In the early 1930s, Oklahoma established a state-run home in Taft for African-American children, known as the Deaf, Blind, and Orphans Home (DB&O).
Children entered DB&O due to disabilities, family hardship, or the loss of parents to death, illness, or incarceration.
Sibling groups often lived together, many remaining until adulthood.
Tragically, some children died in care and were buried anonymously behind the facility, in a children’s cemetery active from 1909 to 1961.
The tradition of hanging teddy bears along the fence honors these lost children.
On October 7, 2025, the Taft community renewed this memorial, while the Eddie Warrior Correctional Facility maintains the sacred grounds.
For 19 years, former Mayor Lelia Foley Davis championed official recognition of the burial site.
On her 84th birthday, it was announced that a permanent sign would be installed, continuing under the guidance of Mrs. Sharon Ray of Legacy Keepers R Us. These children are a part of Taft’s enduring story — and they will not be forgotten.