I'm Tired Enough to Retire

Rose Blocher, in charge of the Welfare Home in Peru, Indiana, left her journals of her experiences there. She was born in July 1900. Her biography is presented. She worked there for 4.5 years. The account speaks of hard work, many children to care for, and a space of 200 acres of land. There is a narrow focus on Ruth's time during 1935. Day by day accounts are given of their activities: the children attended church and Sunday School regularly and helped with work around the home. Rose was responsible for food, laundry, sewing, cleaning, and daily activities. Another chapter deals with the children who were residents at various times, the building of the home, and finding the children. The Home consisted of a wash house, hospital, barn, and other buildings as they were added. Further chapters discuss individuals in the Home, the marriages and deaths of specific children, their work and contributions to the Home, and their religious training. Many were placed in good homes on a trial or permanent basis.