Los Angeles herald., 1890-12-03
"WEDNESDAY. DECEMBER 8. 1890
A GRACIOUS BENEFACTIoN.

OhhOAOOo D6Nhr hSAAONs
tits rale that in the history of South
,ern California we are permitted to
chronicle an act of exquisite charity on
a scale sufficiently broad to merit a
worldwide recognition. The widows
mite is just as precious in the sight of
the Almighty as the donation of the
liberal-minded millionaire, but there is
not attached to it the idea OF magnitude
which is generally an incident of events
which are chronicled in the public
press. Yesterday an act of noble bene-
ficence was consummated which should
be dwelt upon at some length, not be-
cause publicity would be acceptable to
the amiable lady who is the benefac-
tress-publicity will undoubtedly be
very offensive to her-but because it
sets an example which ought to be imi
tated in this state, and in other states.
Mrs. J. E. Hollenbeck on that day con-
veyed to the Messrs. j. d. Bicknell, f.
A. Gibson, ]. M. Elliott, J. S. Chapman
and Charles Batcheller, as trustees, the
Hollenbeck hotel and the Hollenbeck
homestead on Boyle Heights. The pur-
pose of the trust is to establish home
for INDECENT women and children, and
the plan contemplates the education of
the latter. The gift is princely one, as
the revenue from the Hollenbeck hotel
alone is between $500 and $4,000
year. The statement is made that Mrs.
Hollenbeck will begin and conduct the
work during her life.
1t is impossible to speak too warmly
in praise of this noble project of noble
woman. With the exception of James
Lick, there have been no instances of
beneGcence of a character so broad
and liberal in the history of California
as that which we are pleased to
be able to chronicle today. OF
course. Governor Stanford's magnifi-
cent project still fills the air, but it is
not materializing so rapidly as the pub
lie expected.
This gracious act of Mrs. Hollenbeck
not only involves the dedication of an
immense sum of money to the good Of
her less fortunate human beings, but it
carries with it the inestimable personal
services of the donor. The Hollenbeck
homestead is one of the most in
teresting and poetical spots around
Los Angeles. The late Mr.. Hol-
lenbeek, after having made a
handsome fortune in Nicaragua, find
ing his health impaired, came
to Los Angeles to pass his remaining
days. He selected, on the east side of
the Los Angeles river, slightly emf
nence, on some portion of which the sun
played every hour of the day. Here he
surrounded himself with every beaut-
full plant and flower which will flourish
in sub b-tropical climate. In sheltered
nook a grove of bananas grew with
great vigor and yielded plentifully of
this distinctively tropical fruit We are
not informed as to whether this charm
ing home will be made the scene of the
institution contemplated by Mrs. Hol-
lenbeck. Ifit should be, the benefciaries
of her liberality are to be congratulated.
With the Hollenbeck homestead enlarged
and adapted to the uses to which it has
been dedicated, the inmates would enjoy
surroundings and prospect not ap-
preached elsewhere in the United States,
as far as our recollection goes.
The plan of this noble trust not only
embraces gracious charity to INDECENT
women, but the intelligent instruction.
in trades and learning, of the INDECENT
young of both sexes. We can we'll hope
to see this trust grow into a colossal
benefaction, which will have far-reach-
ing results for good.