Miss Amanda Moore, a Romeo Legacy

Valentine's Day is a great day to share the story about a longtime Romeo resident who loved and devoted her life to children.

Amanda Moore, photo undated


Amanda Moore was born on March 8, 1868, in Virginia. She was a descendant of slaves and came to Washington, Michigan, in 1882. Around 1900 she moved to Romeo, living on Hollister street, until her death on March 26, 1964 at the age of 96 years.  She adopted seven children and raised them at her own expense but her devotion to children did not end there. She became a "boarding mother" for the Children's Aid Society in 1919, and over the years took care of a staggering number of 169 foster children ranging in ages from 5 weeks to 15 years. 

"The children were taught cooking, sewing, gardening and the fundamentals of good living. They were imbued with a desire to obtain the greatest amount of education possible, but along with it, there was emphasis on the satisfaction that comes in being able to work with one's hands."  (The Romeo Observer, July 9, 1970)

The Romeo school board had solicited suggestions for the naming of the new elementary school located on Dickenson street. Mrs. Mary Lothery sent a letter nominating Amanda Moore because of her strong dedication to children. In her letter, she noted that Miss Moore's "...heart's desire was to help others, especially children. Her philosophy of life was--train up a child in the way he should go--spiritually, intellectually and in the ability to use his hands."

The school was named Amanda Moore in her honor and opened in 1971. It remains a memorial to the woman who cared so dearly for children and the community in which she lived.