Jenkins Orphanage facts for kids
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The Jenkins Orphanage, now called the Jenkins Institute For Children, was started in 1891. It was founded by Reverend Daniel Joseph Jenkins in Charleston, South Carolina. Reverend Jenkins was a businessman and a minister. He saw many street children who needed help. He decided to create a home for young African American children.
The orphanage first opened at 660 King Street. But soon, too many children needed a home, and the building became too small. In 1893, the orphanage moved to the Old Marine Hospital at 20 Franklin Street. This historic building was designed by a famous architect named Robert Mills. It was home to the orphanage until 1937. Today, the Jenkins Institute is located in North Charleston, South Carolina.
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The Famous Jenkins Orphanage Bands
The orphanage received many donations, including musical instruments. Reverend Jenkins hired two local musicians, P.M. "Hatsie" Logan and Francis Eugene Mikell. They taught the children how to play music. This made the Jenkins Orphanage Band the only Black instrumental group in South Carolina at the time.
First Performances and Tours
The band first played on the streets of Charleston. They had permission from the mayor, the police chief, and the Chamber of Commerce. The Jenkins Orphanage Band wore old uniforms from The Citadel, a military college. They traveled all over the United States and even went to England. Their performances helped raise money to support the orphanage.
Playing for Presidents and Exhibitions
The band played in the parades for Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and William Taft. They also performed at big events like the St. Louis Exposition in 1904. In 1914, they played at the Anglo-American Exposition. The band toured across the United States, from one coast to the other. They also performed in many famous cities around the world. These cities included Paris, Berlin, Rome, London, and Vienna.
Growth and Legacy
By the 1920s, there were as many as five Jenkins Orphanage bands touring at the same time! The bands continued to perform until the 1980s. The orphanage also published its own newspaper called the Charleston Messenger.
In 2003, a short film about the band was chosen for a special honor. This 10-minute film was made in 1928 by Fox Movietone News. The Library of Congress selected it for the National Film Registry. This means it was considered very important for its cultural, historical, or artistic value.
Notable Musicians from the Orphanage
Many talented musicians came from the Jenkins Orphanage. Some famous alumni include:
