The morning times., 1896-01-19

by Mrs. W. G. Davenport of AuacOstia, a
lady who, through her w.de experience IN
practical charities. saw the great need OF
such al institution. Mrs. Davenport is presi-
dent of the Daughters of the King Of Mary
land, and from the members OF that crgan-
ization received great assistance.
POUNDING THE CHARITY.
The rjrst mention OF her thoughts on the
subject was, however, made to Prof.
Melville Bell of Georgetown, Il gentleman
well known in charity circles in this city.
Prof. Bell became Interested in the estab-
lishmcnt OF such an institution as Mrs.
Davenport outlined to him. Like her, lie
saw the great need of such an institution
and the benefits nich would result from
its establishment.
Having for years made Colonial Beach
his summer home, and by experience having;
learned the beneficial qualities Of the eli
mate, he suggested that the home bc estab-
Iishrd there 1t was more than a sugges-
ton. for Prof Bell then and there unCondi-
tionaIly gave 10 Mrs. Davenport and those
she might aftcrward become associated
with in this work the land upon which 10
build the home This was in April, 1895,
and as early as June g following the build
ipcs were So far advanced in course OF
erection as to he habitable. On that day
the first colony of sick and feeble chil'
dren was landed at Colonial Beach, and the
Bell Home became an established fact as
wen as an established practical charity.
The settlement consists of two buildings.
the Clergy House and Bell Home, both OF
which front west on Davenport avanlH, Il
beautiful wide drive. named in honor of
the founder of the home. Tue Clergy House
lis a CommOdiOus and airy building, 81 d
is intended as residence Tor the Snper-
intendcnt of the home and her assistants
Last season. however, owing TO the TACT
that the main building was not compie1 ed.
the Clergy House was used for the accom-
mediation of the little Colonists.
| Bell Home, the main bIilding. is i mag
nificent structure, admirably suited to the
purpose for which it is intended. II is
| 40 feet in width and so feet in length and
three stories in height. Through the cen
| ter of the first and second stories, frcm
| east to west, runs Il wide passagcway with
large rooms on either side. The third story
| is finished with glass sidinGs and cover
and will be used exclusively as playhouse
| for the children In bad weather and in
] winter for it is the intention of the man
agernent to keep the home open all the
| year In the third story or pavilion will
be erected n gymnasium. and the stcry
| will also be used us Il school room for the
| children.
Bell Home, named in honor of Prof. Bell,
is situated on Il beautiful slope overlooking
Home" Bay, an arm of the Potomac, on the
| South 1t is nearly in The center of an oaE
| grove. and on the east extend hillsand dales
which, in the spring and summer, form a
| charming view.
On-"Home" lake is large boat, the gift
of Mrs. Melville Bell. 1t will comfortably
scat fifteen or twenty persons, and in fine
weather. every afternoon, i'm charge of one
| of the ladies of the Home, the children are
| given a sail over the bay. This is an anuse
mcnt greatly enjoyed by the children
and looked upon as enc Of the most benefi
| cial exercises afforded to the little ones and
their guardians.
MANY FRIENDS ASSIST.
nor is It alone the good people OF Washing
ton who take deep interest in the littl,
ones and the tired. worn-out mothers who
| go 60 Bel Home for rest. and 10 recupeTatt
! th"ir rundown systems.
The arriva! of the first 'atch OF little col
| onists at the settlement on June 6, 1895
| c.ua.-Ia a stir at the beac and very soon Mrs
! Davenport and hcrlatiy assistants were over
rln with visitors. anxious % know VITA
they c1aH do o. nl1ke tiic stay n The H'th
Z mvaii,- a. plfa s1rt ns pss.iiilr. Naffifl
I w. lsri -ldene a. m tru,ir'i '1 make tii'
I ives ar a. urTarfufI as rlgrE1nf ns &
u-ss ras..fle o. trru e. o. aafer ne clr
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