New-York tribune., 1906-12-09
4 MUSIC TEACHERS HOME
Gambling Palace IN Philadelphia
Turned to a Good Use.

Through the broad philanthropy OF a we'll known
patron Of music in Philadelphia there has Just
been established In this city a splendid home for
music teachers who IN the autumn of life have
not basked in the sunlight of Dame Fortunes
smiles. 1t is worthy of note that the modesty Of
the founder is as great as his generosity, and he
stipuates that his name be not published in con-
nection with it. he seeks personal notoriety.
AS he is of business, he fears that his un-
selfish motives would be misconstrued.
The institution is TO be to musicians what the
Forrest Home is to actors. Its inmates are not
to be regarded objects OF charity: on the con-
justly due the financially unfortunate musicians
who shall obtain haven there for their declining
years.
Nor is this home bare and plainly furnished
building. The founder studied the subject for
many months before he completed his plans. He
visited similar institutions in Europe-there is none
other IN America-and having reached a concIu-
sion. called in conference half dozen men, all OF
whom are widely known citizens OF Philadelphia
and asked them to with him a Board Of
Directors, and they gladly consented.
After looking over number of properties the
founder finally purchased outright the building and
lot at No. 236 South Third street and dedicated
The building was but few years ago remodelled
and fitted up for a first class gambling house. at
expense of nearly $4,000. 1t had scarcely been
completed when the promoters discovered that
they could not get police protection, and were
Nesort would not be tolerated, and. therefore. it
sale.
The building is one of Philadelpha's oldtims
mansions, three stories in height but wide and
g. large yard. and there the house is provided with
an inviting porch.
The advocates Of the Law of chance who fitted up
the building paid no attention to cost; it des-
tined by them to be of the finest gambling
ornamental pressed STEEL the floors are the finest
hardwood The chandeliers most elaborate and
the walls rich in stucco work and mural paint
ing and the general scheme of decoration is of the
sumptuous. yet tasteful, kind.
The house has been furnished in keeping with its
appearance, and there is everything In the way of
comfort and convenience that can be thought Of
and in fact everything that will tend to make it a
delightful retreat; nor will there at any time be
he is object OF charity.
A matron and house mother have been installed.
but at present there are no other inmates. Appli-
cations must be addressed to the house and will be
will make every effort to keep out impostors while
warmly welcoming the worthy.
tenance. and has provided an ample endowment for
1t In his will At present the building will accom-
the demands upon II may require
All applicants must be sixty-fve years of age
of music in the United States Tor twenty-five years
Being induced to speak of his benefaetiop. the
Il love music, and the people who have devoted
& their dive lives ts 70 the art II Is not always that
old age, and even when he does misfortune may
Men who have stood high in their profession and
won honored name have too much spirit and
them for it; But some recognition of their labors
for music they are entitled TO. and provision FOR
who enter this home will be as free and ndepen-
dent are the actors who live In the splendid in
tendency will be left OUT " O
but he has continuously declined it. The home
seeks people to occupy it, and not money and II Is
and the proper credentials Its permanensy is as
Sured sy by the Observation-Disclosures Evening