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| This historical photo of a gathering at Haynie Garden was the inspiration for MCH's plans for the 125th Anniversary Celebration. |
On October 10, Methodist Children’s Home will commemorate 125
years of service during a celebration on the Waco campus. During the event, a
scene from MCH’s history will be recreated as the community of MCH staff, children,
families and supporters come together for an outdoor luncheon near what was
once the site of the Viola Haynie Garden.
In 1921, Mrs. Viola Haynie of Rice, Texas, donated $1,000 to
construct the outdoor venue. Haynie Garden was constructed behind the Abe
Mulkey utility building, an area that is now located near the Administration building
that faces Herring Avenue. The boys of Methodist Children’s Home used limestone
to fence in the area and form tiered seating for the audience. They also built
a wooden Grecian archway as a backdrop to a stage and landscaped the area
surrounding the venue with shrubs and grass.
On May 27, 1921, Haynie Garden was dedicated during a
ceremony with several hundred guests in attendance. The garden became a popular
venue for MCH’s children and supporters that featured various musical and
theater performances as well as gatherings such as watermelon picnics until the
1960s. It was also an appealing backdrop for photographs and can be seen in
group pictures throughout MCH’s history. In fact, it is a photograph of a
watermelon picnic that inspired the plan for this year’s 125th
anniversary event.
“This area of our campus has special significance,” said
Trey Oakley, vice president for development. “Many of our alumni and tenured staff
remember events in this Haynie Garden area. We pray for good weather but we
know, no matter what, this location is the perfect spot to celebrate our 125th
anniversary.”
The 125th anniversary celebration on Oct. 10 will
begin at 10 a.m. with an exclusive Q&A with special guests Chip and Joanna
Gaines. The picnic-style barbecue luncheon starts at 12:30 p.m. and is free of
charge but registration is required. MCH employees and residents will receive
specific instructions regarding plans for that day.
Staff, MCH residents and alumni, families and visitors to
the Waco campus are invited to “come by our Visitors Center in Perkins Heritage
Home to view the Haynie Garden exhibit and see some of the photos from our past
that inspired our plans for the Oct. 10 event,” Oakley added.
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| This photo shows the construction of Haynie Garden back in 1921. |
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| The Haynie Garden display is featured in the Vistors Center located in the Perkins Heritage Home on the Waco campus. |
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