Waco State Home Stories: Not Orphans (Jack and Doris Smothers Series in Texas History, Life, and Culture)

The Waco State Home, a government-run institution that operated from the 1920s through the 1970s, provided housing and education for "dependent and neglected" children in Texas. However, this institution was plagued by a dark history of physical and sexual abuse, military discipline, and plantation-style labor. Despite the hardships faced by its residents, the Waco State Home was often the only home they had and rescued many children from an even worse fate.

Now, for the first time, oral histories and newly unearthed documents have revealed the harrowing experiences that went on behind the gates of this institution. Sherry Matthews, who had three brothers sent to the Waco State Home at the age of three, has dedicated herself to tracking down former residents and uncovering the criminal abuse that went unpunished and unpublicized.

Through her collaboration with author Jesse Sublett, Matthews has gathered riveting recollections from nearly sixty alumni of the Waco State Home. These personal narratives paint a complex picture, with some former residents recalling only the positive aspects of their time there, such as bountiful food, caring teachers, victorious sports teams, and lasting friendships and values. However, others recount horrific accounts of bloody beatings and sexual molestation that have left deep physical and emotional scars.

Despite the fact that their parents were still alive, these children were not considered orphans. As one poignant remark captures, "Our parents were living; they just couldn't take care of us." This heartbreaking reality was faced by thousands of Texas children during this period.

The testimonies gathered in We Were Not Orphans reveal the profound impact that the Waco State Home had on its residents, both positive and negative. The book sheds light on the systemic failures that allowed such abuse to thrive within a government-run institution, operating without adequate public oversight.

Ultimately, the Waco State Home was forced to close after a landmark federal court decision and the courageous actions of a superintendent who stopped the abuse and helped shepherd the children out of institutionalized care. This closure marked a pivotal moment, signaling the end of an era and the beginning of a reckoning with the dark history of this troubled institution.

Through the powerful personal narratives of its former residents, We Were Not Orphans stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of holding government-run institutions accountable for the well-being of the vulnerable children in their care.

product information: