Richton in Perry County, Mississippi — The American South (East South Central)
Emery Memorial Home and Hospital
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 22, 2025
1. Emery Memorial Home and Hospital Marker
In 1931, the E.A. Emery family donated their home and property to establish a maternity home for unwed mothers and their babies. Mable Cooper, a minister in the Missionary Bands of the World of Indiana, served as superintendent of the home until her death in 1961. Closed in 1963, the Emery Home provided medical care, guidance, and adoption services to more than 2,000 women from across the country. In 1962, the Emery Home was recognized by the governor of Mississippi for its humanitarian services.
Erected 2022 by Mississippi Department of Archives and History.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Science & Medicine • Women. In addition, it is included in the Mississippi State Historical Marker Program series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1931.
Location. 31° 20.92′ N, 88° 56.16′ W. Marker is in Richton, Mississippi, in Perry County. It is at the intersection of Front Street and Dogwood Avenue (State Highway 42), on the left when traveling north on Front Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Richton MS 39476,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Mississippi’s Pine Belt. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, and in the Piney Woods. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 2 other markers are within 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Perry County Memorial (approx. 11.6 miles away); Old Augusta (approx. 11.8 miles away).
Also see . . . History of the Emory Home (Perry County Genealogy Trails).
Excerpt: While staying at the Home, the girls were assigned biblical names and their real names were kept confidential. Some of the girls were at the Home for months prior to delivery and others for only a short time. Some were there to give birth more than once. During the early years, the Home had the same facilities for obstetrical work as hospitals(Submitted on June 24, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)and a full-time nurse and most of the babies were delivered there. In the later years, some of the babies were delivered at hospitals in Hattiesburg or Laurel. The Home was closed in 1963 and burned under mysterious circumstances in 1964.Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 22, 20252. Looking south along Front Street from Dogwood Avenue
Credits. This page was last revised on June 24, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 24, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 706 times since then and 135 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 24, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
