Butterbox Babies

 “Lovely Babies For Adoption” is what the advertisement for the Ideal Maternity Home and Sanitarium versed to many couples unable to bear children beginning in the late 1920's. Although the ad held true as to the children, the operation of this business was far from lovely. Originally designed as a sanitarium for the sick, the hospital soon became a birthing facility. Operating without any supervision, the facility was a place of joy for couples adopting …

…publishing company displayed the truth behind the facility’s doors. Pediatricians inspections testified to “striking overcrowding”, “fly-filled nurseries”, and “malnourished children”. Witnesses who had birthed in the home also came forward to admit to their babies being neglected and murdered. Women also admitted to lying on adoption papers and even posing as nurses for health inspectors visits. On November 17, 1945, the Ideal Maternity Home was ordered closed, and the “Butterbox Babies” tragedy came to an end.