CONTACT: Roger Dean Kiser, Sr. 303 Juliette Circle Brunswick, Georgia 31525 (912) 617-7030 E-mail: trampolineone@hotmail.com or trampolineone@yahoo.com
WHITE HOUSE BOYS NEWS VIDEOS
THIS IS THE FIRST, ORIGINAL AND THE OFFICIAL WEB SITE OF THE “WHITE HOUSE BOYS.” THE SITE WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1999 BY ROGER DEAN KISER, AUTHOR/CHILD ADVOCATE
(In 2001 Roger began writing the book "The White House Boys-An American Tragedy" which exposed the horrible abuses which occurred at the Florida Industrial School for Boys at Marianna (Later named "The Author G. Dozier School for Boys".
IMPORTANT NEW PROJECT: I and several other White House Boys have put together a project to do a 5-8 minute film of the White House beating(s). This is not a short film to make money but to show the actual brutality, fear and horror of such a beating. The children are from Labilla School of the Arts in Jacksonville, Florida and will be filmed by an up-coming young producer named Joshua Wicker. Hopefully the film will be completed by March 30, 2012. We need your financial support to complete this project. Here is a short synopsis of the film:
What I want is a short 5-6 minutes long showing the beating of the boys at the White House Building. Basically there will be four boys (ages 9-11-12-15) who will be taken to the building for punishment. My concern is showing the fear in the faces of these boys and the fright each is experiencing.
After entering the building the boys will enter a room with a small cot and made to wait as the first boy is taken in another small room to be beaten. As the boy is given 15 licks with the leather strap (which I have) (screams and yelling in background) the sounds will be heard while the three (3) other boys’ faces are (filmed) showing fear listening to the first boys being beaten. The second boy will be taken out and the first boy will have returned to the room with the other waiting boys. In background second boy will receive 28 licks. As the second beating begins the first beaten boy will raise his shirt and his back is as black, blue and red. The other two waiting boys are horrified and fidgeting. One boy’s leg is show shaking in fear so badly that he almost falls to the floor. The second boy will return to the room and the third boy will be taken to the beating chamber. This is where you will see the actual beating. Here the two men beating the boys will be shown as mean, cruel and somewhat enjoying the activity. (“Bet I can draw blood on the first blow”). After five licks a scuffle ensues and the men brutally beat the boy until he gets back on to the small cot and they start over with the beating. When he is returned to the room with the other boys the fourth boy is taken for a beating. The boy immediately begins to fight with the men and they beat him standing up. All at once all becomes quiet and one of the men yells “The damn kid ain’t breathing”.) He rushes into the other room and hurries the three boys out of the building. The boys begin talking to themselves that the fourth boy might have been beaten to death. The final shot will be a shot of a shower (drain) with blood swirling down the drain. The camera pans up slowly from the feet, legs, thighs, buttocks and back which is totally as black, green, red and blue as a car tire. His underwear (boxers) are stuck to his rear-end and are being peeled off by the boy. The final shot will be the boy leaning against the shower wall (shaking) with blood running down the backside of his body.”
I feel it is important that the general public and the media see the severity of the beatings we endured. (St. Petersburg Times reported Ben Montgomery will do what he can publically after looking at the film).“A spanking” in no way describes the beatings we took. If we do not show the brutality of our beatings our issue(s) of abuse will be dead and mute in three months. I have done my part to set this up and now WE NEED YOUR HELP OR ALL IS LOST. If we do not do something at this time (RIGHT NOW) we might as well hang it up fellows.
Whatever monies are raised to do this film will ONLY be used for film purposes and nothing else. If for any reason this project falls through the money will be returned to those who donated the funds.
Roger Kiser, Sr. 303 Juliette Circle, Brunswick, GA 31525 (912) 617-7030
NOTICE: Today I was advised by The Juvenile Department of Justice that the plaque that was placed on the White House has been secured and is in a safe place at the Department of Juvenile Justice Office. I have also been advised that the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Division of State Lands has assured me that “The White House Building” will be protected against destruction or desecration no matter who purchases the land or is given the right to use said land/property formally known as the Florida Industrial School for Boys at Marianna/The Dozier School for Boys. That the removal or destruction of any building now located on that property will have to be Okayed by that agency and that sufficient public notice will be given if such a requested is ever submitted to that department.
WHAT IS THE TRUTH ABOUT MARIANNA?
(The closing of the Author G. Dozier School for Boys)
Open letter to the town of Marianna, Florida
When the initial discussions were initiated, regarding the closing of the former Florida Industrial School for Boys at Marianna; an additional proposal was introduced to incorporate the closure of the Okeechobee School for Boys as a means for reducing the state budget. The consensus was, that by reducing the “hardened juvenile delinquents” from Central Florida and securely confining them at the Florida Dozier School, was generally considered more advantageous and manageable for the state. Nonetheless, with the intensifying onslaught of negative publicity from the media, in conjunction with the White House Boys’ allegations of abuse, and combined with the overwhelming tendency of “negative attitude” with residents of Jackson County the recommendations were highly unlikely to succeed.
The idea of providing rehabilitation(s) for these boys was viewed as unattainable and unrealistic when considering the predetermined opinions with the majority of the Marianna population. The bitter feelings and resentment harbored for these young boys, all prejudged as hopeless cases and viewed as nothing less than common criminals, made the situation untenable for all concerned.
When White House Boys or their families would stop in Marianna; they were often viewed with distain and on more than one occasion were denied service at some establishments, especially if they were observed wearing WHB apparel. When attempts were made, by former students, to search for information to assist them in proving their allegations of abuse; a considerable number of town’s people would impede the searches and request thereby making their searches nearly impossible. A prevailing questions permeates through the minds of researchers, "why would anyone want to hide the truth if the truth did not (in fact) exist?" "What possible harm could be derived with facts and truthfulness being revealed"? Surely, there is nothing the upstanding and respectable citizens of Jackson County and in particular Marianna would have to hide from Floridians and others? In spite of the fact that a considerable number of the former boys had been severely abused; and the undeniable fact that a large number of the boys (now men) have grown to become upstanding and prosperous citizens and have contributed greatly to their country and their local respective communities, this significant fact seldom is considered by the majority of citizens of Marianna. The prevalent thoughts that lingers with many in Marianna are, once a juvenile delinquent, always a delinquent, but an inordinate number of these men have become authors, military officers, military veterans, ministers, deacons, millionaires, business men, however, their word(s) and integrity was not relevant or mattered, whatsoever. "There is not a truth existing which I fear, or would wish unknown to the whole world." Thomas Jefferson. 1826. Speak the truth and shame the devil, have been words to live by for many of these men.
It was this local attitude along with the publicity and the White House Boys’ allegations that was the determining factor which finally closed the school. Many may argue this issue, but the prevailing facts are that once the stories of abuse flooded the media across America and Internationally, the was no other choice at hand but to close the school and stop the abuse of children, regardless of their juvenile offenses.
I have approached life trying to keep an open mind and not prejudging my fellow man. Had I been a citizen of Marianna I would have at least attempted to maintain an open mind. I would have asked myself and others, could these allegations possibly be true, is it potentially or reasonably possible to have really happened and to the extent and degree these men are stating? There is little doubt that these types of abuses have been perpetrated at many youth facilities throughout the years. It continues to be exposed in the media nearly on a weekly basis and seems to be predominately in Florida. Yet, not a single soul within Jackson County would willing admit that a boy was ever mistreated or abused at the school. WHY IS THAT?
If a youth school or an adult institution is ever considered to be (re)opened in that area; the good and justice minded citizens of Jackson County should step forward, speak up and begin to change the attitudes and old ways and finally be willing to no longer turn away from what is the truth. Justice prevails when honest people speak up and no longer tolerate the injustices of the past.
Frankly, what surprised many of the men was the undeniable fact that Troy Tidwell, other former employees and in some cases individuals who were knowledgeable of these facts, blatantly and openly lied and falsified what actually happened at the school or were afraid to come forward. The assumption was that these former juvenile delinquents were supposed to be the liars, cheats and thieves but in the end, invariably it turned out to be a large portion of former employees of FSB who ultimately were exposed to be the liars, cheats, thieves and brutalizers of young children.
Yes, there were many reasons why the school was closed, causing many jobs to be lost, which hurt many of the fine upstanding members of the community. But I will state this as personal belief: That school was a hell hole from the very day it was opened. Young children often as young as 7, were beaten bloody, cursed, degraded, slapped, kicked, molested and some boys were even killed at that facility and at some point those allegations will be proven. At some point the good and honest citizens will stop being intimidated and bullied and will finally have the courage to speak the truth and will no longer be afraid. By then Troy Tidwell, R.W. Hatton, Arthur G. Dozier and many others will have faced justice before their maker and will face the consequences of having harmed God's children. Our maker is a forgiving God, but some things cannot be forgiven, even by him.
Roger Dean Kiser, Sr.
New investigative books to be released April 1st, 2012
UPDATE: After the United States Department of Justice report came out; it was stated in the Florida report that the only problems found, involving the abuse of youth, at state facilities was confined to the Dozier School and the Jackson County Juvenile Offender Center located across the street. "Juvenile Justice spokesman C.J. Drake disagrees, saying, "The issues and concerns raised in the investigative report....(are) confined to the closed facility and are not duplicated elsewhere in the DJJ system." Now we see that several other facilities are now being closed because of abusive treatment and that several other facilities are now under investigation. Why all the lies and cover-ups?
IN MEMORY OF:
John Brodnax * Roger Bryan * James Young * Jackie Florence * Michael O'McCarthy * Frank Marx * Randall Morgan Steed * Manuel Giddens * Michael Smelly * George Owen Smith * John Bennett * Ellis Adams * John GoForth * Timothy Gabriel * Don Brace * Hollis Sutton * Edgar Elton * James Bundy * Michael Bates * Richard Tabb * Michael Raines * William Michael Squires *
We work ten to fifteen hours a day on White House Boys’ issues. We cannot continue our work if the White House Boys do not support the cause moving forward. The compensation bill will go before the Florida Senate this session. This web site contains important information which will enable the Senators to see the truth and allow them to make an honest and just decision.(Click on the red "DONATE" button above)
Watch this video as this truly tells the story of what happened and the results of child abuse CLICK HERE Of all the videos I've made this shows THE TRUTH.
Books written by White House Boys and family members * CLICK ON INDIVIDUAL BOOK COVERS TO VIEW
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THE ORIGINAL WHITE HOUSE BOYS
"The White House Boys" was formed by Roger Dean Kiser and Robert W. Straley.(picture l-r) Dick Colon, Michael O'McCarthy, Roger Dean Kiser and Robert Straley. Together they exposed to the public the horrors hundreds of boys suffered at the hands of those responsible for their care at several Florida Indistrial Schools.
The "White House" Torture Chamber
In this small white building, where boys were beaten until their underwear or pajamas had to be surgically removed from the buttocks, lives the memories and horrors of the worst child abuse in Florida's history.
"If one of your kids were kept in such circumstances you'd be up there with rifles."
Governor Claude Kirk
THE WALL
Blood still on the walls, ceiling and floors even after fifty years. The terrible screams I heard and the brutal beatings I witnessed as a twelve year old will remain in my memory forever. The beatings I suffered are not my horrors today. My horrors are the beatings of crying boys that I had to witness before my own beatings. The horror of knowing that I was next. For almost thirty minutes, at age sixty-two, I stood alone in the exact room where I was almost beaten to death. With my heart racing and the side of my neck pulsating, I lit a cigarette and I cried without feeling shame.
THE CELL
The thick concrete walls and the loud industrial fan easily muffled the horrible screams of the boys as they were beaten bloody. Some were carried to the hospital in wheelbarrows and some had to have their underwear or pajamas surgically removed from the buttocks.
THE WHITE HOUSE Torture Chamber
“We was a-pissin’ in our britches,
'cause we knew that place so well.”
Most people could never imagine the horrific acts that were committed behind the secret doors of this schools ironically beautiful brick buildings and lush lawns. The victims, and they truly were victims, have finally come forward to unearth the deadly deeds that occured there. The men who made it through this school with their lives, and not much else, now call themselves the White House Boys, after the small white building that still sits on those lush lawns, where they were raped and beaten, to the point of nonrecognition, on a regular basis.
These men now need society's support in order to do what they were not able to do as little boys. These men now need our support in order to stand up to their offenders, support to finally receive what they were continually denied, a life.
"They call it "The White House?"
TROY TIDWELL Mr. Troy Tidwell was one of the main beaters at the school. His beatings of boys ran into the thousands. There are many who despise Tidwell for what he did. Personally, I hold the State of Florida responsible. The Governors knew, Senators knew, Congressmen knew as did most judges and local officials; yet they did nothing to stop these atrocities. Tidwell has stated under oath that he was only doing his job and that may very well be true. However, if that is the case then why does he not step forward and tell the truth before meeting his maker one day? Though most will never forgive him; a few of the men he brutally beat might have some form of respect for a man who tried to right a wrong.
Robert Loyal Currie This was a man who was assigned by the State of Florida to help, train and guide children but in the process he destroyed many lives. The amount of young boys he molested will never be known. There were many instances where this man's actions were exposed and he should have been removed from his position, but many in authority chose to look the other way. I, for one will forever be affected by the evil deeds done in this man's office. I shall forever remember the looks on the secretaries’ faces as they sat by with looks of pity and said absolutely nothing.
When Nightmares Become Real
The horror of these brutal beatings stayed with these boys for many years. Some had to sleep with a light on at night for years.
THE ABUSE CONTINUES
Teen freed from lockup amid sex abuse claims
A teen was released from a state juvenile lockup in Pembroke Pines amid claims in a federal
lawsuit that youths held there had endured ``horrific'' abuse.
BY MAR CABRA
mcabra@MiamiHerald.com
Lawyers for a 15-year-old boy who was held 10 months in a state youth lockup claimed Friday the teen
had been sexually abused in a laundry room by a staff member, who molested him yet again at a dental
office when his pleas for help were ignored by administrators.
The teen's claims are contained in a 28-page class-action civil rights lawsuit filed in Fort Lauderdale
federal court Friday.
A few hours later, the teen, identified in court records only as D.B., was released from state custody by
Broward Juvenile Judge Elijah Williams.
The lawsuit, initiated by an affiliate of the Montgomery, Ala.-based Southern Poverty Law Center, claims
that children held at the Thompson Academy youth corrections program in Pembroke Pines ``endured
horrific physical and sexual abuse by staff at the facility and were intimidated by staff from reporting the
abuses.''
``Even if the child is not an angel, no child should be subjected to abuse at the hands of a state [agency],''
said Gordon Weekes, Broward's chief assistant public defender.
Jesse Williams, senior vice president of Youth Services International, which operates Thompson Academy,
told The Miami Herald that the allegations are being investigated by law enforcement and state social
service agencies. He called the claims ``unsubstantiated and unsustained.''
SUICIDE ATTEMPT
David J. Utter, one of the attorneys who filed the complaint, said the lawsuit would not have been filed ``if
we did not believe that D.B. had been sexually assaulted.'' Utter said D.B. tried to commit suicide three
times while at the facility by drinking bleach and attempting to hang himself.
D.B.'s mother, who did not want to be identified to protect her son's privacy, said program administrators
never notified her of her son's alleged assaults, nor of his attempted suicides.
`Before my son got into the program he had never tried to hurt himself,'' she said. ``Although he was
supposed to be getting rehabilitation, his life has only gotten worse.''
Thompson Academy is not the first program that contracts with the Department of Juvenile Justice to face
allegations of physical abuse. In April 2006, state lawmakers shut down several military-style boot camps
after a 14-year-old Panama City youth, Martin Lee Anderson, died following a particularly aggressive
physical restraint.
Lawyers with the law center said they interviewed about 20 kids from Thompson Academy, and all of them
raised concerns about the facility, including allegations that they were forced to go hungry.
One youth, identified as D.L., claimed in the suit that a Thompson Academy staff member slammed his
head into a concrete wall, twisted his arms behind his back and banged his head into a metal door during
a restraint. Unlike D.B., D.L. remains at the lockup.
Attorneys with the law center also contend that Thompson Academy staff members tried to cover up the
abuse by preventing detainees from visiting lawyers or speaking with them by telephone.
NO MORE CONTACT
Williams, the Youth Services International executive, said the staff members identified by the law center as
abusers no longer have contact with youth sent to the company's programs by the state -- and will be fired
if they are found to have harmed any children.
``We take every step and measure to make sure the kids are protected,'' Williams added.
On Friday, Judge Williams released D.B. to his 36-year-old mother. He declined to say whether the youth's
claims are well-founded, saying the determination is for state law enforcement or child welfare
administrators to make.
``We're going to celebrate the whole weekend,'' said the boy's mother, who said Thursday was D.B.'s 15th
birthday. ``I've been waiting for this day.''
I have had many friends during the course of my life. A few of these friendships have fallen to the wayside and a few survived numerous hardships and disagreements friends have with one another.
I have two friends named Andrew Puel and Robert Straley who also went to the Reform School at Marianna back in the 1900s. Andrew never actually went to the White House Torture Chamber while there nor was he molested by staff members as were Robert and many boys during their stay at the school. However, what he did see was the result of one boy’s beating as he showered after returning from the White House. The shock of seeing a white boy’s skin turned as black as a car tire was something Andrew never forgot or got over. After I wrote the book “The White House Boys-An American Tragedy,” Andrew contacted me and we became friends.
Over the past three years Andrew Puel and Robert have helped me investigate and hunt down many of the employees who beat, molested and harmed many boys during that era. He, being of modest means, has spent thousands of dollars from his small one-man janitorial business to help get justice for the boys (now men) who were tragically and brutally beaten and abused.
Again, I have had many friends during the course of my life but I cannot think of any one friend that I have more respect for than I do for my friends Andrew and Robert. It is an honor for anyone to be lucky enough to have such individuals as true and trustworthy friends.
Roger Dean Kiser, author/child advocate
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Mr. O.J. Keller UPSET BY THE BRUTAL BEATINGS OF THE BOYS
The atrocities author Roger Kiser suffered at the hands of his "caretakers" in this Florida institution will make your toes curl. The depravity of the people running this home for boys will sicken you. The triumph and hope that Mr. Kiser offers as a result of his broken life will make your life's troubles pale to trivialities, and cause you to question what right you've ever had to complain.
As Mr. Kiser continues his work with the state of Florida and even the FBI, in an effort to ensure that heinous crimes like the ones committed upon him and other young boys are a thing of the past, he has put his personal life back together, setting an example for all of mankind that nothing is greater than the human spirit.
Written with the strength of a survivor and the compassion of one who knows severe physical and emotional pain, Mr. Kiser's book is a well-scripted look into a childhood of hell.
While the subject matter is difficult, the book is exceptional. It flows from fact to feeling in an effortless, plain-spoken manner and is interspersed with photos as well. The White House Boys...An American Tragedy is a must-read true story of abuse and hope.
The White House Boys: An American Tragedy Overview
Hidden far from sight, deep in the thick underbrush of the North Florida woods are the ghostly graves of more than thirty unidentified bodies, some of which are thought to be children who were beaten to death at the old Florida Industrial School for Boys at Marianna. It is suspected that many more bodies will be found in the fields and swamplands surrounding the institution. Investigations into the unmarked graves have compelled many grown men to come forward and share their stories of the abuses they endured and the atrocities they witnessed in the 1950s and 1960s at the institution.
The White House Boys: An American Tragedy is the true story of the horrors recalled by Roger Dean Kiser, one of the boys incarcerated at the facility in the late fifties for the crime of being a confused, unwanted, and wayward child. In a style reminiscent of the works of Mark Twain, Kiser recollects the horrifying verbal, sexual, and physical abuse he and other innocent young boys endured at the hands of their "caretakers." Questions remain unanswered and theories abound, but Roger and the other 'White House Boys' are determined to learn the truth and see justice served.
OUR ATTORNEYS The Masterson Group
We (all who were abused) are currently being represented by a team of lawyers in an effort to seek justice because of the acts of violence that were committed. Our attorneys are interested in determining if there are other witnesses to the abuse that we are attempting to expose. If you would be willing to serve as a witness to the acts of violence, please call Thomas Masterson at 1-727-896-3641 He is one of the attorneys in our legal team that is involved in our representation. You must call to join the SB-0046 senate action bill. Holland & Knight-
100 Norlh Tampa Street. Suite 4100 I-
Tampa, FL 33602-
(813) 227-8500
On the top information bar (under "photos") are pictures of the inside of the "White House Torture Chamber." Most of the pictures were taken on October 21st, 2008. Even after fifty years, blood stains still remain on the walls and floors. Some say horrible screams of agony are still heard in the late night hours.
As I entered the White House for the first time in almost fifty years, I will never forget walking behind several female guards now working at the facility. "OH MY GOD! IT'S TRUE," she said, as she covered her mouth with both hands.
I smiled to myself knowing that the truth lives on.
THE TOILET
The toilet facilities are just as nice today they were fifty years ago. As I stood looking at this toilet on October 21, 2008; I well remember one boy asking to use the bathroom before his beating and that request was refused. When the beating was complete the boy left the building with feces all over his legs and boots. He never shed a tear but covered his face with both hands from the embarrassment.
THE HALLWAY
The White House videos and photos shown on this site, was a punishment building where boys from 9-16 years old were brutally whipped with a 3-4 inch wide by two and a half foot long leather strap with a sheet metal insert. Thirty to fifty lashes for general infractions, one hundred lashes for running away. There was a facility for black boys across the street. Whatever happened to the white population was nothing compared to what the blacks suffered, up to two hundred lashes, possibly murder.
The Florida State Reform School, currently being called the Authur G. Dozier School for Boys, established by the State of Florida's lawmakers, has been hiding a horrific secret for over half a century.
The school, which was built in 1897, was intended to be a place where adolescent boys, some as young as 8 years old, could be separated from the prison system, and the evils of adult criminals, and could receive the education and mental support they needed as young men. It was established in order to provide young offenders a place where they could grow and learn, and in that way, be reformed enough to be contributing members of society. Instead, it became a "new kind of hell" which destroyed many lives.
Doctor Byrd tesitified before a United States Subcomittee on juvenile delinquency and his testimony (transcript on information bar above) clearly shows that Troy Tidwell lied during his deposition.
Kissimmee, Florida First Reunion Orlando, Florida Second Reunion
Brunswick, Georgia Third Reunion
Tallahassee, Florida Fourth Reunion
Kissimmee, Florida Fifth Reunion
Kissimmee, Florida Sixth Reunion
The White House Boys met in Brunswick, Georgia for their first reunion, Kissimmee, Florida for their second reunion, Orlando, Florida for the third reunion and then Tallahassee, Florida. The fifth reunion was held in Kissimmee where many friendships were reformed, pictutres were shared and many tears were shed. Thoughts were revised, many closed hearts were opened and (after fifty years) smiles began to return to many a sad and somewhat hardened faces. As children, these are men who have overcome the most horrible of abuses. They should be very proud to have survived.
THE STRAP
"Dear Mr. Kiser, I saw the page regarding the leather-strap. Jesus Christ, 2.46 pounds. Do you know that thing's heavier than a baseball-bat (Typical MLB Bat: 30 - 33 oz = 1.875 lbs - 2.0625 lbs)? To think people like Hatton, Tidwell, and Dozier were swinging that thing at teenagers and children with the force of a baseball pitcher hurling a 90 mile an hour fast-ball (not to mention the fact that people in the State of Florida, and the FSB's Superintendant considered this to be completely acceptable)... Absolutely despicable.
Sincerely, Peter"
What appeared to be nothing more than a beautiful campus to the general public allowed the brutal beatings, molestations, rapes and possible murders of children to continue (behind closed doors) for more than fifty years.
Florida Governor's Mansion Library
The book "The White House Boys-AN AMERICAN TRAGEDY" by Roger Dean Kiser has been placed in the Florida Governor's Mansion Library. The horrors that took place at FSB and OSB will be known by every governor residing in that residence for generations to come.
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A NOTE FROM ROGER
Roger Kiser Founder-"THE WHITE HOUSE BOYS"
E-mail Roger Dean Kiser, Sr. trampolineone@yahoo.com trampolineone@hotmail.com
Contact Information: 303 Juliette Circle Brunswick, Georgia 31525 (912) 617-7030
Roger's film "THE BULLY" * Click Here Directed by Edward Asner (Mary Tyler Moore Show).
Even after fifty years, I remember (very well) entering the Florida School for Boys Reform School grounds. The beauty of the manicured lawns, the well kept buildings, the gymnasium and the large swimming pool somewhat calmed my fears. How could anything be worse than the years of beatings, cursing and the sexual molestations I was suffering at the hands of the mean and hateful Matron, Mother Winters? Was it possible that a school operated by the State of Florida might be worse than was my ten year childhood living at the Children’s Home Society Orphanage in Jacksonville, Florida? There was no way. Or was there? I found it hard to believe that anyone, other than in the German concentration camps, could possibly be that mean and cruel?
The facility covered about 1400 acres. It was just a small smidgen of land hidden deep in the North Florida woods. My country, known as the United States of America, had just saved the world from Hitler and the Japanese. But I guess the Army and Marines didn’t know about what was happening in Jackson County ‘cause that was a place where Superman or even God himself might have feared to tread.
Little did I realize at the time that I was entering a place of immense hate, excessive cruelty and a realm of total bloody horror. It was a time in Florida’s history that formed many negative memories in the minds of thousands of young innocent little boys. Memories that would haunt, curse, damage and destroy the wives, children, families and even the friends of the men these boys would one day become.
My twelve year old eyes shifted from side to side as we entered the campus. My mind was racing as I tried to decide if what I was about to experience was good or bad. I had heard from the Duval County juvenile authorities that the reform school looked like a college campus and I guess they were right as it sure was a pretty place. My shoulders began to relax as the county police car pulled up in front of the large, white administration building. I smiled as a tall thin man walked toward the car. As he reached the back door of the car, I smiled and then pressed my lips together, hoping to hide my fear.
“Move your fuckin’ ass, young man,” he screamed.
I knew right then and there that I had entered another hell hole. That night I cried for Matron, Mother Winters to come and get me so I could once again kiss and smell her wrinkled old body in the darkness.
I have been asked many times why I have pursued this matter for so many years. Was it the beatings, the abuse-maybe it was the killing of young boys? I had never given it much thought. All I knew was there was this deep feeling inside me that I had never forgot. One evening after the family had gone to bed, I lit a cigarette, opened a Coca Cola and I walk out onto my front porch. I stood there thinking about that question. All at once it came to me. It was not the beatings, the abuse, the molestations or the murders. It was the fear I felt inside my twelve year old mind on the two minute walk from Mr. Hatton’s office to that damn White House Building door. Not knowing if I would walk back out alive. I will never forget having at act brave in front of the other boys when all along I was scared half to death. I will never forget wondering if I were about to die.
(A picture is worth a thousand words)
One can tell by the look of joy and the Christmas spirit glowing upon these two boys's faces, as they hold X-mas gifts, just how wonderful life was at FSB Marianna. R.W. Hatton had to be one of the most cruel individuals ever employeed at that school. The many young lives he ruined will never be known. Even in death this man is not entitled to any respect, at least not from me.
I have
continued my efforts to write about the abuses as well as document other men's stories. The abuses include beatings, floggings, rape, molestations and in some cases the murder of many children. Their stories can be read at the "victims stories" link above.
Florida State Archives
The book "THE TRUTH-YOU DECIDE" by Roger Dean Kiser and Andrew Puel has been placed in the Florida Archives and the horrible abuses committed by the State of Florida upon innocent children will be on display for all to see for generations to come.
In January of 2001 I got word from the mother of a state employee who was working at the Boys School, located in Clewiston, Florida; that boys were being taken out at night, made to strip naked in 36 degree weather, and made to stand in metal wash tubs full of cold water. Other smaller naked boys were placed on their shoulders and the boys were made to stand in that manner for as long as three hours at a time. The result of that investigation proved the allegations to be true.
No photo(s), text, codes and/or any other information may be used or taken from this web site without the express written permission of the site owner. The story rights remain with the individual(s) who wrote and submitted the stories. Any and all rights belong to those individuals and permission(s) must be obtained from those persons before using such materials.
This is a book I wrote several years back and it is a book that I hope I never have to release to the general public. It is a shame that a few (four (4) to six (6) individuals) had to almost destroy the hopes and dreams of four hundred and fifty-six other men who had been terribly treated and beaten in such a bloody and terrible manner. Most of these men never recovered from that horrible experience.
Robert Loyal Currie
