Nine decades. 52 acres. Countless lives changed.
Hendrick Home for Children (HHC) was established in 1939 by Thomas and Ida Hendrick with the vision to help children and families. Today the HHC campus sits on 52 acres in Abilene, Texas, and has served hundreds of children and families.
On May 13, 1888, Tom and Ida married in Union Church in Alpine, Texas.
The Hendrick Home for Children building was designed by architect, David S. Castle, in 1938. The doors opened in 1939 with 12 children from three families.
Willie and Margaret Turnerhill move onto campus. Willie continues to be Mr. Hendrick’s right-hand man and Margaret oversees the Home’s kitchen.
Tom E. Roberts Recreation Center opens on campus featuring indoor basketball and volleyball courts.
Two new cottages open to house elementary school girls and boys.
Dancing with the Abilene Stars, the Home’s main fundraiser, was staged for the first time. It has raised more than $6 million to support children and families.
The Dusty L. Rhodes complex opens to house single-parents in the Family Care program.
The new main building opens featuring suites for single-parent families, apartments for the After Care program, administrative offices, a dining hall, and a museum showcasing the Hendrick’s legacy and the Home’s rich history.
Six carefully designed vignettes, showcase scenes from the Home’s past, including the basement, Hendrick Ranch, dormitory, Tom Hendrick’s office, kitchen, and infirmary. Additional displays highlight the lives and contributions of the Hendricks, as well as Willie and Margaret Turnerhill, whose influence helped shape the Home’s story.
