History: Neillsville, Wis., Winnebago Children's Home

Contact: Stan
Email: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Stucki

----Source: Greenwood Public Library, original copy owned by Jean Rolstad

Winnebago Children's Home, Neillsville, Clark Co., Wisconsin

One oi the outstanding assets and services of Clark county is the Winnebago Indian school which was constructed on the banks of the Black River in west Neillsville in 1920-21. The school, bad a large addition built in 1929. It remained a school until the 1950's when it changed to a state-approved Winnebago Children's Home. The Home is operated for children of all colors and faiths.

Dr, Ben Stucki, who was born to the Rev. and Mrs. Jacob Stucki at the old Winnebago Mission in Black River Falls, was the administrator, principal, and religious leader of the Winnebago school for more than 40 years.

In the 1920-21 period, the years of its inception, Indian children were segregated as they were unwelcome in many public rural school districts. However, complete integration was realized in the 1930's and 194's and by 1950, plans for the changeover for a home for disadvantaged and emotionally disturbed children was planned. Dr. Stucki lived to see the successful changeover.
As of 1969, the Winnebago Children's Home operates with homes in Neillsville and Marshfield, and offers a very deserving service to from 50 to 100 youths, most in their teens. Some of the children are in foster homes about the state and from 50 to 60 reside in the Neillsville and Marshfield homes.

The Winnebago school of the 1920's was financed by the Evangelical and Reformed Church of America. Today, the Children's Home is financed by the state and by many religious groups and churches throughout America. Clark county is pleased to state that this wonderful institution has its main facilities and administrative offices in Neillsville.