While out checking on a few caches we have hidden in the area, we came upon this monument for the friendless.
The Springfield home for the friendless was established on President Abraham Lincoln's birthday, February 12, 1863, at the height of the Civil War. Modeled on facilities in the east, the home was intended as a temporary refuge for Union War widows and orphans. In 1864 Springfield resident Elijah Iles donated property at the Northwest corner of 8th and South Grand, and with community support, construction of a permenant facility began. In January 1865 under the supervision of Rev. Francis Springer, Post Chaplain at Fort Smith, Arkansas, more than 300 refugees from war-torn Arkansas arrived in Springfield, many of them children. Suffering from exposure and illness, many died en route, those who survived lived at the home for the friendless; others were taken into the homes of local residents. Some fared well; others did not. The home for the fiendless continued to recieve refugees and orphans after the war. Later, abandoned infants and children who were victims of neglect and abuse and indigent mothers all found their way to the home for temporary or permenant relief. For some it offered a new life, for others it was the last stop. More than 200 children from the home for the friendless are buried at Oak Ridge Cemetery.
This is a traditional size cache and was placed with permission. When searching for this cache, PLEASE be respectful of those resting here. This cache is only big enough for a log sheet so please bring a writing utensil to sign. The cache is only available to be found during hours of operation which are posted at the entrance of this cemetery. (8am to 5pm).
This cache owner:
- Maintains thier own caches. Please advise if there is a problem.
- Appreciates logs that are not cut and pasted :) Be creative
- As always PLEASE be careful out there
Good luck and Happy hunting.