An Orphanage in Owatonna, Minnesota

We happened upon some fascinating history in Owatonna, Minnesota a few years ago while driving around the town. We came across some beautiful, older buildings that we found out were originally used as an orphanage. The buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a Historic District. Unfortunately the buildings were closed the day we discovered them. We always wanted to go back to learn more and so we did.

The Minnesota State Public School for Dependent and Neglected Children was, at one time, the third largest orphanage in the country. This is an excerpt from the museum brochure: “Between 1886 and 1945 there were 10,635 children orphaned, abused or abandoned and sent to this orphanage in Owatonna, Minnesota.”

The orphanage was phased out by 1945 and for the next twenty-five years the school provided academic and vocational training for the educable mentally disabled.

After standing empty for four years, the City of Owatonna purchased the campus to use for its administration offices (in 1974).

The Orphanage Museum is currently housed in the City Administration Building. There are several display cabinets with very interesting photos, artifacts, and letters telling stories of those forgotten children and the lives they led in the orphanage. It was pretty heart wrenching.

Again, from the brochure, “They were called “State Schoolers: for some it was a circle of hell; for others, a safe haven.”

But the most somber part of our exploring was finding the cemetery. I took a photo of the plaque outside the cemetery and below the photo are excerpts written out:

History of State Public School Children’s Cemetery

1886-1945 – During the 59 year history of the State Public School for Dependent and Neglected Children, over 300 children died while under state guardianship: 198 are buried in this cemetery, unclaimed by family. Some were buried under the cover of darkness because of contagious disease. Few, if any, ever had a flower left on their grave. The average age at death was approximately four years old.

Causes of death included diphtheria, measles, drowning, TB, cancrum ori, anemia, diarrhea, exhaustion, and marasmus. Marasmus is defined as “wasting and emaciation of an infant for no discoverable cause.” Today we would say “Failure to thrive for lack of love.” Children also died from accidents (one killed by an elk, another a football injury), and a ruptured appendix.

In the early years, tombstones were erected. For unknown reasons, the state discontinued this practice. Children were then simply buried with their identification number etched on a cement slab.

1945 – Orphanage was phased out and the cemetery all but forgotten. Weeds and grass grew tall. Few people knew or remember it existed.

1993 – With the help of many community volunteers and contributors, the memorial and 151 named crosses were erected for those children buried only by a number. The memorial and crosses were dedicated in a community observance July 3, 1993.

1995- Owatonna City Council approved burial of 83 year old Fredrick Berndt. Berndt spent his entire childhood at the State Public School (19212-1927), and his “most desired wish” was to be buried among the children he so loved. A Christian burial was provided by Owatonna citizens November 1, 1995.

I am grateful for the love I experience from my family and friends, and that I know God’s love. My heart goes out to all those forgotten children. But I believe they were not forgotten by God. As the memorial reads:

1888-1942

TO THE CHILDREN WHO REST HERE

MAY THE LOVE YOU LACKED IN LIFE

NOW BE YOUR REWARD IN HEAVEN

YOU ARE REMEMBERED