Our History

In 1961, Salvation Army Captain Edith MacLachlan oversaw the plans and construction to transform Ivy House, an old three-story house, garage, and barn that served as a children's residence, into three cottages, each with the living room, kitchen and dormitory rooms into, a recreation center, and an administrative building.

This construction provided the third and final structure for the Ivy House Residence, which was first established in 1915 at Lansdowne Avenue, Philadelphia. At that time, Ivy House served as home for children of unmarried mothers.

In 1921, The Salvation Army opened up the residence to include orphans, children from broken homes, and children whose parents had serious illnesses.

In 1947, The Salvation Army purchased the property at 4050 Conshohocken Avenue, Philadelphia and the second home for Ivy House, which was demolished when the current structure was constructed in 1961. Upon completion of the new buildings, Captain Edith MacLachlan worked to continue caring for and improving the lives of children who needed to live away from their own homes. She oversaw childcare workers who functioned as on the spot counselors, referees, and tutors. Along with social workers who helped the children know themselves better, form long-term goals, and make important decisions. She developed long-term friendships with many other children. As adults, many former residents wrote to her and sent her photos of their families. (continued)