I wish we could hold another graduation ceremony for that sweet man, and all be there and cheer him as he walks out to give him an happy graduation memory
douglass byrd (papa doug) was my grandpa. he died last year. i never got to see him years before his passing, and i was quite young the last time i saw him. he was a good, smart, kindhearted man who loved his recliner haha. i dont have many pictures or videos or anything of him, so im very thankful for this documentary.
I am proud to say that I initiated and was an executive producer on the film Homecoming: The Forgotten World of America’s Orphanages. Several commenters have related how they were moved to laughter and tears by the film, a tribute to the dedicated work and artistry of George Cawood, the director, and the Burbank-based production team he assembled, including Sheila Moreland, film editor, and Adam Hauck, producer. Viewers around the country have been especially touched by the “star” of the film, Nelson Farmer, who at one point, when reflecting on his high school graduation, lamented with tears in his eyes, “There was no one there for me.” Several commenters wondered if Nelson had found later in life the love and support from his own family that he missed at his graduation. Indeed, he did. Nelson had a long marriage to the love of his life, had children and grandchildren, and lived long enough to know and love his great grandchildren. I grew up in Nelson’s orphanage. Although I was not his contemporary, Nelson and I became close friends through our annual homecomings and the lunches we had when my travels took me back to North Carolina. I can assure you that Nelson in life was one of the most remarkable people you could ever meet-humble, calm, funny, giving, gracious, and full of life in an understated way. All who knew him would say the same. Production team members said the same. Nelson died in 2010 at the age of 88, after suffering a blood disorder for years, practically from the first time Homecoming aired on PBS. Did he find the love he missed after his graduation? You bet. At his memorial service, the church overflowed with admirers (including many alumni) who were full of Nelson stories they related. I had all of Nelson’s scenes from Homecoming collected for a video tribute for a showing at the service. The attendees laughed and sniffled. When the video ended, all jumped to their feet in a standing ovation with thunderous applause, hardly common at memorial services. We all can only wish for the level of love from so many family members and friends that Nelson felt and inspired in his life. He was buried next to his beloved wife in the orphanage cemetery. Richard McKenzie (mckenzie@uci.edu)
@@Juliemorgana Thanks. Not sure how I can do what you ask. I have alerted commenters who mention Nelson to my comments on his life. I will continue to contemplate options. So far, my comments have been At the top of recent comments.
That was a beautiful tribute to who must have been an amazing man. Thanks so much for sharing this. I don’t remember the year (already) but weren’t y’all of the “Greatest Generation”? My parents were both born in the mid thirties & mama always said they were “on the coat-tails” of it but both had brothers in the war (ww2) I’ve heard many stories of that era & this one (also) made me cry. Thanks again for sharing! ❤
What a tremendous film! Our nation so desperately needs to look at better ways to serve children in difficult circumstances. This film does an incredible job of showing examples of how places such as the children's homes highlighted in the film were a safe haven and tremendous option for the children in their care. Dr. Richard McKenzie's printed works further support the many benefits these homes provided to their students who very often went on to to live happy, healthy, successful, and productive lives.
So good to finally hear about childrens homes that helped the children, cared for them and treated them well. Until i watched this i had only heard horror stories.
My stepdad was raised in an orphanage in the twenties and thirties and he always said how wonderful it was and what a great time he had with the kids and the nuns were really nice to them...
IN Scotland, PA there was a similar home "Scotland School for Veterans Children," started also in 1865 by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to care for orphans of the civil war. School was closed in 2009 after generations of children passed through their doors. Being a 1967 graduate of SSVC this documentary brought back so many great memories and indeed the love for our fellow school mates that we are all brothers and sisters. There was 550 children at that time and each of us will see a piece of ourselves in this documentary. Well done Mr. McKenzie. Looked for this because I read your article in the Wall Street Journal, Thursday, December 23.
*I've never heard anything but horror stories about the Orphanages of yesteryear. It's so good to see that wasn't always the case. Lovely people.* @56:00 😭🤧 **tears** *His recollection of not having anyone at his graduation broke my heart.*
To the people who created this documentary and to those who participated, please know what an extraordinary gift u have given the world with your uplifting stories, overflowing with genuine appreciation and gratitude. I invested only 60 short minutes of my evening learning about such special places and people, and I will never be the same. The world is a much better place because u are in it, and I will absolutely be a better human being as a result. There are not words eloquent enough to truly convey the depth of how overwhelmingly precious, priceless, and irreplaceable you all are. Thank u for bringing such light and positivity into my life and to all the lives you touch. If you ever wonder whether you've made a difference....you have.
Hi there! I'm the director of this film and really appreciate this thoughtful comment. Really glad you enjoyed it and found it meaningful. When we made it, the whole team had very similar feelings to what you've expressed here. I'm very curious to know how you came upon it? We made it some years ago and I hadn't really thought about it too much until recently, as it came up in relation to a charity project I'm working on and it seems to have a lot of recent views. Would love to understand where the exposure is coming from! Thanks again!
@@georgecawood3457 Hi George! To be honest I think it may have come up in my reccomended list since it seems I watch a pretty excessive amount of videos about adoption. LOL! However, since that day, I have forwarded it to a ton of people who could have created a nice ripple effect of passing it on also. :-) You should know that u really have changed the world for the better and it sounds like u are continuing to do so. I would absolutely love to hear more about the charity you're working with now and I may even have some interest in donating to the cause. Furthermore, some of the other fine viewers and commenters here may like to donate also. :-) I hope u have a fabulous day, and a fabulous life! You definitely deserve it!
@@jootloops2490 Thanks for getting back to me! The Charity is "School on Wheels" (schoolonwheels.org) which provides tutoring services to children of homeless families. Currently they operate primarily in S. California but I believe are looking to expand into other regions. Much like making homecoming, it's been eye-opening and a process of discovery in that my own general perception of 'Homelessness' isn't really the full picture. We've met some really fantastic but struggling people. And of course with Covid, things are even harder, and they've switched to remote platforms etc. which is logistically complicated. Once the pieces we are filming are done Ill share them on here as well. And thank you for sharing Homecoming, it's nice to see the film having a resurgence! It was a labor of love that started almost 15 years ago, but hopefully still holds up! Have a great night!
@@georgecawood3457 Wow! You are tackling a tough one. The best part is that even if u impact only one child, every single effort will have been worth it! Education is the ONLY way out of poverty and it has exponentially positive effects! One of the best books I have ever read is 3 Cups of Tea, and it blew my mind what education can do. In fact, it was hard for me to even finish reading it since the guy who wrote it completely neglects his own family. BUT, even though his good works dont absolve him of that neglect, nobody can dispute the undeniable good he has done in the world. :-) Education truly is like giving a rocket ship to someone who is walking, and it is the golden ticket that can take you anywhere your mind can dream of! The sky is not even the limit for a human being with an education.
I LOVED this video. It really brings back what life was like back then. Now all we get is government interference and are now unable to care for ourselves without all of that government interference!! I loved the morals and ethics, the work-hard attitude, the togetherness! Oh, if only we could all be as upright and strong today!
I was born in Greenwood SC and heard my mother speak admiringly of Connie Maxwell Childrens home all the time. So much so that she always said if she left my father...they had nonstop drama...she would put me there...until she could get back for me. She never did so but my grandfather was put in a home in early 1900s and had a negative experience...not this home. However that place was always well spoken of in Greenwood
Was to told I lost my Mom when I was age 3-4 , and had to been taken in by my Uncle who took care of me all through my education. Even though I got the best of treatment, it could never replace the love from once own biological parents. It was in difficult moment I was searching for something to give me that sense of love that I came across this documentary. I cried although hearing their different stories some of which I had experienced myself. Thank you for giving this people the opportunity of sharing their stories it has really been inspiring . ❤ from Nigeria 🇳🇬
This was so touching. Thank you for posting. The people we saw seem like such good, humble, upstanding people. Seems these type of people are getting harder and harder to come across.....
I remember several kids at Merrywood elementary school in Greenwood from Connie Maxwell in the 1970s. I especially recall a little boy named Dennis who was quite cute in Mrs Barmores class
What a touching film, I was weeping with every individual recounting their heartaches! Thank you for this insight into such a wholesome humanitarian effort! My heart goes out to all these lovely people.
I wish more children would watch these types of shows as they give good connections for their futures! I'm a 64 year old gaby boomer and my friends and I say we would go back to what we had then anyday! So after all these generations seem to want that! I'm a single mom of one 39 yr old son that just shacked up last month! Go figure that one out things are not the same & hopefully will realize this soon before the end of family values!
I so appreciate this documentary! my father was in the Illinois Soldiers and Sailors home but my mother never let us ask him about it. After she passed my father opened up more and I recall him saying he liked it there, that it wasn't bad at all. I never got details so this documentary filled in alot of gaps. Thank you and God Bless all who were fortunate to have a home and family after knowing what they could have endured. I too wish we still had places like these for our struggling families. Section 8, food stamps, foster care and other government programs I don't think instill the values these children received. Not saying all foster programs, but seems much good has been lost over the years. ❤🙏❤🙏❤🙏
Would you mind letting me know your dad’s name? I got to know a number of ISS alumni when I was asked to talk at homecoming and then to be with the production crew as they filmed Homecoming. Great great group and place, as you know.
Simple, practical love in the life of a child really makes a difference. That’s what I saw in this documentary. Too bad people are too busy with their love of fun and possessions, rather than children. Perhaps affluence is actually a curse to most: you can’t buy love.
Oh my goodness, I am crying my eyes out . Bless their hearts . Even though they talk about how they were blessed to be put there...it will still break your heart. Just hearing about each story about how or why they were placed at the orphanage is sad . Even when the one man talks about leaving high school and no one was waiting on him ..... awww I balled my eyes out . 😢😭 But.... it's so wonderful that it made them the wonderful people whom they are today. The first man that is interviewed is my favorite. I love him. He reminds me of my Pawpaw . Always so soft spoken and caring. So glad this was shared !! Thank you !! ❤
My mothers borned 1933 and two of her siblings was put in orphanage's and foster home's. What bothers me is her mother went on with another man and had 6 more children and never took the first three back. Her mom lived in the same place and had family in that area. Mendenhall's from Iowa.
A wonderfully told story, so glad it was a 'good orphanage' experience for the children. I was born & raised in Kentucky & remember a story our mother told us about some of her relatives (not close/immediate family) had passed away & couple of their children was put in a Soldier's & Sailors Home. But I don't remember what state it was in. For some reason I keep thinking it was in Louisville, Kentucky. But not sure AT ALL if that's right. Maybe someone here knows ? I remember when some grocery stores used to give little baby chicks, colored, for Easter. I got one,named it Super Sack, after the store it came from. When it got bigger it chased me & flogged me, my mom killed it & it was dinner.
What a BEAUTIFUL film!! So uplifting!! So funny to come to the end of a movie about orphanages and find myself crying my eyes out at the beauty of humanity. And feeling sort of sorry for myself. Wishing that I had had a place growing up. And that I had a family. I grew up with two Highly Narcissistic parents and I was more of an orphan than these people were!! Still am. God bless them I'm not really envious because at 55 I finally figured out what was wrong with me because of what was wrong with my parents. And I have fixed me and figured out that they will never be fixed which has turned out to be okay. I would just like to say that having a primary birth family does not necessarily mean that you're going to grow up feeling safe and secure and being well-adjusted. Lots of things happen in lots of configurations in life turn out with different results it's all a matter of our will and what's in our hearts and what God has for us in this crazy life. Be happy❤
The alumni in the film were in their homes in the early 1960s and before. Children’s home changed greatly after the mid-1960s. When did you live in your children’s home? I initiated the Homecoming film project. Richard McKenzie
That Picture!! Of those boys & their fort/cabin (?) ( we called em forts) Imagine one of em havin a Camera that day! That’s Priceless. It broke my heart they had to take it Apart!! After All that Work 😢 It does sound like somethin my Daddy would do too. He always said…” if it Don’t Belong to you, Keep your Hands Off of it”! Stealin was a major biggie with him & he never made any idle threats. He would have done the same if my brother had done that-no doubt about it. Oh well at least the boys learned a Lesson! Great Picture anyway!✌️
This was very well done, thank you for sharing it with us. I feel like I want to be friends with all of the adults in this video (I know it’s from 2004, but still...).
God bless them all. ...I think sometimes hardship produces better people... maybe the old orphanages sometimes were a better option than foster care...more oversight..I’m sure glad they had these places...
We need orphanages today. The foster system is a failure. Children are abandoned on the streets and become criminals. The orphanage system was humanely run. It should be reinstituted, though it is unlikely. Because government has taken the place of private charity. And these homes were run on private charity and the kindness of decent adults.
All of you should write down what makes a great children's home a rule book of sorts let everyone know how because we DONT KNOW HOW! I would love to find a way to help all I the single parents it's my life's dream . I need guidance
This is really depressing. So sad really. These children should have been able to be in happy and well adjusted families. It's just heartbreaking. I feel that it is sugar coating the orphanage experience to act like it's not a big deal to be raised in an institution.
No one that is in the foster care system for long believes it works. Not the jugdes, the lawyers, the case workers, the foster parents, or the kids. There's a reason judges call them the plastic bag brigade.
I wish we could hold another graduation ceremony for that sweet man, and all be there and cheer him as he walks out to give him an happy graduation memory
Wouldn't that be SPLENDIFEROUS?? 😢😮😂
douglass byrd (papa doug) was my grandpa. he died last year. i never got to see him years before his passing, and i was quite young the last time i saw him. he was a good, smart, kindhearted man who loved his recliner haha. i dont have many pictures or videos or anything of him, so im very thankful for this documentary.
I am proud to say that I initiated and was an executive producer on the film Homecoming: The Forgotten World of America’s Orphanages. Several commenters have related how they were moved to laughter and tears by the film, a tribute to the dedicated work and artistry of George Cawood, the director, and the Burbank-based production team he assembled, including Sheila Moreland, film editor, and Adam Hauck, producer.
Viewers around the country have been especially touched by the “star” of the film, Nelson Farmer, who at one point, when reflecting on his high school graduation, lamented with tears in his eyes, “There was no one there for me.” Several commenters wondered if Nelson had found later in life the love and support from his own family that he missed at his graduation. Indeed, he did. Nelson had a long marriage to the love of his life, had children and grandchildren, and lived long enough to know and love his great grandchildren.
I grew up in Nelson’s orphanage. Although I was not his contemporary, Nelson and I became close friends through our annual homecomings and the lunches we had when my travels took me back to North Carolina. I can assure you that Nelson in life was one of the most remarkable people you could ever meet-humble, calm, funny, giving, gracious, and full of life in an understated way. All who knew him would say the same. Production team members said the same.
Nelson died in 2010 at the age of 88, after suffering a blood disorder for years, practically from the first time Homecoming aired on PBS. Did he find the love he missed after his graduation? You bet. At his memorial service, the church overflowed with admirers (including many alumni) who were full of Nelson stories they related. I had all of Nelson’s scenes from Homecoming collected for a video tribute for a showing at the service. The attendees laughed and sniffled. When the video ended, all jumped to their feet in a standing ovation with thunderous applause, hardly common at memorial services. We all can only wish for the level of love from so many family members and friends that Nelson felt and inspired in his life.
He was buried next to his beloved wife in the orphanage cemetery.
Richard McKenzie (mckenzie@uci.edu)
Maybe you can "pin" your comment to the top of the comment section, Richard McKenzie? It was good to hear how Nelson Farmer did in his later life.
@@Juliemorgana Thanks. Not sure how I can do what you ask. I have alerted commenters who mention Nelson to my comments on his life. I will continue to contemplate options. So far, my comments have been At the top of recent comments.
Thank you for all of that.....it touched me deeply....and that's not easy to do.
Wow. Thank you so much Mr. McKenzie.
That was a beautiful tribute to who must have been an amazing man. Thanks so much for sharing this. I don’t remember the year (already) but weren’t y’all of the “Greatest Generation”? My parents were both born in the mid thirties & mama always said they were “on the coat-tails” of it but both had brothers in the war (ww2) I’ve heard many stories of that era & this one (also) made me cry. Thanks again for sharing! ❤
What a tremendous film! Our nation so desperately needs to look at better ways to serve children in difficult circumstances. This film does an incredible job of showing examples of how places such as the children's homes highlighted in the film were a safe haven and tremendous option for the children in their care. Dr. Richard McKenzie's printed works further support the many benefits these homes provided to their students who very often went on to to live happy, healthy, successful, and productive lives.
So good to finally hear about childrens homes that helped the children, cared for them and treated them well. Until i watched this i had only heard horror stories.
My stepdad was raised in an orphanage in the twenties and thirties and he always said how wonderful it was and what a great time he had with the kids and the nuns were really nice to them...
I am so glad to have found this 20-year-old documentary. What a memorable, touching film you made.
I was in a Home for Children. It was called WILMER HALL . Loved that place!
GOD BLESS THESE BEAUTIFUL CHILDREN AND THOSE THAT LOVED THEM🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻
IN Scotland, PA there was a similar home "Scotland School for Veterans Children," started also in 1865 by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to care for orphans of the civil war. School was closed in 2009 after generations of children passed through their doors. Being a 1967 graduate of SSVC this documentary brought back so many great memories and indeed the love for our fellow school mates that we are all brothers and sisters. There was 550 children at that time and each of us will see a piece of ourselves in this documentary. Well done Mr. McKenzie. Looked for this because I read your article in the Wall Street Journal, Thursday, December 23.
Amazing how in old age, the memories of childhood - both fond and hurtful - are felt about as intense as back then. The brain is amazing.
*I've never heard anything but horror stories about the Orphanages of yesteryear. It's so good to see that wasn't always the case. Lovely people.*
@56:00 😭🤧 **tears**
*His recollection of not having anyone at his graduation broke my heart.*
That got me too !! Bless his heart !! 😢😭❤
Nobody at my graduation but it didn't bother me at all.
Our family was pretty dysfunctional.
There were so many times that I wanted to reach thru the screen to hug that man, and to tell him I love him and that he is not alone.
Wasnt he a sweetheart...he was so lovely
To the people who created this documentary and to those who participated, please know what an extraordinary gift u have given the world with your uplifting stories, overflowing with genuine appreciation and gratitude. I invested only 60 short minutes of my evening learning about such special places and people, and I will never be the same. The world is a much better place because u are in it, and I will absolutely be a better human being as a result. There are not words eloquent enough to truly convey the depth of how overwhelmingly precious, priceless, and irreplaceable you all are. Thank u for bringing such light and positivity into my life and to all the lives you touch. If you ever wonder whether you've made a difference....you have.
Beautiful words
Hi there! I'm the director of this film and really appreciate this thoughtful comment. Really glad you enjoyed it and found it meaningful. When we made it, the whole team had very similar feelings to what you've expressed here. I'm very curious to know how you came upon it? We made it some years ago and I hadn't really thought about it too much until recently, as it came up in relation to a charity project I'm working on and it seems to have a lot of recent views. Would love to understand where the exposure is coming from! Thanks again!
@@georgecawood3457 Hi George! To be honest I think it may have come up in my reccomended list since it seems I watch a pretty excessive amount of videos about adoption. LOL! However, since that day, I have forwarded it to a ton of people who could have created a nice ripple effect of passing it on also. :-) You should know that u really have changed the world for the better and it sounds like u are continuing to do so. I would absolutely love to hear more about the charity you're working with now and I may even have some interest in donating to the cause. Furthermore, some of the other fine viewers and commenters here may like to donate also. :-) I hope u have a fabulous day, and a fabulous life! You definitely deserve it!
@@jootloops2490 Thanks for getting back to me! The Charity is "School on Wheels" (schoolonwheels.org) which provides tutoring services to children of homeless families. Currently they operate primarily in S. California but I believe are looking to expand into other regions. Much like making homecoming, it's been eye-opening and a process of discovery in that my own general perception of 'Homelessness' isn't really the full picture. We've met some really fantastic but struggling people. And of course with Covid, things are even harder, and they've switched to remote platforms etc. which is logistically complicated. Once the pieces we are filming are done Ill share them on here as well. And thank you for sharing Homecoming, it's nice to see the film having a resurgence! It was a labor of love that started almost 15 years ago, but hopefully still holds up! Have a great night!
@@georgecawood3457 Wow! You are tackling a tough one. The best part is that even if u impact only one child, every single effort will have been worth it! Education is the ONLY way out of poverty and it has exponentially positive effects! One of the best books I have ever read is 3 Cups of Tea, and it blew my mind what education can do. In fact, it was hard for me to even finish reading it since the guy who wrote it completely neglects his own family. BUT, even though his good works dont absolve him of that neglect, nobody can dispute the undeniable good he has done in the world. :-) Education truly is like giving a rocket ship to someone who is walking, and it is the golden ticket that can take you anywhere your mind can dream of! The sky is not even the limit for a human being with an education.
That one man talking about graduation and how there wasnt anyone there for him breaks my heart. I just want to give him a huge hug. That poor man
Me too
Me 2
Maybe he’s found that love in his own family...I hope that for him..
See my comment on Nelson Farmer’s life after filming in the thread of comments. I was an executive producer on the film project.
Made me cry
I LOVED this video. It really brings back what life was like back then. Now all we get is government interference and are now unable to care for ourselves without all of that government interference!! I loved the morals and ethics, the work-hard attitude, the togetherness! Oh, if only we could all be as upright and strong today!
I was born in Greenwood SC and heard my mother speak admiringly of Connie Maxwell Childrens home all the time. So much so that she always said if she left my father...they had nonstop drama...she would put me there...until she could get back for me. She never did so but my grandfather was put in a home in early 1900s and had a negative experience...not this home. However that place was always well spoken of in Greenwood
Was to told I lost my Mom when I was age 3-4 , and had to been taken in by my Uncle who took care of me all through my education. Even though I got the best of treatment, it could never replace the love from once own biological parents. It was in difficult moment I was searching for something to give me that sense of love that I came across this documentary. I cried although hearing their different stories some of which I had experienced myself. Thank you for giving this people the opportunity of sharing their stories it has really been inspiring . ❤ from Nigeria 🇳🇬
This was so touching. Thank you for posting. The people we saw seem like such good, humble, upstanding people. Seems these type of people are getting harder and harder to come across.....
You are right. Before the victim and entitlement "mentalities.". Respectful, sense of personal dignity, and strong moral compasses.
Why does this not have 300 million views?
Good question!!! Tell all your friends! -George
Nice to see that choldren were well cared for and there was not all nasty stuff
I remember several kids at Merrywood elementary school in Greenwood from Connie Maxwell in the 1970s. I especially recall a little boy named Dennis who was quite cute in Mrs Barmores class
What a touching film, I was weeping with every individual recounting their heartaches! Thank you for this insight into such a wholesome humanitarian effort! My heart goes out to all these lovely people.
I wish more children would watch these types of shows as they give good connections for their futures! I'm a 64 year old gaby boomer and my friends and I say we would go back to what we had then anyday! So after all these generations seem to want that! I'm a single mom of one 39 yr old son that just shacked up last month! Go figure that one out things are not the same & hopefully will realize this soon before the end of family values!
Thank you all for sharing...makes me wish i was there with you!
excellent reflections of life. my thanks to the storytellers.
I’m sad that extended families were not available to these precious kids. However, glad the orphanage stepped up and cared. Thank you, Lord. 🙏
Wonderful stories. Beautiful people. God bless them all. 💖
I so appreciate this documentary! my father was in the Illinois Soldiers and Sailors home but my mother never let us ask him about it. After she passed my father opened up more and I recall him saying he liked it there, that it wasn't bad at all. I never got details so this documentary filled in alot of gaps.
Thank you and God Bless all who were fortunate to have a home and family after knowing what they could have endured.
I too wish we still had places like these for our struggling families. Section 8, food stamps, foster care and other government programs I don't think instill the values these children received.
Not saying all foster programs, but seems much good has been lost over the years.
❤🙏❤🙏❤🙏
Would you mind letting me know your dad’s name? I got to know a number of ISS alumni when I was asked to talk at homecoming and then to be with the production crew as they filmed Homecoming. Great great group and place, as you know.
@@richardmckenzieHerbert Oliver Nelson and his sister Jessie Nelson
Simple, practical love in the life of a child really makes a difference. That’s what I saw in this documentary. Too bad people are too busy with their love of fun and possessions, rather than children. Perhaps affluence is actually a curse to most: you can’t buy love.
God blessings to all children who are in this world with no loving mom and dad!
So powerful, so well-done, terrific sound track. Thank you.
Oh my goodness, I am crying my eyes out . Bless their hearts . Even though they talk about how they were blessed to be put there...it will still break your heart. Just hearing about each story about how or why they were placed at the orphanage is sad . Even when the one man talks about leaving high school and no one was waiting on him ..... awww I balled my eyes out . 😢😭 But.... it's so wonderful that it made them the wonderful people whom they are today. The first man that is interviewed is my favorite. I love him. He reminds me of my Pawpaw . Always so soft spoken and caring. So glad this was shared !! Thank you !! ❤
See my comment on Nelson Farmer’s life after filming. I was an executive producer on the film project.
Thank you for the great start to a good soul
What a wonderful film!
My mothers borned 1933 and two of her siblings was put in orphanage's and foster home's. What bothers me is her mother went on with another man and had 6 more children and never took the first three back. Her mom lived in the same place and had family in that area. Mendenhall's from Iowa.
Wonderful film of good memories ❣️🥰
Thank you to each one of you for sharing your life with us. You made me smile,laugh and cry. You all are precious.
God bless you.
How awesome and uplifting this has been! So happy for those amazing people who had the opportunity at some normalcy in their lives!!
Really enjoyed watching this documentary. Thanks for sharing your experiences growing up.
It seems these stories all tied together, with the amazing adults of the home, would make a tremendous TV series.
What an amazing documentary. I throughly enjoyed watching. God is Good.
I loved this!
Kirsten Reddoch yyy
A wonderfully told story, so glad it was a 'good orphanage' experience for the children.
I was born & raised in Kentucky & remember a story our mother told us about some of her relatives (not close/immediate family) had passed away & couple of their children was put in a Soldier's & Sailors Home. But I don't remember what state it was in. For some reason I keep thinking it was in Louisville, Kentucky. But not sure AT ALL if that's right. Maybe someone here knows ?
I remember when some grocery stores used to give little baby chicks, colored, for Easter. I got one,named it Super Sack, after the store it came from. When it got bigger it chased me & flogged me, my mom killed it & it was dinner.
😂😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣
What a BEAUTIFUL film!! So uplifting!! So funny to come to the end of a movie about orphanages and find myself crying my eyes out at the beauty of humanity.
And feeling sort of sorry for myself. Wishing that I had had a place growing up. And that I had a family. I grew up with two Highly Narcissistic parents and I was more of an orphan than these people were!! Still am. God bless them I'm not really envious because at 55 I finally figured out what was wrong with me because of what was wrong with my parents. And I have fixed me and figured out that they will never be fixed which has turned out to be okay.
I would just like to say that having a primary birth family does not necessarily mean that you're going to grow up feeling safe and secure and being well-adjusted. Lots of things happen in lots of configurations in life turn out with different results it's all a matter of our will and what's in our hearts and what God has for us in this crazy life. Be happy❤
They all have such beautiful hearts! Such warm. humble people. Love! 💝
How lovely, I wish I was a homer ,such good endings for so many .
These stories are so important to share how people adapted when life gave no options.
Good Christian loving people ran this orphanage. Finally! A good story of yesterday year orphanage
I wish my time in the children's home was as good .
The alumni in the film were in their homes in the early 1960s and before. Children’s home changed greatly after the mid-1960s. When did you live in your children’s home? I initiated the Homecoming film project. Richard McKenzie
I really enjoyed this video! Ty
This was sucking astoundingly good video documentary thank you
I really loved this, thank you so much for sharing your stories. 🥰
Thank God for all the wonderful people who made a difference in these people's lives!!!!
Wonderful story , I fully enjoyed it
The guy who thought the prison guard might be his father 😞😢
I have watched many many documentaries and this is by far the best!
Thank you! May I ask how you came across the film?
This is awsome!
That Picture!! Of those boys & their fort/cabin (?) ( we called em forts) Imagine one of em havin a Camera that day! That’s Priceless. It broke my heart they had to take it Apart!! After All that Work 😢 It does sound like somethin my Daddy would do too. He always said…” if it Don’t Belong to you, Keep your Hands Off of it”! Stealin was a major biggie with him & he never made any idle threats. He would have done the same if my brother had done that-no doubt about it. Oh well at least the boys learned a Lesson! Great Picture anyway!✌️
I think the children's homes should make a come back I think Foster care is fine for little one's,
Very interesting. Thank you.
This was very well done, thank you for sharing it with us. I feel like I want to be friends with all of the adults in this video (I know it’s from 2004, but still...).
God bless them all. ...I think sometimes hardship produces better people... maybe the old orphanages sometimes were a better option than foster care...more oversight..I’m sure glad they had these places...
Just having new clothes, a clean bed of your own, a bunch of others who became your buddies….sounds like HEAVEN to me!
SOS Children’s homes seem to have a very good program. ...smaller scaled..
I came across this on my home page of TH-cam
Thank you!
We need orphanages today. The foster system is a failure. Children are abandoned on the streets and become criminals. The orphanage system was humanely run. It should be reinstituted, though it is unlikely. Because government has taken the place of private charity. And these homes were run on private charity and the kindness of decent adults.
“A Nation’s Greatness Is Measured By How It Treats Its Weakest Members” America Is failing badly. 😢
This is so lovely
Thank you!
One of my childhood friends was reared in our local children’s home,
Music is too loud to hear that narration.
Turn the sound way down and turn on CC.
All of you should write down what makes a great children's home a rule book of sorts let everyone know how because we DONT KNOW HOW! I would love to find a way to help all I the single parents it's my life's dream . I need guidance
Reality....
Love this the last guy very funny
No victims in this story. Only victors. Hard times create strong people.
How horrible to just have a car pull up and “take you” and then drive off.
This is really depressing. So sad really. These children should have been able to be in happy and well adjusted families. It's just heartbreaking. I feel that it is sugar coating the orphanage experience to act like it's not a big deal to be raised in an institution.
Actually, they weren't. These were the stories the people told. They had a hard time finding those with negative stories.
No one that is in the foster care system for long believes it works. Not the jugdes, the lawyers, the case workers, the foster parents, or the kids. There's a reason judges call them the plastic bag brigade.
Im thankful there weren't bad stories regarding these homes.. God really blessed them,