A Boy From C-11: Case # 9164

by Harvey Ronglien

Genres: Nonfiction, Book Club

Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Sasha (bahareads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book when I was touring the actual orphanage in which most of this story is placed.
This story was raw and emotional. I enjoyed the author's honesty as he highlighted the good and bad of the Minnesota State Public School for Dependent and Neglected Children. To see how being in such a large institution affected children was also very interesting. This was a short but sweet book.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story of this orphanage in Owatonna, ( a piece of Minnesota history I never knew). His insight into the life-long effects of being raised in an institution was very interesting. It is a quick read and I recommend it.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book after visiting the orphanage in Owatonna, MN where our tour guide was the author, Harvey Ronglien.

[Randy Wurm · Rating 5 out of 5]

My wife took me to this museum earlier this year and I hadn't heard about it until that visit. The museum and recreated cabin and the life that was portrayed there fascinated me. Now, after reading this book my fascination and awe is even more so. This was a great peak into the life of little children and how they lived and grew up and many of their lives after leaving this State House. It's wonderful that we can get this view of this historical even; even if jaded through the eyes of author - and he admits that ten different people will have ten different views of the same scene; which is so true.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd been meaning to visit the museum in Owatonna for a few years and kept putting it off. Now I wish I hadn't because Harvey Ronglien doesn't perform the tours as often as he used to. However, we lucked out and had a private tour. After reading his book, I need to visit again. I understand far more and so much better. Thank you for sharing and putting yourself out there, Mr. Ronglien! ~Renee Lee (Albert Lea)

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should read this memoir to understand a part of America's recent history. Mr. Ronglien tells a succinct story about his life focusing on his days spent in a state school. My sister and I toured the Owatonna School for Dependent and Neglected Children a few years ago. We had the good fortune to have Harvey as our personal tour guide. He gave us a few facts that were not included in the book. I am lucky to own an autographed book.

[Sara Livingood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartbreaking and interesting read. I visited the orphanage during COVID so I wasn’t able to spend much time inside the museum but toured the grounds which was informative with plaques throughout explaining the history.

‘I once read about a convicted murderer who was asked if he had any last words before being led to the gas chamber. He answered, “I’d rather be wanted for murder than not wanted at all.”’ -pg. 188

[Bruce · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an amazing human interest story which ultimately demonstrates the need for family, friends, human interaction, and love. It is also a history lesson, largely forgotten, that deserves to be told to this generation. We cannot fully appreciate what we have been blessed with in our lives, until we read of those who had so much less.

[Nadine Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a decendant of a State School kid. My Grandmother spent her early years at the Owatonna State school for children from 1918-1922. This book was good, and it helped me further understand why my Grandma didn't cry. She was the most loving person I had ever known. I wish the book had been written while she was still alive. I love and miss her very much. I'm grateful to have read this book.

[Danielle Mccoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A more optimistic view of the Owatonna State School Orphange but still a lot of hard truths about that type of upbringing. Harvey got lucky with his wife and he knows it. I enjoyed learning more about the school and the personal experence of Harvey.

[Therese Dotray-Tulloch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Memoir written by a boy who was institutionalized and raised in the Owatonna orphanage along with his brother. Very detailed and well-written.

[Mary Weber · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting look at the effects of institutional life on children. I would have liked to see more research, but I realize that may be for another book by an academic researcher.

[Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was recommended (and loaned) to me by my sister-in-law. The author is in some way (I don't remember how) related to her, and the story takes place in and around the community in which she grew up. It is a memoir about one boy's experiences at the Minnesota State Public School for Dependent and Neglected Children in the 1930's and 40's. I find it very fascinating to read books about experiences so far removed from my own. I guess when I think about it, all books are basically that, but this one definitely touched on a topic of particular interest to me - the hardships of life in an earlier time. What struck me was that, while the book is certainly about the orphanage experience, the underlying theme is about how much more challenging life was during this period in Minnesota (and American) history, and it is these challenges that created a need for such a place as this. The institution, unfortunately, didn't shield the children from these challenges, but instead created different challenges, and the cycle became unbreakable for some.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not profound artful writing. It is a factual, concise, heartfelt autobiographical journey through one man's life. Being raised in a Minnesota orphanage in the early part of the 20th century, Harvey recounts his experience objectively and with very little bitterness or animosity.
I found this particularly interesting since it described a facility which was close to where I currently live. In addition, I grew up just 2 blocks from a similar facility in Wisconsin, while never really understanding it. If you enjoy stories about times past, this is an excellent read.

[Pam Herrmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since visiting the orphanage in Owatonna, I have enjoyed reading several of the books from people who lived there. I thought that Harvey's book was a little more positive than the other ones I read. Wonder if it was because the other authors were female. I'm glad that he found Maxine -- she was like an angel sent to him to help him overcome the damage the orphanage did to his heart.

[Joel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent and achingly honest account of growing up in an orphanage in Minnesota in the 1930's. I've had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Ronglien give a talk at what is now the Owatonna Orphanage Museum, in Owatonna, MN, and he's an amazing person. Highly recommended!

[Shannonlcarlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this book. It was written by a man who grew up at the Minnesota State Public School for Dependant and Neglected Children. The school was in Owatonna, where I grew up. For a project in high school I interviewed the author, Harvey Ronglien, about growing up in an orphanage.

[Laura]

There is so much to admire about Harvey Ronglien. I bought his book when visiting the Minnesota State Public School Orphanage Museum.

[Jodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another unbelieveable book!

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I met Harvey on a tour of the Minnesota State Public School Orphanage Museum. He tells a raw, honest account of his years spent growing up as a State School Kid in Owatonna, MN.

[Kbreach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story. I have seen the grounds and always wondered about the orphanage!