When Joan W. Brown began her work at the Murrow Indian Children’s Home, it was supposed to be a temporary position. That was in 1974.

“I was going to Bacone College, had my family started and had gone back to school,” she said.

After 35 years of work, Brown is retiring at the end of this month. She said she’ll continue helping out, but the full duties will be taken over by Betty Martin.

“I’ve worked with four directors. Then in 1989, I became the full-time director,” Brown said. “This is a mission and ministry, and it’s ongoing.”

Since the home was moved from Atoka to Muskogee in 1910, thousands of children have been given a helping hand.

Brown said that in the 1950s a big change occurred in the type of housing available.

“A Baptist radio minister from California raised the money to build the five cottages here off North York Street next to Bacone College, and it was for the children to be in a more home-like setting rather than dormitories, so they could learn the family style of living and the training, and things like that,” she said.

Brown said the home continues to be supported by church and individual donations. They do receive some tribal monies, but it’s a constant struggle for charities.

“We care for Native American children, we have mixed races as well due to the society and the times, but we can take children from any tribe in Oklahoma,” she said. “Over the years we’ve had them all at one time or another. So, we provide a service, a foster home setting for those tribes who may not have enough foster homes. Right now, we primarily have several Creek children in our home.”

Brown said the experience has been a blessing to her — to meet so many wonderful people who are willing to give their time, and share in the work, and who care about children.

“Since I’ve been here, I’ve seen so many young people, and then to have them grown and come back with their children and come through and want to share with their children where they lived and meet some of the staff who are still here,” she said.

Brown has plans for her retirement.

“Hopefully, I’ll get back to my art,” said Brown, a master artist for the Five Civilized Tribes Museum. “I will still be volunteering some for Murrow.”



Reach Keith Purtell at 918-684-2925 or Click Here to Send Email