Bickel, Sophie

Co-founder of the Wiesbaden children's home

Born: 07.11.1802 in Wiesbaden

died: 19.09.1876 in Wiesbaden

As a member of the Wiesbaden Maidens' Association, Bickel had been campaigning since the 1820s for the establishment of a children's home where both orphans and neglected children would be cared for. Together with various charitable associations, she organized fundraising campaigns and submitted petitions to the Nassau government for financial support for her project. Her efforts were successful and the children's home was opened in 1835.

A limited number of children between the ages of two and six received food, clothing and accommodation here. During their stay, the boys and girls were taught basic school knowledge as well as skills in handicrafts and manual work. Bickel was a member of the board of five men and five women who managed the assets, decided on personnel issues and regulated the admission and dismissal of the children. At the same time, she took on the position of headmistress, who was responsible for the orderly delivery of lessons as well as for proper housekeeping and acted as the superior of the headmistresses employed at the institution.