannie H. Hamburger Dormitory dedication program (online). |
| ↑7 | “Orphanage Annex is Dedicated,” Jewish Criterion, Nov. 24, 1911 (online). |
| ↑8 | “Gusky Home Prepares To Close,” Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph, Sept. 18, 1943 (online-Newspapers.com). |
