Galveston Orphans Home

The Galveston Orphans' Home is an imposing edifice housing what is accepted as the oldest orphanage in the state. One of several eleemosynary institutions founded during the 19th century in the city once known as a "city of philanthropists", the Galveston Orphans' Home goes far to justify that label.

Prior to 1880, the city of Galveston had no provision for the care of its orphaned children, numerous in those days due to short life expectancy caused by pestilence, epidemics, and lack of modern medicines. Through the hard work of various individuals, public attention was called to the necessity of creating a home, and a structure was planned and erected to fill this function. Originally designed to "create a religious and still homelike impression upon the youthful mind", the Galveston Orphans Home was reconstructed amidst the devastating aftermath of the 1900 hurricane, to continue to meet the needs of the city's homeless children.
In 1878, Mrs. E. M. Arnold opened her own home to destitute children, providing for their welfare with no outside financial assistance.

In addition, Mrs. Arnold worked as a matron in a local hospital and there met Mr. George Dealey, an English immigrant. Mr. Dealey persuaded her of the need for setting up a permanent community children's home. His goals were to locate a house for the children, raise money, and gain approval and support from the Galveston clergy. Donations were solicited after settling the children in the first home at 8th and Broadway Streets, and hearty approval of the plan was given by Protestant ministers. Thus, the Island City Protestant Orphans Asylum was established on October 20, 1878, with two children.

Subsequent growth and expanding responsibility prompted Mr. Dealy to pass his position as secretary of the orphanage on to a Board of Directors in 1879. The name was changed at this time to the Island City Protestant-Israelitish Orphans Home Judge Charles L. Cleveland was named director of the newly formed board. A charter obtained in 1880 reimbursed Mrs. Arnold for her share of personal expenses and changed the name back to the Island City Orphans Home. Lots located on 21st Street and Avenue M, known as the "Bolton. property", were purchased, and by 1881, a new building was readied for occupancy. An infirmary was constructed in 1884 and used until 1894. Further securing of property in the same block as the original lots occurred in 1889.

Henry Rosenberg, former president of the board of trustees, and a philanthropist of the city of Galveston provided the Island City Protestant Orphan Home with the sum of $30,000 upon his death in 1893. A modern building was to be constructed with these funds.
The building committee designated by the Board of Directors approved the bid of Thomas Lucas and Sons to erect the building according to the plans and specifications of the architect, Mr. Alfred Muller. The marble cornerstone of the new orphanage was laid on October 21, 1894. Completed and dedicated in 1895, the name of the institution was again changed, to the Galveston Orphans Home.
The new gothic revival orphanage consisted of playrooms, a natatorium, and a library, in addition to the dormitories and dining rooms. The heat was provided by a hot water system and radiators. Both gas and incandescent lights illuminated the new institution.

The 1900 hurricane and flood devastated the five-year-old structure. At this time, the children were moved to Buckner Home in Dallas until the building could be reconstructed. Funding for this restoration was accomplished by a charity bazaar at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City, sponsored and arranged by newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst. Lieutenant Colonel Nelson A. Miles delivered the opening address to those whose patronage included author Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, and then Texas Governor, Joseph B. Sayers.

A modest asylum for the care of white Protestant orphans has expanded to the present day to include neglected children of all races. The board of trustees is now composed of a 28-member La y Board of Managers. They are responsible for the daily operation and care of the children. The resident capacity of the facility is 50. The home is licensed by the State Department of Public Welfare, receiving state funding as well as support from private donations.