Brenda

May 9, 2010 Cherie Bombell 6 comments

In the drop down pages, Brenda tells her true story of child abuse, running away, being locked up and eventually finding a foster family that loves her. These are Brenda’s own words written on now old yellowed notebooks over the past 40 years. You will be shocked by the treatment she received not only from her mother and stepfather but also from the justice system that put her behind bars. Children continue to be mistreated today and are put behind bars sometimes because there is no where else to put them. Read her words so that you are aware of the crimes that occur against children and do whatever you have to ensure this injustice stops. Children do not belong behind bars.

Brenda has change names to protect people’s identity

#1 | Written by Angie on November 23, 2015. Reply

when were u there brenda?
#2 | Written by Marilyn Brandt on August 22, 2011. Reply

Hi,Brenda,and Cherie,..sorry i havent wrote back,sooner but,…just not “up to par”….been feeling,like chit..i got your e-mail Bren,…now trying to figure out how to send one,back to ya gawdddddddddddd!!!(kill me,fer i multiply!) i cked on “reply”,..and the same letter YOU,sent,…to meeeeee,…. and,your same letter to me,came back up,..whaaaaaaa da?? Anyway,gals,..ill be getting back in touch with yas here fer long ok? Its 6:00 a.m.and here i sit,…havent went to bed yet. actually,…i was kinda leary of going to bed cuss ive got some chest pain,…kinda feels “crushed”,like or,heavy… but,whaever,the problem is,..it hurts. So,…im kinda waiting around to see if i need to go to the e r,or wait and see if it lightens up i dont have any heart problems that i no,of,,but ive been smoking likea fieen,….so gee huh,………go figure. Welppppppppp,..yak with yas later, HOPEFULLY,..lol……….so until then,..i be loveing yas,…huggers,..Marilyn
#3 | Written by Marilyn Brandt on July 27, 2011. Reply

Hi Brenda,…….i read a comment you left,for me,…..but now i cant find it again! i cant remember,where you wrote it at lol……………..but,i do plan on writeing you back,and i thank you,for writeing me,……..yes,i was blessed to have a wonderful,Mother,its such a shame,kids dont realize those things when thier young,…….oh,im sure,some do,….but,unfortunetly,.i didnt.i see where you was from Hoopston….i worked at the corn,factory,there,one yr.,boyyyyy??ill tell ya,what lol when the wind blows just right,.peeeeeeeeeu! LOL.. you,can write to me if you want ok,.ill ans,you back,k,later,.Marilyn
#4 | Written by Devin Gilmartin on July 8, 2010. Reply

Your story is so sad, and I’m very sorry that you went through this. I can relate to parts of it.

At school, Geneva High school; I’m going to be a sophomore soon, they have a time line for Geneva tacked up on the wall of the main hallway. I’ve read this many times while walking back from the bathroom wasting time, and no where on it does it mention this school. Why? Everyone I’ve talked to knows nothing about it, even the people I know that live in Fox Run (the subdivision that now occupies the land that the school was on), don’t know anything about the cemtery or the school!

I am completely interested in the history of this school, here are some questions I can think of right now:
Was Ophelia Amigh abusive?

Did the infants in the cemetery die at the hands of the headmistress, and what about the teenage girls?

Why was Ms. Amigh forced to resign?

Why did the school close down?

Where any of the girls used as prostitutes?

I hope I’m not bothering you I’m just an extremely curious teenage girl.
- #5 | Written by Brenda on July 10, 2010. Reply
  
  Hi Devin; I know when I first started my search for material on Geneva it was hard to find much, almost like the place never existed. 1978 was a long time ago, maybe people have forgot or no longer live in the area. I was told by a historian from Geneva, in essence, the land was worth more subdivided than the upkeep on the old buildings. Personally I think the town wants to forget everything about the place! A lot went on behind those locked gates!!
  
  I didn’t know Ophelia Amigh she was long gone by the time I got there. I have read the accusations implied about her and of course there were stories circulating the school even when I was there, but first hand I can’t honestly say they are true.
  
  As for the cemetery it was there before the school. I remember it being larger, more headstones. I saw the dates on some of the infants stones, they died just days apart. There were a lot of stories about the girls and babies buried in that lonely isolated part of the grounds.
  
  Not only was the grave yard a spooky place the whole environment of the school was creepy. Just one of the many mysteries that took place is when I was on Hope cottage. There was a girl’s room that periodically cast a shadow in the corner for no apparent reason, an evil looking shadow. It scared the staff and the girl occupying the room so badly they had to move her and, the room remained empty for as long as I was there.
  
  I appreciate your curiosity about the school, however; there are some questions I can’t answer, especially here!
  
  The school does have some stories to tell and I’ve waited a long time to tell them.
  
  If I can be of any help in the future just let me know and thank you for the post!
#6 | Written by Cherie Bombell on May 13, 2010. Reply

I am so saddened to hear of your trauma, Brenda. I don’t know how you survived with your mind intact with those experiences at 12. You are an incredibly courageous woman and telling your stories may allow others to face their demons.

From some of the emails I’ve received, your story has really resonated with other former inmates. Others also remember the doctor, soap, the vessel and other details you write about. I’ve asked them to write comments here so you can see how your stories are reaching people. I believe if they post their comments they will continue to reach out to others. I’m looking forward to hearing more from you, Brenda.

Cherie Livett Bombell

Brenda

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