Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Benton County, Or.) 1900-1909, 1904-10-25
Over the Hills to the Poor House
The Benton county Poor Farm

| me Benton county FOOT Farm
is SO much unlike the one of
ancient songs and story that
visitors to the place, unless other
wise informed, might very readily
take it for a brotherhood retreat
i or some Old Folks Home. Not
having seen the place and being
curious to know just how the
county pensioners were getting
along and how the institution
was managed, I happened in one
day last week all unexpected and
this is what I saw.
Not a conglomerated mass Of
ramshackle buildings, suggestive
Of the fate of the untortunates
who are there, but a dozen or SO
large and small buildings all in
coed condition, attractively paint
ed and conveniently arranged
There were small houses where
those who desire can live by them
selves, the barn, poultry house,
creanlery, and woodhouse we'll
filled with the winters supply of
fuel and in the center of the
group. like some old colonial
masse, stood the spacious main
building, to which all have free
access. When I arrived the sun
had just risen over the surround
iug hills and valleys and a peace
full stiffness, broken only by the
singing Of the birds and the hum
of insects, prevailed, while sever
al old gentlemen, with never a
thought of want or care were
basking in the sunshine The
scene was that of chi1dlide' sim
plicity aud peace the best the
world affords.
The order and arrangement of
the interior of the honses, the
creamery, gardens and all things
suggests constant paintaking
care and excellent management,
and things were not fixed up for a
visit of the grand jury but were
just as they are every day. Mr..
and Mrs. Higgins have been in
charge of the farm for the past
4, twelve years aud are very much
, attached to each one there, sever
al of whom have been there fo1
f number Of years. Then again
Mr.. and Mrs. Higgins are held
in just as high esteem by those
for whom they care. Instead OF
complaining and striving, each
one there is satisfied with his lot.
There are only seven" there at
present, all men, the lowest num-
her for long time, the highest
r number was eighteen but that
was several years ago. They
, come and 60, regardless of good
, OF evil times, their ranks are con-
, stantly changing, some die, others
, remove and their places are filled
by those who come. Five o1
q those who are there at present,
are above 84 years of age, while
! Jacob Bowman will be oI his
+ next birthday. All are taught te
y care for themselves as their age
$ and infrmities will permit, ane
some Of them show great skill il
= arranging their rooms, but mos
: of them are almost helpless il
e caring for themselves and requir'
4 constant vigilance and care.
n Take for instance Mr.. Mitchell
Il a paralytic, who has never walk
o ed and is as helpless as babe
. Then again a man by the nam
a of Cox, an epileptic, can not b
- left alone a single hour. Some
=, times disease breaks out anon
II them and the victim is constant
: ly in the shadow of death. Th
Is county pays IS per week towar
the maintance of each and thi
: is made to cover the entire e,
,e pense of food, clothing, medicin
- physicians care and other neces!
: tiles.
J.. For quiet homelike retreat
II from the tumult of the W rid.
> lovelier little spot than the on
q among the hills of south B-nto
Il cannot be found. N.