On January 7, 1830, a public meeting was held, in old Washington Hall, for the purpose of forming an orphan asylum society. On April 18th, the Orphan Asylum in the Village of Utica was incorporated. Housekeeping began in November in a building on the northeast corner of John and Catharine streets. In May 1833, the children were moved to a location near the southeast corner of Chancellor Square. In 1836, the name was changed to the Utica Orphan Asylum.

Utica Orphan Asylum

For several years the children maintained by the Asylum were few in number and a small rented house was sufficient for the accommodation of the orphan family. It was supported during this period by the ladies of the "Female Society of Industry," and such aid as could be obtained by donations and yearly subscriptions from the citizens of Utica. As the means of the society increased and the family enlarged, it was decided to arrange for more comfortable accommodations. The Trustees accordingly purchased a lot on 312 Genesee Street and erected a building in 1848, at a cost to the Society of $5,550. The funds for this building were provided by the sewing society and a legacy from Moses Bagg, which amounted to $1,215, which he left for this purpose. On this site was later built the Thomas R. Proctor residence.

Dr. Anson J. Upson, in his eloquent address delivered at the laying of the cornerstone of the asylum, stated "The thimble and the needle gave rise to this charity and again renewed it. A thimble and a needle should be its coat of arms…”

In 1854, Mr. Alfred Munson left by his will $34,000 to this Institution, on condition that the citizens of Utica should raise and apply the sum of $10,000 towards the purchase of ground within the city limits, and towards the erection of a new and still larger building for its use. Benjamin F. Jewett gave the society three acres of land on the northwest corner of Genesee and Pleasant street. The cornerstone was laid on May 30, 1860 and the building was completed in the summer of 1861, at a cost of $25,600. From the Secretary's Report, one hundred and four children had been received during that year.

Dining Room

By September 30, 1875, twelve hundred and seventy-five children, who at various times sought refuge and received the protecting care of the Asylum, were enrolled on its records. The Managers of this Institution, during these many years, often felt discouragement from a depleted Treasury, but they record that they have been enabled to meet their obligations and gradually extend their benefactors to a wider circle.

In the spring of 1879 the managers decided to complete their building as originally planned by the erection of the north wing. A committee was appointed to make the necessary contracts, and the work was commenced in June of the same year, and completed in September, 1880. The managers then felt that they had ample room and were sure that this institution would compare favorably with any similar one in the State.

During these many years, through gifts and legacies, they were able to provide for one hundred and fifty children, giving them much to develop mentally, morally and physically. Their healthy condition was proved by the fact that from 1880 to 1891, not a single death occurred among them. These boys and girls grew into manhood and womanhood, and took their part in society. The children entered into nearly all the professions and trades, and many of them have happy homes and children of their own.

In 1924, the directors of the orphanage decided to devote all their resources to the care of crippled children. The orphans were transferred to other orphanages and the Utica Orphan Asylum was reorganized as Children's Hospital. Eventually the old orphan­age was razed and its grounds developed for residences. A street, Derbyshire Place, was built through the grounds and named for Charlotte Derbyshire, who was one of the leaders of the Female Society of Industry that had founded the orphanage.