Illinois Soldiers' and Sailors' Children's School.

The Illinois Soldiers' Orphans' Home at Normal was established in 1865 to provide care and education for indigent children of Civil War veterans (l. 1865, p. 76). In later years indigent children of veterans of all wars were eligible for admission. Temporary facilities were established in Bloomington in 1867 and in Springfield in 1868. Permanent quarters in Normal opende in June of 1869. Board of trustees operated home and acted as legal guardians for children. Board of Commissioners of Public Charities was given responsibility for inspecting Home (l. 1869, p. 63). Board of Administration took over this as well as other responsibilities and retained administrative control over Home until creation of Department of Public Welfare in 1917 (l. 1917, p. 2).

While under jurisdiction of Department of Public Welfare Home's name was changed to Illinois Soldiers' and Sailors' Children's School in 1931 (l. 1931, p. 217). Department also was authorized to place veterans' indigent children in foster homes or in other child-care facilities. Division of Child Welfare staff members working at school handled this responsibility. For 1907-1924 dependent orphans who were not children of veterans also were admitted to Home when space was available.

In 1961 Department of Mental Health assumed many of duties of Department of Public Welfare including administration of School (L.1961, p.2666). This responsibility was transferred in 1963 to newly created Department of Children and Family Services (L.1963, p.1061).

From the description of Cash journal, March 1920-August 1932. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 36871250