This section completes Chapter 21. If you want to see the chapter in it's entirety, just go to the Scott county web page. (After Cathy uploads) CARES FOR CHILDREN OF BROKEN HOMES As the orphans of the soldiers of the war of the rebellion grew to manhood and womanhood with the flight of time this institution was utilized for the care of the poor children of the state, the little people who have poor homes or none at all, the children who would otherwise have no place of refuge other than the county poor farms, children in danger from evil surroundings and influence.  Here they are gathered from broken homes-the number in 1910 exceeding 500, fed, warmed and clothed, given instruction in a school unsurpassed anywhere for curriculum or instruction, given healthful work on a farm of many acres, trained in habits of industry, thrift and all that makes for good citizenship, and when old enough are placed on good homes where they will have the level American chance to which all children of Iowa are entitled. Life at the home is regular and well ordered.  The children are well treated, happy and fond of those who have them in charge.  There is a library of well selected juvenile literature and there is a systematic effort to provide for them as much amusement as possible.  Back in war days Muscatine inaugurated the custom of providing Christmas cheer in the shape of presents, a tree, a Santa Claus, etc.  This good example was followed by other communities.  The small people of the home are never far out of the minds of the people of Davenport and many treats have been arranged for them by the citizens. The name of the institution has not been changed since post-bellum days and it is still the Iowa Soldiers' Orphans' home, although the title is hardly appropriate these days, and it is to be hoped it will never be.  The state collects from the county whence a child comes for its support, and no better investment do the ninety-nine counties of Iowa make than this investment in humanity. The institution of officered by a selected corps of efficient and devoted employes, and is under the charge of Frank J. Sessions, superintendent for the State Board of Control. Debbie Clough G-erischer G-erischer Family Web Site http://gerischer.rootsweb.com/ Assistant CC, Iowa Gen Web, Scott County http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/ List Manager for: IASCOTT-L * G-erischer-L * D-encker-L Fitzpatirck-L * V-lerebome-L * Huntington-L * Otis-L * Algar-L EIGS-L * Pickens-L * McNab-L * Patris-L - Rankin-L