Harry and Faye Allen were cottage parents at the Illinois Soldiers' and Sailors' Children's Home in Normal, Illinois from 1939-1971. Their work is summed up best in "A Place We Called Home - The Illinois Soldiers' and Sailors' Children's School" which is available free at The McLean County Genealogical Society website - tmcgs.org.
"The Allens frequently appear in memoirs submitted by former residents of the Home. Harry and Faye came to ISSCS in 1939, and after only three days of observation, became house parents for the 32 boys in Lawton Cottage. They remained in their roles until they retired in 1971, with the exception of several years Harry was in the Army during World War II. Fern worked at the Home's hospital, handled the switchboard, and worked with girls during his absence. In 1939, there were more than 600 children living at ISSCS. By the time they retired, the school's population was down to 265 children.
In a March 21, 1971 story in The Pantagragh, the Allens said they "just tried to be a mother and dad to their boys," and commented that "problem children" got a little more understanding. They enjoyed working with high school boys and estimated they had served as cottage parents for more than 800 young men during their years at ISSCS. Many of their former charges faithfully kept in contact with the Allens once they left the Home.
The couple had no children of their own, and said they'd become interested in working with the children at ISSCS through friends. When asked if children had changed in the last 30 years, Harry Allen told the reporter, "They're made of the same stuff today as 30 years ago."
After they retired, the Allens lived in Bellflower, Illinois."
"The Allens frequently appear in memoirs submitted by former residents of the Home. Harry and Faye came to ISSCS in 1939, and after only three days of observation, became house parents for the 32 boys in Lawton Cottage. They remained in their roles until they retired in 1971, with the exception of several years Harry was in the Army during World War II. Fern worked at the Home's hospital, handled the switchboard, and worked with girls during his absence. In 1939, there were more than 600 children living at ISSCS. By the time they retired, the school's population was down to 265 children.
In a March 21, 1971 story in The Pantagragh, the Allens said they "just tried to be a mother and dad to their boys," and commented that "problem children" got a little more understanding. They enjoyed working with high school boys and estimated they had served as cottage parents for more than 800 young men during their years at ISSCS. Many of their former charges faithfully kept in contact with the Allens once they left the Home.
The couple had no children of their own, and said they'd become interested in working with the children at ISSCS through friends. When asked if children had changed in the last 30 years, Harry Allen told the reporter, "They're made of the same stuff today as 30 years ago."
After they retired, the Allens lived in Bellflower, Illinois."
Harry and Faye Allen were cottage parents at the Illinois Soldiers' and Sailors' Children's Home in Normal, Illinois from 1939-1971. Their work is summed up best in "A Place We Called Home - The Illinois Soldiers' and Sailors' Children's School" which is available free at The McLean County Genealogical Society website - tmcgs.org.
"The Allens frequently appear in memoirs submitted by former residents of the Home. Harry and Faye came to ISSCS in 1939, and after only three days of observation, became house parents for the 32 boys in Lawton Cottage. They remained in their roles until they retired in 1971, with the exception of several years Harry was in the Army during World War II. Fern worked at the Home's hospital, handled the switchboard, and worked with girls during his absence. In 1939, there were more than 600 children living at ISSCS. By the time they retired, the school's population was down to 265 children.
In a March 21, 1971 story in The Pantagragh, the Allens said they "just tried to be a mother and dad to their boys," and commented that "problem children" got a little more understanding. They enjoyed working with high school boys and estimated they had served as cottage parents for more than 800 young men during their years at ISSCS. Many of their former charges faithfully kept in contact with the Allens once they left the Home.
The couple had no children of their own, and said they'd become interested in working with the children at ISSCS through friends. When asked if children had changed in the last 30 years, Harry Allen told the reporter, "They're made of the same stuff today as 30 years ago."
After they retired, the Allens lived in Bellflower, Illinois."
"The Allens frequently appear in memoirs submitted by former residents of the Home. Harry and Faye came to ISSCS in 1939, and after only three days of observation, became house parents for the 32 boys in Lawton Cottage. They remained in their roles until they retired in 1971, with the exception of several years Harry was in the Army during World War II. Fern worked at the Home's hospital, handled the switchboard, and worked with girls during his absence. In 1939, there were more than 600 children living at ISSCS. By the time they retired, the school's population was down to 265 children.
In a March 21, 1971 story in The Pantagragh, the Allens said they "just tried to be a mother and dad to their boys," and commented that "problem children" got a little more understanding. They enjoyed working with high school boys and estimated they had served as cottage parents for more than 800 young men during their years at ISSCS. Many of their former charges faithfully kept in contact with the Allens once they left the Home.
The couple had no children of their own, and said they'd become interested in working with the children at ISSCS through friends. When asked if children had changed in the last 30 years, Harry Allen told the reporter, "They're made of the same stuff today as 30 years ago."
After they retired, the Allens lived in Bellflower, Illinois."
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