Central Children's Home of North Carolina facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Central Orphanage
|
|
Central Children's Home auxiliary building
|
|
 Location in North Carolina
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Antioch Dr. and Raleigh Rd. in Oxford, North Carolina |
|---|---|
| Area | 2 acres (0.81 ha) |
| Built | 1883 |
| Architectural style | Italianate |
| MPS | Granville County MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 88001257 |
| Added to NRHP | August 31, 1988 |
The Central Children's Home of North Carolina is a special place in Oxford, North Carolina. It was started way back in 1883. This home provides a safe place for young people to live and grow. It helps children and young adults who need a supportive environment.
A special historical marker stands in front of the building. It was placed there by the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources. This marker helps everyone remember the home's important history.
Contents
What the Home Does
The Central Children's Home helps children who need a safe place to live. This includes children who may not have a family home. It also helps young people who are going through a tough time.
Children usually come to the home through social services groups. These groups include the North Carolina Department of Social Services. The home accepts young people between the ages of nine and twenty-one. They focus on helping children who can benefit from their programs.
There is also a special fund called the Robert L. Shepard Scholarship Fund. It was started in 1943. This fund helps young people from the home go to college. It also helps them get training for a job.
A Look at Its History
The home first opened in 1883. It was set up as a place for African American children. This was a time when different groups of people were kept separate. The home received money from the government to get started. A group called the Colored Orphanage Association helped make it happen. Congressman Henry P. Cheatham also supported the idea.
They bought a twenty-three-acre farm just outside Oxford. It cost $1,565.00. Over time, the city grew, and now the home is part of Southern Oxford. The main building was built in 1915. It is a two-story brick building. It has a tall tower and a special design style called Italianate. Other old buildings are also on the property. One small brick building was built in 1934. It was Congressman Cheatham's office. Another L-shaped brick building was once a smokehouse.
The home's name has changed several times over the years.
- It was first called the Grant Colored Asylum.
- In 1887, it became the "Colored Orphanage Asylum of North Carolina".
- Then, in 1927, it was shortened to the "Colored Orphanage of North Carolina".
- In 1965, the name changed to the "Central Orphanage of North Carolina".
- Finally, in 1986, it got its current name: "Central Children’s Home of North Carolina".
The first person to lead the home was Robert L. Shepard. He was the superintendent. Later, Congressman Cheatham took over. He led the home for 28 years.
How the Home Gets Support
The Children's Home was started with money from the government. Today, it mostly runs on donations. People and groups from the community give money to help. A group of 30 people called the Board of Directors guides the home. They make important decisions.
Many organizations help support the home. These include:
- The General Baptist State Convention of North Carolina
- The Women's Baptist Home and Foreign Missionary Convention
- The American Legion Pilgrimage Committee
- The Prince Hall Grand Lodge
- The Grand Chapter Order of Eastern Star
Working with Other Groups
The Children's Home works with many other important groups. These connections help the home provide the best care.
- It is connected to the Child Welfare League of America (CWLA). This group helps set good standards for child care.
- It also works with the Southeastern Child Care Association.
- Another partner is the National Association of Homes and Services for Children.
- The home is approved by the Council on Accreditation. This means it meets high national standards.
- It is also licensed by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
A Historic Building
The main building of the Children's Home is very old and important. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on August 31, 1988. This list includes buildings that are important to history.
