Nevada State Orphans/Children’s Home: My Life as a “Home” Kid
by Bonnie Boice Nishikawa
This book is not only a composite history of the Nevada State Orphan’s/ Children’s Home that was located in Carson City, Nevada from 1870 until its closure in 1992; it also describes the daily life of children who were rescued from family tragedies and nurtured through childhood to become healthy and productive future citizens. Bonnie Nishikawa was a “Home” kid. She pays tribute to the Children’s home that protected Nevada’s disadvantaged kids and to the people who lovingly cared for her during her stay from 1942 to 1955.
Praise for “My Life as a Home Kid”
Bonnie Boice Nishikawa’s new book, “My Life as a “Home” Kid” is required reading for anyone who is interested in Carson City history. Mrs. Nishikawa, who grew up in the Nevada State Children’s Home, has complied a treasure trove of information and rare photos tracing the 122-year history (1870-1992) of the Home and children who lived there with the author from 1942 to 1955. This is their story told with love and occasional humor.— Guy W. Farmer – Nevada Appeal Columnist – Carson City
Bonnie Boice Nishikawa brings us an intimate and historically important look at a longtime Nevada institution. Having lived at the Nevada State Children’s Home for much of her young life, she gives an authentic look at life at Sunny Acres. — Guy Clifton, author of “You Know You’re a Nevadan if…” and “Dempsey in Nevada”
This is a wonderful book with a complication of Bonnie’s day-to-day life in the Home; Carson City history; Roland van der Smissen, superintendent; the self-sustaining farm; 4-H; lessons learned from the past, and the many people who made these children become the outstanding citizens they became. — Sue Ballew, Past Pages, Nevada Appeal
Bonnie has written a thorough, detailed and valuable history of Orphans/Children’s home from its origin in 1970 to 1992. Over 3,300 of Nevada’s most vulnerable children went through the Orphans/Children’s Home. Many of the “Home Kids” I have had the pleasure of knowing over the past several years went on to thrive in society and many give credit to the Home for their success. In Bonnie’s case, she had a wonderful nurse, many counselors and employees of the Home whom she remembers with fondness; but who stands out most are Mom and Pop Van, Superintendent and Matron 1942-1956. Vulnerable children can often succeed and thrive if they have one strong advocate / role model on their side. It seems Bonnie was blessed with many. — Stephen A. Shaw, former Administrator, Division of Child and Family Services, State of Nevada (August 18, 2016)
From Bonnie Boice Nishikawa:
Why I felt the need to write this book
The Nevada State Children’s Home is an important piece of Carson City and Nevada history, and I believe the dedicated people, who helped raise the children who lived there, need to be recognized.
I arrived at the Children’s Home in 1942, when I was five years old. I lived there until graduating from high school at age eighteen. After nine months, residing in Reno to attend business college, I returned to Carson City where I have lived since. Over the years, I have seen many changes in the Children’s Home; from the large stone building I lived in, being torn down and replaced by cottages, to the complete closure of the home in 1992. I learned that when I offered personal details, to those not familiar with the Home’s history, the listener became interested in learning more. That’s when I decided to describe my experience so more people could understand the life of a “Home” kid.
I want the readers of my book to know the Home’s history; from its opening in 1870, when it was called the “Nevada State Orphans’ Home”; to its closing in 1992, when it was called the “Northern Nevada Children’s Home”. There was also a Southern Nevada Children’s Home, located in Las Vegas. This home was established in 1969 and closed in 1993.
Living in Carson City and offered an opportunity most Home kids did not have as adults, I received fantastic help from the Director of the Nevada State Library and Archives, Jeff Kintop and his wonderful staff. To assure accuracy, they helped me research dates and events. I also had the help of other Home kids I maintained contact with over the years.
For the benefit of future Nevada generations, people need to know about the purpose and successes of the Nevada State Orphans’/Children’s Home. Publishing this book will help readers understand the true goals and essence of the Nevada Children’s Home and the people who lived and worked there.