The daily morning journal and courier., 1897-09-08
l. 0. 0. F. TO FAIRVIEW
SUCCESSFUL EXCURSION ODD FEL-
 LOWS' HOME.

About Four Hundred on the Trip.
 The first excursion given by the unit ed T. o. o. F. lodges of New Haven took place yesterday The steamer Mar garet conveyed party of between four and five hundred Odd Fellows and their wives and friends to the Connecticut l. o. o. r. home at Fairview, just above New London, on the Thames river. The steamer sailed at o'clock yesterday morning and after a very pleasant trip on a smooth giassy sea, with just enough breeze to keep every body comfortably cool, arrived at New London about 1 o'clock. At that land ing number of people disembarked and remained in the city until the re- turn call at 4:30 o'clock. Those who remained on the boat and visited the home were adequately repaid, for too much cannot be said of the beautiful panoramic view from the veranda of the main building. From the steam boat landing on the Thames river to the home is a steep ascent of perhaps ten minutes climbing. Large shade trees cast their shadows along the path, however, and shielded the climb CTS from the hot rays of the noon sun. Many of the elder people, particularly the ladies, found the exercise quite an arduous task and had to rest repeated ly before they attained the goal.
 As the hour for inspection-2 o'clock had not arrived when the excursionists got there, most of the party busted and interested themselves with looking over the grounds. They were delight ed with what they saw There are forty-seven acres in the domain, most of which are under cultivation. A :. large field of corn was standing, and a considerable acreage was found pro- ducing potatoes and all the usual vege- table products. There is fair sized orchard of peach, pear and apple trees and number of grape trelises.
 All of the outbuildings are painted like the living house, buff and white. They are all substantially built and well appointed for their several uses One is a large granary, another barn with accommodations for four horses, another is a cattle barn and creamery. "A small living house called The An nex' stands little back of the large main house. The latter is a roomy building, we'll shaded and with veran- das covered with honeysuckles. A broad hallway extends almost clear through and a wide, easily ascended stairway with good broad steps leads up stairs. The rooms are high, light and airy, and in every way the home is a healthful and well constructed building. The rooms have been singled out by most of the state lodges, one apiece, to be decorated and furnished. That has not been done in a half hearted way either, but all the neces- saries and many of the comforts of a well-furnished residence are there. Large pictures of eminent members of the order adorn the walls While there has been no extravagant outlay, every one of the living rooms is tastefully fit ted up. On the first floor are large parlor with piano, g. well-stocked lib- rary, a superintendent's room, a din- ing room one bedroom and kitchen. These rooms all open on the broad verandas except the kitchen The din- ing room is a model of neatness. Clean white linen and good tableware make it very inviting place. The bed rooms are upstairs. Each room is fur nished with an enameled iron bed- stead, bureau, some chairs, small table, etc. Another parlor, rather small
 
 veranda roof. A cupola surmounts the house and from it a magnificent view is obtained of the Thames valley up and down New London, with its church spires and tall Mohegan house. and long lofty railroad drawbridge, lies off to the southwest. Beyond it due south the broad picturesque river glides into the sea.
 The harbor is very beautiful on a clear sunny day, with green, turfy banks conf1ning it and host of small sails dotting it, and here and there a larger yacht proudly riding at anchor, Away out at the point the tall white lighthouse, with it's black cap, is a landmark, or rather lands end, and a little nearer flies the United States flag over squatty little Fort Griswold with its saucy-looking guns poking their noses over the parapets.
 Indeed, the place has aptly been nam- ed Fairview. Behind the home the hill slopes much higher, and the fields are enclosed by long, high stone fences so characteristic of New England, but in this respect unlike most fences of that section in that they are kept up and are of an even height all the way. A large
 
 from the halyards of a great fiagpole on the lawn. and an I. o. O.. F. flag plays with the breezes over the cupola of the house.
 The home was dedicated on April 26, 1893, and since then has been paid for, so that it is unencumbered. Many inn provements have been made about the place. strong wharf landing being an important feature. At present there are twelve residents, with MT. c. B. Ware as superintendent. The home is a home in fact, and does not savor of any charity spirit whatever. Those of the residents who are able are expected to render what help they can about the place. One elderly man mentioned his daily duties as being simply the care of the halls and stairway, verandas and the two lamps in the corridors. He considered that very light work, indeed and said he was glad to be thus en- pIoyed. Another brother-two of them sometimes-is busy on the farm. A strong and capable farmer is regularly employed, however, to do the heavy work One of the stronger brothers