"Morialta House" was built in 1847 for John Baker, who was appointed to the first Legislative Council of South Australia and succeeded Boyle Travers Finnis as Premier, but was ousted twelve days later.
Following the success of the (Catholic) Orphanages of St. Vincent de Paul in Gilberton, and Goodwood Park in the State, the Federation, whose secretary was Philip Vincent Colebatch, decided to purchase "Morialta" as a Protestant home for orphan and neglected children.
Board of management consisted of three members, elected annually, from each of:[7] Staff included a Head Gardener, to oversee the vegetable garden, orchard and dairy herd, and train the boys, who were expected to be useful as farm workers on leaving the Home.
Similarly, the Matron oversaw the girls cooking, washing and mending in the expectation they would later be employed as domestic servants.
Income was derived from sale of produce,[7] annual fetes held at the Town Hall, and donations from individuals and organisations.