Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1884-01-31
NATIONAL soLDIxRs uosrE.


Extensive and much needed improvements
have been made at and around the buildings
of the National SOLDIER Home. Togus, dur
ing the past year. Up to the time of the
recent change of government at the Home no
repairs or improvements had been made for
many years previous, and the inmates having
increased considerably in number, enlarge
ments in some direction became necessary.
In December, 1882, Col. Andrew j. Smith
came in a. secretary and treasurer of the
Home, and the following April Gen. Luther
Stephenson, Jr., governor. Almost immed-
lately upon the opening of spring plans were
made and the necessary Improvements COM
menced. They are now about completed.
Amusement Hall has undergone complete
innovation. Its seating capacity has been
increased l25 persons. The walls and CELL
ing have been frescoed and painted in most
artistic manner and in elegant designs. This
work was done by Messrs. Berry and Morton,
of Gardiner and Portland respectively.
neat airy gallery appears in the rear of the
hall. The stage has been enlarged so that it
is now q feet in depth BY 40 10 width, which
makes it of ample dimensions for any use to
which it may be put. On the right of the
stage cosy little waiting and dressing room
for the ladies has been placed, while to the
left is q similar apartment for gentlemen.
Daylight falls into the hall through stained
glass windows with fine effect. Opera chairs
are to be provided for the floor. The build
ing has been newly plumbed, and new steam
heating and gas fixtures are provided. When
fully completed no hall in the State of equal
size will excel it in convenience and ele-
gance.
A much needed extension 27x70 feet has
been added to the billiard hall, thereby &C.
commodating 300 more men than formerly
New steam radiators furnish warmth. Four
new billiard tables have been purchased.
just north and adjacent to the hall new quar-
tiers have been fitted up for the fire engine
"Gen. Butler"
"What is designated as the "kitchen extern
SION has been added to the kitchen proper
Its dimensions are 44x73 feet. portion Of
the extension has been fitted up for bathing
purposes and contains l6 bath rooms fur
nished with all the modern appliances. Water
closets have also been established in this ex-
tension. A handsome building, 43xa4 feet
and two stories in height, has been erected
for guard house. This was very much need
ed. The old house was . dark, dingy place
and totally unfit for the purpose designed.
The upper floor of the new building is utilized
for a tailor's shop. while below are three
cells for prisoners and room for
the officers. 1t is heated by steam.
The building that was formerly used as
shoe shop is now headquarters for Co. c. On
the lower floor is a room where the band
practice. The hospital kitchen is enlarged
by an addition of brick one story high and 20
feet square. The interior of this is just re-
ceiving the finishing touches.
On the left, inst before one reaches the
main buildings of the Home, on the Augusta
road. is a very handsome residence of brick,
erected for the occupancy of the Treasurer
of the Home, Col. Smith, who has recently
moved in. The style of architecture is very
pleasing. broad veranda in front adds
grace and an air of comfort to the structure.
A fine two-story wooden house has also been
erected on the grounds for the use of the
chief engineer and band master, at a cost of
$1,000. Gen. Stephenson's residence has re-
ceived necessary renovating and painting.
mere are several otner ulluOT Auultlons
The total cost of the Improvements has been
in the neighborhood of SIC, 200. The funds
have been expended carefully and judiciously
and only where most required.
The Franklin Engine Co., organized last
May, drills regularly. Chief Engineer John
X. Leslie is commander. They have set
of very handsome uniforms which are kept
in a room designed especially for the purpose.
The band is making satisfactory progress un-
der the leadership of Prof. Theme and
has deserving reputation of being one Of
the best bands in the State. But one shoe
maker is now employed. An upholstering de-
partment has been added. one man working
at the business. BY recent
arrangement the pensions of the inmates,
which come quarterly, are paid in INSTALL
ments. One-third of the amount due is paid
the first month of the quarter; another third
the second month, and the final third the last
month. This plan works admirably, and
there is not nearly as much drunkenness of
There are 1900 inmates at the
Home at the present time, an increase of
some 900 over last wear