There Were Many...I Was But One

There Were Many...I Was But One. . During my 11 years at the State Public School, these hills were alive with energetic and rambunctious children. Almost every day children would be placed out. New ones replaced those who left. From all over the state they came - every race, color, and creed. Some stayed a few days or months, others for many years., Each child has their own story to tell; I can only speak for myself. My memories are many of a vast, strange place that took me in from poverty's door, housed, clothed, fed, and educated me. During these years, I fully accepted the State Public School as a fulfilling home., As an adult, I came to realize the institutional environment did not provide certain needs a child craves. Although the environment made us physically strong, it left many of us emotionally deficient. Emotional starvation is inseparable from institutional life. Due to its size, individual attention was minimal; consequently, the children suffered from lack of attention, appreciation, recognition, and love needed for a healthy childhood. For many, it left scars that would last a lifetime., The school did provide me with many playmates, and with friendships that have lasted a lifetime. I consider all who were here my brothers and sisters. Our camaraderie lives in the fact we went through it together., In my opinion, the legacy of the State Public School for Dependent and Neglected children is that the environment generated in a large institution is not conducive to raising emotionally healthy children. Let the orphanage museum and this outside memorial forever serve as a reminder of that truth and as a remembrance for every child who passed through these doors and their struggle to overcome the scars left by this institution., Yet, it was my home and it gave me an identity that set me apart. I'll always feel a real sense of pride in saying, "I was a State School kid!", Harvey Ronglien , Ward of State 1932 - 1943