Gillis Orphans' Home

Gillis Orphans' Home
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
Gillis Orphans' Home in 2018
Gillis Orphans' Home Location in Missouri
Coordinates	39°5′11.01″N 94°34′2.22″W
Built by	YWCA
Architectural style	Georgian
NRHP reference No.	100001300

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 3.5 acres (0.014 km^2) 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 C. Loose, wife 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.

References

1. "Mary Gillis Troost Historical Marker". www.hmdb.org. Retrieved 2024-08-03.
2. "Armour Home & Orphan's Home". Retrieved 2024-08-02.
3. Kirkman, Paul (2012-10-23). Forgotten Tales of Kansas City. Arcadia Publishing. ISBN 978-1-61423-738-9.
4. "Gillis Orphan' Home" (PDF). Retrieved 2024-08-02.