HOME Program Admissions History Construction Staff Trustees Alumni How to Help Online Donations Newsletter Donnie's Walk Dates to Remember Job Opportunities Links Tree Farm Page Directions: Campus Tree Farm		A study of the history of human services shows that most of the significant developments in child welfare came out of the church and other private non-profit endeavors. Therefore, when The Rev. George Floyd Rogers founded Grace Mission, he termed it a "call from the mountains." From this call to meet a need, Grace Mission developed into the BOYS' HOME we know today. In 1906, The Rev. Rogers, rector of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Covington, fulfilled the need for access to education and religion in the mountainous area. After conducting services on a roadside under some trees and then moving to a room in a vacant house, the Parson started a school and Sunday school in an old log cabin. After moving to a second log cabin, Bishop Phillips and other visiting church members concluded "seldom was seen so much earnest purpose housed in so humble a cabin." By 1911, when The Rev. Rogers left the parish, a schoolhouse and chapel had been built. The Mission was renamed "The Industrial School and Farm for Mountain Children and Home for Homeless Boys." The Parson's dream became a reality. As president of the Board of Trustees, he remained a driving force behind the young venture. BOYS' HOME continued to develop under the leadership of Superintendent C.C. Thurber. By 1916, the home consisted of 40 youngsters ranging in age from toddlers to young adults. Their quarters were a log cabin, a nearby farmhouse and a new bungalow. BOYS' HOME was approaching transition from the "Old Village," located next to the original site, to cottages constructed on top of the "Hill." In 1917, Dr. Reinhold Rogers, an educator and brother of the founder, became Superintendent. With social upheaval taking place during World War I, many were unable to support their families. In the winter of 1919, successful appeals and borrowed funds produced the resources to move to new quarters. Located on the hill near the current campus, the new village consisted of six cottages and a dining hall. By January, there were 95 young residents and by the end of the summer about 140. When Dr. Rogers, who stressed education and vocational training, retired in 1946, his tenure had spanned two world wars and a depression. Just as Dr. Rogers gave us the basis of innovative programming to meet changing times, Robert F. Burrowes, the new Director, gave the legacy of a well-managed program. Beginning with the completion of the first modern cottage in 1950, the building program lasted over 20 years. The majority of today's campus is a result of that campaign. Mr. Burrowes' legacy extended beyond building, to the development of a secure financial system. With the assistance of Col. Parry W. Lewis of Hampton, Va., he initiated a comprehensive system for raising funds. Due to their efforts, the new construction was carried on without the necessity for BOYS' HOME to incur large indebtedness. Mr. Travis Tysinger was selected as Executive Director in 1974, following the death of Mr. Burrowes. Mr. Tysinger continued to build a firm financial system. Under his direction, BOYS' HOME remained true to its self-sufficiency in program development. Under the leadership of Mr. Donnie E. Wheatley, appointed Director in 1985, BOYS' HOME entered a new era of program development. Mr. Wheatley has a vested interest in continuing BOYS' HOME as a model program since he grew up as a resident on the BOYS' HOME campus. Entrenched in the works of these men, the BOYS' HOME program remains as secure as the mountains in which it is nestled. However, changing socio-economics and technological advances have brought changes in child care needs. BOYS' HOME faces the challenge to take its rightful place in meeting the changing needs in child care.
			Boys' Home Inc. | 306 Boys' Home Road, Covington, VA 24426 | 540-965-7700 | info@boyshomeinc.org