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Book recalls history of ISSCS orphanage in Normal
By Sharon K. Wolfe
swolfe@pantagraph.com
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NORMAL -- In the early 1940s, the girls desperately wanted socks, but not just any socks.

“When Frankie Sinatra burst upon the scene and screen, we begged our guardians for the popular heavy white bobby socks to wear with our brown and white oxfords,” recalled Eileen Smith Volle, who lived at the Illinois Soldier’s and Sailor’s Children’s School from 1931 to 1943.

“The American Legion came to the rescue, buying us each a pair. You cannot imagine what those socks meant to us. For a little while, we looked like the ‘outside’ kids. Those socks lasted two years with loving care. When they got holes, we mended them by putting a light bulb in the toe to the hold the shape when we darned.”

Her memories are part of what was collected over eight years of gathering material, writing and publishing a 146-page book recalling life at the north Normal school. “A Place We Call Home” is subtitled “A History of Illinois Soldier’s Orphans’ Home 1864-1931” and “Illinois Soldier’s and Sailor’s Children’s School 1931-1979.”

Dedicated in 1869, the orphanage was home to needy children of wounded or killed Civil War veterans. “Every northern state had something similar, at least one,” said local archivist Jo Ann Rayfield, one of three people who worked on the book.

In 1899, the home opened to indigent children of any military family; eventually, it was open to any such youngster in the state. “On these grounds for 114 years scores of caregivers and educators provided thousands of children with a homelike environment,” reads a marker on the school grounds.

The school closed in 1979. Many of the former buildings off North Beech Street have been restored and are used for businesses and private residences.

‘What our ‘homers’ wanted’

Yvonne Borklund, Jill Vernon and Rayfield accumulated boxes and boxes of material for Ruth Cobb, a local author and former librarian, to sort through to write the book. Material not used in the book is in Illinois State University’s archives.

Vernon spent a lot of time at ISSCS because her mother was very good friends with Clara Kepner, a teacher who lived there as a child and taught there as an adult. Rayfield is university archivist at Illinois State University.

Borklund, a “homer” from 1947 to 1957, is president of the ISSCS Historical Preservation Society. The society has spent hundreds of hours to preserve and commemorate ISSCS through reunions, a marker on the grounds, and a memorabilia display at the Community Activity Center on the former campus.

It also emphasizes lessons to chart childcare policies and practices. “The alumni as a whole feels by far orphanages were preferable to foster care,” said Vernon.

The new book is strong on oral histories, giving an overview of the school, personal memories and about 225 photos.

“That’s what our ‘homers’ wanted,” Borklund said. “It’s something they can look at and show their children and their children’s children,” she said.

One of the more unusual pieces of correspondence was from a man who stole a bicentennial flag on his last day at the school. “He returned it to us when we asked for memorabilia, along with his confession,” said Vernon.

The society hopes to erect a statue on the grounds, but that will take fundraisers and donations well beyond the book sales.

They are hoping to afford something very poignant and symbolic: “A circle of kids holding hands. They were each other’s support system,” said Rayfield.

“We were unique in that way — we had many brothers and sisters,” said Borklund. “I wouldn’t have traded it for anything.”

A late 1940s report by then-Superintendent James R. Cretcher noted recreation included a gymnasium, swimming pool, six softball fields, one baseball field, four tennis courts, asphalt play courts for volleyball etc., and a “rec” hall with a pool table, ping-ping tables and record players.

Recreation was well-earned. In addition to book learning, there was manual training, industrial education and vocational education, which often helped with the upkeep of the building and grounds. The children helped with laundry, gardening, cleaning, hauling garbage to the pig pen and numerous other tasks.

There were rough spots, too. Gino Ullian, a resident from 1933 to 1942, recalled a “mean-spirited” adult: “If we straightened up too many times (while picking beans), we got the rubber hose across our back. I received three stitches on the back of my head one time, but still had to go back to the field before I got my stitches out.”

Ullian also shared a memory that spans every generation: “We had to eat all the food put on our plates. Every Thursday, we had buttered beets. Every bite of buttered beets I took, I threw up, cleaned up my mess, took another bite, and repeated the process. In my later years, I traded my ice cream to anybody who would eat my beets.”

How to buy a book

Call Jill Vernon, (309) 829-1800

Cost: $20 locally, $23 with shipping and handling

How to help

Donations for a statue at the former campus may be sent to ISSCS Historical Preservation Society, c/o Yvonne Borklund, 59 Woodland Circle, Haines City, FL 33844.

Take a look
Children at the Illinois Soldiers and Sailors Children's School posed together for a group photo at the campus in Normal in 1934.
Jill Vernon, left, Yvonne Borklund, center, and Jo Rayfield, right, photographed were instrumental in producing a history book of the former orphanage ISSCS. The book it titled 'A Place We Called Home, A History of Illinois Soldiers' Orphans' Home and Illinois Soldiers' and Sailors' Children's School.' (Pantagraph/CARLOS T. MIRANDA)
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Reader comments on this story - 31 total

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

jerrykroll wrote on Jul 28, 2008 7:24 PM:

" I worked at ISSCS in around the summer of 1972. As an ISU grad student in Industrial Technology I worked with another faculty - Chuck Griesemer - in a program to build go-carts from scratch. We taught machining, welding, hand tools, small engines - you name it.

That was a great summer of learning for me, and I always wonder where those young "apprentices" ended up - and if we did indeed teach any skills for the real world and careers. I was perhaps too young to understand all the circumstances of my young charges ,but now ponder on my influence on their lives.

Culmination of the go-cart building was a parade of them circling the campus at lunch hour on our "graduation" day!! "

Dorene DiFede Rothwell wrote on Oct 16, 2007 9:33 PM:

" I was at the home from 1956-1957, I bought the book and thought it was wonderful. I enjoyed seeing the picture of Clara Kepner she was my 4th teacher. After reading the book the year I spent at ISSCS was the only time in my chidhood that I was allowed to be a child and do the fun things a child should be able to do. I regret not keeping in touch with Miss Kepner. "

Jimmie Rogers wrote on Oct 12, 2007 7:45 AM:

" I spent 1962 - 1966 at the home. It was great. We had clean beds, good food and lots of brothers and sisters. We had our own basketball team. friday nights we had movies at the theater and on Sundays we had Men from the surrounding area as Sunday School Teachers. After Sunday school we went to Church at the theather. We had a hospital with a Dr. and nurses. We had a barber and a Dining hall. We were well cared for and I personnally enjoyed my stay. I keep using "we had" because we had a lot! It was far better than foster care. "

donald reynolds wrote on Oct 10, 2007 11:04 PM:

" I lived at ISSCS from 1948 to 1958. When I arrived after going through receiving, I was assigned to Betsy Ross cottage. My first house parent was Annie Lou Gunn. Before I came to the home I would steal food to feed my brother and mother. My brother and I were put on a bus one morning. We were not told where we were going. However, during the ride I realized somehow that probably I wasn't going to see my mother again soon. Something had changed forever. I grew up there, and with the rest of the kids, lived life very wonderfully intensly. I now know I was delivered from hell and given a garden. Reunions are held once a year. For a moment ISSCS is home again. I think of it as Brigadoon, coming alive for a weekend then disappearing back into the mist of memory until next year. I'm reminded of the words from the poem by Artur Rimbaud, "Once if I remember well, life was a feast, where all hearts opened and all wines flowed." I look back to ISSCS with joy and gratitude and am very proud to be a "home boy." Donald Reynolds 1948-1958 "

Rich wrote on Oct 10, 2007 9:47 PM:

" Yes there were tunnels running between the buildings. The buildings were heated by steam from the power house. In the winter after a snow you could see which side walks had the tunnels because there was no snow on them, they were dry. "

Bill Merchant wrote on Oct 9, 2007 6:13 PM:

" I was a resident of ISSCS from 1952 to 1960. The video "Curious" asked about is entitled, "Homecoming: The Forgotten World of America's Orphanges." It has been shown on PBS stations across the nation and features interviews and photos of four orphanages around the USA including ISSCS. The ISSCS portions were filmed during our annual homecoming/reunion event in 2001. The event is usually held the weekend after Labor Day, but was moved up to August due to scheduling conflicts. Because of 9-11, release of the video was delayed until 2005. Information and copies may still be available at www.homecomingmovie.org. "

Curious wrote on Oct 9, 2007 4:00 PM:

" I heard that there was a video that was being put together about ISSCS a while back. Does anyone know if this is true and how to get a copy? "

just wondering wrote on Oct 9, 2007 3:09 PM:

" why did they close "

Interesting... wrote on Oct 9, 2007 1:15 PM:

" There were tunnles..my friends and I used to go in them when I was a teenager. As well as in the buildings that were all believed to be haunted. There were lots of books and stuff left behind and I believe there was a fire in the auditorium at one time. I'd like to buy the book just to know more about the place...plus, it's part of our history. "

I remember wrote on Oct 9, 2007 12:59 PM:

" Playing for the Normal Mighty Might football program in the late 60's / early 70's. We used to play against the ISSCS team a lot. They were a tough bunch. Always good games. Had a lot of friends there. "

Tunnels wrote on Oct 9, 2007 12:33 PM:

" Yes, there were underground tunnels that originated in the big power plant looking building. My friends and I explored a bunch of those old buildings before any of the renovation began, back when I was a teenager. We went through at least one underground tunnel that began in the plant, but only followed it about 50 yards before turning back. It was too creepy, and we didn't have flashlights. "

Actually wrote on Oct 9, 2007 12:12 PM:

" There were tunnels there. I remember reading about the removal of them when they took the smokestack down at the power plant. "

It's still open... duh. wrote on Oct 9, 2007 11:45 AM:

" These buildings are still being occupied, in most part, by the Baby Fold. The Residential Treatment Center is located there Where Children with emotional and behavioral disorders reside while they receive treatment, so in a way it's still being used to help kids in need. There really aren't many orphanages like the ISSCS anymore because of the use of foster homes and state run facilities. I've worked for the Baby Fold and have been in parts of the original structures. I've never witnessed any kind of supernatural things and I've never heard of or seen any tunnels. Those are just unfounded rumors. "

Mark wrote on Oct 9, 2007 10:42 AM:

" I remember being taken there when I was in Grade school and we watched a parade that the homers were putting on. I think it was for Halloween. Anyway, we hung out and there was things to eat and it was an interesting experience because I remember being told the kids there didn't have parents and of course it made me sad for them but it gave me a real appreciation for having parents. "

TOUCHED wrote on Oct 9, 2007 9:53 AM:

" I KNOW VERY LITTLE ABOUT THE HOME BUT I LIVED NORTH ABOUT 50 MILES AND MY PARENTS WOULD TAKE US TO S'FIELD TO VISIT OUR GRANDPARENTS AND IN THOSE DAYS 66 RAN RIGHT IN FRONT OF ISSCS. I ALWAYS WAS INTRIGUED BY IT. IT REALLY DID LOOK LIKE A FUN PLACE AS IT WAS ALWAYS NEAT. I NEVER DID SEE ANY OF THE CHILDREN OUTSIDE PLAYING BUT WE DROVE BY AND THAT WAS IT. IT IS A WONDERFUL THING TO HAVE VETERAN'S HOMES FOR CHILDREN. IT IS SAD THAT WE HAVE BECOME A NATION WHO FORGETS ALL OUR LITTLE ONES SO DESPERATELY IN NEED OF A PLACE TO GROW AND HAVE STRUCTURE. "

Perhaps the Pantagraph wrote on Oct 9, 2007 9:41 AM:

" could do a follow-on story of just why the ISSCS closed down. I had heard rumors, but do not know the real story. "

thanks Pantagraph wrote on Oct 9, 2007 9:26 AM:

" Great article. Informative and interesting. "

The Twins wrote on Oct 9, 2007 9:07 AM:

" My grandmother and great aunt grew up here. They just turned 80 and we believe them to be the oldest surviving twins from the orphanage. I'm getting them this book for Christmas, they will love it! "

Joseph Peters wrote on Oct 9, 2007 8:59 AM:

" The ISSCS is currently owned by The Baby Fold. We have put millions of donated dollars in renovations and it is practically a set of brand new buildings. The Gymnasium has been re-done as well as a brand new Sanctuary. So please, it is not haunted, there are no fabled tunnels underneath and people currently work there. If you are interested in knowing more about the Baby Fold please view our web site at www.thebabyfold.org "

I ran around there wrote on Oct 9, 2007 8:51 AM:

" In the early to mid 90's with friends - It was just beginning it's revitalization then. I have many fond memories of exploring the haunted buildings! "

Another Alumni wrote on Oct 9, 2007 8:18 AM:

" What is an alternative phone number to order the book? 309-829-1800 does not answer and there is no answering machine. I would love a copy of the book. By the way, why did the school really close in such a hurry? I have often wondered, it was such a surprise to all of us. "

Another Alumni wrote on Oct 9, 2007 8:12 AM:

" I lived at ISSCS from 1977-1978. They had to find homes for all of us because they were closing. I believe in the end 3 kids lived there for about a year. I hated the day they took me there to Grant cottage but I grew to love the cottage mothers and the other girls. I was devastated when I had to leave. It had become my home. They should never have closed ISSCS as it was so important to the future of so many children. I wish I could find some of the cottage mothers and thank them. No one contacted me while researching material for the book. I would love to have a copy. "

Friends with Many ISSCS Kids wrote on Oct 9, 2007 8:08 AM:

" I went to Chiddix & NCHS 1969-1975-I was friends with many of the kids there. I hated calling or hearing them called "homers" because it sounded cruel to me. They never seemed to mind that however. I would get my friends when they got time allotted for "passes" and bring them home with me. They were welcomed just like anyone else by my parents. I'd take them out places. They couldn't just come and go as they pleased. I wanted them to have a good life & shared things with them whenever possible. They will always be my friends but some I've lost contact with. I just have 1 friend who contacted ME a few years ago. I was so happy to hear from her. I wonder where some have moved on to & how they are doing. Some of the kids who lived there wonder where some of their friends are as well. I'm glad a book has been written. (Remember there used to be a Victory Hall Boy's Home too). "

Eric Dale wrote on Oct 9, 2007 1:30 AM:

" I was born in Normal in 1968. I and my friends used to explore and look for the ghost after it shut down. It was bizarre the way they left. The cottages where the children or teachers lived still had rotten food on the tables. The gymnasium still had equipment, like balls and shoulder pads. The indoor pool still had some water in it and the the classrooms had all the books stacked up. I'm not just talking about when it shut down either. It was left for years like that. I have many scary stories about our time there. There was even an auditorium with pieces of instriments left behind. The reason so many people in our home town thought it was haunted is the way they left over night. "

To: I live near there wrote on Oct 8, 2007 11:12 PM:

" Well, if you tell everyone how to get in there, there will be even MORE people trying to break in. Especially people looking for the fabled tunnels under the buildings. I'm just glad that they are using the buildings again. "

I live near there wrote on Oct 8, 2007 10:02 PM:

" My son and I like to walk through that area, and he loves for me to tell him stories. I'll read to him from the book so he will know all about the history of the place as we visit. How wonderful! And when he gets older hopefully he won't try to break into that abandoned building like some kids do. (It's easy to get into by going behind a bush and through an open ground level window, so someone should board it up better to keep kids out, because it is not safe). "

My dad wrote on Oct 8, 2007 9:36 PM:

" My father and two of his brothers lived there. My dad told me how they would have dances and have movies nights. Too bad this place isn't open still. It would benefit a lot of children out there without fit mothers/fathers. I'm 24 and have visited this place with my dad. Its an emotional time good and bad because he wanted to be with his mom and dad but they werent able to take care of him and his younger brothers. "

Remembering wrote on Oct 8, 2007 9:14 PM:

" I was 11 when the home shut down and my mother bought 2 wrought iron candlestick holders which hold 5 candles each and are VERY HEAVY at the sale. Learning the history at that age has stuck with me and when we visit back to Normal I still remind my children of this great place. By the way, I still have those candlesticks "

I heard wrote on Oct 8, 2007 9:00 PM:

" that ISSCS was haunted now... "

son of alumni: wrote on Oct 8, 2007 8:43 PM:

" My mom and my aunts lived there along time ago, Nancy, Phyllis, Katherine and Ginny Brown. Not sure what year ? I'd Like to buy the book for a gift for mom though. "

Alumni wrote on Oct 8, 2007 5:56 PM:

" I lived at ISSCS from 1969 to 1972, and I wouldn't have traded it for the world either. We learned so many of life's most important lessons there. Sharing, caring, empathy, and tolerance. Of course, I hated it while I was there, but I think we all did to some extent. As a result of these lessons many homers have gone into "caring" professions. Clara Kepner was one of those people. She grew up there and left for college, but came back a few years later, and worked her entire life at ISSCS, and let me tell you she was old when the place closed. What a jewel she was though. "
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