Orphans Home - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

Capt. Fred Grimes yesterday picked up Lagora Miller 13 years old, and Esther Moore, 12 years old, near Whitesville, as they were planning to go to Indianapolis to visit the Miller girl's mother. They escaped from the orphan's home on the Yountsville Road early in the afternoon and were preparing to "beat their way" to the big city in search of a woman whose definite address they did not know. Capt. Grimes returned the girls to the home. - kz

Wabash Avenue west of Schenck Road was purchased in 1894 and constructed under the supervision of the Montgomery County Commissioners. In 1930 was __ by the Montgomery County Welfare Department. It housed not only orphans but also those who were under privileged and from broken homes. It was closed in the 1950s and torn down in 1972.

ORPHAN to Iowa - Crawfordsville Review April 30, 1881 A little girl was found by the conductor of one of the north bound passenger trains Tuesday with a card tied around her neck bearing these words "Pass this little girl to Albia, Iowa. She is an orphan" The little lady was probably eight years of age and carried a doll almost as large as herself The New Albany men put her off at the Junction, and when the I.B. & W. train west came in she was put on by the friends she had made and was carried away. It is to be hoped she got through safely.

Death at the Orphan's Home One of the children at the Orphan's Home, a boy about 6 years old has died of measles, sixteen of the children being down at this time. In a note to Mrs. Irwin she says she has not had her clothing off for nine days and is almost worn out, and during a greater part of the time she has had no help.   - thanks to Kim H

Who took the Boston Waifs? -- James S. Kelley, a girl Wm. Armstrong, a boy Harvey Lewis, a boy Asa M. Pickrell, a girl John A. Dodd, a boy R.H. Epperson, a boy, New Market Aaron Nutt, a Boy LM Irwin, MD, a girl, Lafayette Wm. Kramer, a boy J.L. Charni, a girl R. Reimund, a girl Peter Eshelman, a boy James Birch, a girl Wm. B. Nash, a boy Mark G. Beckner, a girl W.W. Ewing, a boy J.W. Ramsey, a boy James Israel, a boy Jerome Marts, a boy Five at Ladoga – Dr. Kimball and assistants returned from Ladoga today where they succeeded in placing five more little wanderers in splendid homes. The following parties there took them: AM Scott, a boy; HA Miller, a boy; Rev. EW Lawhorn, a girl; Wm. Neighbors, a boy; Wm. S. White, a boy. This about winds up the list and the trip ends most successfully.

- There are 3 little black faces at the orphans' home tonight. They are the children of Dick Jones by his first marriage. The family have been drawing on the township too often, so Trustee Herman sent three of them to the home this afternoon. They are the first colored children ever sent there. They went out in a cab and seemed to enjoy the trip immensely, and attracted their entire satisfaction by exhibiting their rear grinders. -

Measles at the Orphan's Home There are fourteen cases of measles at the Orphan's Home. The matron has her hands full.  -thanks Kim

The Argus News received yesterday but too late for publication, a report of the annual meeting of the officers of the Orphan’s Home. The question of building a new home was discussed by the county commissioners who were present. They are yet uncertain whether to build on the old site or in Britton’s Glen. In making her report the matron submitted the following: Ninth annual report of Orphan’s Home year ending Feb 1, 1894.

Number beginning of year …..14

Admitted ,,,23

Place in homes/returned ..15

Remaining …….22

Whole # cared for …37

19 attended school, three being under age. Owing to the crowded condition of the home have had more sickness than any years. Some have been very delicate; none died. 8 have made visits to the home and seem contented. They do not forget the home but are satisfied in their new ones. Four have been returned as not giving satisfaction.

The records were burned but as near as I can remember we have taken care of 170 children in the 9 years. Has been but three deaths one an infant six weeks old, was dying when it came………………… J. Hiner, Matron Mrs. McCain, the treasurer, made the following rport for the year ending Jan 31: Balance from last year……….. $192.15

From Co. Commissioners..... $1,800.00

From Mrs. Emma White …… 50.00

From Mrs. McAlvy ……… ..5.00

From sale of cows ………….90.00

Sale of corn …………………9.55

Thanksgiving receipts ……….20.84 …

… Total receipts ……………..$2,165.54

Mrs. Hiner’s salary ……>$450.00

For rent ……………… 285.00

Dry Goods ………… . 286.54

Groceries ……………..269.63

Milk …………………126.60

Sundries ……………..104.58

Meat… ……………..99.62

Natural Gas ……….99.40

Flour/feed …………86.42

Gas ………………39.30

Butter ……………34.42

Straw …………….12.65 …………

… Total Expenses …………….$1,883.16

Balance on hand ………$277.38

The board of trustees of the Montgomery Oraphans Home Association held its annual meeting Tuesday afternoon and transacted some important business. The officers electing for the ensuing year: Pres: TH Ristine; VP Mrs. HS Lane; Sec OM Gregg; Treas Mrs. THB McCain; Corresponding Sec Mrs. LA Foote; Matron, Mrs. Jane Hiner; Board of Trustees: Mesdames David Harter; LA Foote; JH Watson; THB McCain; Messrs OM Gregg; TH Ristine and David Remley

Matron Hine rpresented the 8th annual report of the Home as follows: The records have all been burne dup. As near as I can remember 16 children have been placed in homes. There wer 15 admitted to the Orphan's Home during the year. There are now 16 in the home 8 of whom attend school. There has been but little sickness and no deaths during th epast year. Through the fire left us in very poor shape, yet, owing to the kindness and generosity of the people, the Home is in pretty good running order. THe children are all well and happyh and with myself desire to thank those who so generously contributed to its support.

The treasurer respectfully submitted the following:

RECEIPTS

Balance on hand at beginning of year $592.12

County commissioniers... $1,587.00

Board of Children ........... $14.00

Sale of cow ........... $8.43

Sale of coal ........ $9.00

Thanksgiving donation ...... $21.46

Donation from Masons ...... $30

Donations hand Mrs. Gregg .. $22.00

Donations from Louis Bischof . $7.25

Donations from Mrs. H.S. Lane ...... $50.00

Donation from Center Church Musical Tea ..... $10.00

Donation from W. Johnson .. $5.00

Donation from Water WOrks Co. ... $3.27

Total .... $2,429.53

EXPENDITURES

Matron Salary ... $450.00

Labor ........ $345.45 (Sorry rest gone)

The building of the new Orphans Home this year is now a matter of great doubt. Up to the present time the Commissioners have been unable to dispose of the ground upon which the old building stood, and the board does not feel like drawing on the county treasury at present for so much money. The bids have never been opened and will not be until some disposition is made of the old orphanage farm from which source it was expected to secure much of the revenue for the construction of the new building. The board has acted wisely in not plunging headlong into the matter thereby throwing an unnecessary debt upon the shoulders of the tax-payers. The orphans are comfortably situated and can easily get along for another year at least. – kbz

Manager Rice, of the Big Store band has extended an invitation to the Orphan's Home to attend the concert tomorrow afternoon at the fair ground and it has been accepted. Mr. Bischof has agreed to furnish transportation for the children and it is more than likely that they will be the happiest lot of kids in town tomorrow.

The following are the donations to the Orphan's Home for January & Feb 1888. Mr. George Markley, hobby horse; PC Somerville, 10 bushels coke; Mrs. Wynn, 3 pair mittens; Stanley Simpson, 16 Frank Leslie's magazines; George Smith, one load of straw; Dr. JF Tuttle, cash

An infant child of Hannah Henafan, was found dead at the Orphan's Home yesterday morning. The mother of the cild came from the neighborhood of Ladoga. She is not overly brilliant in intellect and some scoundrel accomplished her ruin and she drifted to the Poor Farm, where the child was born. She was taken to the Orphan's Home where it was thought she might be of help to Mrs. Hiner. The Coroner was called in by those in charge but no name can possibly be attached to anyone connected with the Home or to the unfortunate mother. The child was diseased and is liable to die at any time.

The following donations were made to the Orphan's Home during the month of November: Rev. Mrs. Hays, clothing; Mrs. Cox, clothing; A friend, shoes; Mrs. RM Ramsey, 3 pair hose; Mrs. OM Gregg, cash $2; Lew Fisher, one cider barrel; Kelley & Somerville, shoe boxes; Henry Sloan, sacks; Barnhill, Hornaday & Pickett, axle grease; Mr. and Mrs. John Blue, corn, apples and cabbage; Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Blue, apples, turnips and cabbage; Mr. and Mrs. David Thewlis, corn, cabbage and potatoes; Mrs. SC MOrris, corn and cabbage; Dr. and Mrs. Dunnington, apples and potatoes; Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Davis, corn and apples; JC Freeman, corn; Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Remley, apples, corn and maple syrup; Ambrose Remley, one barrel cider and corn; Abner Enoch, apples and corn; Ed Welsh, corn; Mr. and Mrs. H. Trout, apples, potatoes, corn and beans; John Hutchings, corn and potatoes; Abe Castor, oats; Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Remley, corn and plum butter; Mrs. George Lynn, apples, cabbage and apple butter; Mrs. John Lockridge, turnips; Mr. and Mrs. WC Krumler, apples and potatoes; Mrs. George Lafollette, apples; Dr. JF Tuttle, cash $10; OM Gregg, cash $5, Mrs. Wishard, one churn. The matron and children of the Home desire to offer their heartfelt thanks to the friends who so bountifully provided for the inmates on Thanksgiving Day an donly wish the friends had seen the relish with which the hcildren enjoyed their dinner. The following are the names of the donors: Mrs. VQ Irwin; Mrs. OM Green; Mrs. Ruffner; Mrs. James Walters, Mrs. AC Jennison, Miss Lilly Coyle, Mrs. Ben Stout, Demas Gilbert, Manson Bros; P Fink; Mrs. Henry Crawford, Barnhill

The Orphan's Home is an insitution that should be maintained. When men and women have grown old in sins and trespasses it is hardly possible to reclaim them, but young children removed from bad surroundings, placed under good influences and taught to hate what is wrong, have a fair prospect of growing to respectable manhood and womanhood. Considering what mischief can be wrought by one debased man or one deparaved woman there is no effort too great that can save the world from the evil of such influences. It should be a subject of personal interest to every good man and woman in this town and they should do what lies in their power in the work of making virtuous men and women of children who are dependent upon the charity for food, shelter, clothing and all that they may be taught with a view of enabling them in the future to help themselves. It is doubt if there is a town in the state where the deserving poor receive great aid and sympathy

The entertainment at the Orphan's Home on Christmas was the most memorable in the history of the institution and the management desires to express its thanks to the following persons who so kindly contributed to its success: Stan Keeney; Ed Vancamp; Klein & Graham; CL Rost; LW Otto; Vancleave & Houlihan; AW Binford; E Detchon; Saidla & Morgan; Jere Kenney; Elzroth & Son; Jacob Joe; Joe Breaks; CDohoon & Fisher; Tnisley & Martin; Con Cunningham; JA Joel; McClamrock; H Sloan, SMith & Myers; Ross Brothers; AC Mahoney; Cash Fry; Hadley & King; ENsminger & Seawright; HW Connard; General Manson; Banrhill & Col; L Bischof; JM Brown; Tannenbaun Bro; J Wampler; D Rountree; Mrs. THB McCain; Mrs. James Everson; Mrs. James Watson; Mrs. Geo. Coons; Mr.s JR Bryant; Mrs. Dr. Wilhite; Mrs. DW Cox; Mrs. Albert Jennison; Mrs. CL Thomas; Miss Mary Hovey; Mrs. VQ .... window shades; D. Rountree, Campbell Bros; WB Walls & Sons DF McClure each 10 yards of muslin; CM Crawford 1 bed comfort; Lucas & Win, calico & cotton for one bed comfrot; Seawright & Co 1 doz table spoons; 1 doz tin spoons and 1 doz knives and forks. The money was expended as follows: Moving furniture $1.50; coffin factory for theree tables, $10.50; A Kostanzer for two chairs; $1.20 carpet warp $2.99; prints for comfort $3.50; two yards oil cloth; 70 cents; weaving 40 yards of carpet $5; carpet warp $3.83; A Kostanzer chairs $6.50 John B. Robb stoves $37.90; Campbell Bros batting 65 cents; D Young & Son blanket prinT $17.65 A Z Mahorney for a washing machine $11. Balance on hand $31.70

The commitee takes pleasure in acknowledging liberal donations by many of the citizens of second hand clothing and bedding and furniture for the children for which no account could be made on the above report. THe committee are: Mrs. Joseph Milligan; Mrs. SM Harter; Mrs. THB McCain; Mrs. JL Campbell and Mrs. Marty Wilhite.

The commissioniers were in session today to open the bids for the erection of the new building for the Orphans Home. They first were presented with a petition asking that the building be built upon the old site and not in Britton's Glen. Mr. Fullen said if the prayer of the petitioners be granted it would bar from opening the bids, which were based upon the location being in Britton's Glen. Upon opening the bid was found that EC Griffith was $6,975 for doing the work; MV __ $7,650 and J E TInsley $6306. The commissioners then consulted to decide about the matterin order to come to conclusion.

Thge County Commissioiners did not close the contract with JS Tinsley for the erection of the Orphan's Home before they adjourned last night. They, however, said that Mr. Tinsley would get the job, and Chas. Johnston was instructed to write up a contract with Mr. Tinsley and the Commissioners and the same would be signed next Friday. Work will be commened up on the building next week and the matter will be hurried through to completion. WF Tucker will do the brick work and stone will be furnished by Fred Bandel. About 200,000 brick will be required. The new building will be of brick and have stone trimmings, two stories with basement and garret. In the basement will be six apartments for the launjdry, furance, fuel, storage, dry room and vegetables. Upon the first floor will be seven rooms and closets. Here will be the kitchen, dining room, play room, reception room, sick room, sitting room and a bedroom. ON the second floor will be six apartments, 3 bedrooms, two dormitories, bathroom and large halls. The building will be supplied with gas and water pipes, and be wired for electric lights. It will be covered with slate roof and have several verandas. It will be a building when finished that will be a credit to our county, as well as a comfortable and convenient home for the unfortunate youths in our midst.

Note: There were pieces gone so you might get to a part then it is left in space or you might read something twice... sorry - just as it was copied and in a folder at the Crawfordsville District Public Library

The former Montgomery County Children's Home, 1605 W Wabash Ave, a county landmark for almost a 100 years will soon be razed to become the site of a private colonial type home, according to Tom Donnelley Jr, Country Club Road who recently purchased the acreage and building. Though the Children's Home, which was closed in the late 1950s will cease to be in existance, the memories of childhood days at the home will linger on the hearts and minds of hundreds of persons who were raised there. It will also remain in the hearts of those persons who worked closely with the children at the home...hours before the place began to take on a cheery atmosphere. It was a thrill to watch the joy on the children's faces as many of them had baths for the first time in their lives.

"To see the conditions that many of the children were in when they came to the home was distressing and heartbreaking. We had babies come in wrapped in newspapers, some were dirty and infested with lice, and suffering illnesses. We had to cut the clothing off of several of the kids, they were so dirty. Many of the children were found in parks, roaming the streets andin neglected homes and were brought to us by the welfare and police. There was a rule that only county children could live in the home but occassionally we kept runaways from other counties and states for several days.

"The home was licensed for 20 children but there were times when we were running over with kids. At one time we had 43 children and no place to put them all so we used the outside buildings, the attic and the basement rather than turn them away. The state demanded that we cut back so the extras were placed in foster homes around the county. Children at the home ranged in age from 10 days to 16 years. A few were kept longer if they had no place to go. It seemed ...

"I would not take anything for the memories I have of serving 13 and one-half years as superintendent," Mrs. Faye Nutt, 216 W. Pike St, stated as she retraced her years at the home. "I had never been at the home before I was appointed superintendent in 1937 and was shocked to find it in such deplorable condition, Mrs. Nutt stated, "There was no plumbing, windows were broken out in several rooms, the interior was dark and dreary and floors only partially finished. My first impulse was to turn away and give up the position. However, after seeing the children and the needs that were evident, I accepted the challenge and proceeded to make many changes. I can not believe that the people of Crawfordsville really knew the conditions that existed at the home at that time," she stated.

::We were granted permission to install plumbing, showers, and bathrooms and to repaint the interior. It was a lot of hard work and all of us, including the children put in long, long ...

... began to deteroiorate. "I just get heartsick wehen I see the place today, the weeds and broken limbs in the yard ... it is so different from the clean and neat surroundings that existed a few years ago."

Mrs. King, who refers to Mrs. Nutt as "Mother" stated that most of the children left the home and achieved success in the world. "Mother Nutt can be credited with how the kids turned out. She had such high moral values and was greatly respected by the children and the community. Many of us who were raised at the home have continued to keep in close contact with her. Mrs. King had gone to the home when she was 10 years of age and remained there until after graduation. There are many wonderful memories of my childhood at the home and with the Nutts," she stated.

There were many fun things, like the Christmas parties, camping and activities. There were also responsibilities and experiences that helped us to ...

a child out just because he was 16 years old so Mrs. Nina Jones of the Welfare Department and I appealed to the state to allow the children to stay until graduation and the request was granted. It was hard to give up the children when you had become so attached to them. Several of them keep in touch with me today. They live across the nation and most of them are responsible citizens of their communities with good positions," Mrs. Nutt stated with pride.

I noticed that the youngsteres were cruel to stray aniamls that came to the home ... I think that it was because they were not accustomed to having animals around. Therefore, I requested permission from the welfare department to allow the children to have pets. It wans't long before the place became like a menagerie with cats, dogs and birds. .. we even had a pet mouse and billy goat that gave us a lot of laughs. The children soon learned to love the animals and treat them with kindness. The training wa sgood for them for they realized animals have feelings the same as human beings.

"Occasionally we had discipline problems but they were rare and not of great consequence ... we were lucky. Sometimes boys would run off 'to see the world' but would return on their own to the home. One boy was an exception. He dreamed and talked about being a paratrooper all the time. He often told us that he was going to slip away and join the service. At the age of 15 years he left in the night. lied about his age and joined the paratroopers. He became a military officer and was recorded as making combat jumps in Sicily at the age of 16. He was honored by the military for outstanding service and dedication .A

.... would pack up the children and spent two weeks at the Rotary Scout Camp where we had outdoor activities, swimming, hiking and camping. It was great fun and experience for all of us.

"Bible school was held once a week at the home. The children had their own chorus and won the love of the people of the community when they sang for various clubs and organizations around town. The children also attended church every Sunday."

Christmas was a memorable experience. The children would make a list of what they wanted for Christmas and I would go with civic club leaders to make the purchases. The local organizations made sure the children were not disappointed at Christmas time. A Christmas program was planned by the children each year and they spent weeks practicing. The older children would help the little ones with their parts in the play. Two programs were presented, one to honor the county commissioners, judge and their families and the other for welfare department workers and their families. The nights of the performances were like a Hollywood production.

.........women and children in her work she discerned the growing demand for hospital care for them. It was her daily prayer that Crawfordsville be blessed with such an institution." Her prayer was answered, although not until after her work was finished here.

... Dear to the hearts and memory of many men and women of the city there is a teacher, whose unassuming interest in and solicitation for the comforts of her little pupiles carried her into homes of every part of the city. Her leisure hours were spent with her crochet hook, making mittnes to cover the little hands that she guided along the kindergarten paths. Her appeals to her sister, Mrs. Cicero McClure, were always heeded and many a warm suit or dress was carried to school. Her name, Anna M. Sibbitt (?) should be written in gold and hung in the halls of education in our city.

The Women's Union - the organization under this name existed for some 10 years, carrying on a work similar to that done by our own Agenda Society today. During the early 90s there developed in this city a strong sentimen in favor of a department club, with a view of the advancement of child welfare work. Mrs. DC Smith the first president, called a meeting at her home, and a constitution was drawn up by the following ladies: Mrs. DC Smith; Mrs. RObert Larsh; Mrs. Martha Griffith; Mrs. Bennett Engle and Mrs. Nettie Wright. To a certain extent, the department idea was carried out.

Mrs. Dr. Martha Griffith, the new physician in the city, suggested the opening of a free clinic. Her suggestion was overruled by Dr. Ensminger, only for reason that no funds were available to properly proceed with such work. However, Dr. Ensminger himself never failed to answer the call for help. He and his faithful old horse, "Pet" were familiar figures in the missions of mercy.

The union through three rummage sales raised for $1200 to $1500 in funds for their use. Then, during a summer outing at Lake Maxinkuckoe, Mrs. Chase Travis, one of the ardent supporters of the club

In 1950, Mrs. Nutt and the late Sanford Nutt left the home and moved into town. Mrs. Nutt was the guest of honor at a team given at the home and over 100 attended from severfal states. Many of them had lived at the home while she was superintendent. Dr. Schenck was unable to attend but sent a letter expressing his feelings. He stated that he had seen many children come and go at the home while he was associated there. He had seen them come in undernourished, ill and improperly clothed and some showing unquestionable ...

He was later forced to retire due to ill health.

During the wartime, we couldn't get help at the home because we could not financially compete with the war-plant salaries. Many outstanding citizens of the community volunteered their help and made many visits to assist with the chores and children. Among those who devoted many hours at the home were WIll H. Hays, Jr; the late Dr. FO Schenck, a former doctor of Crawfordsville and the late Mrs. Martha Vance. Others giving valuable assistance were welfare case workers and the Red Cross as well as civic organizations in the community. Dr. Fred Daughtery was the home doctor and the children were very fond of him.

...... Mrs. Jones was a true friend of the children and would often take small groups of children to her home for meals and entertainment. Children were allowed to stay overnight in homes in the community and to have friends spend the night at the home," Mrs. Nutt stated.

...evidence of phgysical and mental neglect. "Worse of all, many of their little faces had lost all signs of hope and confidence... they seemed to be standing alone, in a cold world, that gave out, little if any, love and affection," the letter stated.

"A few weeks under the care of Mom Nutt and careful guidance with nourishing food, clean clothes and bed, and the home-like atmosphere of their surroundings, new life for them became apparent. THeir eyes became bright, their little bodies filled out and they could smile as a new days was in the dawning for them..."We have all watched them grow into young womanhood and manhood and were so proud of them as they took their places in the world and became active, respectible citizens in their chosen communities. The result of Mom Nutt's influence in the developing of our children will stand through the years as a monument to a task well done, " he wrote.

Mother Nutt was a typical mother to us at the home. She worried when we were staying overnight and would check the people out before allowing us to stay with them, " stated Mrs. Jayne King who was raised at the home.

There were many fun things, like the Christmas parties, camping and activities. There were also responbilities and experiences that helped us to become responsible and mature citrizens later in life. Mother Nutt taught us how to do chores around the home. We were each assigned tasks which at that time seemed like real burdens but when I think back, I am thankful for the training ... it is very important.

We were like one big family at the home. Mother Nutt straived to make life for us as normal as possible. It was not run like an insitution ... she did most of the directing and labor herself assisted by a cook and cook's helper and the childrne. 'We were all accepted in the schools. aWe were active in exgtra curricular affairs and organizations. There was no soxial stigma or being set apart because we lived at the home. Dad Nutt oversaw most of the discipline in which he was very stern. He died in 1961 after they had left the home.

..."We were like one big happy family at the home," Mrs.Nutt said. "The children attended the local schools and participated in extgra curricular activities. We went to fairs, carnivals and community affairs. Each summer we ...

After the Nutts retired, their daughter, Mrs. John Bir, took over the home. The welfare department began to place more and more of the childre in foster homes. Two years after the Nutts left, the county commissioners announced that thye had sold the home to The Westbook Nursing Home owners. It was not revealed as to why the county gave up the home, although operating costs and the welfare caseworkers request for salary increases was speculated to be the reason.

.

"One of the real exciting times at the home was when Lana Turner visited. I was appointed to take her fur coat and we planned a welcome program for her. Everyone was so excited. She was so kind and took time to play with the children. We had many gala affairs at the home that will always be special memories of my childhood.

:Mrs. Nutt, now around 74 years of age, likes to keep busy today helping others. Her unselfishness seems to keep her alive and inspired with life. She cares for her grandchild and dog each day and is a

"The home that once rang with children's laughter became a house filled with pain, hopelessness and lonliness for senior citizens," stated Mrs. Nutt.

... cheerful type person with out standing patience," Mrs. King said.

The Children's Home first came into existance when a small band of womenb aand philanthropic men of the county became interested in the welfare of the "unfortunate" orphans in the late 1800s. It is recorded that Mrs. Wilhite, a medical doctor in Crawfordsville was the "backbone," of the organization of the home.

In the beginning, the home was under the direction of the MC Commissioners who appointed a Board of Guardians. There was no specific site for the home at first, therefore, orphans lived at the private residences of the appointed matron. Locations were changed 5 times before being located at the permanent site. The first location was at the ... homes of a Mrs. Wishard and a Mrs. Bell and later at Thompson place on Elm Street Hill.

The Children's Home was eventually located on Yountsville Road, near the present site. In 1892, the home was destroyed by fire and the children were moved to a residence at the corner of Washington & Jefferson Streets. In the summer of 1894, the county commissioners purchased a site at Britton's Glen, west of Crawfordsville. A two-story brick building was constructed at this location costing $7000.

The children were moved into the new home Oct 1, 1894. The home continued to function as an orphanage, later the policy was changed to accept children from underprivelaged and broken homes as residents. The county Welfare Department was given supervision of th ehome in approximately 1930 doing away with the board of

After years of difficulties and problems the state closed the

Donnelley stated that workers are now in the process of removing portions of the interior and within a few months will raze the building. "The building was in such poor condition that the only choice was to have the landmark structure razed," he stated.

Last Monday a bare-footed urchin with a hard face and confidence manner trudged into the office of OM Gregg and stated that he wished to complain of the Orphan’s Home from which he had been ignominously bounced this morning. He stated that his name was Cliff Harris and that he was a young man in whom there was no guile and upon whom there were no flies. He had always been an exemplary young man at the home, he said, but was always being misunderstood. Whenever he was misunderstood he claimed that Mr. Stout would hustle him out to the barn, tie him up in one of the stalls and larrup him with a hold back strap until he back resembled a railroad map in the effete east. Many other charges did he make against the matron. Mrs. Heiner, and the manager, Mr. Stout. He then proceeded on his way with an elder companion into whose company he had fallen after leaving the Home. Later in the morning Mr. Stout came in and informed Mr. Gregg that Mrs. Heiner had in reality expelled the youngster from the Home that morning. He has been a terror ever since his debut at the Home. Two years ago he was given a home in Parke County by a good farmer but about two months ago was returned, the farmer stating that he was unable to do anything with the boy whose bump of destructiveness was phenomenal. He defied all law and went according to his inclinations which were not at all good to say the least. Since Cliff’s return to the home that peaceful institution has been in a state of loud uproar. He has taught the children all the bad pranks he knows, has taken droves of them off fishing on Sunday and played the dickens generally. Mr. Stout said he had not been whipped for some time and never in the manner he claimed. He was turned out for the good of the Home. The youngster will probably be captured and sent to the reform school as he is veritably a white-eyed holy terror. He is but 12 years old and originally came from Darlington.

Source: 1928 - Crawfordsville CIty Directory. 1605 W. Wabash Children's home Mrs. Mary BIrr, Matron

Source: 1924 Crawfordsville City Directory - Mont Co Orphans Home Mrs. Clara Vancleave Matron W Wabash Ave at city limits

Source: ___ City directory - Montgomery County Orphans Home, Mrs. Ida VanCleave matron Wabash St west of city

The Montgomery County Orphans Home, located at the west edge of Crawfordsville on the Country Club Road and vacated some months ago when the orphans there were taken over in private homes was sold by the County Board of Commissioneris Satuday morningt o George West of Sugar Creek Township. The price paid was $9,500 which was the appriasedvalue officially place upon the home and the grounds, County Attorney John B. Newlin said. Mr. West is a former resident of Lafayette but in recent years he has been residing in Sugar Creek Twp. The commissioners met in special session in the office of county auditor Gladys Edwards Sat morning to open bids in the sale of the home. Only two bids were submitted.

Westbrook Nursing Home Dallas West, mgr. Country Club Rd. Sandy West, kitchen helper

Westbrook Nursing Home, Dallas West mgr. Holly West, cook Both live in Darlington

In the summer of 1894 the county commmissioienrs purchased a site for the present County Orphan's Home and let the contract for the building that soon graced the charming spot at Britton's Glen just west of the city of Crawfordsville on the Yountsville Road. It is a substantial brick structure after strictly modern plans and specifications costing about $7000 as per original contract made with contractor Tinley. The building was moved into and occupied Oct 1, 1894and that was the sixth time the home had moved since the little band of local women and philanthropic men of the county became interested in the welfare of the unfortunate orphans of Montgomery County, among whom should never be forgotten the name of Mrs. Wilhite a medical doctor of long and successful practice in Crawfordsville. The first site was the private house of Mrs. Wishard, the first matron; the second place was at th ehome of Mrs. Bell, the second matron; third at Thompsons place on Elm Street HIll; four the one o n the Yountsville Road, which building was burned in 1892; fifth at the corner of Washington and ...