Fifth annual holiday breakfast will be held at former Xenia orphanage

It was officially the Ohio Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Orphans’ Home and later was renamed the Ohio Veterans Children’s Home.

It opened in 1869 along East Main Street in Xenia. It grew quickly and by 1901 there were 900 children living in various cottages and dormitories on the sprawling grounds of the complex, which moved to a 100-acre farm on the edge of Xenia that was known as Poverty Knoll.

The OVCH was to become the largest institution of its kind in the nation and was like a small village, including a school, laundry, chapel, theater, ball fields and gardens.

In 1997, the home was closed and soon ceased operation. The farm complex was sold by the state of Ohio to the Legacy Ministries, which demolished many of the buildings, and remodeled others for contemporary use.

The site now includes a retirement community, an international Athletes-in-Action headquarters, and assorted other businesses.

The old home dining room has been converted into a large meeting hall that is rented out for community events. The nostalgic breakfast is hosted by Vicky and Gary Printz, who met at the home, are now married and live in Bennington, Vt.

Gary, who is 70, said, “We had about 100 guests from all over the country last year and we are hoping for a strong turnout this year. We have thought this just might be the last reunion that Vicky and I plan.”

Breakfast will be held at 7:30 a.m. in that dining hall now known as the Schindler Banquet Center. Vicky will get there early and decorate the hall with a Christmas theme using sprigs of evergreen and ribbon.

“Many of the kids who lived there have poignant memories,” Gary said. “Each year for over 100 years the residents of the home would sing what is known as The Home Christmas Carol to begin festivities.”

This year the Printzes have invited the Xenia Christian High School Choir to sing the special song during the candlelight breakfast. The carol was written by the late Sarah Collins, a teacher and counselor at the home.

The sponsors ask for a $13.50 donation for the breakfast of eggs, bacon, sticky buns, fruit cup and beverage.

“We never break even financially, but my wife and I cover any deficit,” Gary said. “Last minute reservations can be made by contacting Kathy Reno of Legacy Ministries at (937) 352-1550.”

He added, “We enjoy doing this for those who once lived at the home. Lots of good and accomplished people lived there over the years. We all like to renew friendships and exchange priceless memories. This breakfast proves that you can indeed go home again. Even if that home is an orphanage.”