The Unionman's Orphanage

Blue, yellow and pinkish red background with black text and an illustration of a building with bushes and a person in front

Founded in 1909 by the State Building Trades Council, the Union Orphanage in San Lorenzo, California was a home for children with ties to the emerging California construction industry. By 1910, there were 27 children in the home - 14 males and 13 females living in three cottages with six paid employees. Unlike other California orphanages at the time, the Union Orphanage accepted children of color and children of different religions. Similar to other orphanages during this time period, children living at the Union Orphanage had relatives and friends whose families could not afford to support them.