Our History

Our History

 

Hoosier Boy's Town was founded by Monsignor Michael Campagna, a Catholic Priest of the Gary Diocese with a parish in East Chicago, Indiana.

With the help of five local businessmen and professionals: Robert Black, Fred Billies, William C. Huber, Sr., Dr. James S. Niblick and Dr. Samuel J. Petronella, they became the first charter members and Father Campagna's idea was incorporated by the State of Indiana as a not-for-profit corporation "for the rehabilitation of emotionally disturbed boys". It was first called The Home of Opportunity for Youths.

 

Six boys arrived in 1947. It was started as a home for young men with emotional difficulties.

Shortly after the first boys arrived, Father Campagna purchased an abandoned nine-hole golf course on 47 acres of land with a house, small cottage, a dilapidated barn and a one-room cabin.

In 1956 a building in Gary was purchased for $1,000 and moved to the Schererville site. The interior was remodeled to add a few rooms and aided in housing the facility's population of 32 boys.

 

They constructed their Administration Building - with offices and a library - in 1958. The Convent and the Chapel for the Sisters, who helped at the facility was built in 1961. The beautiful structure, along side the Administration Building, housed the eight Nuns. The Chapel, which still stands, along side of the Administration Building, presented a very picturesque and relaxing view for the residents and visitors.

Through the hard work and financial support from various individuals and organizations, the facility grew to have four cottages, the Administration Building, the Recreational Building and the Chapel.

 

From its inception through 1972 there were 653 boys placed under the facility's direction and care.

Monsignor Michael A. Campagna, the founder of Hoosier Boys' Town, died on July 25, 1979.

In 2002 the facility offered its services also to girls and changed its name to Campagna Academy in honor and memory for Father Campagna.