Chester Times, Chester, PA, Thursday, July 27, 1944 (p. 3)
Little Flower Institute to Mark St. Stephen’s Day
by Richard S. Widdoes
Nearly 60 children, ranging from 2 1/2 to 15 years of age, will be hosts on Sunday at an “open house” to be held
at the Little Flower Institute, Springfield road, Darby.
The occasion is the annual observance of St. Stephen’s Day, when the stately old mansion and its spacious
grounds are thrown open to the public for a day that is reminiscent of Old Hungary.
On that day, the 58 children in the home, aided by nearly 50 aged men and women who know no other home, will
don their native Hungarian costumes and sing and dance the songs of Hungary, under the general direction of the
Hungarian nuns in charge of the Institute.
The program will get underway early in the morning, when there will be devotions in the chapel, after which all
other activities will be held outdoors. There will be an all-day picnic to which the public is invited, and at 4 p. m. the
children of the Institute will present a program of songs, dances, instrumental numbers, and recitations. The head of
the institute, Mother Superior Majella, is extending an invitation to the public to spend the day on the grounds.
There will be booths erected from which will be sold a varied line of merchandise, including articles made by those
in the home and the nuns. The entire proceeds is to be used to carry on the work of the Institute. This particular
activity is in charge of a group of men and women who comprise an auxiliary to the home and who are directly
responsible for its upkeep.
Nestled high on a hill, and far back from the roadway, stands the huge old mansion. Except for those directly
interested, the public knows little of this home, its history, nor the purpose for which it is now being used.
The average motorist driving by does not know of the old rambling building situated beyond his line of vision, 500
yards back from Springfield road, where happy children and contented men and women are living; away from the
bustle and turmoil of a war-torn world. Here is peace.
Old Scott Estate
To the old-timers of Darby and vicinity, it is still known as the Scott Estate, and prior to being taken over by its
present occupants was the scene of many picnics in summer, and in winter provided the setting for all of the winter
sports.
For 20 years, the old stately mansion of 50 rooms, three farmhouses with 26 rooms and many other outbuildings
stood idle in the 83 acres estate. Then it suddenly became alive.
In a little home in Howard street, Philadelphia, a group of nuns, members of the order of Daughters of the Divine
Redeemer were valiantly struggling against tremendous odds to provide a home for children who were orphaned and
for children whose parents could not care for them properly. Here too, came aged, the infirm, the sick, all seeking the
care of the devout and merciful Sisters.
Soon the little place outgrew its usefulness and the Sisters began looking about for larger quarters, with the hope
that a place could be found in the suburbs that would amply house the rapidly growing community.
After a search of two years, the old Scott estate in Darby was brought to the attention of the order, and soon its
members were in touch with the heirs of Edgar Scott, (*) the builder and original owner of the estate (was Thomas A.
Scott, Edgar's father) , who at one time was president of the Pennsylvania Railroad, and was a member of Abraham
Lincoln’s cabinet, during his second administration. Until the turn of the century, the Scott Estate was the scene of
many notable social events, its huge old rooms ringing with laughter and joy of its guests. It was in these rooms that
huge military balls were staged during the Civil and Spanish-American Wars.
When the administrators of the estate learned the purpose for which the old mansion was to be used,
arrangements were made to sell the estate to the Daughters of the Divine Redeemer, for a relatively small sum.
Soon a vanguard of the nuns arrived from Philadelphia and took possession of the old house. Then began a
period of repairs and alterations, much of the work being done by the nuns assisted by volunteer workmen. Money
was a problem, there never seemed to be enough to keep the work going. A portion of the building was finished and
a group of 24 children were brought out from Philadelphia. Once again the old rooms and huge hallways rang with
laughter and joy, but this time by a group of happy youngsters that were free to romp and play over the grounds of
the estate.
Shrine Erected
The order then decided to name the place, The Little Flower Institute, and here a shrine was set up in honor of
The Little Flower.
Today the Sisters are observing their seventh anniversary in their new home, it having been dedicated by His
Eminence Dennis Cardinal Dougherty.
The mansion building today is occupied by the Sisters, orphans, other children and female convalescents and the
farmhouses are occupied by the aged men who do the farming and keep the buildings and implements in repair.
A portion of the 83 acres is being farmed, and the products form a good part of the food for the Institute. There
are hundreds of chickens, cows that provide fresh milk, and horses are used in doing a great deal of the work
around the spacious grounds.
Assisting the men in doing the farm chores are many of the younger nuns. Any day they can be seen hoeing and
weeding in the gardens. This is in addition to their work in teaching the children.
In the Little Flower Institute both the soul and body are well taken care of. It has a beautiful chapel with the
Blessed Sacrament, a resident chaplain, Rev. Akos Cuto; licensed teachers and nurses, a physician, ample and
wholesome food, recreational grounds, pathways everywhere and plenty of fresh air.
Besides all these conveniences the Sisters create both for the children and for the adults, a homelike
atmosphere. No one is neglected. Here is home.
Naturally the running costs of the Little Flower Institute are heavy. There is some financial help from friends, but
most of the support comes from the Little Flower Auxiliary. This Auxiliary also sponsors many events for the benefit of
the Institute. Its president is Mrs. A. R. Gegan of Lansdowne. The chaplain is Fr. Suto.
The Daughters of the Divine Redeemer is an order founded in Hungary in 1849, which established a Province in
the United States 32 years ago. Its Motherhouse is located in Elizabeth, Pa., near Pittsburgh.
(Transcribed by Maureen Schlegel, 5/13/201)
Little Flower Institute to Mark St. Stephen’s Day
by Richard S. Widdoes
Nearly 60 children, ranging from 2 1/2 to 15 years of age, will be hosts on Sunday at an “open house” to be held
at the Little Flower Institute, Springfield road, Darby.
The occasion is the annual observance of St. Stephen’s Day, when the stately old mansion and its spacious
grounds are thrown open to the public for a day that is reminiscent of Old Hungary.
On that day, the 58 children in the home, aided by nearly 50 aged men and women who know no other home, will
don their native Hungarian costumes and sing and dance the songs of Hungary, under the general direction of the
Hungarian nuns in charge of the Institute.
The program will get underway early in the morning, when there will be devotions in the chapel, after which all
other activities will be held outdoors. There will be an all-day picnic to which the public is invited, and at 4 p. m. the
children of the Institute will present a program of songs, dances, instrumental numbers, and recitations. The head of
the institute, Mother Superior Majella, is extending an invitation to the public to spend the day on the grounds.
There will be booths erected from which will be sold a varied line of merchandise, including articles made by those
in the home and the nuns. The entire proceeds is to be used to carry on the work of the Institute. This particular
activity is in charge of a group of men and women who comprise an auxiliary to the home and who are directly
responsible for its upkeep.
Nestled high on a hill, and far back from the roadway, stands the huge old mansion. Except for those directly
interested, the public knows little of this home, its history, nor the purpose for which it is now being used.
The average motorist driving by does not know of the old rambling building situated beyond his line of vision, 500
yards back from Springfield road, where happy children and contented men and women are living; away from the
bustle and turmoil of a war-torn world. Here is peace.
Old Scott Estate
To the old-timers of Darby and vicinity, it is still known as the Scott Estate, and prior to being taken over by its
present occupants was the scene of many picnics in summer, and in winter provided the setting for all of the winter
sports.
For 20 years, the old stately mansion of 50 rooms, three farmhouses with 26 rooms and many other outbuildings
stood idle in the 83 acres estate. Then it suddenly became alive.
In a little home in Howard street, Philadelphia, a group of nuns, members of the order of Daughters of the Divine
Redeemer were valiantly struggling against tremendous odds to provide a home for children who were orphaned and
for children whose parents could not care for them properly. Here too, came aged, the infirm, the sick, all seeking the
care of the devout and merciful Sisters.
Soon the little place outgrew its usefulness and the Sisters began looking about for larger quarters, with the hope
that a place could be found in the suburbs that would amply house the rapidly growing community.
After a search of two years, the old Scott estate in Darby was brought to the attention of the order, and soon its
members were in touch with the heirs of Edgar Scott, (*) the builder and original owner of the estate (was Thomas A.
Scott, Edgar's father) , who at one time was president of the Pennsylvania Railroad, and was a member of Abraham
Lincoln’s cabinet, during his second administration. Until the turn of the century, the Scott Estate was the scene of
many notable social events, its huge old rooms ringing with laughter and joy of its guests. It was in these rooms that
huge military balls were staged during the Civil and Spanish-American Wars.
When the administrators of the estate learned the purpose for which the old mansion was to be used,
arrangements were made to sell the estate to the Daughters of the Divine Redeemer, for a relatively small sum.
Soon a vanguard of the nuns arrived from Philadelphia and took possession of the old house. Then began a
period of repairs and alterations, much of the work being done by the nuns assisted by volunteer workmen. Money
was a problem, there never seemed to be enough to keep the work going. A portion of the building was finished and
a group of 24 children were brought out from Philadelphia. Once again the old rooms and huge hallways rang with
laughter and joy, but this time by a group of happy youngsters that were free to romp and play over the grounds of
the estate.
Shrine Erected
The order then decided to name the place, The Little Flower Institute, and here a shrine was set up in honor of
The Little Flower.
Today the Sisters are observing their seventh anniversary in their new home, it having been dedicated by His
Eminence Dennis Cardinal Dougherty.
The mansion building today is occupied by the Sisters, orphans, other children and female convalescents and the
farmhouses are occupied by the aged men who do the farming and keep the buildings and implements in repair.
A portion of the 83 acres is being farmed, and the products form a good part of the food for the Institute. There
are hundreds of chickens, cows that provide fresh milk, and horses are used in doing a great deal of the work
around the spacious grounds.
Assisting the men in doing the farm chores are many of the younger nuns. Any day they can be seen hoeing and
weeding in the gardens. This is in addition to their work in teaching the children.
In the Little Flower Institute both the soul and body are well taken care of. It has a beautiful chapel with the
Blessed Sacrament, a resident chaplain, Rev. Akos Cuto; licensed teachers and nurses, a physician, ample and
wholesome food, recreational grounds, pathways everywhere and plenty of fresh air.
Besides all these conveniences the Sisters create both for the children and for the adults, a homelike
atmosphere. No one is neglected. Here is home.
Naturally the running costs of the Little Flower Institute are heavy. There is some financial help from friends, but
most of the support comes from the Little Flower Auxiliary. This Auxiliary also sponsors many events for the benefit of
the Institute. Its president is Mrs. A. R. Gegan of Lansdowne. The chaplain is Fr. Suto.
The Daughters of the Divine Redeemer is an order founded in Hungary in 1849, which established a Province in
the United States 32 years ago. Its Motherhouse is located in Elizabeth, Pa., near Pittsburgh.
(Transcribed by Maureen Schlegel, 5/13/201)
Chester Times, Chester, PA, Tuesday, October 20, 1936 (p. 8)
Special Event in Darby Boro
Religious Rite Planned at Little Flower Institute
The Little Flower Institute, located at the Scott estate, on Springfield road, Darby, will be the scene of a religious
rite, next Sunday afternoon, at two o’clock, when a new statue of the Little Flower, Saint Teresa of the Child Jesus,
will be dedicated. Saint Teresa is the patroness and ideal of the institute. Rev. Vincent Gallagher, pastor Of the
Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, will officiate at the ceremonies, which is expected to be attended by many
church dignitaries.
In conjunction with the ecclesiastical ceremonies, a linen shower will be held for the benefit of the orphans cared
for in the institute. Donations are to be sent or taken direct to the institute. The mailing address is Darby. The
entrance to the grounds is opposite Mount Zion cemetery, on Springfield road. The place will be open for public
inspection from two until six, and all are invited to see the work done under the direction of Mother Leopoldia.
The Little Flower Institute on Scott’s estate, also known as “Woodburn,” was recently opened by the Sisters of
the order, Daughters of the Divine Redeemer, for the purpose of caring for orphans and invalids. There are at
present many children on the place, of the elementary school age. Education is provided, and for the older ones,
a high school education is given in Philadelphia, and at Elizabeth, the home of the order.
In this happy environment, real homelike family spirit reigns. Each little member has his or her own daily routine
and is happy in the doing of it. The children are trained and educated in practical and useful arts. The whole
atmosphere of the institute is one of fun, happiness and insurmountable joy for all the tots, and the grownups too,
who are cared for.
The linen shower is sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Louis Nagy, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Pokorny, Mrs. Vincent Gyalay,
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Lendl, Mr. and Mrs. John Soley, and Mr. and Mrs. John Lynch, county and Philadelphia
residents.
The home is sparsely furnished at this time, and as the work is done on a charitable basis, plans are being
made for a “pound” party, when everything will be acceptable, from pins to furniture, including food and fuel.
Furniture is badly needed, as the institute has more than eighty rooms.
Transcribed by Maureen Schlegel, 5/12/2018
Special Event in Darby Boro
Religious Rite Planned at Little Flower Institute
The Little Flower Institute, located at the Scott estate, on Springfield road, Darby, will be the scene of a religious
rite, next Sunday afternoon, at two o’clock, when a new statue of the Little Flower, Saint Teresa of the Child Jesus,
will be dedicated. Saint Teresa is the patroness and ideal of the institute. Rev. Vincent Gallagher, pastor Of the
Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, will officiate at the ceremonies, which is expected to be attended by many
church dignitaries.
In conjunction with the ecclesiastical ceremonies, a linen shower will be held for the benefit of the orphans cared
for in the institute. Donations are to be sent or taken direct to the institute. The mailing address is Darby. The
entrance to the grounds is opposite Mount Zion cemetery, on Springfield road. The place will be open for public
inspection from two until six, and all are invited to see the work done under the direction of Mother Leopoldia.
The Little Flower Institute on Scott’s estate, also known as “Woodburn,” was recently opened by the Sisters of
the order, Daughters of the Divine Redeemer, for the purpose of caring for orphans and invalids. There are at
present many children on the place, of the elementary school age. Education is provided, and for the older ones,
a high school education is given in Philadelphia, and at Elizabeth, the home of the order.
In this happy environment, real homelike family spirit reigns. Each little member has his or her own daily routine
and is happy in the doing of it. The children are trained and educated in practical and useful arts. The whole
atmosphere of the institute is one of fun, happiness and insurmountable joy for all the tots, and the grownups too,
who are cared for.
The linen shower is sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Louis Nagy, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Pokorny, Mrs. Vincent Gyalay,
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Lendl, Mr. and Mrs. John Soley, and Mr. and Mrs. John Lynch, county and Philadelphia
residents.
The home is sparsely furnished at this time, and as the work is done on a charitable basis, plans are being
made for a “pound” party, when everything will be acceptable, from pins to furniture, including food and fuel.
Furniture is badly needed, as the institute has more than eighty rooms.
Transcribed by Maureen Schlegel, 5/12/2018
Chester Times, Chester, PA., Friday, May 21, 1937 (p. 5)
Plans for Dedication of Little Flower Institute June 6
Directors of the Little Flower Institute, Springfield road, Darby, are completing plans for the dedication of the
institute, a home for abandoned and orphaned children, on June 6, at three o’clock His Eminence, D. Cardinal
Dougherty will officiate.
The institute is owned and operated by the Daughters of the Divine Redeemer and is located on the site of the
former Edgar T. Scott home. It is for children and aged convalescents and is solely operated as a charity by the
Sisters. There are about 30 children in the house at the present time, and a smaller of aged persons. Many residents
of Darby and surrounding communities contribute regularly to its support in addition to a group of interested
Philadelphia and Main Line people.
The dedication on June 6 will mark over a year activity in making alterations in and around the old estate,
considered one of the showplaces of the county, and a landmark of many years. The public is invited to the exercises.
Chester Times, Chester, PA. Wednesday, June 1, 1938 (p. 3)
To Bless Picture at Little Flower Institute on Sunday
The first anniversary of the dedication of the Little Flower Institute, Springfield road, Darby, will be observed next
Sunday. A picnic on the spacious lawn surrounding the old estate, to which all are invited.
Included in the day’s program of events will be the blessing of a life-size portrait of Saint Theresa, patron saint of
the orphanage, which was painted by a well-known artist.
Automobiles will be at Ninth and Main streets to take visitors to the home.
Transcribed by Maureen Schlegel, 5/12/2018
Chester Times, Chester, PA, Saturday, October 1, 1938 (p. 12)
Present Flags at Darby Home
Institute Gets American and Hungarian Emblems Tomorrow
The Little Flower Institute and Home for the Aged will be the scene of a gala celebration at the grounds on
Springfield road, Darby, tomorrow when, with appropriate ceremonies an American flag and a flag of Hungary will be
blessed and raised.
His Excellency, Baron Perenyl Zsigmond, Hungarian Royal Crown Guard and president of the Hungarian
International Eucharistic Congress, presented the Hungarian flag through the Hungarian Royal Foreign Department to
the Little Flower Institute, in celebration of St. Stephen’s Day.
An old country air will be lent to the festival by the games and other amusements and by the entertainment to be
furnished by the orphans of the Institute. Dinners will be served after 12 o’clock, and the auxiliary of the Little Flower,
a group of local women interested in the welfare of the home, will have a large part of the management of the affair.
Transcribed by Maureen Schlegel, 5/12/2018
Plans for Dedication of Little Flower Institute June 6
Directors of the Little Flower Institute, Springfield road, Darby, are completing plans for the dedication of the
institute, a home for abandoned and orphaned children, on June 6, at three o’clock His Eminence, D. Cardinal
Dougherty will officiate.
The institute is owned and operated by the Daughters of the Divine Redeemer and is located on the site of the
former Edgar T. Scott home. It is for children and aged convalescents and is solely operated as a charity by the
Sisters. There are about 30 children in the house at the present time, and a smaller of aged persons. Many residents
of Darby and surrounding communities contribute regularly to its support in addition to a group of interested
Philadelphia and Main Line people.
The dedication on June 6 will mark over a year activity in making alterations in and around the old estate,
considered one of the showplaces of the county, and a landmark of many years. The public is invited to the exercises.
Chester Times, Chester, PA. Wednesday, June 1, 1938 (p. 3)
To Bless Picture at Little Flower Institute on Sunday
The first anniversary of the dedication of the Little Flower Institute, Springfield road, Darby, will be observed next
Sunday. A picnic on the spacious lawn surrounding the old estate, to which all are invited.
Included in the day’s program of events will be the blessing of a life-size portrait of Saint Theresa, patron saint of
the orphanage, which was painted by a well-known artist.
Automobiles will be at Ninth and Main streets to take visitors to the home.
Transcribed by Maureen Schlegel, 5/12/2018
Chester Times, Chester, PA, Saturday, October 1, 1938 (p. 12)
Present Flags at Darby Home
Institute Gets American and Hungarian Emblems Tomorrow
The Little Flower Institute and Home for the Aged will be the scene of a gala celebration at the grounds on
Springfield road, Darby, tomorrow when, with appropriate ceremonies an American flag and a flag of Hungary will be
blessed and raised.
His Excellency, Baron Perenyl Zsigmond, Hungarian Royal Crown Guard and president of the Hungarian
International Eucharistic Congress, presented the Hungarian flag through the Hungarian Royal Foreign Department to
the Little Flower Institute, in celebration of St. Stephen’s Day.
An old country air will be lent to the festival by the games and other amusements and by the entertainment to be
furnished by the orphans of the Institute. Dinners will be served after 12 o’clock, and the auxiliary of the Little Flower,
a group of local women interested in the welfare of the home, will have a large part of the management of the affair.
Transcribed by Maureen Schlegel, 5/12/2018
St Steven of Hungary..... Stephen was King of Hungary around 1000 AD and is venerated as
the patron saint of Hungary,and regarded as the protector of kings, masons, stonecutters,
stonemasons and bricklayers and also of children suffering from severe illnesses.
the patron saint of Hungary,and regarded as the protector of kings, masons, stonecutters,
stonemasons and bricklayers and also of children suffering from severe illnesses.