These hand written notes found at the Marion County Children's Guardian Home in Indianapolis are all that is known of the short life of Merle Guess, five months old when he passed away. It's amazing that alot of these children were referred to as it...not by their name, not the child, but it.

 

Merle was buried in an unmarked grave at Crown Hill Cemetery, as were many other children who were orphaned, abused, neglected or indigent. Discovered just a few years ago were the unmarked graves of 699 children buried between 1892 and 1980 from the Board of Children's Guardians, the Children's Bureau, Indianapolis Children's Asylum and the Home for Friendless Colored Children.

 

     The Care For Kids Foundation's campaign to memorialize these children defined the first Hearts Remembered Memorial dedicated June 4th, 2006. It is comprised of three black granite monoliths ( center stone is 9 foot tall and weighs 2.5 ton ), inscribed with the names of all 699 children buried at Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis, Indiana.  The memorial, a fitting tribute to the lives of many, was fabricated by Royal Melrose Granites, with design work overseen by Chief Designer Joseph Miller.  The center bronze statue depicting two young children arm in arm was designed and cast by Ryan Feeney. A bronze plaque listing the many kind corporations, foundations, and individuals that contributed to the memorial campaign was placed near the site of the memorial. Please visit Crown Hill Cemetery and the Hearts Remembered Memorial to honor the forgotten children and remember this memorial is a reminder to respect, care for and love all children as they are our future.