Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-09-15
NEW SOLDIERS HOME
FINE INSTITUTION SITUATED AT
JOHNSON CITY, TENN.
Known as Mountain Branch and Equip
ped in Modern Fashion-Health-
Giving Climate.
Special Correspondence Of The Evening Star.

Special Correspondence of The Evening Star.
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn, Sept. IA, 1904
That the federal government is grateful
for the aid extended by its defenders is
shown in more amplified light by the es-
adjustment of new and thoroughly mod
ern home for disabled volunteer soldiers
OF the late wars. This retreat known as
the Mountain Branch, is situated at John
son City, Tenn, and with its final COM
pietion, at cost of 100000, will mark
the tenth institution of a like purpose that
Uncle sam supplies the means Of support.
1t Is situated near an essentially SUBJ
alpine town, its altitude and mild summer
climate tempering the severity of the heat
eo portion OF the year. and vice versa its
location IN the southern portion of the tenn
perate zone makes a moderate winter cli-
mate. 1t being Desirable both summer and
winter. The relative humidity of the atmos-
phere supplies natural antidote for throat
ana lung trouble, while it's enyirons have
pee Oeen specially commended for hay fever"
laid out in blue limestone roadways and
walks, the latest soldiers home at Johnson
City, Tenn, rivals all it's predecessors.
Inc buildings, which all face the Buffalo
and Cherokee mountain ridges. are laid
out from broad and beautiful avenue.
fifty feet wide. This thoroughfare is about
one-quarter of mile in length, and is
known as McMahon avenue. named after
the president of the governing board of
soldiers homes. 1t Is made of blue lime
stone and, contrasted with the yerdant
grass and the spotless buildings makes to a
picturesque color scheme. At one end of
the avenue Is located the administration
building. Directly on a line with this build
ing at the other end of the avenue is the
hospital. splendid group of five buildings,
three stores In height, inclosing courtyard
or cioister, which same is surrounded by a
porch fitted with glass doors and windows,
which Will make ideal sun room both
summer and winter. Large steam radiators
est weather.
In the center of Mcmahon avenue, fac
ing parking wherein the cannon
and the Flagstaff will be located. is the
model of its kind and can accom-
modate 1,5O0 men at one mess. 1t
has high ceiling, is we'll lighted and VEN.
tilated, and combines all the cardinal vir-
tues of first-class institutional dining
room. The building is surmounted by a
high tower, containing clock and bell that
can be seen and heard, all over the reserva-
ton At the rear of the mess hall is the
large kitchen. There are rows of large,
well-polished pots in which the savory
beam rice and other edibles are prepared in
an approved army style. while an immense
French range close at hand is capable of
handling large quantities of roasts.
To the right and left OF the mess hall
stand two large barracks, each capable of
housing 416 men. Entering the rotunda of
either of them they are both alike) one
might imagine ones self in the lobby of
an up-to-date hotel. The decorations are
plain but effective. Cozy corners are on
either side of the lobby, at the end of which
freproOf staircase leads to the two floors
above. Each floor is divided off into four
sections or company" rooms. There are
adequate means of light, heat and ventila-
ton. and the hardwood floors have taken
a polish that would be the envy of the most
ciIcumspect housewife. Beside each cot
there is large and comfortable armchair
and secretary. These two barracks are
the largest of the seven to be erected
the reservation, and instead of a numerical
designation are named after two of Tennes-
sees most distinguished deceased citizens.
The barrack to the right of the mess hall
Is the William G. BrOwnlow, named after
the war governor of Tennessee. The other
barrack, to the left of the mess hall, will
be known as the Andrew Johnson.
OF the five other barracks combination
infrmities will not permit of their going
out of doors, but whose condition Is such
as not to make hospital confinement desir-
able, is home in itself.
When the plans for the home were matur-
ing Andrew Carnegie came forward with an
offer of $4,000 for library, which was
accepted with the understanding that no
special conditions should be imposed.
y
This edifce will contain two assembly
rooms, one each for Catholic and Protestant
worship.
Motive power, electric light and heat is
supplied from dynamos propelled by the
most modern engines. The engine rooms
and cold storage generators are models of
the mach.nists' craft. There is a large
laundry, fitted with the very latest electric
machinery for washing and ironing, one of
the roller irons being large enough to
take double bed sheet full. width.
large guard house is in course of construc-
ton, as well gate keepers lodges
An all-important essential is good water,
and this has been an easy matter for the
home engineer. Between the Buffalo and
Cherokee mountain ridges a reservoir has
been built, into which number of springs
empty, and this gives the reservation
plentiful supply On leaving the reservoir
the water has direct fall of several hum
bred feet, which does away with the neces-
sity of a water pump.
In due course a memorial hall and thea
ter will be erected, plans for this structure
having already been prepared. A consid-
cradle tract of land has been laid out for
agricultural purposes, where also a mod
ern and up-to-date barn for horses and
cows has been erected.
To the south of the home are the officers
quarters, well built frame and stone struc-
lures, which lack nothing in convenience
of arrangement or equipment
Indeed, there seems to be little lacking on
the reservation to make it city in itself
In appropriating for this soldiers home
Congress set aside 81 $4,000 for construc- /
ton of buildings, and outside of the usual
delays the work has progressed satisfac-
torily. Herman Probst of New York had
the construction of a large number of the
buildings, and Julian J. Smith and C. M.
Columbus of Washington, d. c. have act
ed In a supervisory capacity since the in
ception OF operations.
The officers of the home are as follows:
Col. Walter P. Brownlow, local manager;
Col. John P. Smith, governor; Capt. Will
lam f. F. Milburn, quartermaSter; MAJ
Paul E. Divine, treasurer; Maj Frank p.
Re binson, surgeon; Capt. Charles w. Wads-
worth, adjutant and Inspector With the
exception of Capt. Milburn, who served in