Amherst in Erie County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Former Saint Mary of the Angels

Convent and Motherhouse of the Sisters of Saint Francis - 1928 to 1999

Photographed by Anton Schwarzmueller, February 28, 2015

1. Former Saint Mary of the Angels Marker

Inscription. In 1901, John Blocher donated 100 acres to the Sisters of Saint Francis on the condition that they build and operate a home for the aged on the property. The Sisters expanded an existing farm house to open the Holy Family Home in 1902. In 1928 they built a new convent and motherhouse - Saint Mary of the Angels. This building was the headquarters for the order until 1999, and was the center of the Sisters' work in caring for the elderly and infirm, and in training members of the order for service in Catholic schools and churches throughout the Buffalo area.

The 100 acre parcel was gradually subdivided, making way for residential development, for the new Holy Family Home in 1962, for Saint Francis Home in 1956, and for the new St. Mary of the Angels on Reist Street in 1999. In 1999 the remaining lands became Amherst State Park, and the former Motherhouse has been converted to St. Mary's Commons apartments for seniors.

Aerial view of the Motherhouse complex in the 1950's. Photo courtesy of Sisters of Saint Francis, Amherst, NY.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Charity & Public Work. A significant historical year for this entry is 1901.

Location. 42° 58.385′ N,

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78° 44.841′ W. Marker is in Amherst, New York, in Erie County. It can be reached from Mill Street north of Stanton Street. The entrance to Amherst State Park and the Motherhouse is off Mill Street, west side, north of Stanton Street. Use the long entrance driveway. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 400 Mill Street, Buffalo NY 14221, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Upstate New York,

specifically in Western New York,

and in the Buffalo Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American Northeast,

on the Great Lakes,

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

New Netherland,

and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Williamsville Water Mill (approx. 0.7 miles away); Williamsville Christian Church (approx. 0.7 miles away); Soldiers Monument

Former Saint Mary of the Angels Marker and Motherhouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Anton Schwarzmueller, February 28, 2015

2. Former Saint Mary of the Angels Marker and Motherhouse

(approx. ¾ mile away); SS. Peter & Paul Church (approx. ¾ mile away); U. S. Barracks 1812 (approx. ¾ mile away); 1840 Old Stone School House (approx. 0.9 miles away); Section House (approx. one mile away); War of 1812 - 150 yrs - 1962 (approx. 2 miles away).

Also see . . . Amherst State Park - History. (Submitted on March 15, 2015, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.)

Photographed by Anton Schwarzmueller, February 28, 2015

3. East Side

Center Front Entrance image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Anton Schwarzmueller, February 28, 2015

4. Center Front Entrance

Front - West End image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Anton Schwarzmueller, February 28, 2015

5. Front - West End

Photographed by Anton Schwarzmueller, February 28, 2015

6. West Side

Credits. This page was last revised on April 23, 2021. It was originally submitted on March 15, 2015, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. This page has been viewed 1,730 times since then and 109 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on March 15, 2015, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.