Photo of the Month

June, 2001

P. O. of A. Orphanage at Mifflinville

The P.O. of A., Patriotic Order of America, was similar to an auxiliary
branch of the P.O.S. of A., Patriotic Order Sons of America, which was a
fraternal organization that promoted attention to national issues and
encouraged patriotism.  The P.O. of A. provided an opportunity for women to
play an important role in supporting the work of the P.O.S. of A.  The women
became the driving force behind the establishment of the orphanage at
Mifflinville.  It was located a mile south of Mifflinville, on a hill
overlooking the community.  With the support of P.O. of A. members throughout
the state, they established Orphanage and Home Association of Mifflinville in
1905.  From this organization and with the help of P.O.S. of A. camps
throughout the state, the orphanage became a reality, dedicated in May 1909.  
The building was a three-story cement block structure with nineteen rooms.  
The home was for children of a P.O.S. of A. parent.  The orphanage cared for
scores of children until it closed in the mid-1940s.  Afterwards it operated
for a number of years as a retirement home for women.  The building no longer
owned by the P.O. of A. and is now the Sunny Hill Preschool.

P.O.S. of A. camps appeared in Columbia County after the Civil War in the
following communities:  Bloomsburg, Benton, Berwick, Centralia, Catawissa,
Lightstreet, Mainville and Mifflinville.