The current article describes and analyses how the citizen organisation "Arbetets Vänner” Association initiated and developed organized childcare (kindergarten) in Turku during the years 1897-1937, an activity that was later continued by the local authorities. This organized childcare contributed to the education of the general public, which had started earlier in the 19th century and provided the basis for the social remoulding process in Finland. The current study also highlights the development from the early 19th century, with the first forms of institutional childcare combined with teaching in reading, writing and Christian religion intended for children of the poor and the working class, which preceded the kindergarten activity of the "Arbetets Vänner" Association starting in the year 1897. In addition, special attention has been paid to the historical and social development in Turku in the 19th century and to the ideological currents and pedagogical ideas influenced especially by the German educationalist Friedrich Fröbel (1782–1852).