Just look at these little children, all in their pretty little outfits, the girls with bows in their hair.
All dressed up, ready to be picked for a forever home. Craig and I found a stack of these plates at the thrift store, and I bought two of them that were in good condition; no cracks and no crazing. They didn't have any date on them, but the outfits suggested that it they were older plates, and I wasn't sure that anyone still calls an orphanage an "orphanage". We couldn't decide if they were funny- the concept of a commemorative plate for an orphanage- could one purchase it in the gift shop? Did the new parents receive one free with adoption? Was it for the child to eat off of and remember their old life? Or, were these plates incredibly sad? I wonder who had a stack of five orphanage plates at their home for all of these years, and why they ended up at Thrift Store USA last weekend. And how were they obtained in the first place?
I did a little bit of research, by which I mean my quick google search and a quick scan of wiki, and found a page with a bit more information. The orphanage is now called The Church of God Smokey Mountain Children's Home, A Place for Hope and Healing, and is still open for business. It was moved from Cleveland to Sevierville, Tennessee in 1949, so does that mean that these plates are at least 60 years old?
.
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I keep on looking at these plates, and this little one looks so worried. I wish that I could comfort her. My verdict is: interesting and odd token with the very real, sad subject of homeless children and children who had lost their parents in one way or another. That is what we found, and purchased for... you guessed it... about $1 apiece!
I was unable to turn up much more information, so if you can shed any more light on the subject, please share!
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7 comments:
Wow. Undeniably odd, and certainly a little sad.
There is actually a thrift shop on the grounds of an orphanage in Louisville, which of course raises money for the cause, with all volunteers as cashiers. It is certainly one of the best places to find odd items in my city, and it comes with the added benefit of hearing the joyful sounds of little ones playing in the outdoor jungle gym fenced in right in front of the thrift store. Usually those children are under the age of 4, who are always adorable, but it's so heartbreaking when I remember why they're there.
It never fails to astound me what ends up at the thrift. Very unique find.
Most odd, I agree. Sad and creepy (?) as well. I feel bad saying creepy, but it is...
My initial guess on this is that they are somehow 'promoting' the cute, well-behaved children up for adoption. Maybe they were created and sold during fundraising drives like selling chocolate bars perhaps?
That is what is so fascinating about these thrift stores... echoes from the past that really make you wonder about their journey...
Wow... Odd is the perfect word. I would have to agree that they were meant for fundraising.
I just can't imagine them selling. Wasn't adoption incredibly private back then. Not like today with open adoptions. I can't see someone taking one home as a reminder. Not to say that adoption isn't a joyful experience. It is a beautiful thing....
Those little ones sure are cute.
This also reminded me of my Grandmother's PTL plate. You know, Jim and Tammy Fay Baker's old place....
I'm glad that we all can agree on odd, and how the strangest things can show up at the thrift store. I like the story about being able to hear the kids laughing because it makes me feel like they are happy and have friends to play with.
In the reading that I did it seemed that social workers etc. weren't brought into the picture until the early 60's, so it makes me a little sad to think of what it might have been like for all of those years before. At least there was (and still is) a place for these children to go when they needed a home.
I propose that you call the current children's home to ask about the plates. The staff might shed some light on the history of the home and the plates. There was a time in the Depression years when families placed their kids in homes--either group homes like this or with family members--because money was so tight and work so scarce. My grandmother used to say that my grandad saved them from starving by his ability to grow vegetables during those years.
Thanks for sharing this fascinating find.
OMG Love the plates! I hadn't scrolled down past the first two pics and I thought... that's a plate! But the real payoff was even better. I think the kids are looking pretty happy, all things (and the period) considered...
Dirk, we thought of you the second that we saw them! There was a whole pile and we thought of sending you some, but there were only two that were in good shape. I'll leave them to you in my will in case I get run over by a car whilst riding my bike...
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