The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1905-09-21
Washington s beautiful Retreat for
Invalid Regulars.
By Martha L. Schneider. Washington. d. @.

Washington t6eautifua fseIreae Io
Invalid Regulars.
By Martha L. Schneider. Washington. D. G.
The Norman towers of Soldiers
Home at Washington is a conspicuous
landmark from almost every elevated
spot around the city, and every tai
building within the city.
1t is situated three miles from thu
city, directly north of the Capitol, on
high hill from which most beauti'
full view of the city and its environ
ments is to be seen. It is one Of
Washington's great parks, easily
accessible to the pedestrian and by
trolly, and is the favorite terminus fol
driving, bicycling, and motoring.
No matter how or when you go, it is
always beautiful there. There are
miles of broad, well-made drives,
shaded by gigantic oaks and luxurious
foliage. Silvery lakes interspersed
with stretches of meadow, and
picturesque arbors on the hill give
charming prospects of the landscape
for miles around and afford delightful
spots in which to rest.
Farming and gardening are carried
on by the veterans, for much of the
cleared land is given over to the
cultivation of hay, corn, alfalfa,
potatoes, and the crops grown on the
home ground are the best in this
region.
The pastures support a herd OF
blooded mich cows, so that the milk
supply of the home is above reproach.
Ample lighthouses and flower gardens
furnish lovely flowers and plants, and
give to the cottages of the attendants
home-like appearance.
The principal building for the
inmates is of white marble. 1t was
commenced in 1852 and completed in
1891. 1t is Norman-gothic in design,
251s feet long by 1881 feet wide; has
a clock tower, and will accommodate
40 inmates, besides affording rooms
for offices, library and mess room. 1t
has the appearance of an old castle
and is very majestic as we'll as
beautiful.
In 1874 heroic statue in bronze of
Lieut.. Gen. Winfield Scott, executed
by Launt Thompson of New York,
was erected upon the most prominent
point in the grounds. The Soldiers
Home at Washington-which was
founded at the suggestion of Gen.
Scott-differs from the soldiers homes
scattered over the country in that it is
maintained for the benefit of the
regular army, and it is supported by
the regular army and receives no
financial aid from the United States
Treasury. The fund for the home
is provided by the contribution of 12%s
cents out of each months pay by
every enlisted man and every officer
in the army. All fines from court
martials and all money due enlisted
men who desert 60 to the home fund.
During the year new administra-
ton building has been constructed
and large addition to the hospital
has been made. This hospital is not
only for the sick but is an infirmary
for the aged and helpless inmates.
In the last annual report of the
Board of Commissioners of the home
it was said "that the board had also
under consideration the construction
of new mess hall with additional
to meet the increasing
demands of the home" Plans for
the building have been carefully
by the board, and the
specifications are now about COM
pleted. They call for an imposing
of white marble to conform
in style of architecture with the
building, which is called
Scott building. The site selected
for this new building is in the rear
of the present library building, and
on line with, and within a few feet
of the Sheridan and theatre buildings.
All lovers of the harmonious group
ing of buildings will be pleased to
know thai it is the intention to re-
move the library building which is
a homely construction, made more
hideous by its close proximity with
example of exquisite architectural
design.
The new building will be large
enough, and be planned to hold the
books now in the library, and also
ample reading rooms.
The officers of the home are q
governor, deputy governor, secretary,
treasurer, and medical officer de-
tailed from the army. Non-pensioned
inmates receive one dollar per month
pocket money, and a per diem of
twenty-five cents for such labor as
they are willing to perform.
The principle institutions of a
similar character in Europe are
Chelsea Hospital, at Chelsia, suburb
of London; Kilmainham Hospital, a
sister institute near Dublin; the Hotel