Little Falls herald. [volume] (Little Falls, Morrison County, Minn.) 1889-1950, 1904-10-14
THE STATE SCHOOL FOR DEPEN-
DENT CHILDREN.

THE STATE SCHOOL FOR DEEPEN.
DENT CHILDREN.
Miss Hannah Swindlehurst of the
state school for dependent children at
Owatonna, was In the city this week
on business. and while here was the
guest of her old friends. MIR. and Mrs.
W. II. Ryan. Miss Swi ndlehurst gave
the following to the Wadena Tribune
relative to the Owatonna institution.
VII ich will be of interest:
In speaking of the school and the
work the state is doing In caring for
it's dependent children, Miss Swindle-
hurst said that there is now at the
institution about 900 children, while
about 1,400 more who have been
placed in homes throughout the state,
are still under its supervision, while
the remainder of the 2.790 admitted
to tho school since it's organization
nearly 1S years ago, have been legally
adopted or have attained majority.
Children are admitted to the school
at any age under Is years. through an
order Of the probate court. Neglected,
dependent or homeless children are
eligible t., admission. The institution
is supported entirely by state funds,
hence each county pays its share
toward the support of these children.
The institution is on farm Of $50
acres one mile from Owatonna, and
is comprised of many buildings which
make a considerable village. The
children are cared for in cottage
homes, each presided over by
matron, who has assistance as her
family requires. No laundry, cooking
or eating is done in the cottages The
dining rooms and kitchens are In the
main building where are also Offices
of the superintendent, and his assis-
tants, and private rooms of many Of the
employees. There Ia an 8 room school
house where the education of the
children while at the school is pro-
vided for. Chapel exercises are held
Sunday morning, in large assembly
hall, for the children who are not
taken down town to church. Sunday
afternoon the Sunday school Is held,
and entertainments, picnics and other
pleasures are provided for the child
ren. A herd Of Holstein cows provide
the milk and cream used at the insti
tuition, and regular farmer is en-
ployed to take charge Of the farm.
The children large enough to help
are detailed to assist regular employees
and they thus get an invaluable train
ing of many lines of work. As the
school il not. for incorrigiblee, no
strict disciplinary methods are en-
ployed, but the discipline of regular
and systematic living inculates habits
of thrift and industry. There is a hos
pital where the sick or falling are
cared for, and quarantine hospital
to prevent and spread of contagious
diseases. The grounds are among the
prettiest in the state, and some of the
larger boys take great pride under the
direction of the florist in keeping
grounds in perfect condition. Many
wild animals have been contributed
the state school for the pleasure of
the Young. Among these may be men
toned herd of elk, of which one is
remarkable fine specimen, deer,
prairie dogs and other animals.
The children are placed out in ap.
proved homes on an indentnre con-
tract, which provides for schooling,
kind treatment in the home as
member of the family, church pri-
vileges, etc., until the child is 1s
years Of age, when boy is paid $75
and girl $50 by his or her guard
ian. This is to insure that the child
may not be cast adrift without any
thing, this small sum not being con"
sidered payment for any labor per-
formed, but merely as protection,
in case he wishes to leave his home
against the wishes of his guardian.
The supervision of the school ceases at
18, but during the life of the inden-
ture contract the children are visited
from time to time by the agents of the
school of whom Miss Swindlehurst Ia
one of the four. While the state has
supervision over the child he may be
adopted if the arrangements is salts.
factory to the state and guardian.
THE CHANCE FOR VAN DYKE.
Cass Lake Times: Cleve Van Dyke,
democratic nominee for congress. has