Galveston Orphans Home

Prior to 1880, the city of Galveston, Texas had no provision for the care of its orphaned children, who were numerous in those days due to short life expectancies caused by pestilence, epidemics, and the lack of modern medicine. 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 homelike impression on young children, 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 where she met Mr. George Dealey, an English immigrant. Mr. Dealey persuaded Mrs. Arnold of the need for establishing a permanent community children’s home. His goals were to locate a house for the children, raise money, and gain approval and support from Galveston clergy. Donations were solicited after settling the children into the first home at 8th and Broadway Streets, and a hearty approval of the plan was granted by local Protestant ministers. Thus, the initial Island City Protestant Orphans Asylum was opened on October 20, 1878, with two children. 

Subsequent growth and expanding responsibility prompted Mr. Dealey to pass his position as secretary of the orphanage on to a Board of Directors in 1879. The name of the home was changed at this time to the Island City Protestant-Israelitish Orphans Home. Judge Charles L. Cleveland was named director to the newly formed board. A charter obtained in 1880 reimbursed Mrs. Arnold for her share of personal expense and changed the name back to the Island City Protestant 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 Home with a 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 plans and specifications of the architect, 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, natatorium, library, dormitories, and dining rooms. Heat was provided by a hot water system and radiators. Both gas and incandescent light illuminated the new institution.  

The 1900 hurricane devastated the five-year-old structure. At this time, the children in the Home 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 notable newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst. Patrons in attendance at the charity event included both Mark Twain and then Texas Governor, Joseph B. Sayers. 

A modest asylum intended for the care of white Protestant orphans has expanded to the present day to include neglected children from all races. The resident capacity of the facility is fifty children. The Home is licensed by the State Department of Public Welfare, receiving state funding as well as support from private donations.  

Galveston Orphans Home, National Register of Historic Places. Accessed December 16th 2020. https://catalog.archives.gov/id/40972044.

Galveston Orphans Home, Wikipedia. Accessed January 21st 2021. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galveston_Orphans_Home.