HASKELL HOME ORPHANAGE
Battle Creek, MI

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The Battle Creek Daily Journal, Jan. 24, 1894
Dedication Exercises Tomorrow Afternoon
  The dediction of the Haskell Home for orpahns, erected Mrs. Caroline E. Haskell of Chicago in memory of her husband, Hon, Frederick Haskell, under the auspices of the Seventh Day Adventists' Medical, Missionary & Benevolent Association, at a cost of $50,000, will take place Thursday, January 25, at 2:00 O'clock p. m. The order of exercses are as follows: Invocation; anthem by santiarium choir; history of the enterprise, by J. H. Kellogg; sketch of life of Frederick Haskell, by Mrs. E. H. Whitney; anthem; dedicatory address, Bishop George D. Gillespie, superindentant state board of charities; anthem; scriptual reading, with responses by the children, and dedicatory prayer, Elder L. McCoy; anthem; inspection of building; exercises by the children in the assembly room

JAN. 25, 1894, THE BATTLE CREEK DAILY JOURNAL
  The public exercises on the occasion of the dedication of the Haskell Home for Orphans were held at the new building erected for the institution by Mrs. Caroline M. Haskell, in memory of Hon. Frederick Haskell, this afternoon commencing at two oclock. There was a very large attendance and the proceedings which were not concluded as we go to press, were of marked interest. The order of exercises were to be as follows: Invocation: anthem by sanitarium chorus: history of the enterprise, by Dr. J. H. Kellogg; sketch of the life of Frederick Haskell, by Mrs. E. H. Whitney: anthem; dedicatory address, Bishop George D. Gillispie, superintendent state board óf charities: anthem; scriptural reading, with responses by the children, and dedicatory prayer, Elder L. McCoy; anthem: inspection of the building; exercises by the children in the assembly room. A fuller account of the exercises will be given in our tomorrows issue.

ABLE DEDICATION BY J. H. KELLOGG

Bishop Gillespie. President State Board of Corrections and Charities Delivers the Dedicatory Address. -The Rev. L. McCoy, Uriah Smith, and Loughborough Make Pithy speeches. - Mrs. A. R. Henry Presents Financial Condition of the Home.

   The dedication of The Haskell Home yesterday afternoon was an event of unusual interest and one which will be remembered by everyone of the large number who attended. The exercises commenced at 200 p.m.

   An anthem by the Sanitarium chorus was magnificently rendered. The opening prayer was made by Eld. Loughborough. Dr. J. H. Kellogg gave a history of the enterprise from ts inception. From his clear and comprehensive address we quote a few remarks. Twenty-six years ago. Elder White organized the S. D. A. Benevolent Association: the object was to care for the needy and also to aid people to help themselves.

  This work was carried on from that time. Three years ago, it was revived and the idea was conceived of building a home for orphan children. The work of the Sanitarium is philanthropical there having been expended more than ten times its original cost for the care of poor patients.

  Elder White being a charitable man, always had a large house and yet with a small family every room was always ocuped by those needing his hosptality.

   The speaker gave a brief outline of the work done by the S. D. A. Benevolent Association: he mentioned the free dispensary in Chicago where there are twenty-five trained nurses at work among the sick poor, there are free baths for all, the only really free ones in the city of Chicago. There is also every day a distribution of clothing, 2000 garments having been given out last week and over 10,000 garments so far.

   This association has also established a restaurant where a dinner is served to the poor of Chicago for only a penny. It is a good nourishing dinner too, consisting of bean and bread.

   All this work is done in the poorest quarter of Chicago.

   The Association have started another medical Mission in old Mexico and will soon establish them in California and Oregon. They have also received an order from South Africa for a similar one, the house to be sent all ready to put up and the Nurses and Physicians to accompany it. Friends of the Association in South Africa sending the cash for same

  In regard to the Haskell Home he said it was the intention to rear the children so that every girl would become a Venus and every boy an Appolo. It was proposed to give them such an education as to make them whole men and whole women, true and pure. The girls as well as the boys will be taught trades. The institution had no endowment and no debt, but was dependent upon donations for its support.

   Mrs. Haskell not being able to be resent a sketch was read of the life of Frederick Haskell in memory of whom the house was built.

  Bishop Gillespie President of the State Board of Corrections and Charities was then introduced and made a notably fine address. He said that such institutions as the Haskell Home, were a relief to the State and the taxpayers and the Board felt very towards all such enterprises; his address gave some of his ideas in regard to the rearing of children and closed with a fervent commendation of the work that was being done by the managers of the Haskell Home. Elder McCoy made some interesting remarks. A. R. Henry read a statement of the financial condition of the Home.

  Elder Uriah Smith gave some facts concerning the early history of the S. D. A. church as did also Elder Loughborough. The Sanitarium choir sang an anthem and Elder Loughborough made the closing prayer.

  The large audience were evidently greatly interested in the addresses, and the glowing words describing the work, and that contemplated together with the object lesson that was before them of the bright, intelligent, well clothed children, and the thought of the cheerful home with its good moral influences and grand facilites for their instruction was enough to thrill the soul of any one.

  After the exercises the visitors were taken in detachments under the guidance of competent persons, through the building.It is not only magnificent but there is every possible arrangement made for the comfort and care of the little people, including not only convenient schoolrooms, attractive dormatories and practical work shops, but also a spacious play room.

OCT. 21, 1899, BATTLE CREEK DAILY JOURNAL, PAGE 1

A NEW CEMETERY

The Sanitarium Managment Platting a New Resting Place For The Dead In The West End

  For some time the need of a private burial ground for those who shuffle off this mortal coil while belonging to the many benevolent establishments under the management of the Battle Ureek sanitarium has been felt, and now the matter has reached definite proportions and laborers under the direction of surveyors are platting a cemetery just north of the Haskell Memorial home in the west end on Hubbard street. " The inmates of the Haskell home, the | Old Folks" home and the other institutions where free is supplied by the sanitarium, who die, will be laid to rest in this new cemetery. The grounds will be put in neat condition and kept up in a first class manner. The remains from each institution will be placed in a separate division as the premises will be divided into sections apart from each other. A small but sufficiently adequate stone will mark the arrave of each and his or her name will be inscribed thereon so that there will be no confusion or mistakes if the bodies should ever have to be removed from the grounds by hitherto unknown relatives or other proper persons.

JULY 21, 1907, THE BATTLE CREEK ENQUIRER

TO BATTLE FOR THEIR PROPERTY

GENERAL CONFERENCE COMMITTEE OF SEVENTH DAY ADVENTISTS

ADVANCE PROPOSITIONS TO THE MANAGERS OF THE HASKELL HOME

AND THE HOME FOR THE AGED

KNOWN AS THE JAMES WHITE MEMORIAL HOME AND MAKE REQUEST

  That These Homes Be Transferred To The Receiver Of the Medical, Missionary and Benevolent Assc.

  Viewing the attempt of those who are antagonistic to the Seventh Day adventiat church and its doctrines, altho some of them are still within the fold to maintain control of the James White Memorial Home for aged people, as unchristianlike and wrong, the General Conference of the denomination recently made the following propositions to the managers these two incorporated institutions.

  "Whereas, the James White Memoria ноme and the наskell ноme originally belonged to the Seventh Day Adventist Medical Missionary and Benevolent Association: therefore -

  "Resolved. That we request the board of managers these Homes to transfer them to the Receiver of the International Medical Missionary and Benevolent Association. [I. H. Evans.]

  "Resolved, That the General Conference Committee- asumes the responsibilty of caring for the aged people in the James white Memorial Home, according to the list supplied by the managers of the Home, at a rate of $2.50 per week for each person not otherwise provided for, beginning April 6, 1907.

  "Resolved, That the General Conference committee provide for the Seventh-day Adventist orphan chilaren in the Haskell Home, according the list furnhed by the managers, at the rate of $1.50 per week for each child not otherwise provided for, from April 26. 1907, while steps are being taken to provide homes elsewhere for the- children.

  "Resolved. That the following perons: Elder M. N. Campbell, G. W. Amadon, A. L. Bayley, constitute a local correspondence bureau, corresponding with union and local conference organizations and individuals, in finding homes for inmates of these institutions.

  By this action the General Conference committee has provided for the care of every one of these inmates who may have entered either home the home of Adventist people.

   It seems that the title of these two homes properly rests with the people adventist faith, and because of their religious convictions it is preamed there will be no going to law” over the affair, but from the nature the resolution it can be readily perceived that the people who remain staunch in the faith will be by no means be satified  to allow the two homes continue half in the church and half out.

  They are to be either Adventist affairs or non-adventist affairs. Their status must be clearly identified and with the identification of that status will come the subsequent attitude of the church towards them.

  For years it has been understood that these two institutions were under the immediate supervision of the denomination, in fact two yearly donations have been taken by the Adventists people throughout the world te sustain that work .

  There henceforth appears to be one or two futures for the people resident in these homes who have heretofore received their support from the denomination. They will be supported in these homes maintained as Adventist institutions, or failing to establish ownership the denomination will care for the inmates of the two institute elsewhere

 The hue and cry raised by some, antagonstic to the church that the aged and homeless of the denomination had to look to the Sanitarium hands for aid is thus thoroughly disapproved. The denomination, peaceful and petitioning pnly for what it deems its right, it will not occupy an equivocal postion in this repect, however brace the action outcome will come.

JULY 28, 1907, THE BATTLE CREEK ENQUIRER

ADVENTIST PROPERTY DESPOILED

GENERAL CONFERENCE HAS LOST HASKELL AND WHITE HOME

FOR THE AGED AND WILL NOT RESORT TO LAW FOR THEIR RETURN

KELLOGG TO BE CHURCHED

INMATES OF HOMES TO BE REMOVED FROM PRESENT PLACES.

Tabernacle Will Not and Cannot Pass To Control Of Kelloggites.

  It appears that the White Memorial Home for the aged and the Haskel Home for children in the west End have passed forever from the domintion of the General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventists: no more can they be regarded as church institutions, but henceforth must they viewed as appendages to the sanitarium and the Sanitairum management.

  Did the members of the church wish to violate the tenets of their faith and seek legal means of redress, citizen opinion is unquestionably of the idea that these two properties would be reserved to them, but of course no such method will be resrted to, as it is strictly against he methods and beliefs of the denomination.

  Work is on foot on to remove dependent inmates of these two institutions, and quarters for them will he provided elsewhere. As one influential member of the church yeserday said, It would be inconsistent for us to care for our dependent people in non-Adventist institutions. since.these two have become non- Adventist institutions, we must find other homes for them."

  His interlocutor, agreeing to the reasonableness of the step, said, "Of course that is so; you certainly would not care to provide for your dependents in a Roman Catholic church institution, and no more likely could you do so in the instance, before you."

  "We had rather have our leople cared for in a Roman Catholic institution, since you mention that church in particular, than in their present quarters," was the reply. "Roman Catholics are not violently antagonistic to our people, but those In charge of the Haskell Home and the old Peoples Home at the present time are distinctly hostile to the Seventh-day Adventist church. They striveto weaken its very foundations by attacking the structural truths upon which our belief is founded."

  Why," said the Enquirer representative, do you continue Dr. Jno. H. Kellogg as a member of your ”

  “Because," was the reply, his is time not yet come. He will cease to be member of the church in good time, without doubt: that seems foreordained. Dr. Kelloggs concunuance in church membership. I do not regard as of very long duration."

  Unquestionably the sentiment prevailing is that the time for Dr. Kelloggs severance from membership is mot very far distant. There is seemIngly no question of there having been an attempt on the part of Keloggites to procure possession of the tabernacle property. Their scheme was to secure it through insidious introduction into the tabernacle con rregation of many Kelloggites, Their insidious plan, if they had such a plan, was frustrated by the eternal watchfulness of those whose loyalty o the faith remains staunch. It is tery evident now that the Kellogg faction in the present condition can hot secure possession of the tabernacle.

SEPT. 8, 1907, THE SUNDAY RECORD

THREE HOMES ARE PLANNED

Sanitarium Will Have Refuges For The Old and Young Women.

Haskell Home Will Close Oct. 1 But Will Reopen Later.

Trouble in the Sect Causes Move - Home For Girls and Hospital Is New Project And Will Run Under Strictley Non-Sectarian Management.

  The Sanitarium management will open to the public, about October 1, a rescue home for women on the old Austin farm which adjoins the Haskell Home property. Workmen are now busy rearranging the interior of the house and putting it in the best possible condition to serve the purpose planned. Louis C. Leake and his wife, Dr. Ruth Bryant Leake, are superintending operations and will assume the management of the institution. They are earnest workers and are sure to give their best efforts in making a success of the new venture. The place selected seems an Ideal one, situated as it is on the outskirts of the city and surrounded by Nature's beauties, shade trees, shrubbery, gardens and a broad expanse of meadow lands.

  The home will be used also as a lying-in hospital open to those women of the city who wish to avail themselves of the opportunity thus afforded. The work done here will correspond with that done at he rescue home in Hinsdale, Ill., which is superintended by Dr. David Paulson. while the extent of the work is not fully known as yet the scope will be large, as the intitution will be an adjunct of the Haskell Home and the Old Peoples Home

HASKELL HOME TO CLOSE

  The recent trouble in the seventh Day Adventist church has brought about a crisis in the affairs of Haskell Home, followers of that faith having withdrawn from their support from the institution because it was non-sectarian. Many have taken their children away from the home and in consequence the classes have had their numbers depleted so that the management has thought best to put the few children remaining out in families and to close the institution until spring. Then it will be opened under the new manageonent and will be conducted in the interests of charity, for humanity's sake, independent entirely of sectarianism.

  These three homes are a credit to the city and will certainly receive the support they deserve.

SEPT. 9, 1907, BATTLE CREEK DAILY MOON

CHURCH FUSS CLOSES HOME

HASKELL HOME FOR ORPHANS FINDS IT NECESSARY TO CLOSE IT S DOORS, OCT. 1

Factional Difficulties Causing its Backers to Withdraw Their Support of the Work.

  The Haskell Home for Orphans, for years one of the most beneficial institutions in Michigan will close October 1, as the result of the factional differences of the Seventh Day Adwentist church, which Battle Creek summarizes as the jealousy of the other White half of this big church toward the Dr. Kellogg portion. The home was supported by the church, but Dr. Kellogg was its god-father and guiding spirit.

  Despite the fact that Dr. Kelloggs work was saving scores of children from the slums of the cities, Adventist publications have been tearing down what has required years to accomplish, urging people to withdraw their subscriptions, owing to Dr. Kelloggs ungodliness. This has wrecked the home. Children have been removed, support withdrawn, and classes depleted that it has been deemed wise to close the big building and farm out the little ones. It is the first blow ever struck against the marvel Work of child-rescue undertaken by Dr. Kellogg, and the sorrow of those who have devoted years of unselfish toll to this work, is pitiful.

  Friends of. Dr. and Mrs. Kellogg, who, by the way, have legally adopted two dozen children from the lower walks of life, into their own fine home, believe they can restore the Haskell Home by spring. In the meantime a rescue home for women will be opened on the Austin farm adjoining, with Dr. Ruth Byrant Leake, charge. The home will be open to all women, and will have a laying-in hospital: The Old Peoples Home will also be continued.

OCT. 13, 1907, THE SUNDAY RECORD

RESCUE HOME HAS BEEN OPENED

AUSTIN FARM NEXT TO THE HASKELL HOME IDEALLY LOCATED.

Application For Admission Already Received - Scope of the Work Undertaken.

  In the opening of the Rescue Home by the Sanitarium management the city has had a long-felt need supplied. Battle Creek is no longer a large country town but a growing city presenting ever increasing sociological problems. Young women who find themselves unfortunately situated through an adverse trend of circumstances will now be privileged to have home comforts and medical attendance for a nominal sum or fee, as they choose to have it.

  The handsome Austin farm adjoinIng The Haskell Home property is an ideal place for the institution. The surroundings are most inviting. The lawn is spacious, bordered by shrubbery and large maples and cedar trees. The house is commodious. From the wide front hall open a reception room, a large dining room and offices. Back of these is a well furnished kitchen with pantry adjacent. Winding stairs lead to the floor above. where the chambers are located and bath rooms, although provision will be made later for sleeping apartments

  The home is under the management of Mr. Leake and wife, Dr. Ruth Bryant Leake, who is a graduate nurse and registered physician. Both are well fitted to undertake the work, having had experience in this line heretofore. An assistant will be needed later as the scope of the work is increased, and in serious cases aid will be summoned from the Sanitarium.

  Several applications have already been received from the city and surrounding country Young women may if they choose, assist with the work of the home in payment for the care and medical attention given them. Otherwise a charge will be made commensurate to their circumstances. They will also be taught how to live better lives, morally and physically in the hope that a general uplift may result.

 The opening exercises were held Tuesday evening. About thirty people interested in the work, were present, among them Prosecuting Attorney Stewart, who gave a brief talk encouraging the promoters of the plan and stimulating in the minds of all hope that sucess may crown every effort.

APRIL 17, 1908, THE BATTLE CREEK DAILY MOON

HOME WILL RE-OPEN

Haskell Home to Resume This Spring, Hoping to Prove Self-Supporting.

  Frequent inquiries have been made concerning the prospects and plans for the Hoskell Home, since it has been "disinherited" by the Adventist church. The friends of the institution will be interested to know that it will be re-opened this spring, and that the outlook for its future use entouraging. The removal. of many of the children to private homes during the last season had reduced the numbers to a comparatively small family, so that there are now, but nine children six girls and three boys, These have occupied, during the winter, the cottage on the grounds near the main building, thus avoiding much unnecessary expense.

  An effort is to be made to make the Home self-supporting and to this end the 67 acres of good ---ing land adjoining the building will be devoted to the raising of fruit, garden truck and pasture land. Already there are several thousand bearing fruit trees with considerable tracts already occupied by mall berries, etc. During the winter the dairy product has been profitable, four fine cows producing milk which stands the scientific test. So great has been the demand for milk that eleven cows now comprise the herd, all paid for from the earnings of the past winter.

 This is one way in which the management hopes to make the Home self-supporting since former means of support have been cut off, and frequent applications for the admission of children will be met as fast as the income warrants. It is a business-like plan for taking care of the orphans and it is hoped the project will meet with a rich reward.

THE FIRE

FEB. 5, 1909, BATTLE CREEK DAILY MOON
HASKELL HOME BURNS; 3 PERISH (with pictures) pic. of Mary Armstrong
HASKELL HOME BURNS; 3 PERISH   cont. (with pictures)

FEB. 5, 1909, BATTLE CREEK ENQUIRER
HASKELL HOME BURNS; THREE CHILDREN PERISH

FEB. 5, 1909, BATTLE CREEK JOURNAL
RUINS OF THE HASKELL HOME  (with pictures)
RUINS OF THE HASKELL HOME cont.. (with pictures)

FEB. 6, 1909, BATTLE DAILY MOON
THEORY OF INCENDIARISM NOW GROWING, NO BODIES ARE FOUND.

FEB. 6, 1909, BATTLE CREEK DAILY MOON
A TERRIBLE FATALITY

FEB. 6, 1909, BATTLE CREEK DAILY JOURNAL

INCENDIARISM MAY BE BACK OF HASKELL HOME FIRE AND THE POLICE PROBE

Chief Farrington Has Several Clues Being Looked Into By Department

CHIEF WEEKS THINKS FIRE ONLY ACCIDENT

Children Cared For In Laundry and Private Homes In Neighborhood

Search For Bodies Of Children Continues Today With But Small Hope

Matron Owen Of Home Agrees With Chief Weeks On Accident Theory

  Was the Haskell Home, the local orphanage destroyed by fire Friday morning with the loss of three little children lives deliberately set on fire.  Such is the question being heard today on all sides and one which the local police authorities will attempt to solve. Cheif FArrington has already promised an investigation and though extremely reluctant to discuss the matter has inmated that several clues have been discovered tending to substatiate the theory of incendarism that has been advanced.

Searcher At Work

  Work of searching through the ruins of the burned building, remains of George Goodnow, Lena McClaveny, and Cecil Coutant, the three children who met their death in the fire trap-on the third floor, was continued this afternoon, the debris having cooled off sufficiently to permit of better investigation. The search for the remains was commenced yesterday afternoon, but owing to the smouldering timber, hot brick and intense heat thrown off by the mass of wreckage, the searcher met with no success. Little hope is entertained by either the police or fire department officials, of ever finding of any portion at the bodies of the the three victims, Yesterday an effort was made to find some trace the body of Goodnow, the colored lad and the searchers investigated the ruins within a radius of twenty feet, in the locality where the remains are susppose to lie.It is stated however that, the body was probably entirely consumed. Searchers yesterday found what is supposed to be the iron bed the colored lad slept in, together with the woven wire springs, which were so badly affected by the intense heat only small parts remained, Some of the officials are inclinned to believe that colored boy was not in his room at the time the fire occured, else some portion of his body or bones would have been found among the ruins, the searchers going clear to the basement floor of the burned structure under Goodnows room, and investigating the territory where the body would naturally would have been thrown when the building collapsed.

Doubts Incendiary Theory

  Cheif Weeks does not incline to the theory of the building be set on fire. "I think the fire was an accident. "he said today (Saturday). Neither do I believe that the remains of any of the three children burned will ever be found". And he called attention to the fact that the remains of the man who lost his life in the Sanitarium fire, were never found, though every effort was made, The ruins of the home, in the locality of the room where two girls lost their lives were partially searched Friday afternoon, but the brick and stone search were still at a white heat, preventing a thorough search.

 In speaking of the matter today, Chief Farrington promised a full investigation of the mysterious origin of the fire and though reluctant to discuss the matter at any length. saids enought to lead the Journal representative to believe one or two important clues had been unearthed, which might tend to clear up the fire's origin. We have nothing for publication at the present time, however," concluded the Chief, except to say that a full investigation will be had." According to one well founded rumor, but one not substantiated by reputed testimony, is a report to the effect that about midnight Thursday night a mysterious man carrying an object resembling a kerosene can, was seen loitering in the vicinity of the home. No great amount of credence is placed in this report, though it will be investigated.

 Said Mrs. Owen, matron of the home In speaking of the fire today, We do not believe that a person of Adventist incination was responsible The home had no enemies, that we know of, and how a person could deliberately set a structure on fire, where childrens lives were at stake, is more than I can understand.”

More Light on the Deaths

  Mrs. Owen also threw some additional light on the burning of the Coutant girl. According to statements made by her, which are substantiated by those of the seven little girls who escaped death by jumping from the third story, when the fire hemmed them in from all escape elsewhere, the floor in girls room was so hot that some of the girls sat on the window sills and others climbed on the chairs about the rooms, before they were induced by Mary Armstrong, the fifteen year old heroine to take the perilous leap. After all her companions had jumped Cecil Coutant, one of the victims. who wits standing by the window watching her companions jump, was observed by the girls standing on the ground below, to step back from the window. A loud crash was heard the next minute and the Coutant girl disappeared from sight. It is thought that the floor of the girls room collapsed and fell to the basement carring Cecil and the McClaveny girl to their death, for neither were seen again. The mother of the McClavney girl, who at the present time is in Florida was notified of her daughters death yesterday and is expected to arrive in the city this evening. A brother of the burned girl resides at 345 Champion street.

   All sorts of theories as to the origin of the fire have been advanced, but none are as satisfactory, Mrs. Owen believes that if the build ing was set on fire, it was done by some person mentally deranged. Mr. Owen declares there were no fires in the building at the time the blaze was discovered, nor before that except for the one fire in a cook stove located in a room having a cement floor. Heat for the building was furnished from another building by means of steam pipes and the origin of the fire can not be laid to defective electric light wiring, for the reason that no electricity was used.

  Sightseers today have wandered through and about the grounds containing the ruined structure" and through the debris, which somewhere covers all that is left of the three little victims. The work of destruction of the building ended yesterday when the firemen tore down the portion of the walls escaping ruin by fire, thus removing possible danger from the walls crashing to the ground upon persons investigating the wreckage. Today all sightseers have been prevented from exploring the ruins and from now on will be, the investigation to be carried on by the members of the police and department.

Care For the Children.

  All of the children are being confortably taken care of. Temporary quarters have been arranged in the laundry building, where the majority have been placed. Some are stationed at Dr. Kelloggs home, while others have been placed in other residences in the vicinity. Merchants about the city have contribited liberal donations of food and clothing and for the present, Mrs. Owen says, the childern are fairly comfortable. All of the former inmates have about recovered from the shock the fright and whatever burns they have received with the exception of Mrs. Scott, who with her two children. a boy and girl, barely escaped being caught in the fire trap also. Mrs Scott, who is in a delicate condition, occupied a room adjoining that of the ten girls and awakened by the screams of the girls in their room, grabbed her children and fought her way through the flames to the ground floor. All were seriously burned, the little boys hair being singed from his head.

FEB. 6, 1909, BATTLE CREEK ENQUIRER
REMAINS OF CHILDREN BURNED TO DEATH IN HASKELL HOME FIRE MAY NEVER BE FOUND
REMAINS OF CHILDREN BURNED TO DEATH IN HASKELL HOME FIRE MAY NEVER BE FOUND cont.

FEB. 7, 1909, BATTLE CREEK SUNDAY JOURNAL

WEIRD STORY OF NURSE BURNED IN HASKELL HOME POSTIVELY DENIED AND SOME CRITICISM IS ANSWERED.

Rumor That Death Occured And Not Reported Exlpodes When Run To Earth.

MANAGER OWEN INSISTS EVERY EFFORT WAS MADE.

Explains How Building Is Situated And How Fire Prevented Escape.

Some Find Fault Because Children Burned And Blame Him And His Wife

NEW ORPHANGE TO BE BUILT.

- Incendiarism Talk

- Also Monument

  A rumor spread about the city Saturday evening, in which some credence was placed, to the effect that a nurse had been burned to death it the fire destroying the Haskell Hom Friday morning. In addition to the three known victims, was most emphatically denied last evening by Manager R. S. owen. The report had it that the authorities of the hom were attempting to cover up the supposed death of the nurse. In speaking of the matter Saturday evening Manager Owen said, "The report that a nurse burned up in Haskell home In addition to the three children absolutely without foundation, as there was no nurse in the building at the time of the fire. And if there had been and death should have resulted, we certainly would not have attempted to withold the news from the public or the authorities. The only death resulting from the fire which destroyed Haskell-Home, were of the three former inmates.

No Startling Developments.

 Saturdays developments of the catastrophe resulted in nothing starting. Police and fire officials made some effort Saturday afternoon to discover trace of the bodies of Lena McClaveny, Cecil Coutant and George Goodnow, among the smoking ruins but the intense heat and smouldering flames prevented a thorough search. Tons and tons of burned brick and mortar and other debris is piled from ten to fifteen feet high in what was originally the basement of Haskell Home and weeks will probably elapse before the bottom of the wreckage can be reached. Yesterday afternoon space forty-feet in circumference in the basement under the room where the colored lad slept was searched but no traces of bone or human flesh were found. At an early hour Sunday morning the ruins were still smouldering. The investigation of the ruins will be continued Monday, as the excitement following the fire gradually gives way to calmer thought and reflection the theory of incendiarism is strengthener, though police officials are as yet extremely reluctant to discuss this phase of the disaster.

Answers Some Criticism

 "It Manager Owen and his wife sleeping on the same floor with the nine girls, two of whom met death and sevenn of whom jumped to safety, and also on the same floor with George Goodnow, the third victim, could escape and lead to safety thirty four children, why could they have not saved the lives of the three who burned and saved the seven girls risking their lived by a perilous leap from the third story." Such is the question being asked about the streets by those who think no loss of life should have resulted from the fire which destroyed Haskell Home. The answer to the question was given last evening by Manager Owen in the following words: "Haskell Home, which formerly fronted on Hubbard street, was composed of three 'L' which ran back from the street. On the north side and in the back west room slept the nine girls. Around in the middle 'L' and separated from this room by a corridor,  stairs leading to the second story and a long hall was the room which Mrs. Owen and myself, together with the smaller children occupied. When the fire broke out and Mrs. Owen and I wokeup we could look out of our west window and  see the flames in the room which the girls occupied. I thought of the smaller children first and turned by attention to them. Mrs. owen and led them in the darkneas through a long hall to the south "L" where a stairs led down to the second story and then to the first door, when we had gotten the smaller children out I went back to the bouilding and made an effort to reach the room where the girls were located. But the fire, which evidently originated in the back stairs in the Houth "L" cutting off escape by these stairs for the girls, also cut me of from reaching them. The girls could not get to the stairs we had gone down for the reason that the fierce flames and smoke prevented exit past the burning back stairs near their room. So the girls cut off from escape by either the front or back were caught in the fire trap.

Rebuilding is Planned

  According to statements made last evening by Mr. Owen, from the ruins of the burned home there will arise new orphanage, of fire proof structure, though smaller in size than the destroyed building, the tentative plans having already been outlined. For this purpose $30,000 insurance money will be available, while this fund will be increased through several liberal subscriptions of Battle Creek residents. It is probable that the new building, on which it is stated work will be commenced in the spring, will occupy a site to the north of that of the ruined building. There has been some talk also of erecting a monument on the site of the present ruins to commemerate the sad fatality, especially in the event of the bodies of the three victims never being recovered.

FEB, 8, 1909, BATTLE CREEK JOURNAL

SEARCHERS FIND AN ARM BONE IN RUINS OF ORPHAN'S HOME.

Believed Part Of Arm Of George Goodnow, Colored Boy Burned.

ALSO PIECE OF COUTANT GIRL'S CALICO GARMENT.

Haskell Home Was Mecca Of Sighseers And Camera Fiends All Day Sunday.

The finding of a charred portion of a bone, supposedly a part of the arm of George Goodnow, the colored boy who lost his life in the Haskell Home fire Friday morning, set at rest the rumors of his escape from the burning building and subsequent flight into the country. It is regarded as indisputable evidence of the negro lads death. The bone, which seems to be the humerus, or uppe." part of the arm together with the is about four inches in length. | Blackened and charred. with all flesh burned from it, the ghastly relic was among the debris thrown into the basement, underneath the room which the colored boy occupied at the time the fire claimed its three victims. Workers in the ruins of that part of the building underneath the room which the girls occupied, found yesterday a portion of a calico dress worn by Cecil Countant one of the girl victims, the day before the fire. As the girl did not have this a dress on at the time, the fire was discovered, the finding of a portion of it, in itself, is not direct evidence that the girl perished, as in the case of the finding of the supposed arm bone of Goodnow.

 Haskell Home, with its blackened and charred remains was a Mecca for sightseers and camera fiends- Sunday, the grounds being thronged with hundreds of people drawn there by the thought of the trgedy. Ropes were stretched about the ruined struc ture in the effort to keep the visitors away from wreckage, while members of the city street gang searched among the smoking-smouldering ruins for traces of the bodies. The only re1sults of their endeavor was the finding of a small portion of the arm bone as mentioned above, and a part of the dress worn by the Coutant girl.

  Today the ruins are still at a white heat, not withstanding the fact that water has been thrown on the wreck age at various intervals and though members of the street gang have been busy with the street gang under the supervision of Street Commissioner Caldwell. However, the search has been carried on with as much thoroughness as the exiting conditions would permit, and it is expected there may be more developments by night.

  Chief Weeks, who does not incline to the theory of incendiarism, stil believes that the fire originated from the dust chute, being caused by spontaneous combustion. The chute, used for the sweepings of floor dust and dirt extended from the third flour down to the basement. According in the children and Manager Owen, all the dust and dirt and sweepings were swept into the chute and carried to the basement floor. It is the belief of Chief Weeks that this accumulation of refuse caught first spontaneously, the draft carrying the flames to the second and third stories, where it burst out simultaneously. This would seem to account for the fire gaining such a headway in the north wing of the building, the dust chute being located in this part of the structure, coining up through the third floor, close to the room where the girls were quartered.

FEB. 9, 1909, BATTLE CREEK DAILY MOON
HASKELL HOME RUINS GIVE UP THEIR DEAD, A GRUESOME FIND (with picture of Lena McKlaveny and her mother)

FEB. 9, 1909, BATTLE CREEK JOURNAL

HASKELL HOME RUINS STILL CLAIMS DEAD

Search For Bodies Of The Three Victims Still Unsuccessful.

FIND FINGER BONES.

Also Other Portions Of Body Probably Of Lena McClaveny.

  At three oclock this afternoon searchers among the ruins of the or. phanage found several small bones, believed to be finger bones, or a portion of what is believed to be the spinal column and shoulder bones of a human being and several teeth, attached to what is though may have been a jaw bone. The ghastly relics of the recent catastrophe are believed to be parts of the body of Lena McClaveny, one of the girl victims, as the bones were found in the basement directly under the which the girls occupied. Part of the bones were wrapped with charred portions of bed clothes, which it is stated, were on the bed of the McClaveny girl at the time the fire occurred. The bones were turned over to the care of Coroner Bidwell who will probably call a coroners inquest.

  Though the search for the bodies of the three victioms of the recent Haskell Home fire, has continued through Monday and this morning, no other developments than those above noted, have resulted, from the discovery yesterday, of what is supposed to be a portion the forearm bone of George Goodnow, the colored lad and a portion of the calico dress worn the day before the fire by Cecil Coutant. Members of the city street gang continued the search among the smouldering embers and debris this morning, but were prevented from continuing the work both on account ofi the still heated condition of the ruins and the inclemency of the weather. It is now believed that all further search for the remains of the bodies will be discontinued until the work of cleaning up the wreckage has commenced.

FEB. 9, 1909, BATTLE CREE ENQUIRER

SEARCH FOR VICTIMS OF FIRE WILL END TODAY.

One Small Bone Found In Ruins Of Haskell Home Sunday Afternoon

City Workman Digging In Ashes Comes Across What Looks Like Human Remains.

Unless city workmen at the Haskell Home find the remains of the victims of the fire today the search will be given up until the work of drawing away the debris is started. Yesterday a search of the ruins of the north wing was made and nothing was found, saving the remains of the dress of one of the little girls. She did not have the dress on at the time. however.

Today the workmen will dig along where the hall was, into which they are thought to have fled, and unless the remains are found there the search will be postponed. The ruins continue to be very hot, and the diggers suffered much with the heat yesterday. On top the ashes are covered with brick and mortar, but underneath is several feet ashes and charcoal, all of which is extremely hot. It does little good to throw water on this as it only penetrates a few inches. Sunday, while William Beardsley was working in the ruins, he found what looked like the large bone of an arm. This was mixed in with a row of iron pipe which formerly ran along the hall, off of which opened the colored boys room. This was sent over to the Sanitarium, where it will be examined by experts there to determine whether or not it is a human bone.

Definite plans for rebuilding the have not as yet been made.

FEB. 10, 1909, BATTLE CREEK DAILY MOON
HASKELL HOME HOLOCAUST WON'T BE INVESTIGATED

FEB. 10, 1909, BATTLE CREEK JOURNAL

CORONER'S JURY MAY INVESTIGATE FACTS OF ORPHANGE FIRE.

Sanitarium Physicians Declare Bones Found Tuesday Were Of Human

SEARCH AMONG DEBRIS WILL BE DISCONTINUED

Dr, Kellogg Makes Statement To The Effect That Home Will Be Rebuilt.

  With the finding of a number of bones in the ruins of Haskell Home Tuesday afternoon and the subquent announcement made by Sanitaium physicians, who made an analysis that the bones, beyond all doubt, were those from a human body, it now  seems probable that a coroner inquest will be held to enquire into the fact concerning the fire, which resulted in the loss of three lives. Although the bones were charred and blackened from the heat, the investigation made by the Sanitarium officials proved beyond question that they were the bones from a human body, though whether the remains where those of Lena McClaveny or Cecil Countant, is still a matter of conjecture. It is thought however, that the remains found yesterday are those of the former, owing to the fact that when found, the bones were enwrapped in charred portions of bedding which originally was on the bed of the McClavery girl. It is It is stated the bones, consisting of several resembling finger bones, and another resembling part of a jaw bone, will be turned over to Coroner Bidwell, who will probably emplannel a coroners jury. The finding of the bones hs set at rest any rumor to the effect that either one or both of the girls escaped and also ends the search among the ruins, for other possible portions of the three bodies. Street Commissioner Caldwell stated this morning that the search would be discontinued until the work of removing the debris has comenced. Today has witnessed no new developements as a sequel to the disaster, search among the ruins not being carried on.

  A strange coincidence in connection with the fire, is that of little Rosa Lee, whose foster parents arrived in the city last Thursday to place the little girl in the institution. She too would probably have been a victim of the fire, owing to her tender years.

  Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Holcomb of Vandelia, ILL. are the names of Rosa's foster parents, who are no grateful to a kind providence for not having adhered to their original intentions of placing the little girl in the home Thurday evening, the night before the fire. Both Rosa's [arents were killed in an interurban wreck оссuring пеar Vandalia two years ago. The father a Adventist preacher of some note, and with his wife and little daughter, at that time a year old was a passenger ill fated car. In the collision which occurred, both parents were instantly kiledl. Rosa escaped without a scratch and was found clinging to her dead mothers body. Holcolb who owned a farm adjacent to the point of the wreck, was the to render aid to the injured and a carried Rosa to his home where has remained for the last two years, the child being treated as their own. Reverses came to the Holcomb family, which consisted of the parents and seven children and reading of Haskell Home in the Journal. It was decided to place the girl in the intution. "We came to the city Thurday." said Mr. Holcolmb, met Mr. Owen  that evening and made all the necssary arrangements to place Rosa in the home and then Friday morning saw by the papers that it had burned with a lose of three little lives. We are now extremely thankful that we did not place the little one in the home Thursday evening as we had intended too, for she would probably have ben burned to death.

  Dr. J. H. Kellogg is authority for the statement that the home will be rebuilt, probably on the the cottage plan, to which reference is made in the following letter: - February , 1909.

  To the Editor:- I desire through your paper to express the appreciation and gratitude of the Haskell Home management for the many courties and evildences of sympathy which have been tendered to the Haskell Home since the disastrous fire which had destroyed our main building. I wish especially to thank the banks, many merchants and scores of other friends of the home who made generous contributions of money, clothing, shoes and other necessaries and the several ladies societies who are rendering greatly appreciated aid in various way- The Home management also feel very grateful for the many offers of personal assistance caring for the children, which has made many friends in the city.

 The cottage and the dormintory which were not burned and which were only in part occupied at the time of the fire will furnish very comfortable quarters until more permanent arrangements can be made. The new buildings will be erected on the cottage plan and will be made practically fire proof so as to avoid risk of possible loss of fire in future.

  The death of the three little ones an irreparable loss which has brought great distress and grief upon the entire Home family. The fire was so far advanced before its discovery that the family had barely time to escape with their lives and it is indeed a marvel that a larger number were not lost.

 I ought perhaps to add another word with reference to a point upon which I see there is some confusion, in the accounts which have been published of the burning of the Haskell Home reference has frquently been made to the Home as a Seventh-Day Adventist Institution, controlled by the Seventh-Day Adventist denomination. The fact of the matter is that the Haskell Home never was owned or controlled by the Seventh-Day Adventist or any other church organization. The money with which the Home was built was given to me personally by Mr. Caroline Haskell, of Michigan city. Ind., with the request that I should build with the money an institution to be called by her hubands name and to be a memorial,  the purpose of which should be to receive and educate orphan boys and girls. In making this gift, Mr. Haskell especially stipulated that the Home should be absolutley non-sectarian and undemoinational. I received the money with the undertanding, and took care to see that the charter which the Institution when incorporated received from the state stipulated specifically that the institution was to be non-sectarian and undemoinational. No reference whatever is made in any of the incorporation papers institution or other documents pertaining to institution, to the Seventh-Day Adventist church or to any other church.

  The leaders of the Seventh-Day Adventists denomination were never much in sympathy, with the Haskell Home enterprise, nor for that matter with any other line of philanhropic work. I was obliged to agitate the matter for a number years before the enterprise was even countenanced. but at last I received permission to raise fund for the purpose, but with restrictions which made it next to impossible to raise the money, and very little had been raised when Mrs. Haskell came forward and voluntarily presented me with $30,000 which was afterwards supplemented by her with $10.000 no more. It was with this money that the Haskell Home was built. The money raised by the Seventh-Day Adventists denominationwas used in purchasing, equipping and carrying on the James White Memorial Home, which has been a refuge for the old people of the Seventh-Day Adventist denomination.

 I desire to say in conclusion that although the source the fire is unknown to the management, there is no evidence whatever for supposing that it was due to incendiarism. The fire simply originated from cause known. It is known however, that it did not originate in any of the fires used for heating the building.       J. H. KELLOGG

FEB, 11, 1909, BATTLE CREEK DAILY MOON

FOR THE BEST

THESE FIRES MUST BE ACCORDING TO DR. KELLOGG, WHO SAY'S HOPE ISN'T DIMMED

Haskell Home's Work Will Continue
- Benefit Starts The Ball Rolling

  "We don't know why these things should come to us," began Dr. J. H. Kellogg in his talk on the Haskell Home fire, in the Sanitarium gymnaseum last evening "but we have decided that they are for our own good and we intend to make the best of them. I made the statement on the dny of the fire that the home would he rebuilt and it will, in the very near future. The plans have not yet been drawn up but they are being made and it will not be long before he home will be replaced and the little ones again comfortably located."

  "We have learned never to give up In despair and our hearts are always full of hope. When I was returning home from a trip after the Sanitarium fire, I had the plans for the new building all planned out before I even reached this city or had seen the ruins of the old structure."

  Dr. Kellogg stated that 25 years ago, when he was living in the first sanitarium. his wife asked him to bring home a baby from New York the next time he went up and this was the beginning of his taking care orphans. From time to time he came across children, which he wished to adopt and so would bring them home with him. After a time he gathered so many about him that it was impossible to take care of them conveniently and so the idea of a home was thought of. It was not the scheme any church, but a child of the Sanitarium and the Haskell Home has never been run by any sect. After the plans had been made for the building of a home by the cottage system. Mrs. Haskell came into Dr. Kelloggs office one day and said she wished to make a gift to the Sanitarium. Several things were suggested and finally when the building of a home for children was mentioned, Mrs. Haskell decided this was just the thing. Dr. Kellogg stated that he thought the woman was crazy, but when she came forth with $40,000 he changed his mind The home was named in honor of Mr. Haskell, who had died but a time before.

  With the aid of stereoptical pictures the life of the little tots were shown as well as plctures of them playing games around the home. Dr. Kellogg explained how in the Haskell Home, several children were grouped together and formed a family." Each famly had a mother and the children dearly loved the mother and she loved the children. In this way the children did not feel that they were orhans and they enjoyed all the home Iife of any other child. The building was divided into suites and each family occupied their own separate rooms. Pictures of several youngsters were shown, who had been picked from the slums of Chicago or New York and had been made into good characters through the influences of this home. Interior views of the Haskell Home, showing the children at work and at play and lastly two views of the building were thrown on the screen. Dr. Kellogg then told of the start which has been made toward a new building and a collection was taken to aid in the furtherance of the work. An even $100 was collected and Dr. Kellogg felt very gratified.

Mary Armstrong, the girl heroine of the fire, was asked to say a few words in regards to her experiences on the night of the fire, but that young lady was too modest to appear before so many interested. However some of the little people told of their experiences in their own childish way and both Mr. & Mrs. Owens told of that thrilling experience.

FEB. 11, 1909, BATTLE CREEK JOURNAL

RECUE CHILDREN TELL OF THE FIRE

Survivors Of Orphange Fire Relate Their Experience At San. Benefit.

  A unique and interesting entertainment was held in the gymnasium at the Sanitarium Wednesday evening, for the benefit of the survivors of the Haskell Home tragedy. Several of the little children told the story of their experiences on the instrumental in saving the lives of the other girls in the building, was night of the fire, but Mary Armstrong, the young heroine, who was too modest to say anything concerning her heroic action. A call was sent out from the audience for her brother, James Armstrong, who also demonstrated great presence of mind and courage in assisting to save the girls, but he was not present, having been taken in charge by a man who admired his sturdy qualities and desired to give him a permanent home. Dr. J. H. Kellogg spoke, at some length and in a very entertaining manner concerning the founding of the home, the system under which it was conducted, and the future plans. His remarks were illustrated with steriopticon views, showing the children as they lived in the Home. The establishment of the home was a result of Dr. Kelloggs great interest in, and philanthropic work among children. He adopted into his home a large number of children, until he could care for no more, and the need for a home for homeless children became very evident. He tried for some time to interest organizations in the founding of such an institution, but could not succeed until Mrs. Haskell came to his aid with a generous sum which she afterward increased, building the home as a memorial to her husband. He stated quite emphatically, that the Home has always been non-sectarian, no more connected with the seventh day Adventist denomination than with any other.

  The institution was made as home like as possible, the children being divided into groups of six or seven which comprised a family in charge of a woman whom the children knew as "mother" this being done to make it seem less like an institution, and more like home. Dr. Kellogg declared that the institution would be at once rebuilt, probably after the cottage plan. At present, all the children are being comfortably cared for in the buildings on the grounds which did not burn

  Both Mr. and Mrs. Owen who were in charge of the institution, gave brief talks, telling their impressions of the fatefull night when the building was destroyed, and expressing confident hope for the future of the institution. A program of exceptional interest is to be given at the Macfadden Sanatorium this evening for the benefit of the Home. At the entertainment Wednesday evening, an even one hunderd dollars was raised, eighty-three of this having been contributed in the collection, while a lady and gentleman in the audience raised the amount to one hundred dollars.

FEB. 12, 1909, BATTLE CREEK DAILY MOON

ALL IN ONE CASKET

The Unidentified Remains From The Haskell Home Ruins Were Buried This Afternoon

 The few charred remains, which consisted all that were found of the three little victims who lost their lives lives a week ago this morning in the fire which destroyed the Haskell Home were this afternoon consigned to their last resting place in the Haskell Home burying ground following some simple services. Because of the doubt to which of the little children were represented in these gruesome relics, the remains were all placed in a small casket, which was provided by the brothers of Lena McKelvey and buried in the same place. At some future date a suitable monument will be erected over the grave in memory represented in these gruesome relics, Lena McKelvey. Memorial services will be held at the Sanatarium Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock.

FEB. 13, 1909, BATTLE CREEK DAILY MOON

WITH BLANK FILES

Haskell Home Children March Into Sanitarium Chapel For Memorial Service.

 Memorial Services for Lena McKelvey, Cecil Coutant, and George Goodenow, victims of the Haskell Home holocaust were held this afternoon in the chapel of the Battle Creek Sanitarium, the general public mingling with guests and attaches of the big institution in making the occasion notable. A pitiful picture was the entrance of the orphans marching two by two with blank files for the three little ones who perished in the fire. Thus the three children, who formerly had the companionship of Lena McKelvey, Cecil Coutant, and George Goodenow walked into the chapel alone.

FEB. 13, 1909, BATTLE CREEK ENQUIRER

MEMORIAL SERVICES FOR FIRE VICTIMS

EXCERCISES IN HONOR OF HASKELL HOME DEAD TO BE HELD THIS AFTERNOON

Chaired Remains of Little Girl Victims Are Placed In One Casket and Interred with Simple Service.

  Burial services for the child victims of the Haskell home fire were held yesterday afternoon. A simple ceremony marked the interment, and only Mr. Owen, manager of the home and the two brothers of Lerna McClavy were present.

  Shortly after four oclock yesterday afternoon the littie procession wended its way to the little Haskell home cemetery. A little grave had been dug, and the charred remains that, were found in the ruins of Haskell home were contained in a small casket. Mr. Owen offered a prayer, and after the simple service, the casket was lowered into the grave. A small stone, bearing the names of both Lena McClavy and Cecil Qoutent will mark the final resting place of the two girls who met their death in the destruction of the home. This afternoon at 2 oclock memoral services for the fire victims will be held in the Sanitatarium chapel. The public is invited to attend. children will march in two and two just as they formerly walked to Sabbath school. But there will be three vacant, places. The children that formerly walked with Lena McKlavy, Cecil Quotent and George Goodenow will walk alone this afternoon. Elder Lycurgus McCoy, Elder T. C. Tenny and the Rev. B. Frank Tabor will speak at the services this afternoon and Manager Owen will also make a few remarks, it is expected. The children will sing an original song composed for the occasion.

FEB. 13, 1909, BATTLE CREEK JOURNAL

LAST SAD RITES OF ORHAN HOME FIRE

Burial of Victims Remains is Followed With Memorial Services.

  Memorial services for Lena McClaveny, Cecil Coutant and George Goodenow, the three little victims of the recent Haskell Home disaster, were held this (Saturday) afternoon in the Sanitarium chapel, a large number being present to listen to brief addresses by Elder. L. McCoy, Elder T. C. Tenny, Rev. B. F. Taber and Manager R. S. Owen. The children from the orphanage attended the service.

Burial services for the child victims were held late Friday afternoon, when the few remains that had been found in the ruins of the burned home, were placed in a simple little casket and interred in a grave in the Haskell Home cemetery, the interment was marked with but simple ceremony. Manager Owen and two brothers of the McClaveny girl, being the only ones present. A small stone, to bear the names of both the girl victims will shortly mark their final resting place.

FEB. 14, 1909, BATTLE CREEK ENQUIRER

 Haskell Home is burned. The structure that sheltered an institution that sought only to do a good work in an inoffensive manner, and which never had an enemy in the world. has been reduced to ashes. The cause of this disastrous conflagration is unknown. Even those intimate with the building profess an ignorance as to the real cause of the fire, although they admit there are dozens of accidental ways in which it might have originated.

 While Dr. Kellogg, Fire Chief Weeks and Mr. Owen, manager of the home express the belief that the fire started from some accidental cause, the people of Battle Creek and the rest of the state have been led to believe that some fendish fanatic started the fire that resulted in the destruction of the building and the cremation of three little children. People around Michigan have been led to believe through a systematic coloring of news that Battle Creek is harboring a lot of murderous, raving, ranting, wild eyed religious cranks, capable of stooping to any dastardly crime to slend substance to their religious beliefs.

  This false impression of Battle Creek has been fostered on other occasions whenever a fire has occurred here. Other cities have their big fires. and the matter passes off without comment. But as soon as a fire occurs here the conclusion is at once jumped at, that a religious fanatic started it. This theory has been worn threadbare in every conflagration that has occurred in Battle Creek in the last score of years.

  The old saying that murder will out usually applies in the crime of incendiarism. Experienced fire fighters can usually tell whether a fire is accidental or started by some one. Yet Chief Weeks frankly confesses a total ignorance as to the origin.

  There is every reason to believe that the cause of the Haskell Home fire was accidental. The building was constructed throughout of a very inflammable wood, and the style of construction was such that a fire once fairly started there could never be stopped. The institution has never been known to have an enemy as its sole aim has been to aid helpless children.

  Yet the impression has been left the people of the city and the state, that some of our citizens deliberately started a fire that resulted in the death of three children and suspension of the homes efforts in humanitys cause.

  This impression works Battle Creek a great wrong. It hurts the city In the eyes of the outside world. Insurance companies hear of it and decide that Battle Creek business is a doubtful risk. And the shadow of ungrounded suspicion is thrown around a class of citizens of this city whose only fault is a stubborn intolerance of what they consider to be wrongful.

MARCH 11 1909, BATTLE CREEK DAILY MOON
A RECOGNITION OF HEROISM

***END OF ARTICLES ABOUT FIRE***

MARCH 26, 1909, BATTLE DAILY MOON

WILL REBUILD SOON

Tentative Plans Prepared for a New Haskell Home Orphange To Be Built This Year.

  Within a few days plans will be made for the rebuilding of the Haskell Home orphanage, which was entirely destroyed by fire February 5, entalling the lost of three little lives, Superintendent Owen stated today that the board in charge of the affairs hadn't had a meeting since the fire, but one will be held in the near future. In the meantime rough plans have been prepared for a new building. Because of the fact that portions of the foundations of the destroyed building are in good condition it is expected that these will be utilized. The new building will be fire proof and probably be built of concrete. According to the tentative plans it is proposed to build a structure 64x40 feet and three stories in height. Then if the future growth of the Institution demands additional room, other buildings can be added on the cottage plan.

  The debris has been removed from the basement of the burned building and it is now expected that the new building will be begun within a few weeks. The $30,000 insurance money from the fire will be used to defray the expenses of the new building. Since the fire Superintendent and Mrs. Owen and the children have been quartered in the laundry buildIng. There are now 32 children in the home family, six having been received since the fire while some have been withdrawn.

APRIL 25, 1909, BATTLE CREEK ENQUIRER

ELDER DANIELS TELLS ABOUT HASKELL HOME

STATES IN COMMUNICATION THAT SEVENTH DAY ADVENTISTS DID MUCH.

Contribution Secured By Dr, Kellogg from Mrs. Haskell Was Only One of Many.

  Several weeks ago, following the destruction of the Haskell Home by fire, there was considerable discussion in these columns as to who was responsible for the good work of the institution. Dr. John H. Kellogg wrote a letter to the Enquirer which was published, in which he intimated that the Seventh Day Adventist church had little or nothing to do with the institution at that time. Now comes A. G. Daniells, an elder of the Seventh Day Adventist church, stating the part that institution had in the founding and maintenance of Haskell Home. According to his communication, the church gave large sums towards building and supporting the institution, that the donation, secured by Dr. Kellogg, was only one of many contributions. His communication is as follows: Editor Enquirer, Battle Creek, Mich.

  Sir:- There was published in The Enquirer February 5, a letter written by Dr. J. H. Kellogg concerning the Haskell Home. In this letter Doctor Kellogg endeavors to change the general impression which seems to prevail that the Haskell Home had been founded and supported by the Seventh-day Adventist denomination. His statements regarding this point are misleading to the public and unfair to Seventh-day Adventists. He says:-

  The Haskell Home never was owned or controlled by the Seventh-day Adventists or any other church organization. The money with which the Home was built was given to me personally by Mrs. Caroline Haskell.  * The leaders of the Seventh-day Adventist denomination were never in sympathy with the Haskell Home enterprise, nor for that matter with any other line of philanthronic work. " Mrs. Haskell came forward and voluntarily presented me with  $30,000, which was afterwards supplemented by her with $10, 000 more. It was with this money that Haskell Honne was built. The money raised by the Seventh-day Adventist denomination was used in purchasing, equipping, and carrying on the James White Memorial Home. which has been a refuge for the old people of the Seventh-day Adventist oldenomination.”

 The only conclusion to be drawn from these statements is that Seventh-Day Adventists never contributed anything toward either the establishment or the mainintenance of the Haskell Home. The only credit given to any one for contributions to that institution is the acknowledgement of Mrs. Haskell's gift of thirty or forty thousand dollars. This was certainly generous contribution, and we are glad to have this estimable lady reiceive due credit for what she did. But with all the facts before us we do not think it is a gracious thing to hold the Seventh-day Adventists up to contempt by representing them as being so unsympathetic with philanthropic work that they would contribute nothing to the Home for orphans for which Mrs. Haskell gave so generously. The only contributions the Adventist people are credited with having made were to the James white Memorial Home where we are told, some of the old people of the denomination found refuge

  This representation is not borne out by the original records and accounts which were kept by the founders and managers of the Haskell Home enterprise. In these records may be traced every step that was taken in establishing the Haskell Home. The names of the parties who took part in the movement, the purpose they had in view, the discussions and decisions of the Committees and Trustees that were annointed, the amount of money secured, and the sources from which it came-all these facts are given in these records.

  In view of the wide difference between Doctor Kelloggs statements and the original records signed by himself as Chairman. I consider it only fair to all parties to give the facts in this case as we find them recorded in the documents which have been preserved. These records show that the Hakell Home came into existence as a result of resolutions passed by the Seventh-day Adventist General Conference. March 22. 1891. Here are the resolutions:

 "Resolved. That we believe a home for orphans and destitute persons to le called the James White Memorial Home should be established by this denomination, and further, Resolved. That we recommend the General Conference to select a Committee of seven to take this matter under consideration immediately, with power to act, in conjunction with the General Conference Committee."

  These resolutions were presented to the Conference by Doctor Kellogg himself. They provide for the founding of a home for Orphans and destitute persons.” They ask for the appointment of a Committee with power to act" to establish this Home. The Committee was appointed, and that Committee took the steps which resulted in the erection of the Haskell Home.

  The original resolutions provided for but one home for both orphans and old people, and suggested that it be called the James White Home. But as the Committee developed its plans it was decided to establish two homes - one for orphans and the other for old people.

  The gift of $30,000 by Mrs. Caroline Haskell on condition that it be used for the erection of a building which should be named the Haskell Home" for Orphan Children, led to the adoption of the name Haskel Home. But the founding of the Home was the work of the Seventh-day Adventist denomination. The first step taken toward it was taken by the denomination. The entire work was carried on by the denomination and by far the larger share of the money used in the enterprise was supplied by the denomination. Mrs. Haskell was but one of many donors and the only specification set out in the resolution accepting her offer was that the building to be erected shall be named and known as the Haskell Home for Orphan Children."  Mrs. Haskell was not the founder. She was a generous donor.

  Now a word respecting the ownership of these properties. The records show that it was the intention of the Committee appointed by the General Conference to look after the affairs of this Home, to incorporate it under the laws of Michigan. Upon investigation they found that the Act then in existence was not well suited to this purpose, so they began to take steps to secure a better Act from the Michigan legislature. But instead of doing this they organized and incorporated what was named the Seventh-Day Adventist Medical Missionary and Benevolent Association." This name was subsequently changed to International Medical Missionary and Benevolent Association. The purpose of this Association was to take the special oversight of the organized Medical Missionary and philanthropic work of the denomination. As the work of the Haskell Home and the James White Memorial Home was of this kind, it passed into the hands of the Association. The properties of both of these institutions were coraveyed by deeds to the Seventh-Day Adventist Medical Missionary and Benevolent Association, and their value was placed on the books of the Association as an asset. But the institutions belonged to the denomination for it had founded them, and had supplied the bulk of all the funds used for both construction and maintaince.

  In the latter part of 1898 either the Trustees, or the officers, of this Medical Missionary and Benevolent Association formed a separate Corporation for each of these two instutions. The records state that the reason for doing this was to place each institution on a basis which would enable it to receive legacies, but it is expressly stated in the minutes that the deeds of these properties should still be held by the Medical Missionary and Benevolent Association. This arrangement continued for six years, when, on April 18, 1904, the Trustees of the Medical Missionary and Benevalent Association "authorized, empowered and directed" the President and Secretary of the Association to deliver the Haskell Honne and the James White Memorial Home the deeds for these respective properties, This was done without the approval of the constituency which the Trustees represented. It was done without even the knowledge of the denomitration who had established and maintained these institutions from their inception to that time. Furthermore this was done a few days after the trustees of the Medical Missionary and Benevolent Association had been notified by their Chairman that the Association was facing a very critical situation," that the only way he could see out of the difficulty was to place the Corporation in the hands of a receiver, and that they would have to place the James White Memorial Home and the Haskell Home on such a basis that they would not be involved. It was at this time and in | this way that the Haskell Home and the James White Memorial Home passed from the ownership and control of the Seventh-Day Adventist denomination. Seventh-day Adventists have never felt that this transaction was right and since then have declined to render the institutions the support they had previously given them. But they have not ceased to care for the dependent aged nor the orphans among them. They are securing excellent homes for their orphan children among other members of their churches, and are having children brought up on farms. This arrangement we consider far better than the large Orphan Asylum plan.

  In his letter to the Enquirer Doctor Kellogg conveys the impression that Seventh-Day Adventists never contributed anything to the Haskell Home. He says that the money the denomination raised was for the James White Memorial Home. But this is not what the books show.  The accounts of these institutions were kept by the Medical Missionary and Benevolent Association. They show that from the beginning of these enterprises in 1891 to 1906, there was received for them the sum of $243,916.37. Of this amount $81,753.27 was for the building fund. Mrs. Haskell is credited in the books with having contributed $30,000 of this sum, leaving $51,753.27 given by Seventh-Day Adventists and friends in sympathy with their work. The James White Memorial Home received only about $10,000 of this, making the contribution of Seventh-Day Adventists to the Haskell Home building fund over $41,000. (We place Mrs. Haskells contribution to the building fund at $30,000, no trace of the further $10,000 given by her appearing in the accounts.)

  Taking the building fund receipts from the total receipts there is left $162,163.10 for the maintenance of these homes. By far the larger part of this amount was used in supporting the Haskell Home, This money was contributed year by year from the limited resources of Seventh-Day Adventists who were appealed to through their papers, at their summer camp-meetings, by circular letters, and by personal solicitation on the part of the officers in charge of the institutions. For years two general collections were taken in all the American churches of the denominition for the support of these institutions.

  Seventh-Day Adventists have not forgotten these appeals and their generous response, and they consider it unkind and unjust to them to be represented as they are in this letter to the Enquirer by one to whom they showed such loyalty for so many years. They feel that the gift of over 200,000 for the benevolent work of these institutions entitles them to better treatment. And we believe that the fair mined readers of the Enquirer will agree with us when they know the truth of the matter as we now it. -  A. G. DANIELS

MAY 9, 1909, BATTLE CREEK ENQUIRER
DR. JOHN H. KELLOGG AND A FRIEND REPLY TO LETTER FROM ELDER DANIELLS RECENTLY PUBLISHED IN THE ENQUIRER

AUG. 15, 1909, BATTLE CREEK SUNDAY JOURNAL

HASKELL HOME WILL BE REBUILT SHORTLY

Plans For A New Building Are Now In Hands Of Local Architect.

  According to recent announcement, Haskell Home, which burned early in the spring destroying the lives of three little inmates, will be rebuilt. Decision to this effect has been reached by the board of trustees, of which Dr. J. H. Kellogg is an influential member and it is stated that plans for the reerection of the orphanage are now in a local architects hands. The construction of the building is expected to commence as soon as the necessary plans have been completed.

  This new building is to be of less pretentious size than the one which burned, though it will stand on practically the same site as the old structure. The building will be of more modern construction also and will be built in a manner calculated to elimInate as far as possible, any and all fire danger.

  At the present time about thirty-five inmates of the former home are now housed and being taken care of, in the buildings left untouched by the late fire.

JAN. 22, 1912, BATTLE CREEK DAILY JOURNAL

SMALL LOSS

  Fire departments 1-2 and 4 were: called to the Haskell Home last night, at eight o'clock but the fire had been extinguished before their arrival. The loss was $15 and was fully covered by insurance. The fire caused by a boy who carelessly threw a lighted match down stairs, Scorching a small amount of carpet and furniture.

FEB. 12, 1912, BATTLE DAILY JOURNAL

HASKELL HOME SET FIRE AGAIN

Third Time Institution The Object Of Fire Fiend.

WELL LAID PLANS.

Mysterious Man In An Automobile The Only Object Of Question.

  At five-oclock last night the Haskell Home was set afire for the third time. The first time several children were burned to death and there is positively no clue to the identity of the person or persons responsible for this fiendish act.

  About two weeks ago Mrs. Owen accompanied by her husband left the Institution a few moments to attend Divine services at the Tabernacle and had been away less than twenty minutes when a basket of clothes in the kitchen was set afire and which was burning Its way up the side walls to the rooms above where fifty children were sleeping.

  The fire was discovered by one of the younger children and with compliments to the judgment of those who had to act quick at this time the Fire Department was called and all were safely cared for, only two suffering bad experiences as the result of smoke.

  Last night is was evidently the intention of whoever planned the fire, to make, a more thorough job and four places in the building were carefully prepared for a blaze and which, starteded at the hour mentioned above. Thorough investigation reveals evidence that it was intended to burn much slower than it did and had the plans worked as was expected the fire would have burned in earnest at about eight oclock. Mrs. Owen and her husband are dumbfounded with the mystery surrounding the fires. They know that is responsible but have no idea where to even start investigation.

  For several weeks, however, a man driving a large automobile has been standing about the place. One instance - Mrs. Owen telephoned the police that she was being annoyed by someone in an automobile but was questioned by the police whether or not the person was doing any harm and when advised that he was doing no particular harm the officers paid no further attention to her call. This mysterious man in the automobile is the only possible circumstance surrounding the fires that is any way suspiclous. Mrs. Owen has no theory to even hang the slightest clue on. It was first considered by the police that a small youngster about four was responsible but this theory is absolutely impossible because of the carefully laid plans to burn the institution.

  Last night shortly after dark the mysteriously man in the automobile was discoverd near the institution in a rather hidden location by Mr. Owen and he went out to the machine asking the driver who he was and what he wanted. For a minute or two he received no reply, and then was answered by the driver, who stated that he was waiting for the engine to cool and would soon move away. Mr. Owen returned to house for a lantern intending to get the number of the macine but before he could secure it, it was driven away.

 A careful investigation is being conducted, however, and someone will ultimately pay the penalty for this unlawful act.

JUNE 4, 1912, THE EVENING NEWS

NEW HASKELL HOME TO COST $100,000

Land Belonging to the Present Institution Is Being Platted and Sold As Lots.

NEW SITE FURTHER OUT.

With Splendid New Building For Children

Land On Which The Institution Was Located Had Become Too Valuable For Such Purposes.

  A building that, including site, will cost approximately $100,000, is to mark the new Haskell Home, taking the place of the present structure, a renovated laundry. Part of the old property has been sold, the rest is being platted and will be sold and plans are now being made by the Haskell Home board to find a suitable location several miles out of Battle Creek and build a structure that will be a fitting memorial to the woman who founded the institution and to provide spacious and elegant quarters for the waifs who are cared for at the home

  Thirty acres, bounded on the east by Hubbard street. on the west by Jordan street, on the south by Graves street and on the north by Haskell street, have been sold within the last three days, netting $30,000. There were 75 lots, which sold for $300 and $350 each.

WILL BE PLATTED

  The remaining 60 acres will be platted at once and sold. The buildIng that is at present locatéd on a small portion of the site will be sold.

  It is figured that about $80,000 will be secured from the sale of the land. This money, together with $330,000 that is now in a bank, will be used for the purpose of buying land farther out in the country and building a new home.

  The Haskell Home board is headed by Dr. J. H. Kellogg, who also is a member of the board. The other board members are Dr. John R. Morse, Elder Lycurgus McCoy and Rodney S. Owen, in charge of the home. Mr. Owens wife, Mrs. Sarah Οwen, is matron.

HOME HAS 50 CHILDREN

  At present there are about fifty children at the home. In days gone by, when the old buildings occupied the site, there were hundred children housed.

  The plan is to revive the membership of the home and to afford larger accommodations for homeless children. Dr. Kellogg has taken an active interest in the home at all times and has contributed liberally towards its support.

  The old building, shaped like the letter "E" burned down three years ago last November. It was a three story structure. Two children were burned to death. (note should say three children burned to death).

EIGHTEEN YEARS OLD

  The home was founded 18 years ago by a Mrs. Haskell of Michigan City, Ind., in memory of her husband. She was a guest of the Sanitarium and offered to put up $30,000, if the amount was duplicated by outside subscription. The money was secured and the property purchaused.

  The 90 acres near Dr. Kelloggs home was purchased. In succeeding years the property increased rapidly in value until now it is worth three times the amount paid for it.

  In Iate years the large amount of land has been somewhat of a white elephant. Strawberries were planted and raised on property that was just aching to be converted into town lots. Lately houses have been built on all sides. It became a veritable farm inside a city.

TO HELPERS AND GUESTS.

  The home management decided that it would be well to sell property so valuable for other purposes and purchase land just as suitable for their needs. Accordingly 30 acres were platted and placed in the hands of i. W. Schram, a real estate dealer, with instructions to let sanitarium helpers and guests have first choice.

 All of the lots have been purchased by persons connected with the Sanitarium. Guests took an active interest in the purchase.

 The sale of this property means thousands of dollars in building. A good many Sonitarium helpers are figuring on building residences.

 The site that wiп be selected for the new home has not been decided upon but will probably be several miles west of the Sanitarium.

MAY 18, 1913, BATTLE CREEK DAILY JOURNAL

CHANGES PLANNED FOR HASKELL HOME. BUILDING ERECTED IN SHORT TIME.

  A new superintendent has been engaged for the Haskell Home, a nurse has been secured and a new visiting committee appointed. Within a short time a new building wil be erected on a site, which is to be chosen as soon as a suitable one can be found after the sale of the present property.

  The new superintendent, who took up his duties a short time is H. D., Clarke, who has had many years experience in large orphan homes in Cincinnati and New York. He came here from Cincinnati, where he has been for the past seventeen years.

  The new nurse, who also took up her duties recently is Miss Lottie Hoffman, a graduate of the Battle Creek Sanitarium and Training School for Nurses.

  Seventy five lots of the present property occupied by the Haskell Home grounds have already been sold. As soon as the remaining ones are disposed of, active steps will be taken towards securing a new site,” said Dr. Kellogg, "We will then erect a modern home, a permanent building with an industrial department and make the institution a model. We expect to begin this work within a year.”

There are about 40 children at the Haskell Home now. During its existence homes have been found for over 600 homeless orphans.

The newly appointed visiting mittee, as announced by the Doctor Saturday is as follows: Mrs. Linda M. Roth, Mrs. E. E. Kellogg, Miss A. J. Aldrich, Mrs, J. R. Mortenson and Mrs. Elizabeth Stewart.

MAY 11, 1989, BATTLE CREEK SHOPPER NEWS

Haskell Home Cemetery site to be Marked.

  A Stone marker at the site of the Haskell Home Cemetery, corner of Limit and Roseneath, will be dedicated Wednesday, May 17, 4:00 p.m., by the families of the late Villa Dell (Tefft) Collins and Dr. Lyman W. Henry. During the service near a grove of trees on the northwest corner of the Battle Creek Academy campus, a plaque will be unveiled, the names of the individuals known to be interred there will be read, and music will be performed by members of the Battle Creek Academy Band.

  The Haskell Home Cemetery was platted in October, 1899, to serve the children at the Haskell Home, which operated from 1894 to about 1922; the elderly at the James White Memorial Home, which operated from 1893 to about 1917; and other city residents. Official records of the graves in the plot have been lost and no head Stones are visible. However, local researchers Jean and Glenn Davis have verified 18 graves from county records, city directories, obituaries, photographs, and newspapers. They're working on an additional half-dozen unconfirmed names, and one source indicates there may have been as many as 50 graves

  Decendents of Collins and Henry encouraged the Davis' in their search for information, and provided funds for purchasing the marker. Battle Creek resident Arleen Camp Spruill is the great granddaughter of Dr. Henry. Irene Thornburg, a relative of Mrs. Collins, is coordinating the dedication program.

  May 17th is the 130th anniversary of Mrs. Collins' birth. 1989 marks the 80th anniversary of the Haskell Home fire, and the 90th anniversary of the platting of the cemetary.

Battle Creek Enquirer July 11, 2005

Tragic fire destroyed early orphanage
Article By Jim Richmond

 Much has been written, and made, of the fire that destroyed the Battle Creek Sanitarium in 1902 and the heroic efforts of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and Dr. John Harvey Kellogg to raise funds for and rebuild the Sanitarium that is today the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center.

More tragic, and less well known, is a fire seven years later that challenged Kellogg and the local Seventh-day Adventist Church took the lives of three young children and destroyed another of Battle Creek's early landmarks. — Jim Richmond

  What facility was called "the grandest institution in Battle Creek" and burned to the ground after reported factional differences within the Seventh-day Adventist Church involving Dr. John Harvey Kellogg? The Haskell Home for Orphans.

Only 37 children were in the Haskell Home for Orphans on Hubbard Street when the north wing of the facility caught fire in the early morning hours of Feb. 5, 1909.
  Three children were trapped on the third floor and burned to death. Seven others escaped by jumping from upper-floor windows.

 The Haskell Home was on 117 acres just outside Battle Creek's northwest city limits owned by the Seventh-day Adventist Benevolent Association. The land had been purchased in 1891 from Tyler Austin, Henry H. Hubbard and Judge Benjamin Franklin Graves. (Graves was the first area resident to serve on the Michigan Supreme Court. Ann Street is also named after his wife.) The Haskell Home opened with much fanfare in 1894. It was operated by the Benevolent Association, of which Kellogg was president.

Kellogg was described as the home's "godfather and guiding spirit." Caroline E. Haskell, a Sanitarium visitor from Chicago, donated $30,000 to build the orphanage, on condition it be named after her deceased husband. The Adventists had intended to name the home in memory of Elder James White. A newspaper article described the home as "the grandest institution in Battle Creek" with a dramatic Gothic style designed by local architect A.D. Ordway. The home was wood with brick veneer, and had a 14-foot wide by 12-foot high veranda around its west and south sides.

Kellogg devised a system to ventilate the building. It had a gymnasium, school rooms, library, attic playrooms and an observatory that "overlooked Battle Creek and the Kalamazoo River valley".

The orphanage could house up to 150 children. At its dedication on Jan. 26, 1894, Kellogg said the orphanage would "rear the children.... to give them such an education as to make them whole men and whole women. The girls as well as the boys will be taught trades."

The orphanage had no debt, but depended on donations for its support. Within a few years, the Haskell Home was apparently in the middle of what were called "factional difficulties" within the Seventh-day Adventist Church and involving Kellogg.

 In September 1907, a newspaper story claimed some Adventist publications were urging people to withdraw their financial pledges for the home "owing to Dr. Kellogg's ungodliness. This has wrecked the home. Children have been removed, support withdrawn."

After the fire, the Benevolent Association continued to operate the orphanage until 1922, on a much-reduced scale in what had been the power house and laundry.

Mystery still surrounds how official records of the nearby Haskell Home Cemetery were lost and what happened to headstones marking where an estimated 50 people are buried, including the three young victims of the 1909 fire. A stone marker and cemetery plaque can be found on the northwest corner of the nearby Battle Creek Academy campus, where the original cemetery was located.

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