Traveling Through Time With the Shelby County Historical Society
Feature Article on Children‘s Home. Topic: DOWNTOWN/BUILDINGS
Written by Rich Wallace in July, 1995

TRAGEDY PROMPTED CONSTRUCTION OF SHELBY COUNTY CHILDREN'S HOME...Pg 3

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Supt Guthrie rushed to the scene but nothing could be done. Mr. Strickland claimed he was afraid to interfere. Mrs. Strickland disappeared and was never found.

A sense of shame settled over the community. Government and community leaders were determined to act so that nothing like that would ever happen again. An Advisory Committee consisting of A.J. Hess, S. L. Wicoff and S.J. Hatfield was appointed by new Judge J. D. Barnes. Soon, representatives were touring children's homes throughout the state with the intention of building a children's home that would be "the finest in the state."

There were of course some obstacles along the way. A levy issue to raise funds was placed on the ballot and passed on November 10, 1893. (The Republicans of course claimed victory). The county commissioners also struggled with site selection. Competing were the McCracken, Fielding, Doorley, Duncan and Orbison farms. After consulting landscape architect Herman Haerline of Cincinnati, the 142 acre Duncan farm was chosen for its commanding view of the river and the city.

A dispute immediately ensued after the commissioners announced their intention to construct a new road to the home to be known as the "Children's Home Pike." Area residents were bitterly opposed, complaining the road would be "very expensive and of doubtful utility." It is now considered one of the most beautiful drives in the county.

An architect firm from Columbus was selected and plans were meticulously prepared. Preparations were made for the opening of bids on December 7, 1894. Eleven bidders arrived from across the state. Excitement ran high as the bids were opened. The lowest two bidders were Sidney builders Snyder and Altenbach. Because of the combination bidding that was allowed, confusion immediately arose as to which was the lowest bid. Both builders engaged counsel and the dispute was quickly resolved.

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