The Orphanage was over 500 acres with landmark buildings, now privately owned; please view outside the building. Ohio Soldiers & Sailors Orphans Home
As written in the recent book: "a home OF THEIR OWN" by Edward Lentz
"... how progressive, unique, and innovative the Home was during its 125 years of caring for children.... Over 13,500 children spent some or all of their childhood at the Home, lo
cated in Xenia, Ohio. It was created at the urging of the Grand Army of the Republic and of Governor Rutherford B. The Home was a large place, growing from the original100 acres of land and three cottages to encompass almost 500 acres and more than forty buildings. There were 125 children enrolled when it opened on August 25, 1870; at its peak, more than 900 children resided there. For most of the years the average on-campus population was about 500 pupils." "The home's size, its resources, and its long-term, dedicated staff of teachers, houseparents, and administrators were critical elements in the Home's success with the children who lived there, especially those who came at a young age and graduated from the high school...." With fewer & fewer children of veterans needing the Home's services, in 1978 the OS&SO Home Board of Trustees revised its mission statement to be a residential childcare facility for any Ohio children with priority going to veterans' children. That year the Home changed its name to the OVCH, Ohio Veterans Children's Home. While more & more delinquent children found their way to the Home, and less & less state funding, in 1995 the state of Ohio sent children back to county homes and foster homes and closed the Home. The campus is currently owned by private corporation(s). A museum, leased to a private 501C3 nonprofit organization of ex-pupils, from The Home, is located on the campus, that is open to the public by appointment. A small or generous donation is appreciated, for supplies, displays, insurance, & general upkeep….
