State School Buildings and Grounds

State School Buildings and Grounds. . Originally housed on 160 acres, the grounds grew to 329 acres by 1937 with 42 acres for campus and 287 acres for cultivation., The orphanage was virtually self-sufficient. Children were housed in 16 cottages. Other buildings included a nursery, hospital, school, gymnasium, laundry, and superintendent and employee residences. The school had its own power plant, greenhouse, icehouse, cemetery, and complete farm operation with cows, horses, swine, and chickens. The large root-cellar stored the garden's fruits and vegetables for winter., You are standing in front of the "Main Building" which served as the nerve center of the orphanage. Built in 1886, the center section housed the administration staff and visiting room. The left wing - small boys living area; right wing - chapel; rear area - dining rooms for children and employees; lower level - kitchen, bakery, barber shop, shoe repair, butcher shop, supplies, and storage; upper floors - living quarters for employees. Since 1975, this "Main Building" has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places., State School Children's Cemetery, In the southwest corner of the campus you will find the Children's Cemetery. Over 300 children died while under state guardianship; 198 are buried in the cemetery, unclaimed by family. During the early years tombstones were erected. When the state discontinued this practice, children were buried simply by their number etched on a cement slab. In 1993, a monument and 151 named crosses were erected to remember these forgotten children. In 2001, a memory boardwalk was added. Visitors are most welcome to visit., Orphanage Museum, Today the history of the State Public School for Dependent and Neglected Children is relived in the orphanage museum located in the corridors of the "Main Building". We invite you to step inside and learn more about the orphanage and the children who lived this history.