Florence Crittenton was not a BIRTHMOTHER!

Many people have heard the name Florence Crittenton. They tend to sometimes confuse her with Florence Nightengale or perhaps think she had some association with the Salvation Army. In reality Charles Nelson Crittenton was an American Philanthropist who was involved with pharmaceuticals. When his FIVE year old daughter Florence died in 1882 he devoted his time to the founding of a home for young women in distress. Clearly Florence did not die in childbirth at age 5. So this was the beginning of what turned into a network of Florence Crittenton Homes throughout the United States. Primarily from the 1930's through the 1970's these homes thrived and were overflowing with girls from all ages, pre-teen to pre-menopausal. In the early years and the not so early years many births were onsite. Due to health ordinances and litigations births were eventually at local area hospitals. Most girls or women in the Florence Crittenton Home were simply known by their first name or a house name. They had chores, school time, club association, exercise and so on. In some communities they were allowed to venture out every so often in public and were given wedding rings to wear so that the public would not question their status. Oddly enough many of these home were in old mansions and somewhat secluded. When questioned years later in many localities residents were totally unaware that the OLD HOME off the lane was a maternity shelter for unwed mothers. Throughtout the 30-40-50-60's most children were placed for adoption. Many women used an alias at the home and perhaps the hospital with some localities carrying this practise over even to the official birth certificate. However by the onset of the 1970's with the stigma of illegitimacy gone and legalized abortion available the needs and functions of these homes shifted to goal orientation for education and developmental placement for young women and helping them adjust to their new role in single parenthood.