(Editor’s note: Last in a series)
From its humble beginnings in the 1870s during a period of rapid economic change following the U.S. Civil War, the Children’s Home had become the mainstay of local children’s services by the early 1960s. The board, chaired by Mrs. Fred S. Turnbull, was an unusual community board; instead of limiting themselves to governance and policies, members of the Children’s Home board prided themselves on true volunteerism and active engagement.
Mrs. Turnbull, in a March 1962 interview with Mary McDonald for the Chattanooga Times, explained how the board functioned: “All board members insist on lending a hand. The board is not bored with the board. To get off of it you have to die or resign — and nobody ever resigns.”
That level of commitment was reflected in the work of the Children’s Home, as explained by Mrs. Turnbull, who had first joined the board in 1943: “When a child comes to us, perhaps because one or both parents are sick, we work to get that child back in his own home as soon as possible. Nothing compensates for a child’s own parents.”
The board’s commitment had been challenged two years earlier when a fire destroyed the main building. The blaze, which began in the attic, rapidly spread and engulfed the building in less than 30 minutes, “turning night into day for a large section of Brainerd.” A reinforced fire brigade brought the scene under control, eventually extinguishing the fire, but four firemen were injured during the process — Engineer Charles D. Funk, Sgt. Neal Currence, Pipeman Fred W. Mahan and Pvt. Henry Hambrick. All were treated at Erlanger hospital.
A crowd gathered to assist and watched as more than 110 children were quickly rescued from the 1937 structure. The first brought out were eight infants, 6- to 18-months-old. Chattanooga Times reporter Alex Corliss recounted the scene for the next day’s edition: “Many of the children who were rescued were frightened at first by the commotion … but they calmed with attention.” None were hurt.
Within hours, the full board had met and developed plans to restore the structure. As Tom Gilliland and J.B. Collins reported in the newspaper, electricians, plumbers and carpenters were on the job by the day following the fire. The major damage had been to the roof and wooden superstructure over the center section and the north wing, but other sections had sustained only water damage. C. Griffin Martin, vice president of American National Bank, explained that “the loss was fully covered by insurance and would probably be around $50,000.” Fire Marshall Mike Quinn, interviewed for the story, reported that he had examined the structure, and it was clear that the fire had begun in “an attic used to store used furniture and mattresses,” contributing to its rapid spread.
The board asked for community assistance and the responses were immediate. Eugene Drake, who lived in nearby Shepherd Hills, set up an office on the lawn and began keeping records of the children’s placement. “Mr. and Mrs. A.D. Thompson took 22 toddlers into their Jack and Jill Nursery.” McCallie School opened dorm rooms for 30 boys, while members of the Eastdale Church of Christ set up accommodations for another 30 boys and girls.
As the children were welcomed into private homes or churches, adults noticed a common problem: “Most of the children … were wearing pajamas and their greatest immediate need was clothing ….,” which was quickly provided by the community. Chattanooga has often been called the most philanthropic mid-sized city in the nation, and the response to the crisis at the Children’s Home proved that adage to be true. By November 1960, 75 children had returned “home.”
Fifty years later, Chattanooga still cares about families and children in need. While the name has changed and the mission has adapted to changing family needs, the Chambliss Center for Children remains integral to the city. From classes for the wee ones to the newest program, the Isaiah 117 Home — from Phil Acord’s insightful and inspirational leadership from 1971 to 2021, to Katie Harbison’s vision for growth and sustainability — a 150-year legacy calls for a celebration. Let the party begin.
Linda Moss Mines, the Chattanooga-Hamilton County historian, serves as vice-chair of the Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center and honorary regent, Chief John Ross Chapter, NSDAR. Visit chattahistoricalassoc.org for more information.
