Southwestern Presbyterian Home and School for Orphans
Itasca, Hill County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Orphanage originated in Dallas when First Presbyterian Church women arranged care for four children of a deceased member. Church then decided to found a statewide orphanage, for which D. S. Files family gave this land. Home opened in 1906 with Rev. M. D. McLean as first president. From beginning, home has used modern "Cottage Plan" and has maintained reputation for its outstanding staff, facilities, and program. Home's school was closed in 1957. Orphanage now part of Presbyterian Children's Home and Service Agency.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
The orphanage grew out of an act of mercy in Dallas, where the women of First Presbyterian Church arranged care for four children of a deceased member. The church then resolved to found a statewide home, and the Files family gave the land where it opened in 1906 under the Reverend M. D. McLean. From the start it used the progressive "Cottage Plan," housing children in family-style homes rather than a single institution, and earned a strong reputation before its school closed in 1957.
Why it matters
The home reflects the Progressive Era's reform of child welfare, when reformers replaced the grim orphan asylum with the family-scaled cottage model that shaped modern foster care.
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Related people
- · M. D. McLean
Themes & tags
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