Attention stone - St. Anthony's Institution

Sint-Antoniusgesticht (1888-1985)

Since 1544 there existed in Baardwijk an old manor house, founded by priest Mr. Art Woutersz, alias Boekelaer van de Langen Straeten. By will, his farm was designated "a manhouse, where at any time eight poor men between 50 and 60 years of age will be admitted". The church council bought and demolished the building in 1888. In honor of dowager Antoon Smits, Lady of Baardwijk, whose gift made new construction possible, the new building was named St. Anthony. From 1889 to 1959, Sisters of J.M.J. lived in this Charity Institution; it contained, in addition to the old manor house, a convent and kindergarten and girls' school. In 1960, the Saint-Antoniusgesticht was sold to the R.C. Stichting Bejaardenzorg Sint-Antoniushof, which converted it into the Saint-Clemenshof retirement home. The girls' school merged with the boys' school. The building was demolished in 1985.