Just a little background for anyone reading this blog for the first time: I spent ten years in the Methodist Orphanage in Raleigh, NC when I was a kid (Second Grade through graduation from high school). It was unfortunate that my two sisters, a brother and I had to go, but from my perspective my experiences there were nothing but good. I learned so much about being responsible and to give back to others who are less fortunately than you. And yes, as my Mother always said, “Look around and you will always find someone worse off than you”.
Anyway the Orphanage, now call the Methodist Home for Children, has a reunion in Raleigh,NC each year at Easter. It is something that has been going on for as many years as I can remember. When I was a kid, fifty plus years ago, I remember the events well and always looked forward to the reunion see our big brothers and sisters, although then we use to call it “Homecoming”.
The Orphanage as I knew it doesn’t exist today. It has transitioned into the Methodist Home For Children with a mission much different than when I was a kid. Today the Home’s mission is more to the family and temporary care of children when possible and then adoption as the last result. Check out their web site to see more on their mission.
Early this year, through the efforts for many, a historical site marker was erected where the Orphanage was located on Glenwood Avenue. It commemorates over 100 years of service to needed children and families in Central and Eastern North Carolina.
This was the entrance to the Orphanage and the site were the marker is located; the road was called, "The Long Hill" by us but today it is Washington Street.
The building in the back is the administrative building for the MHFC. The bell in the marker is the bell that was rung while I was at the Orphanage to call us to meals, school and other activities.
This is the Borden Building and is one of only two buildings standing from the Orphanage. The Borden Building has been completely renovated and is part of the Fred Fletcher Park and is owned by Raleigh Parks and Recreation. The Garish Building is the only other building standing from the Orphanage but it hasn't been restored. The Borden Building was the first building built in 1900 and the Garish Building the last, I think built in 1951.
So this is enough, Maybe a few pictures from our reunion (Homecoming):
Some of the happy "orphans" enjoying the reunion.
Re-hashing and embellishing old memories!
Happy Orphans! They don't look like "orphans" do they?
Wish all of you have good health and laughing life, though some of you might have very hard time when they were small. Let bygone be bygone. Take care.
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