The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1899-04-14
Facts About the Gill Odd Fellows Home

In the last Sundays issue of several papers
there was published a very misleading commu-
ncation in regard to the "Odd Fellows Home"
at Ludlow. No doubt this emanated from some
person who is not in entire harmony with either
the Home" the Order, for the statements
are wholly gratuitous, An interview with Col.
H. w. Hall, chairman of the board of trustees,
ELECTS the following facts" W s@
This Home the gift of Mr.. James S. Gill,
who was not a member OF the order at that time,
he having built 1t for summer home at cost
exceeding SIS, 600 But not being designed for
winter use, it was completed by the Home Trus-
tees in a most thorough manner, being fur
nished with adequate heating apparatus and
otherwise fitted for the rigors OF Vermont win
tiers. The furnishing was done by lodges en-
campments and Rebekah lodges at their earnest
request, and when finished and furnished was
considered one of the most complete and ele-
giant Homes i'll the United states. Provision Tor
maintaining it was made by raising per CAPT
ia tax of so cents-less than one cent per week
for each member in the jurisdiction. From
this amount 81 200 to 81 500 has been laid aside,
annually, for a sinking fund and the actual
running expenses, including insurance and bet
terments, have not any year exceeded SI,25o.
The amount paid last year for the subsistence
of nine persons was S344.2I.
While the Home designed wholly for
aged and INDECENT odd Fellows and th&r fami-
lies, yet in few extreme cases disabled and in
firm brothers have been admitted and cared for
wholly at the expense of the Home. No call
has ever been made on the lodges to whom the
brothers belonged, for assistance. In fact the
admission Of brother to the Home relieves the
The administration of Home affairs have been
the most judcious and economical kind; even
the trustees individually paying the expenses
incident to their attendance at meetings etc,
which have usually been held only when the
situation demanded, and often at Rutland and
Burlington The fact that all lodges have
promptly and most willingly paid their assess
ments is indicative of the Homes popularity.
True, we have had but few inmates which
speaks we'll for the health and prosperity of the
members of this jurisdiction, as well as reliev-
nfJn, Incl.
dent to a large number of inmates. The per
capita tax of less than cent per week per
week per member, has paid all expenses ana
placed to our credit sum which will prove
nucleus, which with endowments now in view,
will prove in time a fund sufficient for every
purpose. The total amount paid last year for
expenses of all kinds, including insurance for
three additional years was $I,249; ga sum we
think that indicates judiCious and careful man
agement in which the trustees take pardonable
pride.
Our Home" is the pride of every odd Fellow
in this jurisdiction. Its doors are open to them
in sickness and distress. with the assurance of
S 900 good and true brothers that they will be
carefully and tender1y cared for during their
infirm and declining years, through sunshine
and storm.
Could the brother giving such misleading and
grossly inaccurate statements to the cores
pondent of the aforesaid Sunday papers visit
the home and witness the content of its few in
mates, as well as the careful and fraterna1 min
strations to their numerous wants, believe
he would not shudder at paying the enormous
sum of one cent each week for its maintenance.
Chairman Hall Treasurer Ful1am and Secre-
airy Stillson met here yesterday, and elected
Mrs. f. b. Griswold matron of the Home She |
assumes her duties April I, and her youngest
ION goes with her, under an arrangement |
whereby he is to live at the Home with his
mother and attend school. Mrs. Griswold has |
,een worker for the Home from the first and |
vas one of few who were instrumental in fur |
fishing a room therein by Miriam Rebekah |
,odge, No. g. of this village.-Bennington Ban
Ter, March 2Ist