V.T. ~ 40.070726
I am just beginning the process of trying to locate the son that my mother relinquished for adoption in the early 1940’s. She stayed at and gave birth at the White Shield home. I did not learn about this child until after my mother’s death in 1989. It was, sadly, something she could never have disclosed. What prompted my search was the book The Girls Who Went Away. I was so moved by the words of both the mothers and their children that I felt compelled to find the child, even though I could no longer talk to my mother about this event. There is no doubt in my mind, however, that the birth and relinquishment of this child changed my mother’s life immeasurably, irrevocably, and in ways that none of her other 6 children and her husband (who did not know about the birth) could imagine.
What is your mother’s name? My father was born at the White Shield Home in 1940. I have his original birth certificate.
My dad was born at WSH on, or around, March 13, 1940 and is believed to be a twin. His birth certificate says “Ellis Baby”
My cousin was possibly born at the White Shield home, but we know for certain his mother lived there prior to his birth, he may have been born at the Tacoma Hospital. I am just wondering if anyone knows who keeps the records from the WSH from the 1940s? My cousin was born January 8, 1942 and we do have his original birth certificate and it confirms his mother is who we thought it was, based on DNA and genealogical research, but we are struggling to find his father. Just wondering if his mother’s records from WSH would have any information about his father. Any suggestions or help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Stephanie