these papered and ceilings newly plastered, the rooms formerly occupied as school rooms papered and neatly fitted up as dormitories for the larger girls. Officers' rooms and children's sitting room papered. The bath rooms in the basement have been enlarged and fitted up with all the modern appliances, each room now containing four large bath tubs and forty sprays. This I consider one of the most important changes made, inasmuch as before this arrangement was completed it was almost impossible to keep the children in a proper state of cleanliness. Now they are compelled to wash in running water, thus preventing the spread of sore eyes or any cutaneous disease. The perfect freedom of the Institution from anything of the kind, I attribute solely to this cause. In addition to those improvements already mentioned, I would add the building of a coal-vault, grading of yards, building of sidewalks and erection of gas lamps. Some furniture has also been purchased; pillows for boys' dormitories; thirty-two double bedsteads for girls' dormitories; eighteen single ones for hospital; a new set of upholstered furniture for reception room; chairs and tables for children's sitting room and library, and carpets for five rooms. All the money necessary for these expenditures and improvements, over and above the $2,000, has been taken from the current expense appropriation. The general health of the children has been remarkably good, far beyond what might be expected in a place where so many are congregated. We certainly have every reason to be thankful. I have but one death to record, that of Martha Sunderland, who died December 30, 1871, of double-pneumonia. None for 1872, and no very severe cases of illness. Early impressions and habits formed in childhood are apt to be lasting. It is all-important, therefore, that these children should be taught lessons of neatness, economy and industry, and made to feel that these things are essential to their future welfare and happiness. In order that they may be surrounded by an atmosphere of purity and healthful influences, great care and caution has to be exercised in the selection of employees, with whom they must, from the very nature of their work, be continually coming in contact. This I have at all times endeavored to do, and with those now in my employ I feel more than satisfied. They deserve great praise for their cheerful obedience to orders; their fidelity and their anxiety to always co-operate with me in maintaining the discipline of the Institution. Our thanks are due the proprietors of Frank Leslie's Weekly, Sterling Standard, Freeport Journal, Rock Island Union, Bloomington Pantagraph, Weekly Leader, and the Liberal, of Bloomington, for copies of their valuable papers. I can assure them that their thoughtfulness and kindness is highly appreciated by all. I desire, before closing this report, to tender my most sincere thanks to my able and efficient associates, Miss Mary E. Hughes, Assistant Superintendent, and E. C. Lawton, Clerk, for the cordial support they have ever given me in the administration of the affairs of the Institution; their faithfulness in the discharge of every duty, and the increasing interest they have always manifested in the welfare of these children. In looking back over the work of the past two years, and comprehending the vast improvement which has been made in every department, I feel greatly encouraged for the future. Failures may, and doubtless have occurred, yet perfection in anything can only be obtained through experience and experiment. I feel deeply indebted to every member of the Board for your forbearance, kindness and assistance. Hoping to merit your confidence more fully in the future, I remain, Very respectfully, VIRGINIA C. OHR, Superintendent. No. Name of child. Record of Soldiers' Orphans Home, at Normal, Illinois. 1 Armstrong, Chas. T. 4 *Atherton, Jeanetta F. 5 *Atherton, Rebecca, E. 6 Adams, Eugenie 7 *Anderson, Wm. *Achenbach, Oswald. Springfield. Minenk. Rock Island. Union May 21, '67. Mary Allsbrook. 1864. Dead. Mary E. Ashen. I. New Orleans. .. F. Pine Bluff, Ark Joel W. Aloord. Seffens Allshouse. John W. Aimpriest 11 78 K. Tonica, Ill. May 21, '64. I. 37 H. Libby Prison. Missing. Feb. 14, '64. Lydia Morris. Living. เ Port Byron Minonk. Adams. Cambridge Rock Island. R. John R. Barton.. A. W. Beadleson. Elias J. Beymer... 44*Brackett, Bailey D 47 *Brandenburg, Eliza. 54 *Buchanan, James W 55 Blivean, Mabel. 28 * Burns, John C. E. 92 Butcher, Effie E. |