Orphanages in Iowa - Family History & Genealogy Message Board

Re: iowa orphanage

CherieMcNaul66 — 2013-06-17 00:23:08Z

there were many homes and buildings that housed orphans & children who were taken from their families for whatever reason. The main building burned along with the records in the 1960's. My mother was in Des Moines Home For Friendless Children, it was on 2018 High St. It's a parking lot today.
I recommend searching your grandpa's name in records on ancestry.com's US Directories.
I have attached a copy of an advertisment from Des MOines with a children's home for you that might give you some help.
Nearly every orphanage in the state of Iowa was connected through the city of Des Moines(capitol) and were owned and sponsored by many church denominations. Lutheran's being the biggest operators. There were homes in Eldora, Toledo, Bremwood, Mitchellville all in Iowa.

Re: Bremwood, Mitchellville, & Eldora

CherieMcNaul66 — 2013-06-17 00:02:01Z

If you have a paid subscription with ancestry.com, I recommend searching your relative's name and look through the US FED & STATE CENSUS' for only the years they lived in that location. ie searching examples:
name surname, click on US censuses, say he was in Bremwood between 1910 to 1935: then look in 1910, 1915, 1920, 1925, and 1930.
odd numbered years are STATE census. I recently found the name of the home my mother was living in in 1940 in Des Moines. There were several buildings that were built for orphan useage in the mid-late 1800's. The Des Moines Orphanage as some believe was just one big building. They were actually all over the state of Iowa. Just in Des Moines, as I discovered, were several buildings in within the city. The main building was just the business end of it.
In case someone comes across this,the home I found where my mother lived, was called :Des Moines Home For Friendless Children

Re: Bremwood, Mitchellville, & Eldora

blhapp61 — 2013-06-10 23:45:33Z

My father was in a Orphanage about 1922. It was in the Toledo area. We stopped therr a couple of years ago and it is now a home for wayward/troubled teen girls and some boys. They were trying to gather memorabilia from anyone who had been there and open a portion of the building as a museum. I could not get any further information.

Re: iowa orphanage

tgray63 — 2013-04-12 16:18:58Z

Late to reply I know but just saw this post, if still possible would like info....many thanks

John SULLIVAN

metaphor — 2013-04-02 18:44:47Z

I believe your John SULLIVAN may have been enumerated twice in Grand Forks County, ND, in 1880--once with his daughters and once with his adult sons:

1880 US Census, Rye, Grand Forks County, Dakota Territory
John Sullivan 53, widowed, head, farmer, born IRE
Nellie Sullivan 18, dau, born IA
Maggie Sullivan 15, dau, born IA
Mary Sullivan 13, dau, born IA
Kate Sullivan 10, dau, born IA
Elizabeth Sullivan 7, dau, born IA

Possible second enumeration of father, plus Kathryn’s older brothers:
1880 US Census, DakotaTerr GrandForks Ferry
John SULLIVAN, 55 [c1825], head, widowed, Farmer, IRE IRE IRE
Thomas, 23 [c1857], IA IRE IRE, son, single, Farm Laborer
Michael, 21 [c1859], IA IRE IRE, son, single, Farm Lab

1860 US Census, IA Winneshiek Glenwood
John Sullivan 31
Mary Sullivan 27
Sarah Sullivan 8
William Sullivan 6
Michael Sullivan 2
Thomas Sullivan 2/12

Going back to the decade 1860-1870, I believe the family may have lived first in Winneshiek County IA, then in Webster County IA:

1860 US Census, IA Winneshiek Glenwood
John Sullivan 31 [c1828], IRE
Mary Sullivan 27 [c1832], IRE
Sarah Sullivan 8 [c1852], IN
William Sullivan 6 [c1853], IL
Michael Sullivan 2 [c1857], IA
Thomas Sullivan, 2mo [Mar/Apr 1860], IA

1863-1865 U.S. Civil War Draft Registrations Records
Name: John Sullivan
Residence: Glenwood, Winneshiek, Iowa
Class: 2
Congressional District: 3rd
Age on 1 July 1863: 36
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1827
Race: White
Place of Birth: Ireland

1870 US Census, IA Webster FtDodge
John Sullivan 47, born IRE
Mary Sullivan 40, born IRE
Sarah Sullivan 16, born IN
William Sullivan 15, born IRE [sic; IL or IA]
Michael Sullivan 11, born IA
Thomas Sullivan 8, born IA
Ellen Sullivan 6, born IA
Maggie Sullivan 4, born IA
Mary Sullivan 3, born IA

Please contact me directly via email if you would like to make arrangements to receive these and other documents upon which I based my conclusions.

Also, see attached item further linking a brother Thomas SULLIVAN to the known sisters. (Note that, through a record for one of her sons, I have established that Mrs. Margaret McCarthy's maiden name was, indeed, SULLIVAN.)

Re: Image: 1892 MERCER-SULLIVAN marriage announcement in Grand Forks Herald (ND)

ozzie511 — 2013-04-02 18:18:44Z

Well, I must stand corrected. Your information is exactly right.

I spoke again to my mother and tried to "push" her a bit about some of these details. At that point she remembered she had an old shoe box of some things. In the box was what appeared to be an "autograph book" that had belonged to Kathryn. Among the entries was one from a sister named Lizzie Sullivan and another from a sister named May Y Sullivan (Mary??). Another entry was signed "Your friend and schoolmate, Ursuline College, Feb 21, 1889." Another was signed "your friend Lizzy M Barlow" and another "your friend Anna Barlow, May 3, 1888". Many of these entries were addressed to Katie Sullivan. My mother had been unaware of these other sisters. The Barlow friends certainly locate Kathryn in Grand Forks in the late 1880's.

Also in the box was a newspaper clipping describing the marriage of "Miss Kittie Sullivan to Oscar Mercer, now of Great Falls, Montana". The clipping is a fragment without a date and does not appear to be the same one you discovered. But clearly you were correct about this.

So, the John Sullivan age 53 living in Grand Forks, Dakota Territory, in the 1880 Census must be the father. The brothers aren't listed I suspect because they were older and probably living under a different roof. The John Sullivan in 1870 Census seems less certain.

However, I was able to find reference to an Ursuline school that opened in Grand Forks in Sept 1883, later becoming known as St. Bernard's Academy.

What do you suggest from this point? Obtaining marriage record for Kathryn and Oscar; Kathryn's death certificate?

My mother remembers seeing at some point a Civil War discharge paper for John Sullivan but can't find it now. I know if I had his unit/regiment I could research the regimental history for mention of him. I appreciate any suggestions.

And I can't thank you enough for what you've already found.

p.s. I will visit my mother next month (opposite coast, I'm afraid) and plan to view the contents of this box personally. But other than a lot of photos, she didn't see any other printed material.

Re: Image: 1892 MERCER-SULLIVAN marriage announcement in Grand Forks Herald (ND)

metaphor — 2013-04-02 06:22:48Z

ozzie wrote, "I can say the newspaper clipping is definitely not the Mercer-Sullivan who were my ancestors. "

I'm very surprised to hear that! The husband's name is quite unique, and Kathryn's sister Nellie and her husband lived in that area. What about the couple in this clipping makes it seem an unlikely match?

I am absolutely certain that the groom mentioned in this clipping is the Oscar O. MERCER who died in Seattle in 1935, leaving wife Kathryn, daughters Grayce Sharpe and Mrs B.C. Cadden, son Charles, and a brother named William.

Re: Image: 1892 MERCER-SULLIVAN marriage announcement in Grand Forks Herald (ND)

ozzie511 — 2013-04-01 14:47:50Z

Thanks for all the info. I can say the newspaper clipping is definitely not the Mercer-Sullivan who were my ancestors. The other families don't quite seem to match the info I have. Getting a copy of the death certificate is a great idea and I will pursue that.

Image: 1892 MERCER-SULLIVAN marriage announcement in Grand Forks Herald (ND)

metaphor — 2013-03-30 15:21:13Z

Marriage announcement is attached as jpg file.

Found sister Elizabeth SULLIVAN with Oscar and Kathryn Mercer in 1895

metaphor — 2013-03-29 18:14:23Z

ozzie,

1895: I found a 21-year-old Elizabeth SULLIVAN living with the Oscar MERCER family In the 1895 MN State Census (Duluth), suggesting that Kathryn had a younger sister named Elizabeth, as well as the older sister named Nellie (possibly aka Ellen).

Going back to the 1880 census, John SULLIVAN (53, born IRE, farmer) was living in Rye, Grand Forks County, Dakota Territory with five daughters: Nellie (18), Maggie (15), Mary (13) and Kate (10); all daughters were born in Iowa. These ages more or less align with what you know of Nellie and Kathryn, as well as the age of the Elizabeth SULLIVAN who was living with Kathryn and Oscar in 1895.

1870: A possible match for the John SULLIVAN family in Fort Dodge, Webster County, IA, showing the three youngest girls with the correct names and right age range:

1870 US Census, IA Webster FtDodge
John Sullivan 47, born IRE
Mary Sullivan 40, born IRE
Sarah Sullivan 16, born IN
William Sullivan 15, born IRE
Michael Sullivan 11, born IA
Thomas Sullivan 8, born IA
Ellen Sullivan 6, born IA
Maggie Sullivan 4, born IA
Mary Sullivan 3, born IA

I'm attaching an 1892 newspaper notice about Kathryn & Oscar's marriage. It indicates they were married in Lakota, which is in Nelson County. A marriage record may name parents of both bride and groom, and/or names of the witnesses, which may be helpful in future research. It will also name the officiant, which can provide a clue about which parish the family may have attended, and that church might have funeral/burial records for Kathryn's mother. Here is contact info for the vital records office in Nelson County so you can write to them and request a copy of the marriage record:
Nelson County Recorder
210 B Ave W, Ste. 203
Lakota, ND 58344

Also, I highly recommend procuring Kathryn's death record from the state of California, to see if it lists her specific birthplace and her mother's name:
http://www.cdph.ca.gov/pubsforms/forms/CtrldForms/VS112.pdf

Re: Ursuline Convent / Orphanage in Iowa around 1880

ozzie511 — 2013-03-29 13:45:02Z

Kathryn Sullivan married Oscar Owen Mercer in 1892. I positively identify her and family in the 1900 Census living in Duluth, MN, although her first name is listed as "Catherine". At that time her children were Frank O Mercer, Chas M Mercer, and Harold V Mercer. Later Census' show 2 other children, Helen M Mercer (my grandmother) and Grace M Mercer (real spelling Grayce). Harold died of diphtheria at age 5 (per my mother; can't find documentation of death). Kathryn died 15 Aug 1949 in San Francisco. The others can be reliably traced to their deaths.

I spoke with my mother and was able to discern a few additional items about Kathryn's early life. Based on this, I no longer believe that the 20 year old Nellie Sullivan living in Cedar Rapids, IA in the 1880 Census is likely Kathryn's sister. Because the Nellie (Nellie Barlow, nee Sullivan) identified in the 1900 Census in Grand Forks, ND was definitely Kathryn's sister, I will accept Nellie's birth as listed in the 1900 Census as Oct 1865 as reliable.

Additional info:

- Father's name: John Sullivan
- There were 5 children: 2 older brothers, Nellie, Kathryn, a brother who drowned around age 2
- Mother dies when Kathryn is 3 (noted above)
- Father dies at some point
- Older brothers raise younger sisters for a period of time
- Home is isolated (requires overnight travel to "town" for supplies)
- Nellie marries, brothers no longer able to care for Kathryn
- Kathryn sent to live with "the Ursalines".

I'm going to take another look at the Iowa Census data and see if I turn up anything further based on this additional info.

Thanks again for the assistance.

Re: Ursuline Convent / Orphanage in Iowa around 1880

metaphor — 2013-03-28 16:00:01Z

ozzie511,

Can you provide the name of Kathryn Sullivan's husband and children, and Kathryn's death date and place?

The best genealogical research starts with what is known for certain (and, preferably, documented), and works back in time to locate records about and references to the person you're researching.

Re: Ursuline Convent / Orphanage in Iowa around 1880

ozzie511 — 2013-03-28 11:54:55Z

metaphor, thank you for your quick reply.

Yes, Kathryn SULLIVAN was her maiden name. The information about the Ursuline Convent came from my mother who remembers her grand mother (Kathryn) talking about being raised in an Ursuline Convent.

The story my mother remembers is that Kathryn's mother died when she was 3. Her father, a Civil War vet, raised the family but when he died Kathryn was sent to an Ursuline Convent.

I do not know her parents' names or exactly where in Iowa the family lived. Kathryn's description to my mother was that she had lived in a "little house on the prairie" type of setting until her father's death.

Kathryn had a sister who was about 10 years older named Nellie. I found a Nellie SULLIVAN, 20 yrs old living in Cedar Rapids, IA in the 1880 Census. I suspect this is the older sister but can't be certain. I have identified a Nellie SULLIVAN born in Iowa, married to Joseph BARLOW and having children Edna and Mabel in the 1900 Census living in Grand Forks, ND. Based on info from my mother, I am certain this is Kathryn's older sister. The 1900 Census shows Nellie's birth date as Oct 1965 but later Census' show calculated birth dates of 1862-1863.

The 1870 Census shows a Nellie and Catherine SULLIVAN in Elk, Clayton, Iowa. Nellie's age is about right but this Catherine seems a bit too old based on my mother's info. There's another 1870 entry of a Nellie and Katie SULLIVAN in Dubuque, IA. The ages fit better but it seems the family is being raised by mother alone which does not fit. My mother does remember that Kathryn was somewhat coy when it came to her age so a range for Kathryn's birth date would be appropriate.

Not knowing Kathryn's parents' names I've reached a dead end. I was hoping to find orphanage / convent records that I might be able to review.

I appreciate any advice or assistance you might be able to offer. I'm a bit new at this.

Thanks!

Re: Ursuline Convent / Orphanage in Iowa around 1880

metaphor — 2013-03-28 05:17:13Z

ozzie511,

Was SULLIVAN your great-grandmother's maiden name?

What is your source for the information that Kathryn was sent to an Ursuline Convent?

Do you already know her parents' names and where the family was living as of the enumeration date of the 1870 census and/or when Kathryn was born circa 1871?

What was the name of the probable sister you've located in the 1880 census in CedarRapids, Linn County, IA?

Your post suggests that Kathryn's father died sometime between 1881 and 1884. Have you tried to locate a death record or obituary that might make reference to a parish to which the family belonged?

If you don't already know Kathryn's parents' names, and if she and/or her probable sister resided in Iowa in 1925, the state census may list their parents' names and state/country of birth.

Research in historical newspapers may be helpful. If you need assistance, contact me via email and please cut-and-paste the text of this message:

maryfobian [at] comcast [dot] net

Ursuline Convent / Orphanage in Iowa around 1880

ozzie511 — 2013-03-27 16:15:17Z

I am trying to find some record of Kathryn T Sullivan (great grand mother) who was born in Iowa around 1871. When her father died (her age 10-12) she was sent to an "Ursuline Convent", most probably in Iowa, where she resided until age 18. I find her in the 1900 Federal Census (married with children at that point) and I find an almost certain sister living in Cedar Rapids, IA, in the 1880 Federal Census. I am puzzled why Kathryn does not show in the 1880 Census but am assuming that is somehow an artifact of living in the convent. I know of the Iowa Soldiers' Orphans' Home (later Annie Wittenmeyer Home) but the Wikipedia entry mentions no association with the Ursulines.

Does anyone know of a convent, orphanage, or maybe school in Iowa that was operated by the Ursuline order? Would there be any records available from the Annie Wittenmeyer Home which closed in the 1970's?

Thanks.

Re: Finding a Orphanage that was in operation in the 40's in Cedar Rapids Iowa

suemersereau_2 — 2013-03-03 16:30:02Z

Try contacting Tanager Place in Cedar Rapids, IA. It used to be Home of the Friendless that started in the 1880's. I'm looking for records of the Home of the Friendless orphanage in Cedar Rapids, Iowa also.

Re: Gertrude Francis Jordan Schott

suemersereau_2 — 2013-03-03 15:44:53Z

I found her through the GSA Adoption website where you can post for free.

Re: Gertrude Francis Jordan Schott

smersereau_2 — 2012-08-02 20:13:59Z

thank you! If Gertrude was adopted, I have no idea what her adoptive last name would be. According to the dates of the census and back dating her age, she would have a birthdate of approximately the end of Sept to Mid October 1929. Let me know if you get a response. :)

Re: Gertrude Francis Jordan Schott

karonna777 — 2012-08-02 19:53:05Z

Hi, my best friend married an Eric Schott from Iowa City. I pasted your thread on her facebook. I am not sure if there is any connection but I will let you know what her hubby says if there is.

Re: your Gertrude Francis JORDAN (Schott?) research

suemersereau_2 — 2012-07-29 18:13:43Z

Thank you for responding. Yes, I've talked to all of my relatives. No one even knew about Gertrude until I found her in the 1930 census! You are right about the death date. I have the death certificate and all newspaper articles from the Iowa City area and one clipping from Sioux City IA that picked up the story. Gertrude is not mentioned in any. The family back then was not a church-going family so I don't think they went to church. I don't know if Gertrude was born in Boone, IA (where Vera was from) or the Iowa City area. I cannot request birth certificates because not enough years have passed. I tried. The only people still living from Opal's children have never heard of Gertrude and don't recall anyone ever speaking of the little girl. Opal gave her 1st 5 children to the state of Iowa for a few years so I don't think she'd hesitate to give up Gertrude. Rock Island, IL is right across the river from the Iowa City area. I have all the obits from her siblings and parents and there is no mention of Gertrude. Vera was taken from Iowa city, IA and buried in the family area of Mineral Ridge Cemetery outside of Boone, IA. I have never been able to find any obits in Boone, IA on her death. If you have any other ideas, please let me know. Thanks so much.

your Gertrude Francis JORDAN (Schott?) research

metaphor — 2012-07-29 18:03:36Z

Your post indicates that Vera JORDAN died in 1932, but newspaper accounts say that she died on Monday, Feb. 23, 1931, in Muscatine, Muscatine County, IA.

It's also interesting to note a news item about Opal Wenman filing for divorce from Charles, which indicates that they were married in Rock Island, Illinois, in January 1932, almost a year after Vera's death. (Source: Iowa City Press Citizen, 28 May 1948)

I see from a quick check of censuses that in 1930 Vera and Gertrude "JORDON" resided at 1908 H Street in Iowa City with Charles VERMACE, wife Anna Opal, and their children Charles, Wilma and Barney.

Do you know whether Vera JORDAN or her sister belonged to a church in Iowa City, or where Vera's funeral was held? There may be church records that specify Gertrude's exact birth date, which could be very helpful in tracking her down. Also, if she remained in Iowa City following her mother's death, there may be subsequent church records.

Do you have Vera's death certificate and inquest documents? There might be some sort of reference to Gertrude in those.

Have you already checked tracked down obits for Vera's siblings and parents, to see if any reference is made to being survived by Gertrude?

Gertrude Francis Jordan Schott

suemersereau_2 — 2012-07-28 20:12:28Z

I am trying to find my 1st cousin who was born about Sep 1929. She was born in Iowa to Vera Jordan. Vera died in 1932 leaving Gertrude at a young age. At the time of Vera's death, she and Gertrude were living with Charles and Opal Wenman in Iowa City, IA. By 1940, she is no longer living with them. She may also call herself Betty. So between the years of Feb 1932 and the 1940 census, Gertrude was given away or to an orphanage. None of our family knew the father of Gertrude and Vera didn't marry him. Vera died an untimely death & at first report it was poisoning. If anyone has any information on Gertrude, please let me know. In old family records, the name of Schott is mentioned as the married name of Gertrude.

Re: your HELDT research

metaphor — 2012-03-15 17:27:00Z

It may be helpful to know the circumstances under which the children were placed with other family members &/or an orphanage:

1. Did Theodore &/or Maggie die?
2. If so, do you know when?

Theodore, Maggie and Eva were enumerated in the 1905 Iowa census in River Sioux, Sherman Township, Monona County.

If you know the circumstances of the parents' deaths, have you already tried to procure any will or probate documents that might be on record at the county courthouse? If that isn't fruitful, it may be helpful to procure all four grandparents' will/probate records in case any of them make reference to Theodore/Maggie &/or their children.

In order to strengthen or eliminate the theory that Rufus HELDT was later Don MANTEL/MANTAL, it would be very helpful to compare Rufus's exact birthdate to that of any MANTEL//variant// you can locate. The only Donald MANTEL//variant// I've been able to find was in the Social Security Death Index, with a birth date of 7 Dec 1913, and the SSDI and other records indicating residence in Ohio.

Can you list the other siblings' names? There may be a reference to Eva &/or Rufus in various records or newspaper items.

Re: your HELDT research

hicurtis — 2012-03-15 16:32:52Z

Eva was born Jan. 1904 and Rufus around the same period. It is my memory that Eva was the eldest. Information I have gotten from family sources is that Rufus was adopted by a family named Mantel or Mantal and his name was changed to Don. I cannot prove or disprove this information. Their parents are Theadore Heldt and Margaret/Maggie Gray. They had other siblings who lived with family members.

Re: Finding a Orphanage that was in operation in the 40's in Cedar Rapids Iowa

debbieeiken — 2012-03-15 13:24:38Z

How sad. My dad and sister were taken to an orphanage when they were preteens - not sure it was this orpahnage or not, just doing some checking.

Re: Finding a Orphanage that was in operation in the 40's in Cedar Rapids Iowa

debbieeiken — 2012-03-15 13:20:37Z

Not yet, I really haven't had time! I plan on doing that hopefully over the weekend, this is the first weekend we have free. We own 3 businesses and I work full time, so I've been extremely busy, but I do appreciate all your help.

Re: Finding a Orphanage that was in operation in the 40's in Cedar Rapids Iowa

RCBarker — 2012-03-15 13:14:20Z

Would like to see some pictures. I did find a post card on EBay a few years ago. Remember driving past it in 1965, when I spent a summer in Cedar Rapids. I went there when I was 3 and can still remember the day my mother took me there.

rbarker@monsterbroadband.com

Re: Finding a Orphanage that was in operation in the 40's in Cedar Rapids Iowa

Diwaters141 — 2012-03-15 12:43:21Z

I'm so happy for you, and so glad I could help. I'm glad they can give us that info. So we can we can find out about our ancestry. Good luck in the rest of your search. I also have some pictures of the children's home if you would like them. Just give me your e-mail and I will send them to you!!!

Re: Finding a Orphanage that was in operation in the 40's in Cedar Rapids Iowa

RCBarker — 2012-03-15 10:23:27Z

Yes, it sure did. I received about 25 pages of information last week. THANKS

your HELDT research

metaphor — 2012-03-15 04:20:08Z

If your estimate of the period during which your mother and uncle lived in the orphanage, they should show up on a census, which will indicate the name of the institution.

It would be helpful to know when Eva and Rufus were born.

Do you already know who their biological parents were?

Do you know whether Rufus was adopted and, if so, by whom?

Re: Finding a Orphanage that was in operation in the 40's in Cedar Rapids Iowa

Diwaters141 — 2012-03-15 04:02:33Z

Hi again just checking to see if what I sent you helped in any way. I know it's hard to find info. Some times. So I like all the help I can get. Dianna

Re: Finding a Orphanage that was in operation in the 40's in Cedar Rapids Iowa

Diwaters141 — 2012-03-15 03:56:47Z

Hi again I was just wandering if you found the info. You were looking for? I was hoping you found what you were looking for.
Dianna

Iowa orphanage 1910-1911

hicurtis — 2012-03-14 15:47:21Z

My mother(Eva) and brother(Rufus Heldt) were placed in an orphanage in Iowa around 1909-1911. My mother and brother were born in Jordon, Monona County, IA. Eva was adopted by Charles and Lizzy Eakins and lived around the Soap Creek Township, Davis County, Ottumwa, IA area. I am searching for documents showing the name of the orphanage they were living in and their adoption documents. Can anyone tell me how to proceed? Thanks

looking for people from the Cedar Rapids Children's home Iowa

vdefauw — 2012-03-14 09:28:00Z

I was at the Children's home in Cedar Rapids Iowa from 1959to1962, and am looking for people that may have been there with me at that time.
I also have photos and articles on the home.

Any info would be welcome email to vdefauw@gmail.com

Re: Bremwood, Mitchellville, & Eldora

rent972 — 2012-03-13 23:06:39Z

Hi,

I too am searching for info on relatives who were at Bremwood, probably early 1900s. Would you know how I could get info on names of persons who were there?

Thanks much.

Re: iowa orphanage

1_thunter1 — 2012-02-23 04:23:13Z

my mother came out of the orphanage in des moines around 1913 i'll have to do some digging if you still need that info.

Re: Finding a Orphanage that was in operation in the 40's in Cedar Rapids Iowa

debbieeiken — 2012-02-22 14:38:30Z

I was not there. My dad and his sister was. I'm guessing on the time frame they were there with what he has told us when he ran away.
Thanks again,
Debbie

Re: Finding a Orphanage that was in operation in the 40's in Cedar Rapids Iowa

Diwaters141 — 2012-02-22 14:30:27Z

Give the name you had when you were there. I was adopted also and I got mine. Also give them the year you think you were there. I wasn't sure of the dates and I just gussed. I was off a year but I got then anyway.
Good luck. Dianna

Re: Finding a Orphanage that was in operation in the 40's in Cedar Rapids Iowa

RCBarker — 2012-02-22 14:09:24Z

Will call them today. Hope there are no issues as I was adopted and my surname changed. The information they gave you is everything I wanted.

THANKS

Re: Finding a Orphanage that was in operation in the 40's in Cedar Rapids Iowa

debbieeiken — 2012-02-22 13:48:31Z

Well I'm hoping they can help with with information on my dad. He talked about being in an orphanage with his sister. Can't hurt to try.
Thank you again!

Re: Finding a Orphanage that was in operation in the 40's in Cedar Rapids Iowa

debbieeiken — 2012-02-22 13:46:41Z

Thank you so much! I hope this is the correct home. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate this. Hopefully I'll be able to find some of his relatives.

Re: Finding a Orphanage that was in operation in the 40's in Cedar Rapids Iowa

Diwaters141 — 2012-02-22 03:55:39Z

Hi my name is Dianna [Smith] Waters I was in a Childern home in Cedar Rapids Iowa in 1959 First it was called The Home For the Friendless. And then the name was changed to The Childern Home of Cedar Rapids. I have pictures of it I can send you. If you like.

Re: Finding a Orphanage that was in operation in the 40's in Cedar Rapids Iowa

Diwaters141 — 2012-02-22 00:13:08Z

I called them and they sent me some papers to fill out About me and what I knew and I sent them back and they sent me all the info. They had on me. my brother was there at the same time but he had to fill out his own papers to get his info. They won't send you other people's info. Dianna

Re: Finding a Orphanage that was in operation in the 40's in Cedar Rapids Iowa

Diwaters141 — 2012-02-22 00:05:13Z

Every thing was in there. When we enter the home why we were put there, Who put us there. Even daily activitys, who came to see us. When and if we left the home. The day we were taken out and by who. It even told when I got in trouble, and how I was punished. Dr, apt. And ect.....
Hope this helped. Dianna Waters.

Re: Finding a Orphanage that was in operation in the 40's in Cedar Rapids Iowa

RCBarker — 2012-02-21 17:21:42Z

Thanks for this information. Will stop and see them on my trip to Cedar Rapids this year.

What kind of information is in their records?

Re: Finding a Orphanage that was in operation in the 40's in Cedar Rapids Iowa

debbieeiken — 2012-02-21 15:34:35Z

Thank you! I'm keeping my fingers crossed in hopes that this is the correct facility. I really appreciate this.
I copied you're email address earlier too!
It's hard to trace history when you don't have much to go on.
Thank you again!

Re: Finding a Orphanage that was in operation in the 40's in Cedar Rapids Iowa

Diwaters141 — 2012-02-21 15:31:27Z

The records do exist I was there in the late 50s and I got a copy of my records from them. You have to contact the Tanager Place that is what it is called know It is in Cedar Rapids Iowa. The address is 2309 C Street SW Cedar Rapids Iowa 52404-3707. Phone no. Is 319-365-9164

Re: Finding a Orphanage that was in operation in the 40's in Cedar Rapids Iowa

debbieeiken — 2012-02-21 14:24:03Z

Thank you for the pictures. Maybe this will help somehow, not even sure if this is the right place or not, just trying to get any information that I can.

Re: Finding a Orphanage that was in operation in the 40's in Cedar Rapids Iowa

debbieeiken — 2012-02-21 14:13:10Z

Thank you for responding, I have never gotten a notice that anyone had responded to any of my queries.
My name is Debbie Wheeler Eiken.

Re: Finding a Orphanage that was in operation in the 40's in Cedar Rapids Iowa

debbieeiken — 2012-02-21 14:12:06Z

Is there anyway you can send me a copy of the picture, even if you scan it and email it to me.
I'm not sure if that's the one, but I'm just looking for anything about my dad and his family.
Thank you!