1929-1939

Sickness and tragedy strikes the Uhlich home as many of the 66 youth were afflicted with Pneumonia, Scarlet Fever, Chickenpox, Mumps and Measles. In 1938, both Superintendent Henry King and Mrs. Martindale, the home’s matron, die, leaving Uhlich without leadership until Board Trusteee Otto Closius takes over.

1929

The Uhlich home commits to sending youth to summer camp to enjoy nature and fresh air as a part of a movement to help keep Chicago youth healthy.

 

1933

During the Great Depression, Uhlich staff work tirelessly to reduce costs associated with feeding its youth, including preserving fruits and vegetables “raised on our land.”

 

1935

As part of the Second New Deal, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs the Social Security Act of 1935 into law. The act authorizes the first federal grants for child welfare services, as well as providing aid to the elderly and the unemployed. (August 14th)

 

1938

Sickness and tragedy strike the Uhlich home: many of the 66 youth are afflicted with Pneumonia, Scarlet Fever, Chickenpox, Mumps and Measles. In 1938, both Superintendent Henry King and Mrs. Martindale, the home’s matron, die, leaving Uhlich without leadership until Board Trusteee Otto Closius takes over. (January – May 1938)

The Uhlich Orphan Asylum acquires the Camp at Three Oaks in Koontz Lake, Indiana, for $2,300 to be paid over five years.

More than 250 people take a 100-mile journey from Chicago to Koontz Lake, Indiana, to participate in a picnic on August 18, 1938 to dedicate Three Oaks Lodge. Uhlich girls are required to go elsewhere, so a May 24, 1938 benefit party raises funds to send some of the girls to Howell Village Cottages in McHenry, Illinois. (August 18 1938)