Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1902-12-28
CHEERFUL PAUPERS.
4 GLIMPSE OF THE ALMsHoUsE
AND IT'S MANY INMATES.
THE LATTER SEEM COMMENTED
And they Should BE, for the Insti-
tuition is Well Munaged-some Of
the Poor Have Seen Better Days
what They Do on Christmascs.
THELATTER SEEM COMMENTED
And They Should BE, for the 1nsti-
(For the Dispatch.l


There are many who look agtast at
our almshouses. little knowing that thess
institutions are the Ravens In which
many weary. StOrm-beaten p1lSrlnl
finds rest Some time since stood
in the lighthouse off Red Point, Mo.
Ominous storm clouds obscured the al
terlloons sun, while a severe storm ragged
on the deep. While watching the tumul-
tuous elements the keeper pointed out
three-masted schooner trying to battle
against the storm. 1t was evident the
crew were doing their best to force their
craft through the waves. At last they
seemed to lose hope OF ever overriding the
angry pillows. and turned toward the
harbor. It was indeed q thrilling sight
to see that noble boat change her course
and go dashing through the storm
There were moments when she was al
ternately poised on the crest of a mighty
bslow and hid from sight in the trough
OF the sea. But at last we saw her safe
at rest in the friendly harbor, out OF the
reach Of the salrging waters. What the
harbor was to that ship the almslouse is
to many weary SOUL Within the walls
Of the city's poorhouse are to be found
many who have made strenuous efforts
to meet the difficulties and storms OF life.
Many are the earnest endeavors for even
a common existence that these unfortu-
mates have made, but at last. oppressed
by poverty, physically weak, and dis
heartened, they have sought refuge IN
the municipality.s haven TOR the poor
a WELL-ORDERED PLACE,
One day last week the writer had The
privilege Of visiting Richnond's aims
house TIe had inspected manN such 7 ;.
stitutions in the North, but had never
brighter more home-like lie. or mere
up-to-date buildings than were found
here. Richmond may well be proud OF
the home she provides for her destitute.
The large brick building IS heated
Throughout by steam. The wards are
! large and cheerful, with windows back
! and front Wide porches afford. cool
retreat for hot summer days. Baths on
every floor assure the cleanliness OF the
inmates The kitchen is a model of Goth
century ingenuity; the cooking is dons
by steam, which is convenience that
many OF our wealthy people do not have
AS one passes through the bakery great
heaps Of bread as white. pure. and sweet
as can be produced, are to be Seen. Even
King Edward, with his small army OF
| French and Italian cooks, gets no more
| palatable bread than is served the In
mates Of this place. AS friend remark
ed, the sight Of that bread was enough
to make any man hungry, and hungry
man ravenous.
| The superintendents dcsteve gfSat
credit for the order and cleanliness main
| tanned in the institution. OUTSIDE lie
! buildings, the lawns the walks, and the
| drives are all well kept, and the same
| state Of affairs Is noticed within. From
| the basement to the top floor, from one
! wing to the other. every inch OF the place
| is as clean and as bright as 1t IS possible
| for human power to make them. There
| are many who think the almshouse a
| place of disorder and dirt, but visit to
! the institution would soon dispe such aa
| idea not only is tnis +''''r ~
fnss. but also of the innates During ny
visit met many OF liie ti.-.i-ltt: :
Of both sexes, ard saw every sign OF neat
ness and cleanness.
Fl. j. Doan, speaking of caarita bic
homes. says: .'Above all. perfect cieaHIl-
ness and order must be obtained ana
/ strictly maintained" This high standard
has not been reached by every aimshouse
| but it has been secured by the one a.
/ NoTtnsde.
THE INMATES.
# is g. mistake to suppose that ali the
| inmates of the almshouse are people
| Who came from the lowest and vilest
! walks Of life. Such is certainly not the
/ case. The majority Of paupers. 1t ID true,
| come from the humble, but honest work
| ing classes, while few are people VINO
| were once wealthy. In the old wonoa n $
ward are to be found many from the
! social station first mentioned. Here +!
/ found a feeble old woman. 20 years OF
/ age-the wife Of machlnist: Her nus
| band died some years ago. leaving her
and one son. At the fathers death the
| son took up the battle OF life, and kept