The Homes (Life at the Homes)
The true stories of life at a Lutheran institution housing orphans and the elderly in rural Iowa on the eve of the Great Depression. Almost lost to the passage of time, these stories of sorrow and joy, compassion and cooperation have been uncovered and can now be shared with you. Join mother and son hosts Karen Thalacker and Andrew Newell as you learn about life at the German Lutheran Orphans and Old Folks Home - or as it was commonly called The Homes. Follow The Homes on Instagram at lifeatthehomes for photographs and additional content.
The Homes (Life at the Homes)
Episode 1 - Welcome to The Homes
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Researched and hosted by Andrew Newell and Karen Thalacker. Sound edited by Robert Newell.
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.