Highland Park News-Herald & Journal, 17 October 1963 — Boy in trouble finds a home Optimistic Mr. Strickland starts it all [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Boy in trouble finds a home Optimistic Mr. Strickland starts it all

home of his own. His widow, Cora, is an Eagle Rock resident, member of Highland Park Senior Citizens, and has contributed pictures to the Home's historical collection. A member of that original

“family" — Henry C. Dean — visited Optimist Home for Boys July 19, 1962. He was stunned to find his photo, taken 56 years earlier, in the album. He remembers his life here well.

By Thomas F. Gaines Assistant Supt. for Club Service and Public Relations (Member Optimist Home Staff) Teddy Roosevelt was president and the Highland Park News-Herald was one year old when Los Angeles County’s first juvenile court judge, Curtis Dwight Wilbur, brought 11-year-old Henry Dean to the farmhouse of Jacob and Julia Strickland and their adopted son, Robert, on the premises of today’s Optimist Home for Boys. So began the work of sheltering orphans and wayward boys, January 1906. It has continued effectively through 57 of the community’s 75 years. Foster father of scores of boys 1906-1914 was Jacob Strickland, born in Inverness, Scotland, handyman, blacksmith, taxidermist. He stuffed many huge birds for the Cawston Ostrich Farm in South Pasadena. AUNTIE JULIA His wife, Julia — universally known as “Auntie” — a native of Hartford, Connecticut, had traveled with him on evangelical tours before settling here. She was big, able, motherly, with a genius for “taming those wild young ’uns.” Young Robert, an orphaned nephew, helped in care of Henry and other boys but soon married and left to set up a

POPPY’S PEAK “Strickland property used to extend across what is now Figueroa and about half way up Poppy’s Peak,’’ he recalls. “Our four cows were pastured where Annandale school stands. When

FIRST FAMILY for the Stricklands at what is now Highland Park Optimist Home were Robert Strickland, first adopted, Henry Dean, first boy placed by the courts, and the first one of two girls that ever stayed at the Strickland farm, Helen Ennons. (Courtesy Optimist Home)

the street cars came in, they cut off a lot of our farm and reduced the size of our vegetable garden.” “Auntie Strickland knew how to handle us,” he relates. “She had to whip some boys because they wanted to play all hours of the day. We all had chores. I used to feed the cows and help in churning, and I sold butter and eggs to neighbors. Our best customer was a lady on Tipton Way.” His reference is to Mabel Morton Phelps who helped the farm family and retained lifelong interest, serving on the home’s board of directors from 1915 to 1962. Optimists paid final tribute to her memory in impressive services in the home’s interfaith chapel Nov. 18, 1962. LONG TRIPS “I remember the names of some of our friends,” Dean continues. “There was a Mrs. McClay and Mr. and Mrs. Dinsmore, and two YMCA men, Mr. Green and Mr. Terrill. I used to make long trips in the red car delivering buttermilk to a Mrs. Duncan on Lake St. in Pasadena. She was sick. Her doctor recommended buttermilk.” Like today’s boys, Henry and his buddies enjoyed music. “We had an Edison phonograph and records. At nights we would listen to them. In the summer we had trips to beaches, especially Playa del Rey. The Elks gave us a Christmas party downtown. “They treated us fine. The tree was loaded with presents. Sundays we went to Garvanza

M.E. to help fill up the church. Once I was given a hand painted picture of Christ walking on the water for bringing the most boys to church.” A discomfort was insufficient water in spite of two live wells. Baths were limited to one per week. Two boys shared each tub of water. But all washed their feet before bedtime every night. GATHERED BOYS Each evening, too, Auntie Strickland gathered her dozen or so boys around her and mended their clothes. Before going to bed they prayed together, and then Auntie kissed each one goodnight. Scores of these troubled boys became strong good men. The war year, 1914, ended the work of the Stricklands here. Auntie ventured into the new porcelain bathtub, slipped, and broke her hip. She could not continue her strenuous work. They decided to retire to San Diego, sold the property, and departed. The name Strickland remains in Highland Park for the street south of the Home running east from Figueroa. Incidentally, Henry Dean went with them. Most of the foregoing is from Henry C. Dean, Rural Route 1, Black Springs, Nevada, Zipcode 89401. He would like to hear from old friends here, or from

anyone who might help him locate the grave of Jacob Strickland known to be in a Los Angeles County cemetery—name forgotten—and marked with a large flat stone. SECOND ERA The second era of the home began April 13, 1914, when the state of California granted a charter to Strickland Home for Boys, Inc., a non-profit charitable corporation. Elected president was the juvenile court judge, Curtis D. Wilbur. Later he became secretary of the Navy in the cabinet of Calvin Coolidge and still later later judge of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, but he is most remembered as a result of his work for boys here. On his final birthday (86th), although unable to travel, he sent the home a message of his perpetual affection, and Optimists saluted him with a shower of greetings. The property had been bought by O. T. Johnson, a Los Angeles philanthropist, about five acres, buildings, equipment, for $15,000. He leased it to the directors with the understanding that it would be deeded outright if and when the project proved successful. That took seven years. GRANTED PERMIT First step was hiring Mr. and Mrs. Frederic J. King who renovated the premises and May 1, 1916, the state granted a

permit to keep 25 boys. Money was a nagging problem through these years but workers were devoted. Staff members rang the bell to get boys up at 6 a.m. and kept busy till all were safely asleep. All were on duty seven days a week, but on one day they could take off from the time boys went to school (9 a.m.) until 5 p.m. Also, they could take one Sunday per month off. By 1923 the home’s success had been demonstrated and the board of directors received the property with only one string attached, in regard to religious training. (That was finally straightened out thirty years later.) NEW PRESIDENT Success was gained during the presidency of Frank B. Silverwood, 1918-1923, a poor Chicago newsboy who became a Los Angeles merchant prince. He used to entertain the boys especially at the piano. Boys gathered around and sang ‘‘Over There” and ‘‘Smiles” and other favorites of the time. ‘‘Daddy” Silverwood has been immortalized by the official state song, “I Love You, California.” He wrote the lyrics.

Third president was a Southern California Edison Co. executive, Ben F. Pearson, 19231930. Then Frank B. Putnam, president 1930-1934, a banker with the old Farmers & Merchants at Fourth and Main, through friends with money got the home through the depression, feeding hungry boys even when the treasury was empty. Putnam continued on the board until his death in 1962. NAME CHANGE A prominent Pasadenan became the president who effected the change of name from Strickland to Optimist Home for Boys, 1940. This credit goes to Vernon M. Brydolf, still a member of Pasadena Optimist Club. The corporate name change followed construction of the residence for 24 pre-teen boys, now known as Brydolf Hall. Next president was Joseph H. McKie, native of Prince Edward Island, Canada, a Los Angeles manuacturer, member of the Downtown Optimist Club. The hearty, genial personality of “Uncle Joe” affected boys, staff and directors, and gave a happier than ever atmosphere and launched a new building program. First result was the handsome ranch type dormitory for 33 teenagers on the hill, now called McKie Hall. Now retired, “Uncle Joe” resides in San

Marino, remembered with affection by hundreds. Next president was James V. Westervelt, Beverly Hills realtor, 1949-1952, one of the state’s pioneer Optimists, having become a member in 1917. It was “President Jim” who saw that further building would not be advisable unless the Optimists were assured of owning the property without strings. He took the burden of going through all legal steps that resulted in eliminating a clause in the deed that had prevented religious liberty. From this time forward, the home could serve Protestants of every denomination, Catholics, Jews, Mormons, Christian Scientists and others without risking loss of the property. This made possible confident raising of funds among

Optimists (entirely non-denomin-ational) for building. And Uncle Jim likewise eliminated obsolete quarters and make the dormitories more homelike and comfortable. EIGHTH PRESIDENT Eighth president was Charles E. Bader, Pomona business man, whose dynamic determination led to construction of the administration building (1953), interfaith chapel (1957) and huge physical education building (1960). Next were Homer J. Wellman, Glendale banker, 19601962; Leslie M. Holtz, Glendale, past vice president of Optimist International; and currently John H. Lehmer, Arcadia building contractor. All have continuously improved the home’s programs and services, particularly through added professional services. Due to increased and intensified juvenile problems, highly trained experts are on the staff to provide remedial re-educa-tion, psychiatry and other therapies. Just as the name of Frederic C. King became best known among the boys and in the community during Strickland days, the name of Warren Lee Braly was similarly prominent in Optimist days up to 1958. King served 13 years, Braly nearly 14, and both were so utterly dedicated and unremitting in their efforts that nervous exhaustion compelled their retirements. NEW CAREER Fred King is now in his 94th year and lives in the Evangelical Brethren Home, 3161 East Cypress, Burbank, and would be happy to hear from old friiends. Warren Braly has begun a

new career and is again winning brilliant success. Today Optimist Home for Boys operates with an organization unsurpassed in its history. Superintendent is Armin P. Kroeger, who after World War II service as pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force completed his graduate work at USC and Worked with LA. County Probation Department both with juveniles and as a trainer of staff. He carries the responsibility for the $550,000 project, as well as the welfare of the 57 boys, age 9 to 16, in residence. He heads a staff of 24 including recreational, supervisory, domestic, office and professional departments. He is a member of two Optimist clubs, the Masonic lodge, professional societies, and the USC Alumni Association. During his five years the home has progressed in every way. The budget is now $140,000 annually. Directors number 150 representing Optimist and Opti-Mrs. clubs of District 14, Southern California and Southwest Nevada. Among the sponsors are Highland Park Luncheon and Breakfast Optimist Clubs, Eagle Rock, Lincoln Heights, North Gate and those of virtually all nearby communities. And the old question, “What becomes of graduates of the Home?” is answered in part by a trophy that stands in the lobby. Each year the name of one man, once a troubled home boy, is added for his achievments. Last year the name of Donald Bell was added. In 1948 he was an angry youngster who needed help. Today he is a successful I.B.M. engineer, secretary of Hollywood - Sunset Optimist Club, member of Optimist Home board of directors.

[Photograph, with labels] THE HOME'S FIRST YEAR. Our Home began in 1906 -- Theodore Roosevelt was President of the U.S. -- San Francisco was wrecked that year by quake & fire. July 19, 1962, Mr. Dean, then a pensioner, visited the Home. HENRY DEAN First boy placed by Los Angeles County Juvenile Court. JACOB STRICKLAND. “AUNTIE” STRICKLAND. ROBERT STRICKLAND First boy by adoption. HELEN ENNONS First girl of the Home. GIRL PLACED 1906.

[Photograph: head of man in suit, tie and glasses.]

ARMIN P. KROEGER Supt. Optimist Home.