Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1892-01-28
Visit 10 the soldiers Home.

Ever since the opening of the Soldiers
Home, May /, 1887, and the admission OF
George +. Wood of Company Z, End Reg
iment VT. Vols, as the first inmate, on the
18th ofthe same month, l have had de-
sire to visit the historic town OF Benning-
ton and see the magnificent home that
Vermont has provided for her poor and
unfortunate soldiers; and being one OF
her soldiers, felt as though | was an heir
to this delightful paradise. II was cold,
windy day, and as stepped into the Home
the change was magical. And such cor
dial greeting as i received from Major
Coffey as he extended the hand OF COM
radeship in royal welcome to the. COM
forts of a real soldiers home ] was cap
tured | surrendered Internationally
would II it had taken me ali winter. There
are but few men who can keep good no.
| tel, much less manage a soldiers home,
but Comrade Coffey can do both, and Mrs.
Coffey is his equal in performing her part,
which adds greatly TO the comfort OF the
"old vets" The comrades throughout
the state cannot bestow too much praise
upon the officers for the very excellent
way in which the Home is managed.
The state holds in grateful remembrance
the names of her soldiers. History VIII
do them Justice The gentle hands OF our
loving and patriotic women are ever busy
in the good work, laboring earnestly and
zealously in the noble cause providing
delicacies and comforts for the Home.
Comrades, it seems as II copious showers
of patriotic admiration had been given
with loving hearts by the good people OF
Vermont to her surviving heroes. Then
let us not be unworthy OF their admira
ton, and as we march down life's broad
avenue with feeble step and Bonded forms
let our dim eyes rest on the bright radf |
ance ~ that grand reunion just beyond |
the outer picket line
] started out to tell what ! saw at the |
Home, but to enumerate all would make |
a long chapter. / only wish every old 1
soldier In the state coul5 visit the Home. !
There are at present 62 inmates Every I
room is furnished with spring beds and
hair mattresses. clean white spreads, /
quilts and blankets Many are furnished
by the Grand Army posts, Sons of Neterr
ans and Woman's Relief corps OF the state.
There is also steam heat in all the rooms,
and in fact all the comforts that are need
ed. The mems clothing is the army blue
which was clean and in good repair.
There are water closets and bath rooms
on every floor. There Is a good library
and reading room, a smoking room and
free smoking tobacco for all who wish.
The new hospital is completed and has an
experienced nurse night and day In fact
everything inside Of the Home is model
Of neatness and comfort. The grounds
are beautifully located, nature and art
combined have made them charming In
front OF the main entrance is the highest
fountain in the world. All this Vermont
has bestowed upon her noble sons who
stood by the nation in the hour when
traitors strove to destroy il. To-day
yazing world admires the proud record of
he citizen soldiery OF America, who leave
/ glorious legacy to their survivors, to
heir sons, to generations yet to come
They have given the world a commission !
Q work out, the problem of liberty, the
Phoenix.