HISTORICAL INFORMATION on Wynhoven Apartments

HISTORICAL INFORMATION on Wynhoven Apartments

The Wynhoven Apartments were named after Msgr. Peter M.H.Wynhoven of the Catholic Church, clergyman, journalist, social worker.

Born, Venray, Holland, December 30, 1884.

Education: college of the Franciscan Fathers in his native village and, after emigrating to the United States in 1904 under the sponsorship of Father Arthur Jerome Drossaerts, studied philosophy in New Orleans and theology in Kenrick Seminary, St. Louis, Mo.;

Ordained June 11, 1909, St. Louis. Appointments: 1911, assistant priest, St. Mary's New Orleans; 1912-1914, assistant priest, St. Louis Cathedral; 1915-1917, vice-chancellor of archdiocese of New Orleans; 1917-1935, pastor, St. Joseph's, Gretna, La.; 1935-1944, pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes, New Orleans. Manager, archdiocesan paper The Morning Star, 1912-1917; 1932, founder of the Catholic Action of the South and until 1944 its editor-in-chief. Established a printing press at Hope Haven, an industrial home for boys. Wrote several popular books which addressed current moral problems. Committed to the social apostolate, provided housing and nourishment for the downtrodden drifters in New Orleans. Called his boarding house St. Vincent Hotel. Established Hope Haven, Marrero, La., for boys; Madonna Manor for girls, 1932. Organized, 1924, Associated Catholic Charities. Organizational skills recognized with appointment as active general chairman of the Eighth National Eucharistic Congress, 1938. Named domestic prelate, 1934.

Died, September 14, 1944, and interred on the grounds of Hope Haven. Nearby, Wynhoven Apartments, a residence for senior citizens, Marrero, La., named in his honor.

(E.F.N. Sources: Archives of the Archdiocese of New Orleans; Catholic Directories, 1911-1917; Roger Baudier)

The original Wynhoven Apartments consisted of one building with 11 floors of single resident apartments, built in 1979, Building 2 was added later with an additional 8 floors of single, and married apartments, along with special needs apartments.