Black and white stereoscopic photograph on a postcard of the Home for the Friendless in Lincoln, Nebraska. The two-story brick building with a daylight basement is flanked by trees and a bed of cannas graces the front yard. Information printed on item: John Nelson, Commercial Photographer, Ericson, Neb. U.S.A.
The Home for the Friendless was established by act of the legislature on February 28, 1881. Located on the southeast corner of South and 11th Streets, the home took in destitute children and elderly women. A private corporation, the Society of the Home for the Friendless, ran the home until 1897 when management was taken over by the state. Over time a greenhouse, dormitory/school building, and small cottages were added to the property. In 1906 the Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital was established and took over one dormitory floor of the home. In 1909 the name "Home for the Friendless" was changed to "State Public School" and changed again in 1911 to "Home for Dependent Children." By 1911 the hospital had taken over the entire campus and the home moved to 944 H Street. Another move in 1914 took the home to 1425 F Street.
