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Post by David Sechrest on Jan 6, 2006 9:50:22 GMT -5
I received the following email from Juanita Wilson, and thought some of you might be able to provide the info of which she is seeking, or leave comments regarding the old children's home that was once a part of East Columbus.
"Thank you for the many articles, and pictures, that I have just viewed, on your, " Historic Columbus website." I was born, in Bartholemew County, and am a former resident of Columbus, having been brought up, in the Francis Comfort Thomas Orphanage, following the WW 2 era....1943--1950..... Many, many happy and wonderful memories, . As you might be aware, many of the former children of the orphanage have renewed, their relaionships, as of apprx. 7 years ago., and we have a yearly get together, to reminice, and enjoy each others company, every June, in Columbus. We gather and share many pictures of that era, including the downtown.... I have attempted, to obtain these pictures, through the Columbus library, and historic society., having also obtained some items, from the school system as well as, the court house and welfare dept..... However, one of the fondest memories, is the many yearly parties, that was given yearly, by the Eagles, the Kiwanis, and the Chamber of Commerce, and if my memory is correct, the American Legion....And of course, the yearly, summer event of Columbus at Youth Camp.. I know, there were pictures, taken, and probably articles written, regarding these events.,but I have not been able to obtain any such items, except from Martha Newsom, who generously shared what pictures, she could with me, from her personal collections.... I also tried, to make contact, with (??) who ever, it was that took yearly school pictures, for the public schools, but they were unable to share with me, any pictures, without some information that I could not provide......
My question to you, is....Is it possible, that you, might have any infrmation, or pictures, regarding the orphanage, or events, that were sponsered by some of the afore mentioned, clubs or establishements? I would be most grateful, for any information, or items, that you might have run across in your records... Thanking you sincerely for any assistace, that you might be able to give... Juanita (Roome )Wilson, 2545 South Morton, ( US 31 Frankiln, IN. 46131 STUDALATI@webtv.net
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Post by Deleted on Mar 4, 2006 20:27:46 GMT -5
Another picture of the Orphanage.
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Post by EC on Mar 7, 2006 12:17:08 GMT -5
George. Thank you for posting the pictures of the Francis Thomas Comfort Home. I’d forgotten about the barn on the property. I know the kids that lived there talked about growing corn and tomatoes while we attended the State Street School.
Also, I loved the pictures of the 25th Street Fairgrounds. The grandstand photo shows that time just as I remember it. I noticed the youngster on the right side of the picture with the four inch cuffs on his jeans! That’s how we all looked at that time. I noticed a lot of the men wearing Suits with jackets, ties and hats? It’s hard to say for sure but it looks to me that I’m seeing several men with dark jackets and WHITE collars! I don’t think I see any white sneakers.
I’d like to ask a question and hope you all will weigh in with your answers. Were the four-inch cuffs the results of not having the variety of sizes we have on the racks today or was that the result of our parents wanting us to “grow into” the clothes? I know most of the clothes I wore came from my grandparent’s neighbors son. After I outgrew them, my younger brother inherited them.
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Post by David Sechrest on Mar 7, 2006 19:28:21 GMT -5
EC, growing up in the 1960's, my cuffs were the result of pants that I would grow in to. Mom always clothes (or made them) at the beginning of the school year, and they pretty much lasted the ENTIRE school year!
George, again...GREAT pics!
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Post by Deleted on Mar 7, 2006 20:33:49 GMT -5
EC, I believe that the 4" cuff on the jeans was the trend at that time. I do recall at the time the only jeans were Levis and Lee and the price was a little less than $4.00 a pair, available at I believe Dell Bros. I remember that the Levis back then lasted, it seemed like for ever, there was just one style, brass rivets and the leather ID patch on back," Levi Strauss, San Francisco, California". I always wore Levis, can"t say were Lees were made. Talking jeans brings to mind my first pair of bib overalls, living in East Columbus and being about 6 or 7 dad took me to A.Tross for my first pair, and also a new pair of " clod hoppers", I was right in style. I"ll never forget Mr. Tross, he said to dad we will fix this boy right up. Days gone by. George.
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Post by David Sechrest on Mar 8, 2006 0:01:42 GMT -5
I remember wearing my first pair of Levi's, and George is right on about them lasting forever. They were like wearing sheets of corrugated board for the first month!
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Post by Deleted on Mar 27, 2006 20:07:59 GMT -5
A post card that I just acquired, it is postmarked Nov. 8, 1911.
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Post by David Sechrest on Apr 19, 2006 4:03:20 GMT -5
FRANCES COMFORT THOMAS CHILDREN"S Home « Thread Started on 4.15.06 at 5:00pm »
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- My mom and her brother's and sisters were raised in the Bartholmew County children's home in the 1950's and she is searching for information about the children's home or pictures taken there (specifically a picture taken in 1958 at christmas time. If anyone can tell me where to find information, please let me know.
Thanks, Marci
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Post by David Sechrest on Apr 19, 2006 4:05:45 GMT -5
Marci, since we already had a folder regarding the Children's Home, I moved your post to this folder and deleted the other. Sorry about doing that, but I want to try and keep things in order. If you would like to add your Poll here, that would be fine! Thanks, and welcome to the Historic Columbus Indiana Message Board!
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Post by netia on May 3, 2006 15:33:53 GMT -5
I was just curious as to where this childrens home was located
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Post by EC on May 3, 2006 23:07:14 GMT -5
I was just curious as to where this childrens home was located Netia, The Francis Thomas Comfort Home was located at the Northeast Corner of Illinois and Cherry Streets over in East Columbus. The second of the two pictures that George posted was taken looking East. The barn was located along Illinois Street. Cherry Street was behind the photographer. Do you see the two story house in the background while looking past the barn? That house was located on Gladstone Avenue and the one story brick building with the white roof was the County Home. The former County Home was located along US 31 Alternate near the present 4-H Fairgrounds. The new County home was built on ground the older residents of the Francis Thomas Comfort Home farmed and that building was located at the southwest corner of Illinois Street and Gladstone Avenue. EC
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Post by richard on May 22, 2006 9:19:36 GMT -5
The following is in today's Columbus paper.
ORPHANAGE REUNION: The annual reunion of the Frances Comfort Thomas Orphanage is returning to Columbus. The seventh annual get-together of those who lived in the orphanage on Illinois Street will be at noon June 17 in Papa’s Deli at Third and Chestnut streets. Information: Don Chandler (546-5224), Juanita Wilson (317-736-9593), or Woody Robbins (317-882-9230).
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Post by Molly on Sept 16, 2006 9:12:39 GMT -5
I am searching for my grandmothers brother and sister who lived in this orphanage for a short time in the 1950s before being adopted. There birth names are Richard Allen Slinker and Cheryl Darlene Slinker. Richard would be 58 now and Cheryl 60. If you have ANY INFORMATION on where they are, please call me! (860) 940-9917 Molly
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Post by Molly on Sept 16, 2006 11:26:39 GMT -5
You can also email me at Mpatrick719@aol.com
Thanks Molly
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Post by Deleted on Feb 2, 2007 21:07:44 GMT -5
A postcard of the home, postmark Oct. 1907.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 24, 2007 19:21:57 GMT -5
The home was built in 1892 at a cost of $ 10,000 on 19 acres of land . Three acres of that being donated by Richard Thomas, these three acres represented $ 1,400 in value. In recognition of Mr Thomas and his wife the home was named , The Frances Comfort Thomas Home for Orphans and destitute Children. This picture is in 1898, and there were 74 children at the home at that time.
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Post by moose on Apr 22, 2009 14:29:38 GMT -5
By the 60's, a childrens home in the east Columbus area was built with a large common area with spokes radiating from it in which lived a "family unit" i.e. usually a young couple who had maybe six children under their care and who lived together as sort of a surrogate family unit. Was that an updated accommodation from the Thomas Comfort Orphanage or something completely different ?
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Post by Cindy Sorley on May 26, 2009 0:44:24 GMT -5
I had a number of cousins in the Orphanage in Columbus in 1930. From my uncle Tom Smith whose wife died between 1920 and 1930, his two Sons Marcus and Raymond were there and My uncle Jim Farmer Smith had two sons at the same time there, Harley and Verlie who were twins and were ten years old. Jim's wife died about 1922 or so I believe. All four boys are on the same page of the census in 1930 with Trotters beings the heads. I am fascinated by this and would love any and all info on where to get photos or information on any of the following.
Harlen "Harley" Smith age 12 in 1930 his twin Vernon "Verlie" Smith age 12 their first cousins Raymond age 11 Marcus age 13
There is another Smith Russell but I can't figure if he is family.. Please Please help
Cindy in Utah PO Box 2211 Layton, utah 84041
PiperL4J@aol.com
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Post by richard on May 29, 2009 9:12:48 GMT -5
The information below is from an article in today’s edition of The Republic, by Harry McCawley, associate editor.
WHAT: 10th annual reunion of Frances Comfort Thomas Orphanage kids.
WHEN: 11 a.m. June 13.
WHERE: Papa’s Deli on Third Street.
PURPOSE: To share memories and stories about Frances Comfort Thomas Orphanage.
FOOD: Drinks will be furnished, and attendees are asked to bring a covered dish.
INFORMATION: 317-882-9230.
My note, Papa’s Deli on Third is located on the southwest corner of Third and Chestnut Streets.
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Post by BIPDSSK on Jul 27, 2009 12:38:39 GMT -5
Does anyone know when the orphanage closed? Also, where can I obtain records from my grandma's stay there?
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