| From jrhome.org History
"Dad" was orphaned at the age of four when his father and mother were killed at a railroad crossing accident. He was separated from his family, three brothers and three sisters, and was placed in an orphanage. The orphanage was typical of that era with large, dark, dreary rooms; poor food and dull, long days with nothing to occupy one’s mind or hands. After some years at the orphanage, Charles, at the age of 17, awakened to the realization that what was ahead of him there was a dull, dismal, and pointless future; so he left the orphanage. Charlie, as he became known, got a job in a shoe factory in Amsterdam, New York. The factory superintendent became interested in Charlie and encouraged him to go to school. He entered Charlie in the Amsterdam Academy, an upper grades school. Charlie worked as school janitor while attending school there. Charlie, through hard work and determination, earned a teaching job and later became the superintendent of schools in Orient, Long Island, New York. It was at that time he married and started a family. He also joined the Junior Order of the United American Mechanics, a patriotic, fraternal organization. Soon after, he was elected to the position of state vice councilor of New York. It was while in this position that an opportunity in Ohio, as superintendent of The Junior Order Orphans Home came into his life. Superintendent Charles Henry Kernan was in his early thirties when on September 1, 1901, he arrived in Tiffin, Ohio to assume the duties at the Junior Home. Some 70 children and several staff members met him, his wife, and their four children. Charles Kernan was determined from the very start, that all planning and all operations concerning The Orphanage must be built around the hope of a "normal family life" at home, work, and play. This was a large order for orphanages in that day. By implementing this concept, he became the envy of other child care institutions and his family-oriented philosophy soon earned him the name of "Dad" to the orphans in his care. The Junior Order Home, under "Dad" Kernan’s dedicated care and inspirational leadership, became known throughout the nation as the "Hallmark" of success. The Junior Order Home grew to one of the largest, most well equipped facilities in the land and at one time was caring for over 1,200 children. Volumes could be written about the Junior Order Home under the care of Dr. Kernan, it’s college preparatory course, office training course, and a strong vocational course; much of which was 30 years ahead of it’ time. Much more could be written of the athletic teams which were greatly admired and respected throughout the state of Ohio and the famous marching band and girls glee club that traveled the land winning praises of everyone. One of "Dad’s" favorite quotes was, "One of my chief aims in life is that every Junior Home Kid know and live by the meaning of respect; respect for law, property, age and womanhood." Dr. Charles Henry "Dad" Kernan died in the city of Towson, MD, in 1947. His legacy lives on with those entrusted with the lives of the less fortunate. © Copyright 2003-2004 Jr. Home Alumni Association |
To several thousand of the finest "Kids", Junior Home Kids, in all the land Dr. Charles Kernan was known as "Dad" Kernan. He was born in Shodack Landing, New York, in the year 1867.