The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1888-03-10
For the Democratic Advocate.
A Visit to the Aims House

Sunday last being u less disagreeable day than
many have been since the ground hog saw his
shadow, we concluded to take a walk 10 the Aims
House, about one mile from town. For several
years past we have made occasional visits TO this
institution, and became quite familiar with the
genial face of our friend Roller. On this occasion
we found new faces persons we met there for the
first time, and learned that Mr.. Emanuel Shaffer
was in charge. We approached what found to
be the kitchen door, where we were met by Mr..
shafTer, who welcomed us and invited usin. When
in we were ushered intoa comfortable parlor where
we met with Mrs. shafIer, the matron of the estab-
lishment. Mrs. shafIer received us quite cor
daily and babe us be seated. But few moments
were spent in pleasant conversation, when were
informed that two students from the Theological
Seminary were approaching the house, and would
hold religious services for the benefit the inmates
These young gentlemen courteouSly received
by Mr.. and Mrs Shaffer, who at once had seats pro-
/ vided in the hallway, where these services are
usually held. Quite number of persons collected,
inmates of the institution, and the service was
opened by one of the students announcing the
hymn, What Friend We Have in Jesus" which
was sung by nearly all present. This was followed
by prayer, after which the hymn ION Christ the
Solid Rock Stand" was sung. This was followed
by reading the 55th chapter of Isaiah. Remarks
based upon the chapter were made by each of the
students, and were listened TO with marked atten-
ton. After singing and prayer they were dismissed,
but not until quantity of religious literature was
distributed among those present The inmates
seemed to fully appreciate their opportunity of
spending an hour at religious worship. A fter this
was over we were conducted by the Steward and his
excellent wife through the entire building together
with a separate building occupied by old men, and
where tramps are usually quartered. In the main
building we were conducted through the different
rooms, and given an opportunity to converse freely
with all the occupants. Each in Turn had something
cheerful to say for with the exception of one Ia man
sixty years of age who is at times entirely des
titute of reason they were all cheerful and bright
and seemed well satisfied with their surroundings.
Their rooms were neat and tidy, and gave evden ce
that they had every attention needed. Mr.. ShaiIer
gave us in turn the history of those domicied, and
while some were sad Others were heartrending
We were conducted through the kitchen, which
serves the double purpose of kitchen and dining
ROOM Upon an investigation of this department
found the inmates suffered 10 neglect whatever
but were well fed with good food and plenty of it.
Fresh light bread bacon, flesh beef, tea, coffee and
sugar, with vegetables, hominy, soup, &c, served
in abundance At the building occupied by the old
men we found quite number of tramps. These
tramps are made to do such work as they are able
in connection with the misunderstanding on the
others, attending stock, &c. There are at present
about 46 oecupants--S7 white and 9 colored-l3 of
whom are old men. There several child rem a
few aged females with some in middle life. Carroll
county takes good of this class of persons The
Commissioners look well tc their comfort and while
under Mr.. Kohler's management everything was
conducted in a satisfactory and able manner. 1t is
fair to presume thatthe same good conduct Of af
fairs will mark the administration OF Mr.. Shafer
He seems evidently to be 1.-The right man in the
right place" His wife is estmable lady, and has
entered upon her new line of duty with will that
gives evidence of determination and ability W.