The San Francisco call., 1904-09-18
The
ofthe HOME
BY Matron Olive T. Allen

properly for such tots, but the wheel OF
fate turned once more and stopped at
a cruel place. Instead Of the fever
abating, IL ragged with a iercer fire un-
til nine days after his wife's death the
father and provider went to meet the
helpmate that had so recently crossed
the river from which there is no re-
turning.
And so almost in a twinkling eight
babies were left absolutely alone with
out a soul on the great earth who cared
what happened to them one way or the
other. 1t is true enough that the neigh
bors saw that they did not go hungry,
but that was about all; for while every
one had but the kindliest feelings for
the desolate ones there were too many
mouths to feed and too much work to
do at home.
Just at this time the lodge people
stepped forward to see what could be
done in this matter, for clearly here
was a problem that nobody seemed
particularly anxious to solve. Both Mr..
and Mrs Newport were RebekahS and
Mr.. Newport was also an Odd Fellow.
so their children were entitled to all the
benefits that either the one or the 9TH
er or, in fact, the combined forces OF
the institutions, could bestow upon
them.
So after little delay the entire fam
ly OF SlSQI was taken down TO (TllrOY
and established in the home, and for
five years they have been among the
happiest and the liveliest children in
the place. The eldest, young miss OF
16 years. is now in the GilrOy High
School, and the other children are fol-
Lowing in her footsteps just as fast as
they can; even the baby. mischievous
boy Of years, is struggling with his
letters and making all manner Of pot
hooks and queer-looking things that he
proudly calls ''printin'."
Another little man, the pet Of the
home, dimDles and talks in a language
all his own, and If he misses his father
and mother we are not aware OF it.
Baby Carl" as he is called, is a full
orphan, but he has more than a dozen
wee mothers who do their very best to
spoil him and to make uD to him the
loss of those nearest and dearest.
Baby Carl never knew his mother or
her loving care, for as his life dawned
hers went out. and the boys father
was left with a soul to make or mar.
For seventeen long months he watched
over his tiny son and saw him grow
more and more like his mother. and at
the end of that time he went to her to
give an account OF his stewardship
Being an Odd Fellow. his last hours
were easy, for he had been promised
that the lodge would give the baby the
best Of care and that he would be
taught to be a strong, self-reliant man,
whose duty in life would be TO protect
and help those weaker and more un-
fortunate than himself.
And so the story goes on Each and
every tots life has been touched with
sorrows, some more and some less, but
with trials and tribulations far too
heavy for baby hands to struggle with.
and 1t is. to lessen these difficulties that
the Rebekahs have opened. not only
their doors, but their hearts as well. to
all who are less fortunate than them
selves.
Ring out. o bells with glad refrain;
What blessed task TO US is given,
To rear a temple in his name
And show 10 earth the law OF Heaven
May this our home. forever stand
Through winters blast and summers sun
Proclairning hence. throughout the land
Loves holy mission here begun.
And may at least the earth redeere4
And every tear OF sorrow dry,
The light that through cur home has Sfreamed
Shine through All eternity.