Centennial History of Madison Co, J.J. Netterville, pp.433-436 "CARE OF CHILDREN Unorganized attempts had early been made to care for orphaned children of the county. The first official action was taken in March, 1855, which was as follows: 'It is ordered by the board that a home for the friendless aznd orphan children of Madison county, Indiana, be purchased and established at such place in said county as said board of commissioners may designate.' On December 4, 1885, it was 'ordered by the board that in all applications for admission to the orphans' home, the application must be accomplnied by the recommendation of the township trustee where the child resides,, that such child is a proper subject for relief in the county asylum.' Although there was no home established, a visiting committee consisting of B.W. Scott, Mrs. Edward Roberts, and Mrs. Leah M. Craven. On March 17, 1886, Decatur Vandeventer and wife transferred to the county of Madison, ten acres in the west half of the northwest quarter, Section 19, township 19, range 8, for a consideration of $1,000.00 as a site for an orphans' home. The old residence was used as the home. Mrs. Henry C. Brown, Mrs. Allen Richwine, and H.J. Blackledge were appointed a visiting committee and Mrs. Celia Hockett was appointed matron. At first the plan was adopted for paying so much for the care of each child, to the matron. The amount was twenty five cents per do for each child. The matron agreed to supply food and clothing and to sent the children to the nearest public school, the county to furnish books and other school supplies. This method of payment was continued until 1901. In 1900, The Childrens' Home Association was organized, the purpose being to look after the abandoned children. In 1901. the county commissioners turned over the buildings and ground of the 'home' to this association, which assumed control of the affairs of the home in February, 1901. This home, with some improvements, continued to fill the needs until the creation of the wonderful new Calvin A. Bronnenberg Orphans' Home, which was completed in 1924. " THE CALVIN A. BRONNENBERG ORHPANS' HOME This wonderful home for children, one of the finest in this state, stands as a monument of the benevolence of Calvin Bronnenberg, donor of the 256 acre farm upon which it is located. This thoroughly modern edifice is a handsome two-story brick building capable of housing one hundred and six children with comfort. It is situated near the center of the old Bronnenberg farm, just east of Anderson, on the Mounds Park road. The home has a frontage of 190 feet, and the approach is through a beautiful arch bearing the inscription "The Calvin A. Bronnenberg Orphans' Home." The administrative offices lie between two flanking wings of the building and in the rea, another wing fronts towards the bluffs along White river. The arrangement and facilities are most complete. Each wing has four dormitories, two dressing rooms, two general baths for children, two linen closets, two private rooms for nurses on each floor, with private connecting baths. The second floor also contains two sick wards, and three private rooms for attendants. The rear wing has the main dining room, kitchen and laundry room, and, in the basement which extends under the entire building are two large playrooms for the children. The building was erected by Contractor Ben Wright of Anderson. The cost including the arch and other extras was about $150,000. It is notable that the two outstanding beneficences of this county were created by bachelors. The YMCA of Anderson was the gift of a bachelor, J.A.J. Brunt, and Calvin Bronnenberg is also a bachelor, but loved children tenderly. In his will Mr. Bronnenberg gave the farm to the county, with the provision that they use it as a site of an Orphans' Home, with the added stipulation that a memorial arch be erected. In the event that the county did not avail itself of this bequest, provision was made in the will that the farm was to go to the Gospel Trumpet Company, to be used as a site for a home for the aged. The construction of the home was held up for several years through litigation concerning a mortgage of $5,000 on the land. Miss Susan Bronnenberg, a sister of the deceased came to the rescue of the county at this time. She offered to sell an adjoining tract of fifty-three acres and with the money realized pay off the mortgage. This was effected and the county used this money in effecting a compromise with a member of the Bronnenberg family who was seeking to break the will. The dedication of the home was held Thursday, September 11, 1924. Sanford Keltner of Anderson, was the principal speaker of the day. Amos W. Butler, ex-secretary, and John A. Brown, secretary of the State Board of Corrections and Charities, were present at the dedication. The members of the Board of Children's Guardians are: Mrs. Florence Alustill of Elwood; Mrs. W.H. Forse Jr., Mrs. J.A. Osdol, Mrs. J.J. Netterville, J.F. Merker of Alexandria. The late Francis A. Walker of Anderson, was a member of the board at the time of dedication and attended the exercises. Charles E. Smith, ex-county prosecutor, is now attorney for the board.