Artist rendering of the Day Nursery on Lockerbie Street. After serving as a Day Nursery from 1926 to the early 1970s, it was converted back to a private residence.Day Nursery Association of Indianapolis turns 110 years old this year. Day Nursery was founded in 1899 by the Hope Circle of the King’s Daughters Society. At that time, reformers around the city and across the nation were taking steps to meet the need for safe, supervised care for children of working parents. These reformers were responding to society’s changing thoughts about the value of children and their role in society. For much of the nineteenth century, parents and educators had viewed children as miniature adults; now many saw childhood as a distinct stage of the life cycle. This new thinking place dvalue on children less for their ability to work and contribute the family wage and more for the joy they brought to the family. Over the years, Day Nursery has set itself apart by going beyond just the “comfort and care” our founders advertised.
If you or someone who know attended Day Nursery, we would like to get re-connected with you as we plan special activities for our 110th year celebration. Drop us a line at info@daynursery.org.
2 Comments
My great-grandmother, Martha J “Mattie” Robbins worked in the Day Nursery and Boarding Home for Children in Indianapolis in the 1920s. The address may have been 528 or 530 W Vermont. If you can direct me to any info or old pictures of that nursery, I would be most appreciative.
My grandfather was in the Day Nursery back in 1904. Was wondering how I get more info on the Day Nursery..
Thank you
Cherie