History
Happy Haven began as a dream in the minds of Christian people at the Willow Avenue Church of Christ in 1964-1965. During the planning stage, it was decided to look at options for the facilities to implement such a program. The old Putnam County Farm property, which had been abandoned since 1961, was mentioned as a possibility. This property included a 35-room brick structure and 71 acres of land which was also known as the County Poor House property. The home began as an orphanage on the current property in 1965. In February 1972, the Board of Directors made the decision to begin construction of a new group home. Eight months later, the land was cleared and construction began. The Abston House was built in 1974. The Gainesboro House, constructed with funds donated by the Gainesboro Church of Christ, was occupied in December 1977. The Richmond Chapel-Nevins House was built in June 1978 with money donated by Richmond Chapel Church of Christ in memory of Elizabeth Boatman Nevins. Other buildings on the property include the Farris Office Building, the Ogden Center Picnic Pavilion, and a barn.