State School Childrens Cemetery, Owatonna, Steele Co., MN ========================================================================= USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, material may be freely used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material, AND permission is obtained from the contributor of the file. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for non-commercial purposes, MUST obtain the written consent of the contributor, OR the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. 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FileFormat by Terri--MNArchives Made available to The USGenWeb Archives by: Ron Houghtelin Submitted: August 2003 ========================================================================= This is a transcription of the State School Childrens Cemetery in Owatonna (Steele County) Ronald Houghtelin 1314 Leif Ave Owatonna, Minnesota my email is rone@ll.net The Children's Cemetery at the site of the former Owatonna State School Orphanage The marker in the Children's Cemetery reads 1888 - 1942 "To the children who rest here Now be your reward in Heaven You are remembered" This brick and concrete Memorial Marker is located on the east side of the Children's Cemetery and was dedicated Saturday July 3 1993 at 10:00 AM. This service was conducted by Harvey and Maxine Ronglin. Harvey Ronglin was a former ward of the Owatonna State School Orphanage. Several former wards of this Orphanage along with a large crowd of local residents, which included Wayne Klinkhammer, the Mayor of Owatonna and other dignitaries adding comments to the Service of Dedication. This cemetery is recorded and is on file at the Steele County County Recorders Office in Owatonna. This report is a special report, taken in the cemetery, by Ron Houghtelin of Owatonna in May 1994, which includes some of the dates of the children, when they were written on the markers, and also the individual location numbers and names of the children. The row numbering was started at the east side of the cemetery as row 1 and the markers are recorded from north to south. A lane that runs east and west near the north part of the cemetery divides some of the rows, so the row numbering follows to the west side from Row 1 to Row 8. The area north of the lane is Row 9 to Row 18, which includes the row along the west fence which is Row 18. East side of cemetery - Row's recorded north to south Row 1 south of lane north to south 2594 Raymond Brandt d.Jan 22 1904:age 6 months 2641 Mable Hurst d.Apr 02 1904:age 4 years 2358 Hattie Barrett d.Apr 18 1904:age 3 years 2453 Jerry Vaughn d.Jun 06 1904:age 5 years 2426 Patrick M Kiley d.Jul 18 1904:age 6 years 2613 Emanuel Johnson d.Sep 20 1904:age 5 years 1890 Willie Baldrow d.Nov 30 1904:age 5 years 2809 Mary (Amy) Amelia Young d.Jan 30 1905:age 4 years 2848 Raymond Addie Kemper d.Apr 26 1905:age 5 months 2717 Donald Edwin Phillips d.Apr 28 1905:age 10 months 2875 Flossie B Franklin d.May 15 1905:age 10 months 2853 Harold Shadbolt d.May 22 1905:age 2 years 2883 Jessie Jackson d.May 25 1905:age 1 year 2882 Lonie Jackson d.Jun 20 1905:age 3 years 2707 Johnnie Dugan d.May 31 1905:age 2 years 2837 Adolph Asplund d.Jun 04 1905:age 4 years 2864 Clarence Chapman d.Jun 18 1905:age 2 years 2909 Joe Woz d.Jul 17 1905:age 9 years Row 2 south of lane north to south 844 Rudolph Tichy d.Oct 1893:age 8 years 752 John F Grasser d.Nov 31 1893:age 12 years 362 John Edwin Peel d.Nov 23 1893:age 17 years 825 Julius Johnson d.Jan 05 1894:age 3 years 1724 Louise Rachny d.Jun 20 1898:age 3 years 1753 Gunnel M Johnson d.Jul 04 1898:age 3 years 1736 Veta Stuckey d.Jul 09 1898:age 1 year *** Harry Wright d.Oct 19 1898:age 11 years ** on cemetery map 1514 Elmer Claude Tanner d.Mar 07 1900:age 7 years 1737 Signa Ronning d.Mar 08 1900:age 14 years 2112 Lloyd Johnson d.Nov 21 1900:age 2 years 2223 Ray Emil Boobyer d.Jul 06 1901:age 5 years 2260 Charles Aitkin d.Sep 18 1901:age 3 years 1976 Ray Sayer d.Mar 06 1902:age 5 years 2371 Dwight Aver d.Jul 03 1902:age 3 years 2357 Mary Barrett d.Jan 24 1904:age 4 years **** Minerva Bunker d.Jan 27 1903:age 7 years ** on cemetery map 2485 Russel Peterson d.Mar 27 1903:age 1 year Row 3 south of lane north to south 7859 Vernon Hadley Jan 15 1922-Jul 30 1939 9864 David Sue 8080 Lloyd Reed 7593 Charles Crowell 998 Frank Miller d.Jul 31 1894:age 3 years 823 Lizzy J Morton d.Sep 02 1892:age 8 years 560 Frank Erickson d.Jan 12 1892:age 7 years 395 William O Hayes d.Jun 24 1891:age 11 years 271 Alex Hanganen d.Aug 06 1890:age 4 years 321 James Laury (Lowry) d.Jun 17 1890:age 5 years 27 Chester McLaughlin d.May 20 1890:age 16 years 290 James J Crain d.Jan 20 1890:age 9 years 227 James Herbert Weymouth d.Jul 13 1889:age 3 years 217 Ludwig W Larson d.May 31 1889:age 4 years 88 Charles C Garner d.Oct 13 1888:age 7 years 26 Charles Johnson d.Jul 22 1888:age 11 years 105 Nicholas Halverson d.Sep 08 1889:age 15 years Row 4 south of lane north to south 8165 Guy Chatfield 10178 Mary Alice Otten 10373 Evelyn Newgren *** Gale Forbes 1932-1949 ** on cemetery map Row 5 south of lane recorded north to south 3010 Inga Agnew 3151 Charles Edward Smith 3190 Edward Leonard Swanson 3146 Pauline Carlson 3226 Pearl Glenetta Bryant 3230 Nelson Williams 3177 Vera Goulen 3269 Kenneth Root 3267 Otto Hagenmeister 3165 Baby Boy Wolfel 2251 Atelia Johnson 3299 Richard Lutz 3196 William Winters 3326 Francis Schnitzki 3038 Nathaniel Woods 3311 Arthur Anderson Row 6 south of lane north to south 3473 Even Bjornerud a tree is located here 3522 Margurite Hubbard 3652 Minerva Hatleberg 3662 Hattie Kelly 3671 Daniel Strand 3694 Sulu Aho 3691 Baby Stewart 3729 Hazel Wagner 3824 Pat Doe 3820 Harold Safar 3882 Clifford Marshall 3915 Michael Dolleck 3997 Nef Smaamen 4058 Robert Duncan 4035 Edwin Kostimo 4115 Frank Witiner 3516 Selma Yokkanen Row 7 south of lane north to south 4223 Grundell Franklin 4203 Walter Richard 4313 Hjelmer Peterson 4009 George Schultize 4340 Mamie Peterson 4305 Edward Day 4185 Raymond Parker 2852 Clarence Shadbolt 4479 William Schweiger 4478 Eleanor Anderson 4501 Roy Cullander 4570 Victor Dudes 4629 Leslie Hempel 4628 Westley Hempel 4103 Herman Fleischman 4053 Donald Simpson Row 8 south of lane north to south 4791 Baby Girl Helm 4849 Mary Esther Howe 4486 Berdie Ketzback 4935 Sulo Lauronen 4959 Dorothy Grace 5025 Clarence Bouden 4809 Rose Larson 5084 Leonard Trudell **** Baby ** on cemetery map 5390 Burton Schafer 5725 Harriet Leonard 5510 Samuel Jones 5627 Lloyd Lerdahl 5818 Gordon Jepson 5893 Cecelia Arbour 5844 Walter Manke 5453 Olaf Henry Wallin 5939 Ida Wurtinan 6033 Ruth Sweet Row 9 north of lane north to south north of the lane to the north fence in the center of the cemetery 1308 Willie Town 1461 Harry Kemfer 207 Richard Stuart 1148 Alvina Radke 1210 Fred Rima (Rinia) Row 10 north of lane north to south 2869 Harold Berg 1669 Florence Rogers 1668 Clarence Rogers 304 Lawrence Welch 956 Raymond Turrell 1095 Arthur Shupe Row 11 north of lane north to south 3020 Stella Marshall 1628 Sam Halverson 886 John Bernherd Sepola d.Feb 02 1894:age 4 years 937 Alden Swenson d.Aug 15 1894:age 2 years Row 12 north of lane north to south 3300 Laini Jackson 3409 Baby girl Wiley 3426 Frank Gillispie 3195 William Paulson 3402 Kenneth Martin Ziniski Row 13 north of lane north to south 3440 Robert Smith 3441 Lila Smith 3432 Baby Boy Brang 3433 Clarence Ourada 3453 Baby Boy Moless Row 14 north of lane north to south 3459 Ernest Greenbush 3457 David Forsblad 3462 Adella Schultze 3472 Florence Fiske 3456 Henry Amundson Row 15 north of lane north to south 2649 Milton Clark 4723 Frank Myers 4841 Baby Boy McGinnis 4864 Fred Beaulieu 4881 Baby Lucille Weir Row 16 north of lane north to south 6041 Donald Saladine 5069 Tauno Hovila 6308 George Joseph Schlagel 6034 Richard Wolford 6374 Belledora Reddick 6350 Mary Teresa Schnitzins Row 17 north of lane north to south 6390 Magdaline Thomson 6702 Raymond Doerr 6631 Clarence Raymond Gilbertson 6761 Weston Nikkila 6738 Charles Beard 6760 Clive Nikkila 6778 Helen Steinberg 6857 Irene Maki Row 18 along the west fence - north to south 6953 David Jewell 6985 John Korlen 6776 William Magnuson 7007 Lillian Ring 6986 Ernest Degroat 5370 William Stevens 7266 Donald Clark 7256 William Fairmont 7314 Amos Edward Smith 7403 Oliver Fowler 7679 Jeanette Wilma Hawk 6828 Artis Pearl Bratton 7955 Donald LeRoy Melanson 7991 Virginia Wagoner 8108 Catherine Hall 8101 Esther Koenekamp 8542 Marcel Craft 8412 Eunice Esther Ridgeway 6644 Byron K Savor d.Jan 6 1931:age 18 years 8619 Alberta Edith Quernemoen 8957 Anna Johnson 9216 Beverly Ternendt 8723 David E Freeman "our brother" 1920-1934 9364 Shirley Gilbertson These are some children not found on the map, nor did I find them on markers in the cemetery. From the Cemetery plot lists in the Steele County Recorders Office at the Steele County Court House in Owatonna these lists show : #32 - Elvina Hanks #1416 - Adelbert Phillips #3403 or #2403 - Charles Keene #4909 - Charles West as being buried in this cemetery but they were not marked on the cemetery map nor were they marked in the cemetery when I made this record. Fredrick Berndt: His most desired wish was to be buried in the Children's Cemetery here at the State Public School for Dependent and Neglected Children in Owatonna. Fredrick Berndt was returned and buried here Wednesday November 2 1995. In his youth this place was his home. A group of 11 huddled together under umbrellas in the pouring rain to say goodbyes to Berndt a resident of the State Public School for Dependent and Neglected Children in Owatonna , from 1912 to 1927, as he was laid to rest in the State School Cemetery. Fredrick Brendt said in 1987 " The people of Minnesota fed us and sheltered us and clothed us and educated us and I doubt seriously if other children - in a sense - were treated better than we were". Brendt never knew his parents, why he was sent to the state school or when or where he was born. Brendt, who cited his birth date as Jul 07 1912 died Oct 21 1995. Sculpture of State School Kids State School Kids (center and front) two granite Benches in the center and the front, the inscription reads: This garden memorial was dedicated July 3 1993 and is meant to preserve the memory of the children, structures and grounds of the Owatonna State Public School. Initiated by Harvey and Maxine Ronglien, they are grateful to all who contributed to this project. There are three markers in granite inscribed, the south marker with bronze inscription reads: There are many ...... I was but one. During my 11 years at the Owatonna State Public School, these hills were alive with energetic children and rambunctious teenagers, Ages ranged from birth to 18 years. Almost every day children would be placed out on terms of indentures, others were adopted. New ones replaced those who were left. From all over the state they came, every race, color and creed. Some stayed a few days, others for many years. From 1886 to 1945 approximately 20,000 children passed through this school. Each has his own story to tell; I can only speak for myself. My memories are many of a vast, strange place that took me in from poverty's door, housed, clothed, fed and educated me. During these years I fully accepted the State School as a fulfilling home. As an adult I came to realize the institutional environment did not provide certain needs a child craves, although the environment made us physically strong, it left many of us emotionally deficient because emotional staruation is inseparable from institutional life. Due to its size, individual attention was minimal; consequently, the children suffered from lack of attention, appreciation and love needed for a healthy childhood. For many it left scars, that would last a life time. The school did provide me with many playmates and friendships that have also lasted a lifetime. I consider all who were here my brothers and sisters. Our camaraderie lives in the fact we went through it together. In my opinion the legacy of the Minnesota State Public School for Dependent and Neglected Children is that, the environment generated in a large institution is not conductive to raising emotionally healthy children. Let this memorial forever serve as a reminder of that truth, and as a remembrance for every child who passed through these doors and their struggle to overcome the scars left by this institution. * And yet : It was my home and it gave me an identity that set me apart. I've always felt a real sense of pride in saying "I was a State School Kid" Harvey Ronglien --- Ward of the State 1932 - 1943 The center granite monument inscribed in bronze reads: Owatonna was chosen as the site for the State Public School over eight other proposed sites due to its easy access to railroads and its location near the center of most densely populated portion of the state. At the height of its existence the school housed 500 children in 16 cottages. Other buildings included a nursery, hospital, school gymnasium, and superintendent, and employee residence. The school had its own power plant, greenhouse, icehouse, cemetery, a complete farm operation with cows, horses, swine and chickens, making it virtually self- sufficient. The building you are facing was the Main Building and served as the nerve center of the school. Built in 1898 at a cost of $50,000, it house the superintendents office, staff offices, reception room, library, chapel, children's and employees dining rooms, industrial quarters, and a small boy's living quarters. The upper floors contained living quarters for employees Many of the other original buildings were demolished, Among those still standing is the hospital, or the white building to the north, the two buildings southwest of the hospital were boys cottages, each housing 30 children. Each cottage had its own playground and there was a large athletic field in back of the school. The school which contained kindergarten thru the eighth grade, is west of the former boys cottage. Up on completion of the eighth grade in the early years, some children were selected to be transported to the Owatonna High School. South of the former school is the gymnasium. The cemetery lies in the southwest corner of the grounds and is visible from the south side of the gym. To the east and below the hill on State Avenue the two brick buildings to the south were also boys cottages. The far north building was the receiving cottage where all the children went for admission and a three week quarantine for health reasons. The farm area stretched out west of the gymnasium and the school and occupied what is now known as the Industrial Park. Behind the hospital was a large apple orchard. Originally housed on 160 acres, the grounds grew to 329 acres by 1937, with 42 acres for campus and 287 acres for cultivation. The north granite monument with bronze inscription reads; Historical Sketch The Minnesota State School for Dependent and Neglected Children was created in 1885 by the State Legislature. This legislation called for the transfer of children from almshouses and improveris bad natural families to the State School. The school would serve as an interim institution in a cottage style environment to insure they were in good health and educated in some measure before being placed out in family homes. Such children became wards of the state and all relationships with parents were cancelled. Some parents later tried to regain custody of their children and were refused. Altho children often enter school with siblings, cottage assignments by age and gender separated them. They were further separated by indenture to different families and many children were never united with siblings. Indenture contracts signed the child over to a family until age 18. The family was expected to provide kind treatment, at least four months of education each year and training in some useful occupation. At the expiration of the contract, the child was to be paid $75-$100, and given two suits of clothing. These conditions were not always met by the family. While the intent of the school was not to institutionalize the children, the concept for quick placement in homes did not work. Many children spent their entire childhood at the school. For some it was a traumatic experience; others adjusted more easily to the regimentation of the school. While the exact number of children who died under guardianship is not known, 198 children are buried in the schools cemetery. Likewise, some children were indentured into good homes with caring families; others suffered difficult and humiliating experiences. While adoption was the ultimate goal of the State School, adoption rates were low. By 1945 educators and social agencies realized such children were better served by immediate placement into foster homes, and the State School became an institution for the educable mentally disabled. This school was phased out by June 30 1970. The site was unused until 1974 when the Owatonna City Council petitioned the State Department of Administration to buy the grounds and buildings for $200,000. A citizen referendum, voted in favor of the purchase and renovation work began. Today many of these buildings house Owatonna Administration Offices and related city facilities.