New York Catholic Protectory 75 Years

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The New York Catholic Protectory (in the Westchester section of The Bronx) formally ended 75 years (1863-1938) on November 1, when the Christian Brothers withdrew and a small group of boys was transferred to other institutions. The old Protectory buildings were demolished, and a model apartment community was scheduled to rise on the 129 acres of “The Pro,” thanks to the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company of New York. The legacy of the Protectory was transferred to Lincoln Hall at Lincolndale, about 46 miles north of NYC, where the Brothers taught and prefected youngsters with more personal attention. “The Pro” was described as “the greatest institution of its kind in the world.” Bulletin of the St. De La Salle Auxiliary (Aurora, ON), September 1938, pp. 55. Years later, in 1963, Lincolndale celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Brothers’ work for at-risk youth.

This 1963 photo shows the residents of one of Lincolndale’s cottages celebrating the birthday of its favorite mascot.

Bulletin of the St. La Salle Auxiliary (Barrytown, NY), December 1938, pp. 23-27. Institute Bulletin, October 1963, p. 231.