Biography

In 1838, Mr. Alexander Milne left a bequest for the establishment of two orphan asylums, one of which was to be called Milne Asylum for Destitute Orphan Boys. In 1932 the Board of the Milne Asylum for Destitute Orphan Boys contributed to the city a tract of land and a portion of his bequest for the establishment of a home for white and Black delinquent or destitute boys. The city, in turn, assumed responsibility for maintaining the home, with funds appropriated from the city budget. Full authority for the institution was vested in a board of managers appointed by the Commission Council and Milne municipal Boys’ Home opened its doors in October, 1933. In January, 1946, an ordinance was passed by the Commission Council whereby full authority for the administration of this home was transferred to the Board of the City Department of Public Welfare. Milne, one of four city institutions administered by the City Department of Public Welfare, was supported by funds derived from the amusement tax of the City of New Orleans and some board monies. Through the years, the social changes have been such that there are few orphans in the strict sense. Therefore, the function of Milne Boys’ Home gradually changed to one of rehabilitation of the socially deprived and neglected boy. Milne Boys’ Home closed in 1986.

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