A drawing of the Main Building.
Dated: Sometime between 1850 and 1900
"Carpentry and Joinery Department"
Dated: about 1886
"Wood Turning and Pattern Making Department"
Dated: about 1886
The Western House of Refuge was started in 1846 as a place for delinquent boys. The Main building was built about 1850 with additions added to the rear of building through the years. In 1876 girls were also sent to the facility and a new building was constructed soon after.
In 1886 the name of the facility was changed to State Industrial School.
At first, children placed in the facilty were treated as contract labor. Through the years, it became more of a labor training facility and school.
In 1902 a large tract of land was purchased in the Town of Rush, In 1904 the girl's facility was eliminated. By 1907 the entire facility had been moved to Rush where it remains to this day.
A drawing of the Main Building.
Dated: Sometime between 1850 and 1900
"Carpentry and Joinery Department"
Dated: about 1886
"Wood Turning and Pattern Making Department"
Dated: about 1886
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