In the early twentieth century the Orphanage had the capacity for 400 children. Daily life for students at the Orphanage was much like the life of any other youth: they first attended school in the St. John's College Building, then later in the John Nichol's School. Many city children chose to attend the school to take advantage of the half-day schedule the school maintained so Orphanage students could receive vocational training in the afternoon. Athletic training was, and remains, a large part of student life at the Orphanage. The flowing clothing of the women's basketball team in the early 1920s gave way to the "Red Devil" football, basketball, baseball, and soccer teams. The Orphanage hosted Masonic Bowl Games and its 2-A team participated in State Championship tournaments. For many years the Oxford Orphanage singing class travelled the state, giving performances for Masonic Lodge dinners and other such functions. The tours ended during World War II as part of the conservation effort. | ||
O.O. Singing Class, 1912 | Dinner, April, 1926 |
Nettie N. Bemis in her office Nettie N. Bemis Personality Portrait |
Royster Building Playground | Playroom - Royster? Dunn? | Oasis Swimming Pool, 1922-1988 |
The Royster Yard | Women's Basketball | Beasley Cleaners' Buggy(?) |
Billy Crenshaw(?) in front of the old office building |
old tree on the girls'(?) side of campus | the old Oasis swimming pool |
Graduation Daisy Chain Processional, led by E.T. Regan | Praying before dinner | Horse and Buggy (on the farm?) |
Christmas Tree in the old Chapel, 1925 | Church Nativity Scene | Fort Bragg Santa |