The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-09-28
The membership of the State homes is
1oIai t'9ol
Grand total in all homes rs 81

Grand total IN all .2S,S16
These figures were CLEANED from the re-
ports of 1894, and at the present time there
are, Governor Rowland OF the Santa
Monica Home states, easily 1000 inmates,
the average age being 60. How long it will
be necessary to continue these homes is
often discussed. A statistlcian claims that
in 1915 there will probably be only six sur
vivors of the memorable struggle.
The Pacific branch is situated adjacent
to the beauteous Crescent City Beside-the-
Sea, commanding an endless panoramic
view of green fields, rolling foothills and
peaceful ocean. In one corner of the we'll
kept grounds, on a hillside, there is a
patriotic Gods acre, where sleeps the dead
whose memory is a hallowed one to young
and old. Over 1900 (nearly two regiments)
OF soldier and sailor veterans of the Civil
War abide at the home, greeting each other
daily, fighting over the battles of the war;
but they are peaceful contests of the re-
membrane of a third of century ago.
The home was lnaugurated over seven
years ago by an act of Congress, the land
being generously donated by Senator J. P
Jones, Colonel r. S. Baker and John W.
WolfskiH. Comprising 600 as fertile acres
as can be found in the Golden State, the
generosity of the gift is better understood,
when it is known that this land was the
choicest of two vast estates, and is espe.
cialIy beautiful in location and situation
It is three miles from Santa Monica and
twelve from Los Angeles, being connected
with Los Angeles by branch loop of the
Southern Pacific, and by streetcar service
with Santa Monica.
The buildings are handsome, commo-
dious and artistic, with all modern appli-
ances for the veterans comfort. There are
seven barracks, an administration build
ing, dining hall, to which is being added
a new kitchen; a hospital, an assembly
hall and six residences, including one each
for the governor, treasurer and doctor
The cost of the buildings and improve
ments aggregated over half million dol
lars, and the princely gift of the gentlemen
was valued at quarter OF million more.
The water question, always an important
one in Southern California. has been care
fully considered and 100000 has been ex-
pended in development and building of
reservoirs, including pumping machinery
which gives the institution plenty of the
best water for domestic and iTrlgating pur-
poses.
An electric-light plant has been con-
tracted for, to be erected during the cur
rent year.
There is good library constantly being
added to, and the home has pOstoffice,
telegraph and telephone connection. A
Grand Army post-John A. Martin No.
153-has FOG members. Then there are an
encampment of the Union Veteran Legion
sixty strong; Kelley League Club, whose
members are living up to their motto,
Ever Steadfast," and sailors or naval
veterans association. The officers of the
home are: Colonel ]. G.. Rowland, gov
surgeon, with Drs. Z. L. Puett and Charles
?. Robbins as assistants, and Captain ]. G.
Davis, adjutant.
Since the establishment of the institu-
ton there have been 300 veterans admit
ted. Three hundred have answered the
last rollcall and sleep in the cemetery on
the hillside. There are about 1850 on the
rolls to-day. Every cot and bed is taken
and there is no room for newcomers until
the new barracks shall have been com
pleted.
Governor Rowland, ore of the best of
governors-broad-g auged and full of SYM
patty for his w-comrades-stated re-
Gently in an address delivered at the South
ern California encampment, that for the
year ending June So 1895, the home has
cared for 1922 of the 'old boys" 1867 of
whom, he was proud to say, had a record
for good conduct.
The occupations and pleasures of the
members are varied, and while there is a
strict discipline, as is necessary, the control
is so admirable and the mems conduct so
exemplary that it is not lrksome. Many
are employed in the Lighter work about the