Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1903-02-21
FLOWERS FOB PAuPERs.
Orange Blossoms and Sunshine at Los
Angeles Poor Farm.

Orange Blossoms and Sunshine at Los
Angeles Poor Farm.
A poor farm in the midst of an or
ange grove is as remarkable as a
waltz in the midst of a fast day cere-
mony
The delightful innovation of hous-
ing the homeless and unfortunate in
such environments belongs exclusive
ly to southern California, for no 9TH
er part of America bears record OF
having done likewise.
Wrapped in sunbeams and wreathed
/ with flower gardens, the Los Angeles
| county poor farm yisibly resents the
incongruity of its name, for it is rich
in all the beauties of semi-tropical
versure, and rich in the productive
ness of its orchards and fields. and
rich in the great permeating joy OF
life that trembles in every leaf and
flower. transmitting the influence of
its buoyancy into human hearts grown
weary. dispirited and restless.
The farm. which comprises 339
acres. and is valued at S43,S00 is con-
Quoted on practical as well as scientific
lines. 1t is the idea of the manage
meEt to produce a sufficiency of meat,
milk, butter eggs and vegetables for
use at both the county hospital and
county poor farm. There is no inten-
ton of going into expensive agricul-
ture for financial profit because such
an arrangement would bring pauper
labor into competition with the farm
ers. The aim is to make the farm
sustain itself. also TO make ii one of
the beauty spots of southern Califor-
MIA.
The efforts TO beautify have sue
ceeded well. for no city park was ever
more inviting or conducive of comfort
than the grounds that surround the
buildings. Magnificent palms and
evergreens add dignity to the place
and form retreats for myriads of song
birds. Hundreds of immense eucalyp-
tus trees line the driveways, their
huge. bare trunks standing stately
like Romanesque pillars for many feet
above the ground. Ornamental trees
and shrubs are everywhere, and en-
erald lawns form soft carpets for
weary feet. Benches are scattered
about in the tree shadows, even find
ing their way into the orange orchard.
Leading from the railroad station
to the group of brick buildings that
ensconce the last earthly resting place
of the county poor is beautiful ~
foot walk about a quarter of mile
in length. 1t is lined on one side by
a high cypress hedge. while on the
other side is a low border of lilies.
Swallowed by a row of picturesque
palms. Overlapping all are waving eu-
calyptus branches, and just beyond the
palms is the orange orchard, loaded
with golden fruit and aromatic with
the fragrance of its blossoms.
Hundreds of tired souls have walked
slowly and painfully over this path
way, the great grief in their hearts
binding their eyes to its beauties. Had
their purses been lined with gold, and
their prospective haven some hospita-
BILE hotel or mansion, their proud old
heads would have been lifted. and the
faded eyes illuminated with the joy
of expectancy. The pains from the
aching backs would have passed like
fleeing clouds, and the feeble limbo
have regained the agility of youth.
The number of inmates at the farm
averages 1914 men and "a women, most
of whom are decrepit with age. though
there are paralytic patients. epileptics,
imbeciles and persons with many other
Affections. Almost all are helpless and
totally dependent on charity. but a
few are able to do light labor, receiv-
ing $3.50 month.
large reading room has been ar
ranged for the men. and several hum
bred books are at their disposal. books
of various intent and character, rang
ing from the Bible. Shakespeare and
Dickens to the frivolities of literature;
and to those who can read the field
Of enjoyment is vast. But, best of all
they like to hobble about the grounds
drinking in the pure air. picking the
fruit and flowers. and gathering the
warmth of nature into their tired
! hearts.
Through winter and summer, with
out cessation, like faithful friends, the
flowers bloom. the fruit ripens and the