Conceived in 1909 by the Indiana Knights of Columbus, and named for Fr. Pierre Gibault, the Gibault School for Boys was dedicated on October 9, 1921. The first director of the school was Rev. Michael Gorman.
Quickly exceeding its original capacity of 25 boys, two new halls were added: Chartrand Hall was completed in 1922, and Aldering Hall in 1926. The staff was expanded in 1934, and administration of the school turned over to the Brothers of Holy Cross from Notre Dame, IN. The first Holy Cross era director was Rupert Poudrier, and under his administration, the school was expanded to allow boys from every midwestern state.
Charles Manson attended this school at one time.
Today, Gibault, Inc. is known as Gibault Children's Services. Gibault serves both boys and girls at three locations and employs over 250 staff members. The Indiana Knights of Columbus founded Father Gibault Home for Boys in 1921. It was originally administered by Priests of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. In 1934, the Brothers of Holy Cross became the administrators, teachers, counselors, and overseers. They, in partnership with the Indiana Knights, saw thousands of young boys turn into young men. For more than three quarters of a century, Gibault, Inc., has been known for its excellence as a residential treatment facility for delinquent and pre-delinquent young men. However, Gibault is now undergoing growth that will allow them to serve an even greater population. Gibault has recently added a unit for young women, and in the coming months, they plan to expand their services to families and adults. Gibault will no longer be a campus-based facility, but will help those they serve through satellite mental health sites and possibly venturing into peripheral services like juvenile detention, day treatment, and charter schools. Gibault, Inc. also recently purchased a retirement home in Carmel,IN and is running it as McGivney House named for the founder of the Knights of Columbus.
See the Vigo County Public Library page on Educational Institutions in Terre Haute, IN...