Gillis Orphans' Home Explained

Map Label:Gillis Orphans' Home
Nrhp Type:National Register of Historic Places
Refnum:
  1. 100001300
Builder:YWCA
Architecture:Georgian

The Gillis Orphans' Home is a historic orphanage in Kansas City, Missouri, United States.

History

The Gillis Orphans' Home was funded by Mary Ann Gillis, nephew of William Gillis, with his inheritance. It was built by members of the YWCA in 1900,[1] on a 3.5acres property, donated by Thomas H. Swope. The wife of businessman S. B. Armour also donated $25,000 for the construction. In 1904, the Margaret Klock Armour Memorial Home was built next door. The Gillis Orphans' Home was originally called the Children's Home. During the 1920s and 1930s, the property was expanded to 26 acres after the nearby Memorial Home changed buildings.[2] Ella Loose, daughter of Jacob Loose, would give away a free pair of shoes and a dollar to all the orphans annually.[3]

It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 10, 2017.[4]

Building description

Built in the Georgian style, the Gillis Orphans' Home is 3 stories, and is constructed with a main T-shape.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Mary Gillis Troost Historical Marker . 2024-08-03 . www.hmdb.org . en.
  2. Web site: Armour Home & Orphan's Home . 2024-08-02.
  3. Book: Kirkman, Paul . Forgotten Tales of Kansas City . 2012-10-23 . Arcadia Publishing . 978-1-61423-738-9 . en.
  4. Web site: Gillis Orphan' Home . 2024-08-02.