Case File 19 - Idaho State Reform School

Founded in 1903, the Idaho State Industrial Reform School was home to the regions' most wayward youth. Children were sent there, most against their will, trying to be reformed. It was home to the many orphans, truants, runaways, and those labeled wayward or incorrigible for unspecified reasons or those without proper parental care. the conditions were reportedly so bad, that some of the teens chose to take their own lives.

The girls dormitory and hospital still stand and are used as a family home.

One of the many tragic incidents that happened at this reform school involved a fourteen year old girl by the name of Hope.  She committed suicide by removing a cord belt from her dress, standing on a chair next to the door, placing the belt around her neck and hooking one end through the transform, then stepping off the chair.  There are rumors of young Hope still wandering the halls of the building. 

Another tragic incident included a group of girls luring one of the school matrons into the shower room where they hit her over the head with an iron and left her to die.

Listen to Case File 20 for more of the story and investigation.