A past Gillis resident named Robert Winger recently sent
us a letter about his time here at Gillis. Robert lived at Gillis from 1937-1946
and since leaving Gillis spent 7 years preparing for the Christian Ministries
and 52 years as a Pastor. His story takes us back in time to a Gillis after the
Great Depression. We are so happy to hear the years he spent at Gillis had such
a positive impact on his life. Thanks Robert for sharing your story!
GILLIS HOME - MY HOME
AS I REMEMBER IT - 70 YEARS LATER!
ROBERT E. WINGER
Would you believe me if I told you I have about eighty
brothers and sisters? Probably not. However, that’s what I often tell people.
The truth is I only had one real brother. However, because my parents were not
physically or financially able to care for me, I grew up at Gillis Home. I came
to Gillis at the end of the Great Depression and lived there during all of
World War II. When my brother came back from the war in 1946 he became by
guardian. As a child at Gillis I was never without friends. I fondly remember
the names of many, some with whom I still keep in touch.
When I arrived at Gillis Home, in 1937, the beautiful and
spacious grounds were attractive and inviting. Gillis was operated by the Women’s
Christian Association, and was located just outside the city limits of Kansas
City, Missouri. The home began in 1870 and was originally located at 8th
and Troost, and was moved in 1927 to the present location at 8150 Wornall Road,
South of Waldo. Transportation was convenient from anywhere in KC by way of the
historic Country Club and Dodson street car lines.
On the grounds four beautiful and modern brick buildings
were built to care for the growing number of needy children in the Kansas City
area. The first building housed the administration offices and contained three
stories with living quarters for the superintendent and staff, the infirmary
and dental office and laundry room. This building also included a very large
meeting room with a stage where all of the children would gather for special
events which were held often throughout the year. They provided wonderful programs
for our entertainment as well as religious services and a variety of other
activities.
All of the children lived in three huge cottages on the
circle drive. The outside appearance of these cottages was identical. They were
two stories high and housed about 25 children in each one. The Central Cottage
was reserved for the very young children. The older girls lived in the East
Cottage and the older boys lived in the West Cottage. The main floor of each
cottage had a foyer, kitchen and dining room, library with study tables, a
family room with comfortable furniture and a very large general-purpose
recreational room with a fireplace and an attached portico. There were two very
large dormitory rooms on either end of the second floor, where we slept and
kept our few personal possessions in a small locker. Our cottage housemother
had her living quarters between the dormitories and was always available.
We were all well fed and clothed, had good health and
dental care, lots of opportunities for play and exercise. We took trips to the
zoo, art gallery, circus and had many other special activities. We attended the
public schools and local churches in the area. Community organizations and
philanthropic individuals shared with us. We were able to participate in far
more activities than thousands of other children who were not blessed by living
at Gillis Home.
I am and always will be grateful that MY HOME was GILLIS HOME!
