150 years of growth for children's home
Notable dates in the history of the Children's Home of Jefferson County:
1859: The catalyst for the May 11, 1859, corporation of the Watertown Home for Destitute and Friendless Orphans and Children is created when two children are placed in a rented home on Woodruff Street with a matron to care for them.
1864: A 50-child orphanage on Franklin Street opens on April 20. The organization is renamed Jefferson County Orphan Asylum
1908: Instead of relying on an asylum teacher, the public school system opens its doors to the asylum's children.
918: The institution acquires 14 acres of land on State Street.
1928: Children move into the four residential cottages on State Street.
1930: Institution's name changed to Children's Home of Jefferson County.
1947: Athletic grounds completed and dedicated to the memory of three residents killed in World War II.
1972: The home's charter is amended to allow acceptance of youth who are wards of the court system.
1987: The recreation building, the third structure built on campus since the original cottages were completed, is dedicated.
1991: A $250,000 capital campaign is completed.
1992: Transition complete from a house parent system of operation to a caregiver/caseworker model.
1998: Non-secure detention is launched, providing temporary transitory placement for children removed from their homes in crisis situations.
2001: A foster care program is implemented, its first community-based service.
2007: Big Brothers Big Sisters of the North Country opens an affiliate.
2009: Children's Home expands its partnership with school districts.
Source: Children's Home of Jefferson County
150th anniversary pamphlet
18 June 2009
http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20090618/CURR04/306189994
