Dodge City times. [volume] (Dodge City, Kan.) 1876-1892, 1891-09-11
occupants; bu. that which held our at

} occupants: but that which held our at
tention most was the story of 5000 men
being stationed at the fort during the
White river expedition. as related by our
guide; the old, dilapidated buildings. and
thought of the tedious life led by the
soldiers at the fort many years ago.
The old buildings of the fort are still
there, consisting of six large buildings
known as officers quarters. three large
buildings known as soldiers quarters or
barracks. large cut stone building built
for hospital, two large cut stone build
ings formerly used as quartermaster's and
commissary buildings. and some fifteen
or twenty smaller wooden buildings. coal
houses. stables. corrals, etc. Walks are
being laid and trees planted, which i'm
proves appearances very much. The
park, which Is surrounded by the build
ings. has beautiful carpet of blue grass
and white clover. In the center OF the
park. on high pole, the stars and stripes
are unfuried
The stone used in the erection of the
buildings was hauled from the Sawlor. a
creek about twenty miles north of the
fort and the lumber from Fort Hays. in
the northern part of the state This was
in 1857, when the fort was established.
Considering the material used i fhc
buildings and the facilities for c1tr 'aa,
II at that time we are I'd 70 n.l .-,
tie government expeadel ar
amount of money in erecting them $500.
it seems an ACT of economy 3, tas are
of Kaasas in using the place and Hi-
!nss as q soldiers nome.
The TORT WAS abandoned oy the CHi.e,I .
States 'roops eight years ago and j,vO .
years ago it came into the hands of the ,
state. 1t was in a more or less diiapidat i
ed condition, consequent from neglect |
and non-occupancy, bat many OF the |
houses are well built and OF good mater
ial and capable OF being repaired az Il
slight expense and lasting many years
The buildings which we're formerly used I
for the officers and their families mot
counting the barracks contain ninety
four rooms of various sizes and were in
different degrees of repair but now all
are made habitable and accommodate
about thirty families, who have been
there eighteen months.
The object of the home. as stated in
the act of Congress obtaining the laad
and buildings, is TO furnish care and main
tainance to soldiers and sailors unable 10
themselves, their dependent par
ants, wives and children. Children over
sixteen years of age are not eligible. The
with whom we talked. said
hey were expecting 10 erect some three
Dom cottages and remodel the old build
ngs more comfortably. The Legislature
If 1889 appropriated $4,000 for the two
Icars ending June so. 1899, and Congress I
ateiy made another appropriation of =
bout so, 200 for Improvements. furnish
ngs and maintenance. Il considerable /
PORTION OF the land belonging to the home
$ prepared Tor cultivation ana VIII ne
'lanted the coming season. They think
f having ten months of school a year.
unday school is held every Sunday aGd |
hey have preaching occasionally.
The more refined, educated and best of
he soldiery are pleased with their com
landant. Though seemingly stern. he
op1,4lna,
nd has warm, sympathetic heart for
hose who try to do right. There are
lanv erplexing circumstances and con-
itions 10 meet in the home. and in them
Il he saows patience, frmness and jus
ce in mis- dealings with the inmates. j.,
1e thilk he is the right man in the right :
lace.-ALIcE STULL Robinson, in the ,
dvocute.