The San Francisco call., 1906-05-18
BIC RELIEF STATION
At BERNAL PARK IS
STILL IN OPERATION
Hundreds Of Victims of the Fire APP
preciate the Good Work Being Ac-
complished by the Committee.


Among the many relief stations
opened throughout the city during the
exciting days that Immediately fol-
lowed the great catastrophe was one
established in Bernal Park. at the
base OF Bernal Heights. Before
nightfall on the memorable 18th Of
April hundreds Of homeless men,
women and children driven out of
their dwellings ID the southern district
by the Onrush Of the flames. were cow
ering on the bleak hillside, without
food or shelter. It was then that the
experience of John H. Cook, who came
from New York less than a year ago
10 take charge of the finishing depart
ment of the Thomas Day Com
pany. proved Of untold benefit TO the
sufferers. Cook had assisted in the re-
lief work after the Baltimore fire, and
again after the terrible cyclone that
swept through Wallingford. Conn,
leaving hundreds homeless and desti-
tute. He quickly realized that some
thing must be done to ALLEVIATE the
suferings Of the people gathered near
Bernal Park; that food and shelter
must be provided for them without de-
lay. Calling to his assistance several
OF his neighbors he outlined his plans
for the establishment of a camp to
destitute who had flocked TO the west
ern side Of the city. An hpur later
committees were at work, and as IL
by magic wagonload after wagonload
Of provisions began to ARRIVE at Ber-
nal Park. The neighboring lumber
yards were levied upon for building
material. and at dawn the following
Friday morning q supply depot was
in full operation. In the meantime,
those dependent on the help Of their
neighbors for food had been plentifully
supplied with bread, canned meats and
vegetables, and all danger of stava-
ton had passed. That same Friday
afternon a supply OF tents arrived from
army headquarters, and those who
were unable TO find accommodations IN
the houses in the vicinity were pro-
vided with canvas homes.
The work Of caring for these home
less ones was no small task, for not
a few Of them spoke in foreign
tongues and had great difficulty in
making known their wants. Cook found
interpreters for them and in addition
made il his special care to see that
they were wei supplied with every
thing required TO sustain life Army
officers who have since visited the Ber-
nal Park relief station say that It
AlAAA AtSN navy DNNAA lAAARAOfCQ UpOLi.
Everything moves with clocklike regu-
larity. Rations are distributed at GER
tain hours and every one receives his
just share OF what is to be distributed.
While many OF the other stations es-
tablished IN the Mission district have
been consolidated into army camps
Bernai Park station remains and Is
likely to be continued until the days
calling for relief are happily passed.
Although hundreds OF those who first
sought assistance al Bernal Park
have zone to the homes of more
fortunate friends. or have been given
accommodations at one OF the concen-
tration camps, several thousand persons
still look TO II for food, clothing and
shelter. The army officers and Red
Cross peo1ie, realizing the great good
being accomplished at Bernal Park,
have abolished several smaller stations
IN the vicinity and turned over the
people to Cook and HIS assistants to
care for. John NARROW and Peter
Hughes, who have ably seconded the
work Of Cook through the trying days
are still at the station and with him
VIII continue to relieve the fire suffer-
ers until they are able to once more
provide for themselves.