The children ended up there for various reasons. Surprising enough a good majority had were not orphans and their parents or parent were living. My mother and her siblings were deemed wards of the State and the oldest four were sent there. There were numerous relatives who could have stepped in but apparently chose not to. My father was sent there when his mom died at a young age. The four kids were divided up all over the place and it appears that neither his dad or his step-dad chose to step and keep him. If you have ever been to a reunion, it is interesting to say the least to hear those who are still around talk about their time there. Cheryl......dad - Richard DeWitt Doud mom- Juanita Higdon