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Kids From the Home arrived today and I can’t put it down. It is wonderfully written and I am so thankful for the history. It is like reading my genealogy or the roots for the branch of my TOH family tree. I wish more stories could have been included. Maybe a sequel is in order. I’m sure there are hundreds of stories that could be told. I remember several families who do not have a story including the following: the Stone brothers, the Putnam children, several Jones & Smith families, Niblett, Vaughan, Mouzis, Blanton to mention a few. I am loving every page. Thank you for your hard work .

Mary Ann, I received my book today and I was so excited. I just finished looking over and reading my story it was great to see it in print. Thank you so much for all your hard work, the book is beautiful, what a great job you have done thanks!

I was amazed. It is great. On behalf of the entire Walker family, thanks for what you have done with this.

I was not expecting something of this quality. You had to spend countless hours on this project.

You are a delightful and talented lady. The book is well written and well organized. It is a tribute to you and to the "kids from the home."

I am so very proud to be the owner of this wonderful historical book. TOH molded me into the Christian I am today. Emotionally I have laughed and cried as I have slowly relished every word. This book could not have been accomplished ten years down the road. Many of the older residents will not be around in another decade. It is an excellent work reflecting the lives of those who lived the written script. I cannot express enough appreciation for Mary Ann and those who took time to contribute their stories. Thank you so very much.

I just love my book, especially the stories from the children. Your ability to master words and thoughts is remarkable. I still think of you as a little girl. At ninety three I am blessed to be able to remember most of the events in the book. Others should appreciate your efforts as a gift for generations to come and the children who lived at TOH should truly appreciate such a grand work honoring the kids and those associated with TOH. Thank you for all the work and to your husband for sharing you so you could undertake such a tremendous work. I just love it!

I just received “Kids From the Home.” It is amazing to think that a Gospel Advocate clipping that my mother saved helped to start such a wonderful historical story of TOH /TCH. Now I’m grateful that she saved a few things, since she died when I was seven . My mother, Rhoda Luther Wilburn died just after giving birth to my only brother who lived only one month. I wish so much that she was alive to enjoy this book.

I remember visits with my mother and Daddy at Christmas and summer time. I remember Winston and I watching television in the old Ferguson Hall. Our family visited TOH every chance we had.

After I married we visited my grandparents, the Richters, with my son who is now 42 years old. I loved TOH and the Richter family so much

I look forward to the third weekend in June for the annual reunion at TOH. 100 years old….my, my!

Our family business Anytime Fitness, located in Spring Hill is donating a copy of “Kids From the Home” for the Spring Hill Library. Susie and I both read the book and we found it thought provoking, opening our eyes toward the children, many who were classmates and friends @ SHHS. The book inspires a different perspective of the staff especially the Richters. I really never thought of my classmate and friend, Mary Ann as a writer but this was a courageous effort for her and an exceptional accomplishment. Congratulations on the 100 year celebration.

Sam, Susie, and Shannon Fuller

Anytime Fitness

Spring Hill, Tennessee

Book Review: Thomas R. Duncan, MD

The History of the Tennessee Orphan Home/Tennessee Children’s Home

Celebrating One Hundred Years of Child Care 1909-2009

Compiled by Mary Ann (Holder) Arnett

The first edition was published December 2008 and printed by Tennessee Industrial Printing of Jackson, Tennessee. Printing is of highest quality using 21^st century printing technology with durable hard cover, gold letter embossing, four color printing, digitally enhanced photographs, and judicious use of white space. The book includes a prologue written by a former child of the Spring Hill home, Mrs. Mary Ann (Holder) Arnett. Part one elucidates the history of the home. Part two contains autobiographies of 37 families who were served by the home; some of the families had up to 12 children. Part three, “The Mission Continues,” chronicles the evolution from an orphans’ home to a needy children’s home and a territorial expansion to other campuses in Tennessee including Knoxville , Jackson , and Ashland City . Part three also contains capsule comments from 14 additional families who were served by the Spring Hill Children’s Home. Pending in 2009 is assistance in establishing a new children’s home in Bela Horizonte , Brazil .

The tome weaves contemporary historical events such as presidential visits, Mule Day celebrations, world wars and the Great Depression into the biographical vignettes. It contains pathos similar to “The Grapes of Wrath” bringing tears of empathy from the reader. Mischievous stories of “Tom Sawyer” vintage initiate a few chuckles. Particularly praise worthy superintendents were the husband and wife, W.B. and Elsa Richter. The autobiographies of many of the orphaned children expressed deep affection for the Richters. Many young ladies were formally given in marriage by them. They taught both the boys and the girls how to swim, a much needed skill because of the large Spring Hill campus lake.

In summary, the book is fascinating reading, is meticulously researched and documented and contains a wealth of historical and genealogical data.

***

Mary Ann,

I was simply blown away by the book. I want four more signed copies. You are a story that needs to be shared. I am so proud to call you my friend.

Always, Autumn