Dr. S. S. Cutter of Coldwater, Honorable C. I. Walker of Detroit, and F. H. Rankin, of Flint, were appointed to carry out the task. When the legislature convened, Mr. Caleb D. Randall, then a State Senator from Coldwater, was made chairman of Reform School Committee in the Senate.

Mr. Randall studied various types of child-caring institutions, both in the United States and abroad, but none met the standard or plan which he had in mind. The plan which evolved resulted in the establishment of a family cottage type plan institution, to which children were to be sent by Superintendents of the Poor of the various counties on proof of their dependency on the public for support.

The institution was to be a temporary home only, and during his stay at the school the child was to be trained to go into a foster home where he was to be supervised by a state agent in each county. The law was passed and signed April 17, 1871, creating the first governmental institution ever established for dependent children, where poverty was the only price of admission. Coldwater was chosen as the site because it furnished 25 acres of land and #30,000. The first buildings were finished and opened for the reception of children on May 21, 1874, with facilities for 180 children.

The first Superintendent was Zelotes Truesdale and Daniel G. Blackman was the steward, with nine matrons in the cottages, five teachers, and various other employees. The board of control consisted of Charles E. Mickly of Adrian, Dr. S. S. Cutter of Coldwater, and Caleb D. Randall of Coldwater, secretary and treasurer of the Board.

The bill to abolish the State Public School was introduced by Senator Town in 1935, and passed. A new agency, the Michigan Children's Institute in Ann Arbor, was established to take over the care of the children then at the State Public School. On October 1, 1935 the State Public School as a governmental agency ceased to exist.

The administration came under the direction of the hospital commission, and its use converted to the care of high grade mentally retarded patients capable of education on an academic level, and who could profit by vocational training. It continued as Michigan Children's Village until May 23, 1939 when by Public Act 142 the name was changed to Coldwater State Home & Training School, at which time they began admitting patients of all levels of mentality.

From Oct. 1, 1935 to April 18, 1961 there have been 6,128 admitted. At the present time the institution has 27 patient-care buildings, a 1`50-bed hospital opened in October of 1956. There are 2900 patients and 900 employees. The institution has the largest payroll of any industry in the county, amounting to over four million annually.

Quoted from the Greater Coldwater Centennial souvenir historical program, 1961, pages 35 - 36 -- with thanks to Judith Weeks Ancell, (jancell@micron.net)

The plan for the care of these children as carried out by the State Public School was original with the founders of this institution and has proven very successful.

Believing that the only way to prevent the increase of crime is to instill into the minds of children right principles and right ways of living, the founders of this school with the aid of its friends in the legislature, have made it possible for the state to take into its care all children who are dependent, neglected, or ill-treated. These children are often taken from homes, here if left to grow to manhood or womanhood, they would almost certainly become criminals. Here they are received kindly, cared for tenderly, trained into the correct path, and when suitable family homes are found, are placed in them to become members of the family.

While at the school the children are cared for as nearly as possible as they would be in a . home. They live in cottages as separate families, each cottage being presided over by a kind motherly woman whose noble example, patient training and tender care instills into their youthful minds the truth that it is only noble to be good. Homes are selected for them with the greatest care. It must be known of what the home consists, what kind of housekeeping and general management are apparent, how old are the to be adopted father and mother, what nationality, what state of health, their character, whether temperate, whether selling intoxicating liquors, etc.

After the child is placed in the home, then, he is visited occasionally by an agent representing the school who advises with guardian and child and if by any chance the child seems to have been placed in an unsuitable home, removes him.

This system of looking after and caring for dependent children seems to have advantages over all others, not only in the result attained, but because of its economy. The children are cared for at a per capita expense of only $150 and it is true that of the large number provided for during the existence of the institution, only 14 "have turned out" poorly.

Visitors at the institution are always welcome and information as to its methods gladly given to those interested enough to inquire.

They attend school regularly where they are taught the common branches by carefully selected and competent teachers. One of the pleasantest features of the school department is the kindergarten, a visit to which is only needed to convince one of the effective work it is doing.

The institution has been under the supervision of the following superintendents since its opening: ZELOTES TRUSDEL March 13, 1874 to June 14,1875 LYMAN P. ALDEN June 21, 1875 to May 9, 1883 JOHN N. FOSTER May 9, 1883 to April 9, 1887 WESLEY SEARS June 20, 1887 to Sept. 1, 1889 CHANCEY F. NEWKIRK Sept. 1, 1889 to Sept. 30, 1891 W.H. WIEAND Oct. 7, 1891 to July 9, 1893 A.N. WOODRUFF Aug. 9, 1893 to Date.

The average number present in the school for each year since it was established is as follows: 1874-50; 1875-159; 1876-218; 1877-264; 1878-271; 1879-305; 1880-285; 1881-308; 1882-311; 1883-319; 1884-317; 1885-300; 1886-297; 1887-230; 1888-230; 1889-207; 1890-183; 1891-204; 1892-204; 1893-204.

Original cost $98,904.28. Special appropriations for land, buildings, furniture repair, etc. since, $146,403.66 (not including the last special appropriation which is not yet expended). Total $245,407.94.