The Home Times #3

The Home TimesThe Home Times Issue #3 March 22, 2011 A Bi-monthly Supplemental Newsletter To The Morton Memorial Alumni Homesite

The Home is located at what used to be known as the Knightstown Springs, and a very beautiful and healthy place it is. The new building erected on the same ground as the old one that was destroyed by fire…is completed, and is a grand building, sufficient to accommodate about 400 persons. In this building are rooms for the officers and their families, governesses and teachers, division rooms, dormitories, cooking and dining room, libraries, bathrooms, etc., together with a large hall just over the dining room, called the "Amusement Hall." Just South of this building is now completed a large brick building for schoolrooms and a chapel. East of the main building are two large brick buildings, for workshops, laundry rooms, printing office, etc. These buildings have been built by the State at the cost of about $100,000 as a donation, together with an appropriation of nearly $40,000 per year for the expense of the institution. There are now in the home 343 orphan children, about as many as the Home will accommodate comfortably. An effort is now being made with the present legislature for an appropriation of $60,000 to erect a building for a hospital, cook and dining room building, and six nice cottages that will accommodate forty children to a cottage, increasing the capacity to 600, and this will be occupied before many months pass. There are already quite a number of applications for admission before the board, and are coming in every month at an increasing rate. The effort of the G. A. R. Post all over the State, take all of the soldier's orphans out of the poor houses and asylums and place them in this Home, is indeed commendable work. The value which will be seen for generations to come. There are about 60 persons engaged in different departments of the Home to care for, instruct, govern and look after the comfort of these 340 orphans. In all, about 400 persons are at the Home. The Officers are; A. H. Morris, Supt., Mrs. J. R. Wood, Matron; W.H.

FOR THE LOVE OF THE HOME AND OUR FOR THE LOVE OF THE HOME AND OUR FAMILY~sky~71FAMILY~sky~71

Holloway, Physician; Seven (7) teachers in the school; Nine (9) governesses; Fifteen (15) heads of the departments with about twenty-five (25) other helpers. Professor Butler is the teacher for the band and Mrs. Evans is Hospital Matron. I was truly gratified to see such a great change in the affairs of the Home; the comforts, brightness, the happy faces and encouragement in all directions, from managers, teachers, helpers and the children, that the occupancy of their new building has occasioned. Every movement seemed to be on time, and the entire management run like clock-work, entered into by all with a hearty goodwill that was, indeed, commendable. There was an expression of gratefulness, happiness and thanks in the faces of the orphans, that I had not witnessed before. I stood in the door of the superintendent's room and watched the divisions in charge of its governess, march past, as well clothed, with clean, bright faces, two by two with the steps of their soldier fathers, "Tramp, tramp," the orphans are marching to the dining room, surrounding tables, laden with roast beef, mashed potatoes, stewed beans, bread and butter, pickles and pie. I stood at the head table after all were in place, everything nice and quiet. One tap of the little bell and all are seated on their stools, again the bell sounds and all heads bow, another tap on the bell and 340 voices in audible concert, respond in thanks to the Great Father of all for his manifestation of goodness, and His remembrance of the poor orphan. The hearty eating, the smacking of the lips and the joy and happiness expressed in the brightness and twinkle of the eye, and smile of the face, would make the heart of the miser leap with joy, could he realize that he had contributed even ever so little to dispense such great good? Surely there is no more a nobler offering of thanks to the Great Ruler of destinies, for our prosperity than a home, carrying with it all that word

A Letter From A Soldier, February 8, 1889 After v is it ing the Chi ldren’s Home in Knightstown

means, for the orphans, of those who gave up their lives in defense of their country and left their dear ones to the mercy of the people. The children are kept in the Home until they are sixteen years old, or until good homes are found for them. When they reach thirteen years of age, they are allowed to select, and are taught some trade, printing, shoemaking, tailoring, farming, meat cutting, dress making, engineering, gardening, carpentry, bakery, florist, laundry, telegraphing, shorthand, cooking, sewing, in fact, every calling to prepare the orphans for usefulness in the future, and make useful citizens and not tramps and beggars. I was very grateful and very thankful, too, for the pleasant greeting, kind treatment and willingness to assist me in my investigations, given me by the Superintendent A. H. Morris and lady, Financial Officer W. H. Lester, Matron Mrs. J. P. Woods, Physician in charge, O. E. Holloway and Hospital Matron Mrs. Lou Evans. I want to say, for them, that I am satisfied that their hearts are in their work, and they are trying to do all in their power for the good of the Home, the benefit of the orphans, and the protection of the State against unnecessary expense. I do hope our legislators will look kindly into this enterprise and favor us with the appropriation asked for, and the Knightstown Soldier's and Sailor's Orphan's Home, of Indiana will become a Home that the great dispenser of good, will smile upon, and the people of the State of Indiana will be justly proud of. Lieutenant Col.W. C. Banta, 7th Ind. Infantry

Issue #3 March 22, 2011

A Bi-monthly Supplemental Newsletter To The Morton Memorial Alumni Homesite

News From Our Alumni Association The true heart of a volunteer is not measured in the size of one’s ego, but by the depth of the love and the sincere commitment to make a difference in the lives of others….

A Statement from the President of the Morton Memorial Alumni Association (ISSCH)

Doug Jordan, Class of 1982

Dear Alumni Members: On October 16, 2010 I took over as Alumni President. I knew that this was going to be a challenge, and so far things have gone well. We have a lot to accomplish and with the hard work from all of the people who come to the meetings, I see a promising future for our organization. When Governor Daniels decided to close ISSCH, I, like all of you, was torn apart. I was angry and lost a lot of sleep. We fought a battle in which we had very little chance of winning. I entered the Home on August 21, 1975. I spent the best years of my youth at the Home. Through the years, as I reflect on my memories, I realize that it was not the rules, the daily routine, the hard jelly, or even the fact that I had to share my life with 20 boys that I missed. It has been the lifelong friendships that I miss the most. As you all know, the Indiana National Guard has occupied the campus that we called “Home.” With all of the fight we had, along with the press and TV coverage, Mitch Daniels was pushed to keep the Home operating for the kids. The National Guard had the HYCA program, (The Hoosier Youth ChalleNGe Academy) and offered to bring their program to the campus. They had nothing to do with the closing of our Home. They, like a lot of other groups, put their bid in for their mission. The federal government pays a large portion of the operating costs, with the program still for the kids. Any teen 16 to 18 from any of our 92 counties can enter the program. Yes, it is nothing like the Home of the past. The program is structured for teens who for many different reasons, could not function in their local school system. They are not forced to enter the program. The kids cannot have any court cases pending, nor can they test positive for drugs or alcohol. They can leave at any time. I have spent time with many of the cadets and have familiarized myself with the program. I realize they are no different than many of us. They deserve a chance to get into a positive situation and get around people who can teach them how to deal with life’s challenges.

One of their classes is to learn the history of our Home. A handful of our alumni members go to the school, set-up a slideshow and teach the new cadets about our past. I have seen the kids light up when we tell them the way the Home used to be. When we needed help moving our cabinets from the Townhall to the new Home Museum, the cadets helped with the move. They want to be a part of the history of our Home, and in many ways, they are. They are starting their own Alumni. As we move forward, I have nothing but respect for how the National Guard has treated us. Anything we need, they do their best to help us. I do know if their mission fails, we may not be able to use our campus any longer. We are very fortunate to have our Museum and to be able to return to the campus for Homecoming every year. As long as the Hoosier Youth ChalleNGe Program is operating and is helping Indiana’s kids, we will be able to go back to our Home. They cannot take our memories. I want all of you to educate yourself on the HYCA mission. It is not the same as ours was, but it is still helping the kids of Indiana. These kids will get a chance to become productive citizens. We have a lot of work to do on our Museum. It is our responsibility to pay for repairs and utilities. We also have a $500.00 scholarship in which we give to one student from each graduating class from the HYCA program. We need donations and we need all of you to remember, in order to stay alive as an organization, we need your help. Please spread the word about the program in your communities. I am sure you know of teens in your community that would benefit from the structure and discipline that the HYCA program can provide, so that kid can have a second chance. If you have any questions, please email me at: [email protected] Thank you and God bless all of you. Sincerely, Doug Jordan ISSCH Alumni President

YOU ARE THE FUTURE OF OUR ALUMNI ASSOCIATION! Not only are your donations needed, but also your time. Some of us are located out of State—but for those of you located in the Indianapolis and surrounding areas, your help and participation is needed for Homecoming this year. The meetings are held on Saturdays, beginning at 10:00 am in the Alumni Museum. You do not need to sign-in at the Main Building if you are attending the meetings. Come and support your Alumni!

Up Coming Meeting Dates: April 16th May 14th June 18th

YOU Can Make A Difference!

With Spring in the air, instead of throwing on that coat, why

not buy one of the Morton Hoodies? Contact Doug Jordan ([email protected]) for

the costs, colors and sizes available., Our lovely model is

Angie (Meyers) Moore, Class of 1987. Thanks Angie!!



Robert D. “Bob” Snedaker, 80, (Class of 1950) of Elkhart and Mishawaka, died Monday (Jan. 17, 2011) at Riverside Village. He was born June 29, 1930, in Elkhart to the late LeRoy and Josie

(Foreman) Snedaker. He is survived by daughters Debra Henry and Jerry Snider of Mishawaka, Indiana and Pamela Kline of Foley, Ala.; 5 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; brothers; Lee (Lucille) and George Snedaker; and sisters Mary Fryer and twin sister Rosa (Glen) Miles. He was preceded in death by 6 brothers and sisters. Robert worked for Riblet Products for 25 years. He was a USMC Korean War veteran and enjoyed fishing and sports, especially the Cubs, Bears and Michigan football. Services were held at the Billings Funeral Home on Friday,

Jan. 21st from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., at which time a procession will left for Prairie Street Cemetery. Military honors were rendered by the USMC burial detail and DAV Chapter 19.

Becky K. (Barnett) Hughett, 50, (Class of 1979) of Knightstown passed away Monday, February 28, 2011 in her home following an extended illness while surrounded by her family. She was born on December 20, 1960 in Junction City, Kansas, a daughter of Glen Richard Barnett and Linda Sue (Reeves) Barnett. Becky lived at ISSCH and attended Morton Memorial until 1975. She had worked at the Knightstown Café, Pastry Etc., Pic-N-Save and American Legion, mostly as a cook. She was a member of the Knightstown American Legion. She enjoyed going to the casinos, lottery scratch off tickets and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She is survived by her husband, Dennis R. Hughett of Knightstown; three daughters, Becky Hinton (Roger) of Mooreland, Jeri Flowers (Vance) of Greenfield, and Haley Hughett (Jeremy) of Knightstown; a son, John (Caressa) Flowers of New York; two step-daughters, Benita Gross (Tommy) and Misty Doyle, both of New Castle; her mother, Linda Sue (Charles) Prater of Spiceland; her father, Glen Richard Barnett of Richmond, her sisters, Kathy Lodgston of Rushville, April Hutcherson of Knightstown, Robin Simpkins of New Castle, a brother, Richard T. Barnett of Spiceland; grandchildren, Hunter, Emmerson, Carter, Parker, John Jr., Xavier, Liam and Ashton; step-grandchildren, Tameria, Lisa, A.J., Gabrielle, and Josey; also, her best friend, Mary Lou Kwisz of Knightstown and her second mom, Sharon Manning of Knightstown. She was preceded in death by her brother, Jeffrey Pierce Barnett; grandmother, Florence Reeves, infant daughter, LeeAnn Flowers. Services were held on March 4, 2011 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service Knightstown Chapel with Pastor Gail Whitmire officiating. Burial was at Glen Cove Cemetery in Knightstown.

Sheldon Lee Gearlds, 21 (Class of 2008), 50 Bedford, passed away at 10:25 a.m. Monday, January 10, 2011, in New Port Richey,

Florida. He was born June 16, 1989, in Bedford. He was a member of the Field Artillery Unit of Indiana National Guard in Bloomington, and a member of the Lost River Primitive Baptist Church. Surviving: daughters, Khloe Skye of Frostproof, FL, Rebecca Lynn of Holiday, FL, parents, Rebecca South and husband, Hank, Kenneth Murphy, all of Bedford. Brothers; David L. Burton, Jr., and wife, Carrie, of Mitchell, Timothy Moody, Micah Murphy, of Bedford, sister; Alyssa Murphy, Bedford, nephews, Gavin Malcolm Burton, Taryn

Slade Burton. Grandparents; Dan and Wanda Moody, Loogootee, Mike and Sue Murphy, Bedford and Sue Fleener, Mitchell. His grandfather, John Fleener, preceded him in death. Funeral services were held on Sunday, January 16, at the Chastain Funeral Home with Brothers David Hopper and Elder Tim Hopper officiating.

Coping with the loss of a loved one…

The grieving process usually consists of the following stages. Note that not everyone goes through all of these stages. Denial & Shock: At first, it may be difficult for you to accept your own dying or the death of a loved one. As a result you will deny the reality of death. This denial will gradually diminish as you begin to express and share your feelings about death and dying with family and friends. Anger: During this stage the most common question asked is “why me?” You are angry at what you perceive to be the unfairness of death and you may project and displace your anger unto others. Bargaining: Many people try to bargain with some sort of deity. They will try to bargain and offer to give up an enjoyable part of their lives in exchange for the return of health or the lost person. Guilt: You may find yourself feeling guilty for things you did or didn’t do prior to the loss. Forgive yourself. Depression: You may at first experience a sense of great loss. Mood fluctuations and feelings of isolation and withdrawal may follow. Loneliness: As you go through changes in your social life because of the loss, you may feel lonely and afraid. The more you are able to reach out to others and make new friends, the more this feeling lessens. Acceptance: Acceptance does not mean happiness. Instead you accept and deal with the reality of the situation. Hope: Eventually you will reach a point where remembering will be less painful and you can begin to look ahead to the future and more good times. Coping and helping: As a friend, you can be supportive, encouraging and reassuring. Let your friend talk it out—be a good listener. Talk openly and honest. Avoid using the phrase, “I know just how you feel.” For yourself, maintain hope. If your religious convictions are important to you, talk to a clergy. Join a support group—and above all, take care of you. Be patient, it takes time….

Prayer Request….. Please keep May (Skelton) Anderson, (Class of 1970), her husband Paul Anderson, Sr. and her family in your prayers. On Monday, 3/21/2011 their son, Paul Wayne Anderson, Jr., 33 years old, passed away unexpectedly. If you would like to send condolences, you may send them to: May and Paul Anderson R. R. #6, Box 285 Spencer, Indiana 47460



The Esselborn Family (Pam, Debi, Susie, Peggy, David) Please send up prayers for the Esselborn family at this time. Their Mom lost her battle with cancer today-all of the girls with her. Just last week, their beloved Stepdad had a heart attack. He is doing well now, however, their family is going through a lot of stress. Pam has always been there for all of us. If you would like to send cards of condolences, send them to Pam and she can share them with her family. Send to: Pam DeGraw, 7315 Rainbow Lane, Indianapolis, IN 46236 Virgil Fultz, Class of 1962 Virgil was recently diagnosed with cancer. He is encouraged at the prognosis and has a positive attitude to fight. Your prayers for strength will be much appreciated. If you would like to send cards of encouragement, send them to: Virgil and Juanita Fultz, 22029 Daisy Hill Road, Borden, Indiana 47106 Henry Studer, Class of 1971 Henry recently had a knee replacement and is healing well. On April 4th, he is scheduled to go back and have the other knee replaced. If you would like to write to Henry, write to: Henry & Debi Studer, 169 Beechwood Drive, Wadsworth, Ohio 44281 Fred Wright: Please continue prayers for Mr. Wright, as he is still recuperating. If you would like to send cards, send them to: 11659 North Carthage Pike, Knightstown, Indiana 46148 Tom & Michele Perkins (Michele, Class of 1970) Recently Tom and Michele went in for a quick-check on their heart, arteries—a bargain at $49.00 each. Michele received good news, however, they found Tom’s heart was blocked. Because of the quick-check, it saved his life. He recently underwent successful triple by-pass heart surgery. Their message to you is, get your heart-scanned, it could save your life too! If you would like to send cards of well wishes to Tom, send them to: Tom Perkins, 675 Greenford Trail North Drive, Carmel, Indiana 46032 Mickie (Miller) Wilcox, Class of 1962 Mickie recently got out of the hospital after having a heart attack. Please pray for Mickie, as she now has 7 stents in her heart. You can write to Mickie at: Mickie Wilcox, 2327 Helen Avenue, Flint, MI 48507 Max & Wilma Stanley: The Stanley’s love to receive mail. They are both very fragile and could use a ray of sunshine. Please send cards and letters to: 11712 North Carthage Pike, Knightstown, IN 46148. John Dicus, Class of 1967 John recently had open-heart surgery at Northwestern in Chicago and is doing well. If you would like to write to John, his address is: John Dicus, 10328 Margene Drive, Brownsburg, IN 46112 Nancy (Wilbur) Burmeister, Class of 1970 Nancy is back to being her feisty self after receiving a double-lung transplant several months ago. As with any surgery, Nancy has good days and bad days and could always use encouragement. Please write to Nancy or call her. She loves hearing from our Homies! Write to: Nancy Burmeister, 5355 Sweetwater Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46235, Phone: (317) 823-1396 Betty (Kraft) Tabor, Class of 1958 Talking to Betty is inspirational. She is doing very well after cancer surgery. Please drop her a card, as she could use a good boost from her fellow classmates and friends. Write to Betty at: Betty Tabor, 1660 Daub Street Greenwood, Indiana 46143. Mrs. Mary Palicki, Former Teacher at Morton I received a call recently from Joe White from the Class of 1972. He wanted me to know Mrs. Palicki had just turned 89 years old. He stressed how she would love getting mail from her former students. You can write to Mary at: Mary Palicki, 1327 Greenhills Road, Greenfield, Indiana 46140

The family that prays together, ------ stays together…

-Mother Teresa

Call Susie Jackson-Yagher anytime at (386) 295-1576 or write: [email protected]



Remember when?

Zoom To View!!

How many of you remember the paintings from the hospital? There were many different ones with different themes. You could get lost in them…

Remember the Artwork-Artifacts from the Home??

Who could forget those lovely prints that always hung on the Chapel walls?? Where are they now?

You are definitely and “Oldie, But Goodie” if you remember when we bottled and sold milk from the Dairy at the Home.

Remember Monte Blue Day at the Home? Here he is posing with the Band. Yes, that’s Mr. Byers on the right! The kids used to get the school day off!

None of us could forget Graduation Day. Did you get “Senioritis?” Remember senior shopping day? The prom? Saying goodbye? Yes, what a bittersweet day! Photo: Leaving the school is the Class of 1986.

Remember the Final Graduation Day, May 23, 2009?



We follow the whistle blasts…

Please submit all information for the next Newsletter by 4:00 pm on Friday, May 20th, 2011 for a May 23rd release date. THE HOME TIMES newsletter is an independent newsletter for the Alumni of Morton Memorial High School and the former employees of The Indiana Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Children’s Home located in Knightstown,

Indiana. Just like the Morton Memorial Alumni Homesite at MyFamily.com, The Home Times is intended to bring you NEWS about our Alumni and to bring our Alumni together. THE HOME TIMES is available to the Alumni Association for announcements/event notifications in order to help promote our Alumni Association from Morton Memorial High School. This Newsletter will never cost you a fee on line, however, if you would like a printed copy, please send $1.00 per issue to the address below for printing/mailing. I do ask those online to forward it to all of our Home Family and friends to get the word out. If you are not on Facebook or the Myfamily.com site, please

send your contact information to either my e-mail, or regular mailing address. I will personally e-mail it to you. Any and all content is under the ownership of the Home Times and Susan K. Jackson-Yagher

Contact: [email protected] Phone: Cell: (386) 295-1576, Hm: (386) 673-1576, Bus. (386) 673-1588

Note: You can call my cell phone for emergencies anytime, day or night if needed. Send all inquiries/information to: Susan Yagher, 6 Lost Spring Way, Ormond Beach, FL 32174

Let’s Link Our Family Circle Together! If you have a Home-related website you would like to link, please notify Susie. Your Home-related site will get more traffic by

linking to ALL Alumni Sites. Let’s link all of our sites together with one goal in mind---to bring our Alumni members together. The Morton Memorial Alumni Homesite: http://www.mortonmemorialalumni.org/isapi.dll?c=h&htx=page

This site has been on the web since 2000---the very first of it’s kind through MyFamily.com! It is password-protected for a secure place for our Alumni to post personal photos and information without it being on the open web. You will find the most current News of our Homies, along with 100’s of photos that have been posted of all

classes for years. If you attended Morton Memorial High School and/or you are a former employee, you can become a member. Write Susie for more information.

FACEBOOK SITE: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home Susie Jackson-Yagher is the page Administrator of the Facebook site. You can find it

On Facebook by keying in: Morton Memorial Alumni – Knightstown, Indiana The ISSCH Alumni Association Site: http://www.isschalumni.com/index.html

If you want to keep up on the Alumni Association Meetings, make a donation, buy items at the Homestore, check out this site. You will be able to find news about Homecoming and what is going on with the Alumni Association. If you would like to

make a donation, send all donations to our Association Treasurer: George Cambron, 5447 Rinehart Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46241 Please make your check or money order payable to: The ISSCH Alumni Association

It is the custom in writing a eulogy to speak of the life or character of a person deceased; however, this person is not dead. He represents the spirit and flow of life throughout the day and year. He is the Whistle. The Old Whistle is as much a living part of the institution as is any employee or student. As he, the Whistle, blows, he signals the hour-by-hour round of the daily activity of all the students and workers. A failure of the Whistle brings a disruption and disunity of the entire program of life at the Home. All time is gauged by the regularity of the whistle's blasts. He represents promptness, action and immortality. He is the first to arise and proclaim the coming of day. Through rain, sleet, snow and storm, he proudly holds up his head to warn others of the duties they must perform. Throughout the year he faithfully executes his duties without failure or vacation. The daily blasts of the Whistle have become traditional. -From the 1942 Retrospect

Echoes of the Whistle It’s strange how some small incident is forever embedded into your life, Unshakeable and foreboding through the good times and the strife. I heard it first, at the tender age of seven, sending out a mournful call, That echoed through the countryside, through windows and down the hall. It signaled a call to action, sounding periodically throughout the day, A time to rise, a time for school, meals and work, and even a time to play. Eternally I anticipate that signal, the sound to act causing me to bristle. At home or on a distant battlefield, I hesitated, waiting for that whistle. I’ve heard that sound echo throughout my life, prior to anything I do, A reminder of more difficult times, of youth …and especially of you.

Now my days are dwindling, and the golden sun is dipping low, Will God call me as others, or shall I wait until I hear that whistle blow? -By Dale Hughes, Class of 1939

The Home Times #3

Documents