It is my experience, if you want to know about the history of something, it will be revealed.When Matthew was just a small tot, Jim and I would take him for walks on the grounds of St. Joseph's Church. It is located just outside of the residential town border of Clayton, Delaware. One enters the grounds through a stone arch that reads St. Joseph's Industrial School, and a scripture "What good doth it do a man to gain the whole world and yet lose his soul. Matthew 16:26" The church was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.I had always wondered if any of the boys that went to school here lived in the area. I also thought, it was such a beautiful peaceful place. Somehow the idea of writing an article in our local newspaper entered my mind. It was an impression to gather and educate our community about the idle property and find any remaining students to recant their experience.
An old decommissioned small chapel and old bell-less tower still stands surrounded by other buildings. Also marked are the stations of the cross around the 10-acre lot. One day we were walking, and a couple approached us and told us they got married in the chapel, but needed witnesses to sign the license. As we entered the chapel, you could see three sides of building covered in 53 stained-glass windows with the names of students, staff, and faculty. Originally, the building was lit with gas-lighting by the Josephites that lived there. Beginning in 1896, the chapel was the center of activity at the St. Joseph’s Industrial School, an institution which served African American boys, providing them vocational skills, academics, and spiritual guidance. In 1920, St. Joseph’s Church became the parish church for the Catholic population in the Smyrna-Clayton area. Both the members of the school and the residents of the parish shared the chapel until 1968 when St. Polycarp was built in Smyrna. While the church was used by several small congregations after the industrial school closed down in 1972, it and the rest of the 10 acre property sat mostly idle. It wasn’t until 1997 that a group was formed to acquire ownership of the property, preserve its historical and cultural heritage, and restore it for use by all members of the local community.
10 years later: Another prompting, and I took a look at our local newspaper, the Smyrna/Clayton Sun Times, only to find an article written about the school and on-line comments to find a remark: "I am a graduate of St. Joseph's School for Colored Boys and am certainly grateful to the school for changing my life." I was thrilled and instantly emailed the man with my thoughts and curiosities of the school. He was so happy to be connected to someone from the area. I sent him recent pictures of the grounds. He has been through a rough patch of life, but felt strongly prompted to remember the life in Clayton. We are Facebook buddies and keep in touch a few times a year. Amazing, how God creates miracles by working through those who are willing to listen to his promptings!
55 comments:
i am that student that barbara speaks of and we are no longer friends...we have become family.
i am that student barbara spoke of...we are no longer friends...we have become family.
My parents were married here in 1955. Have outside pics but would love to get inside. Any ideas? Pamcompton@verizon.net
The school is being reopened next fall as First State Military Academy, a tuition free Charter School, once again meant to ensure our students are all served well, and given the skills they need to succeed. They will be hosting lots of Open Houses, including Oct. 4th, you maybe able to see it then. It seems that the property is going full circle.
My name is Byron and I attended St Joe 66-69
St Joe saved my life and I am forever grateful!
Made me the man I am today! God is Good...
I(Thom Aikens) attended St Joseph from 1954 to 1958. I should have attended for three years, but I slack off for a year. So I repeated eighth grade. When I started there it was run by civilians. They were replaced by brothers in l955. I remember Brother Charles, Brother Kent, Brother John, Brother Lawrence and Mr. Simmons the care-taker and there were other peoples which I don't remember their names. I also remember Father Patrick a very good person. If you attend St Joe during this period please contact me at thomaikn@gmail.com
I ATTENDED ST JOSEPH ACADEMY IN THE EARLY 60'S WE HAD IT GOOD..THE STORIES I CAN TELL ABOUT THAT PLACE.
BROTHER CHARLES RAN THE LAUNDRY.I REMEMBERED KENT.
My name is Nathaniel Lomax, and I attended St. Joseph's in the early 60's. (65-67) I do remember Brother Charles, Brother Eugene, Brother Michael, Brother Robert, Brother Damian. Brother Dominic was in charge of the laundry room and I worked in the laundry room for about two weeks. Brother Michael (Henry Rouson) has since passed away. Brother James ran the farm, and was a very humbled man. Father Griffin was the Principle. I have a very good memory about St. Joseph. Some very good and some that have scarred me low these many years. From the wonderful times on the farm and friends to the excessive beatings, having to go into town only if there were at least two of us. I remember a KKK meeting being held in Clayton the school being warned of possible invasion and the Brothers not being able to get protection for the school, so the night of the meeting, we.had to close the gates and we boys were along the front of the property with 22 guns for our protection. Only one doctor in the town would even see us. For many of the boys in the school, it was their last chance before prison, so yes, there were many who were saved and given structure.
My name is John Templeton. I attended St Joseph from 1965-1966 for my senior year in eight grade.I remember it differently and fondly.I was assigned to the horse barn where there were many horses.My favorites were Mott and Goody they were retired 25 year old New York City police horses.they were giants as gentle as could be.I learned to ride and care for animals.there was the pink building with pool tables.we shot bb guns on second floor and real guns in basement.Seniors were allowed to bring single shot 22 caliber rifles.They allowed a group of us to go hunting once.Brother Corneilus gave everybody five shells.He allowed us to go without adult supervision.His only warning was not to shoot each other.Today that would be illegal.Imagine ten kids with real guns talking and laughing.the only thing that died that day was a poor snake that was unlucky enough to cross the road in front us.i became an avid shooter but i have never shot another living creature.
i remember no excessive beatings. There was discipline yes.I learned the love of books and the power of knowledge.i learned manners and respect for myself and others.to this day these lessons have served me well.I do remember father Griffin.I ran into him later as an adult.i left there and went to Mackin high school in Washington dc.From there I attended Howard University. I do not remember any run in with the KKK.I never had to stand a post with a loaded gun.i found no fault with the staff except Brother Timothy who had one bad eye.You never could tell if he was looking at you or not.
I visited there thirty years later .the main building was still there.the church was closed and in need of repair. the rec building was gone as were the stables.I drove down to the pond and across the wooden bridge.For me i choose to remember the good times and carry them with me.Any bad i left behind to carry that just makes one bitter.
I am happy that the school is reopened and wish the students good luck
p.s. maybe it is time for another visit.i can not wait another thirty years!!!
Hello Mr. Templeton, I hope you have visited or are able to visit the school again. It is giving kids a fighting chance again. My daughter attends and is so much better for the experience. Thank you for sharing your memories.
Thank you for writing this Barbara and thank you to all of you that have shared your memories of the school. It is an amazing place.
I REMEMBER YOU JOHN TEMPLETON....MY NAME IS FRANCIS BAILEY,THERE WAS ONLY TWO OF US FROM CHARLESTON,SOUTH CAROLINA, I WOULS LOVE TO COMMUNICATE WITH YOU....fcbailey @yahoo.com .
Men who have commented:
PLEASE return and see the school as it stands today. I think ath you would be please to see the caliber of young people that attend the First State Military Academy and the young men and women would be pleased to take you on a tour and hear your stories. I am sure that the staff would enjoy them as well. Your stories of how this place saved your life is truly inspiring!!
My name is William C. Horton, I followed My older brother Michael Worsley to ST. Joseph's industrial for boys. he attended from 1954 to 1958 and I attended from 1959 to 1964. I loved that school so much and it has mad a definite impact on my whole life. the summer before I started school I attended summer camp there. there was Bro. Thomas, Bro. Eugene there were two Bro. Charles, Bro. Henry, Bro. Lawrence, Bro. Wilford, Bro. Joseph, Bro. Leo, Bro. George and Mr. Luke ran the farm. I was fortunate to get to work the farm after school and on Saturdays. the school saved my in a way because before I went there I was destined for serious trouble. I quit high school and ended in the marine corps and in Viet Nam but that don't count. the school was so good for us. they Whipped our butts when we did wrong but that's what kept us strait. I could go on and on about my adventures there you that been there know it was one of the best things that happened to a lot of us. last of all I want to throw my contact information out there, feel free to contact by phone 562-715-3899 or facebook; William c Horton email gtown1948@att.net contact me at any time my last visit was 2013 no one was there in there
I forgot to Add three more people of God that helped me stay on the right path.
at St. Joseph's, Brother James who ran the Infirmary and Principals Farther Vale and Father Galudette.
I am Melody Morgan. I attend First State Military Academy. I love it here! This school has done so much for me based off of the things it was founded on by Reverend John A. de Ruyter. The fact that we need to work hard and strive for good. I cannot even begin to explain what an amazing school this is. God surely put it on the Reverend's heart that he should plant this school especially for the kids who need help. The Reverend may not have known the legacy he would leave behind, but it sure is a big one! God is so good!
My Father and Twin Brother attended the school back in the early or mid Forties
There was also a 3rd Brother that might have died there before my Grandmother was able to make it there. The last name was Winfield, Carl & Earl. Both are in Heaven
How would someone go about finding the records from the school? My uncle went there for a few years.
My name is Manny! I attended Providence Creek Academy from 2003 to 2011. Came into PCA fresh out of kindergarten and was the second graduating class out of the new building. My brother Aaron attended the school as well (2 years older than me)
I remember when We broke ground for the new building way in the back where there used to be just open field. Before the new building, The church was actually our band room at the time, and Drexel Hall (if I’m not mistaken) was our library and computer lab, can’t remember what else was in there.
These are all very enlightening stories! Glad to see that this school has created tight bonds since the very beginning.
I only attended St. Joseph's summer camp around 1959 or '60. I have many fond memories of my short 2 weeks there. My home parish was St Joseph in Richmond, VA and the "Church" paid my $31 fee for my two-week camp stay. I do remember a couple of unpleasant situations that took place between a couple of the Josephite Brothers who "disciplined" a couple of the camp attendees. The attendees were well known by the Brothers, since they attended the School, as well. It was obvious that these guys were trouble makers, so the Brothers had obviously had to "discipline" them before. I recall, though, "the punishment didn't fit the crime".
I will say that I have life-long, positive memories of my summer camp stay at St. Joseph's. Oh! I recognize some of the Brothers' names in some of the previous comments. Thanks to you all, for the memories of St Joseph's!
i too attended summer camp the summer of 1959 along with my brother Michael and cousin Albert Worsley.
My brother had just graduated from the school prior to us going to summer camp and i started the school the following September.
It maybe my brother who you are talking about that was being disciplined by Brother Wilford at the dinning facility in front of everybody and he deserved every bit of it.
what he received in my eyes was exceptable considering this was a catholic school and you know they don't play besides that he would have gotten a lot worse from our parents who don't play either.
We and a good time and a lot of fun.
i attended the school the following for 4 consecutive years and was the best thing that ever happend to me other than my 29 years in the United States Marine Corps,
William C. Horton
Correction on my previous post/comment i served 20 years in the Marine Corps.
William C Horton
Hello. I am doing family history research, and my daughter's uncle went to this school in 1936. Does anyone know who, or where I can contact to see if there are any records left from that time period?
My name is Anthony Shuler I too attended st. Joe's during the late sixties. Me and Jerry Fields got admitted to holy cross in Dover through st. Joes
Anthony Shuler how are you doing this Cornell Cheeks if you don't know Gerald Fields pass away years ago please feel free to call me at 202-365-1907 i will feel you on the latest some of us just meat up ate school.N.Lomax i remember you too i would like to here from you to
I was looking up some information on St. Joseph's Industrial School and I came across this wonderful blog post. I'm actually thinking of writing a book about the school and the property, and I would love to do some interviews with those who attended, to get a more human feel for what the school was actually like, when it was still operating. It sounds like it was a colorful place, from the comments above. I loved hearing about the horses. If you would be amenable to doing an interview, please contact me directly at delawareparanormal@gmail.com
I also was at the school the year of 55 to 58 ,and I stayed at st.Dominick Dorm from Philadelphia.
My name is Leon Hatton. I was fortunate to attend St. Joseph's 1959-1960 (7th grade) and 1960-1961(8th grade). I remember William Horton and his brother Micheal. The discipline and routines that I learned at St. Joe's have remained with me. In 2007, I visited the campus with my friend Reginald Robinson, whom I met years later, and we discovered something in common in our experience at St. Joe's. I worked the farm and my chickens provided the school with fresh eggs. Brother Lawrence and Brother Eugene were in charge of the dorms. I also recall that my first year there, we moved from the old wood frame buildings into the new brick building. Brother George oversaw and trained me about caring for the chickens. Brother Dudley and Brother James were instructors. I consider my experience at St. Joseph's pivotal for an 11 to 13-year-old boy who was growing up on the streets of Washington, DC.
My name is Ron Perry and I attended St Joe from 1966 till 1969 I’m on fb. Living in Va Beach now but grew up in SE DC. I think the school definitely help redirect my life. On IG as rptsf55
My name is Patrick Lynch, I attended St Josephs 58-60 and as I look back now I wondered how I would have turned out. We had one of the best track teams in the area our baseball team when we could find someone to play us, no team wanted to say they lost colored school in Clayton. I stopped by the Josephine Monistary and found Bro Douglas and spent with him remembering the good old days
Correction it should read Josephite Monistary and not Josephine Monistary.
I also enjoyed our Good Friday program when we went to D.C. to perform, I played Pontius Pilate. Great Memories
Hi my brother and I attended St. Joseph. My brother was a popular student, Armamd Deschamps, my name Charles Deschamps ( alias, Armand brother). He was good in sports. He helped the school win CYO tornamets. We are from Dominican Republic dependents. The only hispanics, and there was one white students. The remaining students were Afro-American from all over the country. We attended from 1967 till 1970.
Father Numan, Brothers Joseph, Brother Earl, Brother Dominick, to name the few who I atribute a rewarding life, due to thier commitment in helping me understand how having a moral compass can guide you through many rough times. It would be nice if a documentry would be made durring this time. The school went through its racial troubles at the time. But came out allowing local schools play in its gym. i have some pictures. is there a way i can upload?
To Charles Deschamps, your brother wasn’t the only Hispanics there.
In my time there I had the pleasure of associating with Hector and Wilfredo Falu, Gargilio Davis, Louis Verdicias and Jessie Velez.
Hey Charles I remember you and your brother. I thought y’all were from NY but me and my brother were there around the same time. My name is Ron Perry and my brother was Gary Perry. He left early but I stayed. I played basketball with your brother. After brother Paul left Frank Chandler from Smyrna coached us.
My name is Terry Brunzello, a.k.a. pup from 1966 to 69 and I remember most of you guys with very fond memories that have lasted me a lifetime and prepared me for my military service and the world afterwards and I keep in touch with Brother, Robert Leary, brother Louis, I did see Michael a number of years back when I was visiting and I would like to try and catch up with brother Charles at the retirement home but my main man William stevenson A.k.a. saddle I talk with on regular basis with Who forwarded me this article.
Hello, I am a former student at First State Military Academy in which the grounds was on St. Joseph’s Industrial School. I’m interested in the paranormal research and have always wondered if the place has any history of paranormal phenomena or occurrences. I have had former students state some strange activities occur within the campus. Please reach out to me when you get the chance.
-Christian Cosgrove
Hello, my name is Herman Smith. I attended Saint Joe's for two yeas at the time the maximum grade was 8th grade. Brother Tomas was at the head of administration. I played on the football and basketball team. We had horses to rid we went camping and we had to care for the farm animals. We also had talent shows for our family and friends. Great experience hermanator94@yahoo.com.
What's up brother Cheeks this Clarence Harvison how you doing I was there 65-67
Brunzello here Buddy 215-203-4136 gtoboypa@gmail.com.
Terry Brunzello 1966-1969
Gtoboypa@gmail.com
Why would they close the gate? That’s not gonna stop anything they were hedges there there were no fences only that gate and a bunch of hedges surrounding the front side of the property. It only had to do was jump over the hedges if they wanted to get in speaking of the KKK. And on the right side of facing the school was open there was nothing there they could’ve just came through that way. I don’t agree with the statement. This above person has made. I tend that school for four years from 1959 to 1964.
My Name is James Wallace I was at St, Joseph Industrial School for Colored Boys in Clayton Delaware & I was there from 1960 to 1961 One year only,, anyway I was Sexually Molested by a Brother by the name of Brother Lawrence,,, l’ll never forget that as long as I live,,, I’m going to Sue them for what they did to me,,,I’m 76 years old now and l’ll never forget,,You Better Believe It,,,James Wallace,,,
PS,,,This is James Wallace again my phone number is (651) 276-7458) See you in Court
Hey Mr. Wallace, my name is William Horton, we were there the same time. I remember your name but can’t place your face with it.
Sorry to hear what happened to you there. This is the second time I’ve heard something like this but it was a different Brother who did this. Peace be with you.
The Deschamps I remembr your younger brother came a year later you guys were cool. I know y’all caught some grief, which was pretty much the norm when coming into a Setting like that me being from Philly, we always created tension and actually my first scrap was with Stephen Kennedy, a.k.a. pony who also was from Philly Anybody interested? My phone number is 215-203-4136. Terry Brunzello AKA PUP We used to run them dogs through the woods, but anyway I hung out more with Timothy Duncan and always got along better with everybody else except the Philly guys and we we’re always a source of problems.
Get some therapy!
I am Randy Wrencher Class of 1969 randywrencher@verizon.net
I just ran across this site. I only attened summer camp at St. Joe with my brother Mike Holley, he went there. I have few memories but do remember the pond ( almost drowned my bother saved me from the little water fall}. The brothers put in a boxing to fight a boy named Billy ( was that you?) we became friends after the match. I remember the farm, the empty building with stamps from all over the world, fhe building where we got candy from and the dorms. also the church. Mike has past now.... take care.
Hello Melvin Holly my name is William Horton. My brother was Michael Worsley who went there the same time your brother Michael Holly was there. I heard a lot about your brother Michael Holly. I can’t even remember his face from a picture. I got a surprise for you, Jacob Thompson. I went there at the same time. He did all four years at Saint Joe’s. We were really good friends Matter fact Jacob live down the hill from me on 42nd St. there in Washington DC and if I remember correctly, Michael Holly lived on Eads Street and his mother was also a friend of my aunt Susie Brown, and no my name is Billy, but I’m not the Billy that you were boxing with because if I had to put the boxing gloves on it would’ve took me right straight to the ground as skinny as I was but anyway man it was it was nice hearing from you and I’m glad that you posted and got back and we could I could have this conversation with you and I remember that dormitory too with that room and it with all the stamps all over the floor they had us a sorting no stamps there. I also went there for summer camp. It was at 1959 the summer of 1959 my cousin Albert Worsley, my brother, Michael Worsley and myself we were all there at the same time together by the way if you give me an email address, I’m gonna give you send you a surprise and picture of what the pond look like now I’ve been back to the school twice and I’ve been down to the pond, believe it or not is full with vegetation. It’s a tree groing in the middle of it and the down that you spent that you spoke of, I wouldn’t oh man it’s raggedy. It’s raggedy is not holding any water there’s no water in there anymore. The people who are at the place now, which is a some kind of a rehab and and also it has a military Academy there too they are they never took care of it. They just let it go so you would never believe that one time we used to swim in that nap thing was about 10 feet deep OK man my phone number is 562-715-3899. Yeah, it’s the California phone number. I live in Florida now but I’m still claiming Washington DC as my home. I would appreciate it very much. If you would give me a call and we could chat a little bit again. My phone number is 562-7153899.
To Melvin Holly this is William Horton again a.k.a. Billy I wanna let you know that my brother Michael also pass the friend of your brother Michael Ally and condolences to you and your family. Give me a call man 562-715-3899 anytime of the day Peace
To Melvin Holly this thing just won’t let me write it in properly. It keeps putting in there what it wants to put in. I’m trying to spell your last name HOLLY and it keeps putting aLLY but hope you understand it’s hard for me because I can’t see what I’m writing. OK man give me a call when you get a chance 562-715-3899. Thank you
To Melvin Holly my name is Leon Hatton. Your brother Michael and I were in the same class and also lived in the same dorm, St. Dominic's. I remember Michael was an altar boy. He also was one of the best marbles players. Back then, shooting marbles was a big thing. Many of us played the game. I am sorry to hear of his passing. I still have a picture of our graduation class, and we were standing next to each other.
The hello Leon Hatton my name is William Horton. I was wondering if you were also in the class with my brother Michael Worsley, he was also one of those great marble players as a matter fact, he won the championship state of Delaware two years in a row would like to know if you was one of his classmates also
Hi William Horton, Yes I remember Michael Worsley. Micheal was a grade ahead of me, I was there for the 7th and 8th grade. So I knew him for one year.I remember you, too. I think that you were a couple of years behind me. And I also remember seeing you years later while we were teenagers. We saw each other at the Anacostia Pool one day. Quite frankly, I am surprising myself how much I do recall. But St. Joseph's was just what I needed as a boy growing up without much fatherly influence. I truly cherish my experiences there, but it was by no means a vacation. I did learn that if you applied yourself, set your own standards and stuck with them, you could achieve.
Absolutely, if it wasn’t for Saint Joe, I’ve been dead in jail. I went through some bad things some ups and downs, but what I got from Saint Joe’s what I learned there kept me in line and let me know if that should strive for better things so a lot of the things that I did once I left the school if it was wrong, it felt so dirty and I never did it again it’s nice hearing from you. Stay in touch and if you want to chat, my phone number is 562-715-3899 by the way I’ve been back there a couple times in the year of 2000 and the pond that we had down there is a mess. Nobody took care of it. They let it go. There’s a tree growing right in the middle of it and a lot of vegetation just like it was when you go up that river from the pond it was thick just like that all the way down now they never jammed it back up and it just looks nasty. They never took care of it. That would’ve been a pretty good little swimming hole for the folks that are there right now
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