Chapin Hall Orphanage Chicago Il My First visit

In 1967, at the age of 3, both my parents abandoned me. They left me with "The Baby Sitter" and never came back.

 I became a ward of the state, and spent the next 4 years in foster care.  Spending the last 3 of those years with one family. Then in the summer of  1971 at the age of 7 my foster dad's job was transferred to another state. I couldn't go with, so I was placed at Chapin Hall Center for kids.

As was custom, I visited the orphanage before being placed.
I took a tour of the grounds that would soon be my playground. I saw kids of every age, and I saw LOTS of them.
Some were riding their bikes. Some were playing kittenball. Some were just hanging out. 
 I ate lunch in the Main Boys cottage with the boys that would soon be my cottage brothers. I left with the impression that  it was like FUNLAND. 


Chapin Hall Alumni Group on Facebook  (this is a private group for former residents, and staff of Chapin Hall Orphanage)

Chapin Hall Orphanage Chicago Il

I dedicate this blog to ALL alumni of Chapin Hall Orphanage in Chicago Il.

Chapin Hall was, and still is, a big part of who I am. Growing up in an orphanage isn't something one forgets EVER!

There were A LOT of good times, but there were also some very terrifying times. I'll tell you about both.


Also if you are a former resident or a staff member of Chapin, please join us on our Chapin Hall Orphanage Group page on Facebook.