Leake and Watts Services, Inc. Photograph Album,
1903-1907
Entire Record
Catalog
Transcription
Leake and Watts Services, Inc. opened its doors in 1838 as the Leake and Watts Orphan House in New York City. In 1888 the trustees bought 30 acres in Yonkers and opened a new home with space for 200 children. The grounds were designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. These photographs of the grounds, buildings, and children in residence were taken between 1903 and 1907.
Life at Leake and Watts in the early 1900s was difficult. Children were housed dormitory style, sleeping in row upon row of cots. By 1921 Leake and Watts adopted the cottage system, where children lived in small groups. Supervision was strict and punishment harsh. By age 15, the children were indentured out to work.
Today, Leake and Watts offers a myriad of services to troubled children and families from the metropolitan area.