Galveston Orphans Home - Galveston, Texas
Posted by: 
BruceS
N 29° 17.852 W 094° 47.325
15R E 326262 N 3242278
Historic former orphanage in Galveston, Texas.
Waymark Code: WM8EWV
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 03/23/2010
Views: 12
"In 1894, funds allocated toward the construction of a modern orphanage were bequeathed to the city of Galveston by philanthropist Henry Rosenberg. From newspaper accounts and photographs of the time, it is known that this first orphans' home, built at the present site, was an impressive Gothic Revival structure. The new public building was to be in use for only five years as the 1900 hurricane and flood destroyed the structure almost totally. Reconstruction of the facility was finally accomplished in 1902...
The new Gothic Revival orphanage consisted of playrooms, and library, in addition to the dormitories and dining rooms. Heat was provided by a hot water system and radiators. Both gas and incandescent lights illuminated the new institution.
The 1900 hurricane and flood devastated the five year old structure. At this time, the children were moved to Buckner Home in Dallas until the building could be reconstructed. Funding for this restoration was accomplished by a charity bazaar at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City, sponsored and arranged by newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst. Lieutenant Colonel Nelson A. Miles delivered the opening address to those whose patronage included author Samuel Longhorn Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, and then Texas Governor, Joseph B. Sayers." - Texas Historical Commission Atlas
Over the years modest asylum for the care of white Protestant orphans was expanded to include neglected children of all races with a capacity of 50 children. The home operated with both state and private funding. Currently the home appears to vacant.