Many lives have been changed and memories treasured through the
efforts of one fine lady, Mary Ann Klingling. With the closing of
The Mary Haven Home, formerly known as the Orphan Asylum and
Children's Home, one of Warren County's noted landmarks, as we know
it, has gone into extinction. Mike Coleman wrote an excellent story
in The Western Star in November 1995, concerning the Mary Haven
Home. He explained that a new facility on Justice Drive will now
house both boys and girls, whereas in recent times, the old Home
housed only boys.
The timeworn building is located about one mile west of Lebanon
on the old Shakertown Pike, now Route 63. It commands a magnificent
view that overlooks the Turtlecreek valley. The original building
is a sizable brick structure, measuring 52 by 82 feet with three
stories and a basement. It was constructed in 1874 at a cost of
$23,000, furnishings included.
On June 6, 1863, Mary Ann Klingling, a German maiden lady, who
resided on Broadway in Lebanon at the time, drew up a will to the
amount of $40,000. This fund was to be used for the founding of an
asylum "where poor white children, who have lost one or both
parents, may receive a sound moral and Christian education, and if
necessary, be supported during their minority." Originally, the
monies were not to be used unless some individual duplicated them.
If no one accepted this proposal, then it was to go to the
community of Lebanon with the same stipulation. If Lebanon failed
to take up the matter, the total amount would then be forwarded to
the county and put into a trust fund to be used for the support and
maintenance of such an institution. It was stated in the will that
the income from this fund was to be offered only for the education
and support of orphan "white" children. It was advised that all
provisions for a "like benevolence for indigent children of all
classes" be deemed proper.
On February 11, 1869, an Act of the Legislature authorized the
commissioners to accept the Klingling fund and to "erect and
maintain an Orphan Asylum in connection with a Children's Home."
Two sets of books were to be kept, one for each institution. A just
monetary portion was to be divided equally amongst each branch.
We shall now pry into the operation of the institution. In July
1896, a group of local citizens visited the establishment for a
period of three hours. It was at that time operated by Rev. and
Mrs. R.S. Hageman who were, respectively, superintendent and
matron. The visitors first noticed the condition of the grounds,
which were in an immaculate state. They made an excellent place for
the children to romp and play. The interior exhibited a state of
cleanliness. The second and third floor consisted of fifteen or
twenty rooms that were used as sleeping rooms for the children.
The beds were smaller than the ordinary, each room containing
from three to six. All were nicely made up, as if appearance
counted for everything. It was remarked that they looked as
comfortable as any "millionaire's couch." The reception room and
the office had just been cleaned and repapered. They were nicely
equipped, the furnishings being inexpensive and of a common
fashion.
Each story, including the halls, had recently been repainted. No
two rooms were painted alike. Because of the economic factor, few
of the rooms were carpeted. Nearly three barrels of paint were used
to paint the floors. The visitors were in the basement area when
the supper bell rang. They soon heard the pitter-patter of 36 pairs
of little bare feet in the hall above them, and down the stairs
they came. First came the girls, the largest and oldest in the
lead, followed by the next largest to a little tot of two years.
Then came the boys in the same order. All proceeded quietly into
the dining room and were promptly seated on stools encircling the
table. At the word from the superintendent, each child bowed his or
her head and said Grace. The food was said to be fit for a king.
Although of a common nature, it was considered most palatable. Meat
was provided once a day and beef two days a week. Chicken was
occasionally served, as it required six large fowl for a meal. The
size of the flock could not provide this luxury as often as the
children would like.
A comment was made that a brighter, more intelligent, or
better-looking group of children could not be found anywhere, or
among any class of people. Of the thirty-six children housed in the
Home at this time, twenty-one were girls and three Negro boys were
amongst the males. The majority of the children were from five to
ten years of age. The older children were taught work around the
farm, this being a part of their education. Their parents or
guardian gave up children placed in the Home. The superintendent
had authority to place them in any home where they may be wanted,
provided the individuals were respectable and capable to care for
and train a child. If they were not properly cared for, they were
taken away. The trustees provided a schoolhouse for nine months of
the year. The cost of a teacher was $315 per annum.
A laundry was built in 1893, and afterward, no extra help was
needed for the washings. The savings on this item paid for the
machinery in three years. Truck patches and farm gardens often
yielded more than was required for consumption. Receipts from the
excess garden products some years ran as much as $200. The
fifty-three acres required constant care. Wages paid the workers
were surprisingly low, but the chores were done is a most
professional manner. Church was occasioned every Sunday in nearby
Lebanon. One year they were taken to church in one location, the
next year, another.
The summation of the visitors was that the Children's Home was
better kept and operated more compassionately than any other in the
State.
The Mary Haven Home was operated for more than 120 years. It was
a special institution that had run its course, and has nothing but
fond memories for its children and administration down through the
years.