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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 2001 the facility offered its services also to girls and changed its
name to Campagna Academy in honor and memory for Father Campagna.
