The daily morning journal and courier., 1894-09-12
MAMMOTH SOLDIERS. HOME.

The following interesting description of the big Soldiers home at Dayton Ohio, appears in the Waterbury Re- publican, written by Mir. E. A.. Pendle- ton of that city: %" '-
 I doubt-if our townspeople geferaiiy realize the magnitude of the National Military home near Dayton. Ohio Perhaps but few know of 1t or. know ing, think Of 1t except in a general way, never having had opportunity or occasion to learn more. Thinking 1t will be of interest to some of the Re- publ!can's many readers, l will give a few facts and figures that have been furnished me by resident comrades.
 The home was established in 1867 at its present sight, and in the fall of that year received between five and six thousand inmates. Its situation Is certainly beautiful. AS you approach the main entrance from the direction of Dayton you pass the larger or the four small artificial lakes with which the grounds are embellished. This one Is about eleven acres in extent A little to the north and west are the fa- nous flower gardens. conservatory grotto, etc. To the left are the resi- dences of the governor and treasurer, while the immense stand pipe, bar racks, headquarters, Memorial hall. church, hotel, hospital and other lesser buildings appear directly in front, but fin such grouping as not to crowd one another in the spacious grounds or park that surround them. Further to the right upon an extensive Knoll, crowned with a beautiful monument. we see the cemetery. The natural beauties of this city of the dead are but enhanced by It's sad associations. Here rest over five thousand veterans whom the "reveille" will wake no more. The pedestal of the monument, forty-eight feet in height, once served as a pillar of the old United States bank at Phila- delphia, and was donated by congress for this purpose many years ago. It Is surmounted by a statue in white mar ble of an infantryman at parade rest. Surrounding the base of the monu- ment are four other military figures, also of pure white marble.
 The Memorial hall, which stands be- tween the headquarters building and the church, was built in 1880. The furnishings and equipment are sur passed by but few opera houses in the country. It seats comfortably our fif- teen hundred people. The church, built in 1868, is of dark gray limestone taken from a quarry on the home grounds. Both Protestant and Catholic services are held, and every opportuni- ty to enjoy these services is given members of the home. The library building is a three story brick ediflce. The first story contains'Ta @ reading room and the librarians .officas. T The second story Is known as the Putnam library and is the gift of Mrs. Mary L. Putnam, of Boston, in memory of her son. who gave up his life in the coun- try's service. On each of five anniver- saries Washington's birthday Memo rial day, Thanksgiving; Christmas, and the date of Lieutenant Putnam's death. she adds to the already large collection. The third story. Is called the George H. Thomas library, and was established in honor of that. gallant general, "The Rock of: Chickamauga" This library is also being increased from time to time from the post funds, the total number of volumes at the present time being over eighteen thou sand.
 The barracks or compaany houses, of which there are thirty-tnree, are most ly of brick, three stories high, steam heated and supplied with gas and wa ter. The furnishings are simple, com fortable and hone-like, and the comfort sought by the. veterans tn this home are secured, so far as it is possible to have them in a military institution The home band is afeature. Of which every one is proud. Their concerts both in the hall and open air. attract thousands of visitors from Dayton and the sur rounding country. % %--s4s~@@~
 There is also an ar1useme1t hall where ten-pins, bagatelle, billiards, etc, are free to all members of the home. The band have quarters in this building, also the G. A. R. and U. V. U.
 The bath house is another feature that is thoroughly appreciated by the veterans. It is literally supplied with all the necessary articles required. The stand pipe of the water works, which is kept full by an immense pumping engine, is 14S feet in height and IS feet in diameter. It's capacity is about 100000 gallons. This affords ample protection in case or fire to all the numerous buildings.
 The laundry is no small item in the running of such an institution, when one considers that the clothing of from i've to seven thousand men is to be cared for. Over 2,061 ,0oO pieces were washed, dried, ironed and mended in single year.
 The post-ofice, as one may suppose. does an immense business. issues and pays money orders, both of the United States and many foreign countries. National Military Home is it's desig- nation. The ire department equip ment consists of one engine, one hook and ladder truck and six hose cartJ, with well drilled company for each The work shops are extensive and fur nish employment for many. Most of the clothing worn by the inmates is |. made in the tailoring department. Up- holstery, bookbinding, cabinet-making and printing are among the industries provided, the machinery all being run by steam power.
 The hospital is a necessary adjunct, and the. buildings of this department will accommodate over thousand pa