The Haskell Home Orphanage Tragedy in Battle Creek, Michigan - Historical True Crime Story for Book Clubs & History Enthusiasts

The architectural model for the Haskell Home was exhibited at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, 1893, and recognized as the “grandest institution” in Battle Creek after it was completed.Children came from all over the country, some as young as the almost four-year-old who travelled 200 miles by train with a note pinned to his jacket reading “Please help me to Haskell Home, Battle Creek”On February 5, 1909 a fire engulfed the entire structure in minutes and reduced the Haskell Home Orphanage to ashes within two hours. All managed to escape the blazing inferno except three children aged 10, 12 and 14.This is the story of the rise and fall of the Haskell Home of Battle Creek run by John H. Kellogg.Over a few short years, the Haskell Home found permanent homes for over 600 children and nurtured many more to adulthood.