The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1885-07-09
From Lebanon.

On Friday Of the vacation, between
the spring and summer terms of the
University, number Of the students
having expressed desire to visit the
Day ton Soldiers Home, AN excursion
train was run from Lebanon. About
200 of the students seized the oppor-
tunity of visiting this famous institu-
ton.
Tt is known as the Central Branch
National Home, being one of four
divisions and is situated about three
miles west of Dayton, on a branch OF
the T. c. and ST.. L. R r. The other
three divisions are located one in
Virginia, another at Milwaukee, WIS
consin, and the third at worth,
| Kansas. The establishment of the
National Home for disabled volunteer
soldiers, by act of Congress Of March
3, 1865, was noble tribute, coming
as it did just as the clash of arms had
ceased, and the smoke of battle,
waited away by the white wings OF
peace, revealed the Goddess of Liberty,
holding in her hand scroll with the
inscription in golden letters, The
Nation to her defenders.
The four branches of the Home are
under one board Of Managers, who
are appointed by Congress, and of
whom the Secretary of War, Chief
Justice. and President of the United
States are members er o67cio. The
Home contains nearly $40 acres, and
is laid out in lawns and drives, pre-
senting the appearance of beautiful
village, or miniature city. Broad and
handsome avenues named after the
various states running north. south,
east and west, and frlnged on either
side by handsome young shade trees,
furnish attractive drives. On enter
ing the grounds from the north gate
you find yourself on Pennsylvania
avenue. which winds in graceful
curves up gradual ascent, leading
you directly In sight of one OF the
finest panoramic views to be seen in a
lifetime. Looking eastward you be-
hold in the distance the city of Day
ton, resting like a beautiful gem In
the midst of green trees, while the
Miami glides gracefully by. looking
like ribbon of silver. Passing on
YOU behold the turret crowned Hos
pital on your right; and a battery of
field guns on your left. Reaching
the summit you pass by the tall flag
staff, at whose base are mounted some
of the heaviest guns with their ac-
compartments of shot aud shell. On
Your right is seen the church. its
walls covered with a mantle of ivy,
and near by stands Memorial Hall.
Turning to the left you catch birds
eye view of the conservatory, flower
garden, and lakes. Proceeding to the
left you pass the barracks, and the
quarters Of the officers, embowered in
stately grove of forest trees. On
your right you pass the Deer Park,
and further on the lakes. upon the
bosom Of which swans and other rare
water fowls may be seen disporting
themselves, and anchored close by is
the jaunty little Garfield a model
man-of-war.
The monument, beautiful work
of sculpture, is relic deserving more
than passing notice. 1t was form
erly one of the columns of that fam
Gus old building in Philadelphia,
known as the United States Bank
It is forty-eight feet in height, sur
mounted by statue of collosal size
Of private soldier at parade rest,
making the extreme height of the
monument fifty-eight feet On the
four corners stand life-like representa-
tions of the four branches of the SER
vice, viz: infantry, cavalry, artillery
and navy. The statues are all of pure
white marble, carved in highest style
Of the art, coming from far off Italy.
The entire cost was about 800 600.
On the Slopes of the mound surround
ing the monument is the neat and
well-kept cemetery. The graves are
arranged in rows according to the
date of the death, those dying each
year forming one or more rows around
the cemetery. An examination of
the graves shows an average Of about
four deaths each week.
The Home affords many opportuni-
tiles for pleasant and profitable pas
time. Chief among these IS the large
library, containing about $4,000 vol
umes. The western portion of the
spacious room is devoted to what is
called the George Fl. Thomas Lii
brary," established in honor Of that
brave and gallant officer, whose love
for his country, and sympathy for
his soldiers knew no bounds. The
eastern part is devoted to the Put
nam Library" collection Of some of
the most valuable works to be found
anywhere, treating Of all classes of
subjects to suit every taste. The
home is indebted for this generous
gift to that nobe and christian wo-
man, Mrs. Mary Lowell Putnam, of
Boston. Her son, gallant officer,
gave his life in defense of his coun-
try, and III commenoration of that