Many Montgomery County residents and visitors to its western neighborhoods have undoubtedly seen the imposing, maroon, Audubon structure that is St. Gabriel’s Hall.

Its view from Route 422 makes it both a landmark (commonly cited for snarls in area traffic reports) and the subject of great curiosity.

The host of Retro Rest Stop, a locally themed YouTube series, took advantage of a recent open house to bring his camera inside.

He gained access during a public event, a yard sale of sorts for buyers to cart away what was left of its classrooms, offices, dorm rooms, and facilities. The inventory of remaining salable items speaks to the speed at which the property was vacated.

According to various online sources, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia built “Saint Gabe’s” in the Gothic Revival style in 1898 to house “troubled youth” from Philadelphia. For the next 120 years, its staff housed, fed, educated, and trained residents assigned there.

In November 2020, the archdiocese closed it, owing to changes in rehabilitation methods in the criminal-justice system and the financial strain of its operation and maintenance.

The video tour contains the following interior views below.

A colorful foyer.

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Examples of interior artwork; a chapel window in stained glass and a promotional poster.

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A resident bedroom.

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One of several kitchens.

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A rec room’s vintage pool table.

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The full tour of St. Gabriel’s Hall is at YouTube.

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Who was St. Gabriel?