Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
HILLCREST BABY FOLD: Difference between revisions
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The current administrative building was constructed in 1953-1954. In 1963 the Baby Fold was renamed Hillcrest Children's Services, reflecting the expansion of services to the community. | The current administrative building was constructed in 1953-1954. In 1963 the Baby Fold was renamed Hillcrest Children's Services, reflecting the expansion of services to the community. | ||
[[Category: Organizations]] | |||
Revision as of 03:11, 6 December 2008
HILLCREST BABY FOLD. Predecessor of the modern HILLCREST FAMILY SERVICES. The Baby Fold, essentially an orphanage, was founded in 1896 as the industrial Training School by the Women's Rescue Society of Dubuque and Dr. Nancy HILL. Unmarried pregnant women, often criticized in town, could come to the society to deliver their babies and put them up for adoption. In 1909 the school closed for lack of funds.
In 1914 Dr. Hill, growing old and concerned about the future of unwed mothers and their children, sought support from the community. The property on Asbury Road, a fourteen-room house and barn, and some money were deeded to the Iowa Conference of the Methodist Church. SAINT LUKE'S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH accepted financial responsibility with other Dubuque churches making contributions. Anna Blanche COOK, the resident deaconess at St. Luke's took charge. The establishment was known as the Deaconess Home and Baby Fold until 1924 when it was renamed the Hillcrest Baby Fold in honor of Dr. Hill.
The current administrative building was constructed in 1953-1954. In 1963 the Baby Fold was renamed Hillcrest Children's Services, reflecting the expansion of services to the community.