This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: jeremy5848 Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.california.counties.sonoma/6127.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: The "California Home for the Care and Training of Feeble-minded Children," later the "Sonoma State Home," now the "Sonoma Developmental Center," was created in the early 1890s for what we in more politically-correct time call the "developmentally disadvantaged." The Home had its own facilities and even a cemetery, which still exists. The location was sometimes called "Eldridge" for Captain Eldridge who, with a Mr. Gibbs, chose the location for the state although the post office was in Glen Ellen. Most of the "inmates" (residents) were young but not all. Early deaths were common due to a variety of medical problems treatable today. The inmates of the Home were not criminals or juvenile delinquents. The Salvation Army school you mention was an orphanage located north of Santa Rosa, near Geyserville. It no longer exists. Jeremy Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.