THE BETHEL ORPHANAGE
A Worthy Institution Which Needs Financial Aid from Every Possible Source.
The Bethel Orphanage in Osceola, Tioga county, is located in the central part of the town. It is a large square
comfortable home. A lawn of nearly two acres, well shaded by beautiful old trees, is the playground for the
little folks.
On entering this comfortable home one is at once pleased with the large airy yet cozy living-rooms, the spacious
well-lighted dining-room, where three times daily the happy, hungry, family gathers around the tables to give
thanks for the blessings of the day. Thence on to the kitchen, where also, three times each day, the matron,
Mrs. Outman, with the help of the older girls, prepares and serves the wholesome food (which, by the way, is nearly
all donated) for twenty-four children, each with a growing appetite.
The sleeping apartments up-stairs have recently been equipped with single beds. There is a dormitory for the
boys and one for the girls. A few separate rooms are used in time of illness and one for a nursery. This home was
started in August, 1917, but two years ago a charter was granted. It is non-sectarian and is open to homeless
and neglected children, without regard to race, color or creed. As it was founded strictly for destitute children,
it does not take children to board other than those from the County Home. Since it was started 55 children have
been admitted, the oldest fourteen years and the youngest three weeks old. Twenty-one of this number were from Tioga
county. Seventeen have been adopted into permanent homes. Many applications for adoption are received; but all
cannot be filled, because of ages requested. The rules for eligible parents are necessarily rigid, as the future
welfare of the child must be well considered.
The children attend the Osceola school, which is near enough for them to come home for luncheon. When they are
ready for High School they go to Elkland, a mile away.
Last spring Mrs. Outman made 32 dresses out of new material, besides many others that were made over.
Now that the cold weather is approaching many coats will be needed for the girls, and it occurs to the writer that
the county organizations who have so loyally assisted in the past would be pleased to know that an opportunity again
awaits their services. Many of the county schools and churches last year gathered and donated vegetables, fruit,
clothing and money. Such offerings, and money especially, are always gratefully received.
Thus far there has been no specified aid from the county or state. When one realizes that this noble work is
carried on by the free will offering of the people, we are reminded that: "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the
least of these, my brethren, ye have done it unto Me!" "If thou hast much give plenteously, If thou hast little, do
thy diligence gladly to give of that little."
These little, happy, smiling faces seem to make a silent appeal to the hearts of everyone. To help make the lives
of these children worth while is our duty and pleasure.
The board of directors live in various parts of the county and one wishing more information in regard to the home
will find listed below the names of the directors with addresses: F. J. Wood, Knoxville; B. W. White, Elkland;
J. K. Outman, Osceola; S. Y. Doumaux, Wellsboro; H. C. Close, Lawrenceville; A. H. Vosburg, Mansfield;
W. B. Leete, Addison, N. Y.; C. E. Wilson, Campbell, N. Y. The following are the officers: F. J. Wood, President;
B. W. White, Vice-President and Secretary; J. K. Outman, Treasurer.
All who feel inclined to help this worthy cause may leave or send contribution of money to S. Y. Doumaux, of
Wellsboro.
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