It absolutely was an orphanage. Take a tour if you can. The owner is usually there and you can ask him about the property. I also suggest you take a paranormal tour that they offer. I have done the paranormal investigations several times and stayed there over night.
The building was originally a home for children sponsored by the The International Association of Odd Fellows. It allowed for families to place children in a safe environment while getting back on their feet. It was not an orphanage or an asylum.
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