Fairhaven herald. [volume] (Fairhaven, Wash.) 1890-????, 1892-05-19
A VISIT TO THE SOLDIERS HOME
WHATcoM, Wash, May IS, 1892.

WHATCOM, Wash, May Is, 1892.
To THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD:
Having heard II great many stories in
regard to the Soldiers Home at Orting,
its location, construction, general man
agement, etc, recently visited that
place, and must confess that ! was
most agreeably surprised to find the
following facts to be substantially true:
The Soldiers Home at Orting, Wash
ington, is located in beautiful valley
on the Puyallup river some nine miles
from Puyallup, and one mile from the
village Of Orting, in one Of the most
fertile regions of the state. The home
is large three-story building contain
ing sufficient number Of rooms TO ac-
commodate a large number Of people.
Every room is furnished with from one
10 twelve beds and such other furniture
and fixtures as Is necessary to make
them comfortable. The furniture II Of
the best antique oak and of modern de-
sign. The hedding and other fixtures
are of the best quality now in common
use. The building is heated by steam
and is supplied with pure water from
a living spring that rises at the foot Of
the mountains some distance back
from the home, brought down through
pipes, supplying all the different com
partmeHts of the building with an in
exhaustible supply of the very best
pure cold water, which is as clear as
crystal.
Besides the main building there are
four cottages, two Of them containing
four room and two containing six rooms
each, all of which stand within few
I nf ha a IA al
with the same kind Of furniture aud
| fixtures "a found in the main building
The kitchen is located In the rear Of the
main building and il furnished with a
French range Of the most improved
style, which il l6 feet in length, and all
| the kitchen furniture Is of the best
| granite ware. The dining room Is
supplied with five long tables, each
| being Of sufficient length to seat ten
| persons. The tableware is Of the best
iron.stone China and silverware of a
| splendid quality. The tables are
spread with bountiful supply Of the
/ very best eatables that the country aud
market can afford, all Of which | must
/ say Is prepared In a manner that would
give credit TO the best regulated hotels
In our country. Everything In and
around the entire premises is kept as
neat and clean as a church altar.
There are at the present time some
thirty-nine inmates, besides an equal
number out on furlough, or who have
ragained their health and have been
discharged. OF those present there are
ten on the sick list, and one died dur
ing my visit. The remaining twenty
nine appear TO be at home In every
sense Of that term. They appear to be
happy and perfectly contented. Some
spend their time working in the gar
dens, kitchen or dining room, while
others amuse themselves I'm fishing,
smoking, or rehearsing some old war
story or other so .iaf enjoyment.
In conclusion ! must say that too
much credit cannot be given to our
efficient board Of trustees under whose
supervision the Soldiers Home at Ort-
ing has been located and constructed,
and more particularly for the manner
in which il is being operated, while
we should never lose sight Of the fact
that the present manager, Mr.. ;. +.
Street, and his amiable wife are en-
titled TO the confidence and respect Of
all. They are very kind and courteous
to their guests and are ever ready and
willing 10 lend "A helping hand or to
administer to the wants Of the old
veterans under any and all circum.
stances. In fact they appear TO have
merited the confidence and respect, as
well as the sympathy Of every person
in and around the premises.
Lou j. BRoYLEs.