Join us as we journey through life at the Homes during the year 1929.

Welcome to the Homes! In Episode 1, you meet Rev. William Klein, his wife Emma, and their 5 children. In 1921, the Kleins moved from the plains of North Dakota to the bustling river town of Muscatine, Iowa, to take over the leadership of the Homes. For the next 20 years, the Kleins and a small group of workers dedicated their lives to turning an institution into a home for hundreds of children and elderly residents.

Mother and son Karen Thalacker and Andrew Newell (the Kleins' great-granddaughter and great-great-grandson) share how and why they started on this journey. Join them as we begin our journey through the year 1929.

Welcome to January of 1929! Rev. and Mrs. Klein and their family have been at the Homes for 7 years. Their youngest daughter Em was just 9 months old when they moved to Muscatine in 1921 and her recollections provide important insight into everyday life.

The monthly newsletter called the Messenger kept individuals and organizations updated on the needs of the Homes. January's newsletter was full of New Year's resolutions -- were people in 1929 any different than the people of today?

As the new year begins, the Homes was feeling the heavy burden of repaying the debt on the new girls' dormitory.

Welcome to February of 1929! Similar to today, February brings talk of the groundhog and people wondering whether he will see his shadow. Unlike today, the Homes' newsletter shares personal information about the children and the old folks.
The February episode has the special story of one of the most important people in the Homes history - Miss Louise Wittig. Her life and life's work is recounted and the heartfelt testimonials to her in the newsletter show us how she inspired those around her. Here are two of our favorite quotes about Miss WIttig: "She did not get rich in this world’s goods but she was rich in friends. She learned to gather riches where neither rust nor moths may destroy them." "We are confident that God has given her her reward. What she has done, even the apparently insignificant things, is recorded in the book of life and in the hearts of the children."

Welcome to March of 1929! The people of Iowa are excited for the inauguration of a new U.S. President. Herbert Hoover was born just up the road in West Branch. Financial troubles continue in March and calls for bigger donations continue. There is also concern about the Messenger newsletter not paying for itself. The newsletter is a vital pipeline to supporters and they ask for cash and also specific donations like phonograph records and Easter eggs. The newspapers of 1929 had lots of contests for readers to participate in. One contest might surprise you but is a reflection of how important a certain occupation was.

Welcome to April of 1929! Muscatine is celebrating April Fool's Day and one of the old folks at the Homes pulls a prank that makes the front page of the newspaper. Who is he and why do we want to know more about him? The April newsletter contains a statement regarding Jewish people and instead of ignoring it we wanted to talk about it. Thank you to our guest Dr. Terry Lindell who shared his expertise with us. April closes with an account of what life was like at the Homes on a typical Sunday.

Welcome to May of 1929! The month starts with news of tariffs and also the reemergence of the 17 year cicadas. The newspaper in May contained an article about one of the elderly residents of the Homes. He had been the Sheriff of Muscatine County in 1893 and we learn about the Saloon Wars and its shocking result. There is also a delightful story of a fun afternoon for the children.

Welcome to June of 1929! June bring Orphan's Fest - the largest event of the year at the Homes. Visitors come from far and wide for worship and fellowship and to see the Homes. They need good weather and good publicity to make the event a success. Having as many visitors as possible was especially important this year because they would be dedicating the new building and more visitors meant more donations. Will Orphan's Day be a success?! Listen and find out.