The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1907-02-05
Ohioan Battling Against the
Great White Scourge,
tuberculosis.
Is RecIuSe in Little Hut on
the Side Of a Hill.
Is Alive Three Years After
Doctors Gave Him Up.

DAYTON. Ohio. Feb. Son the side
OF a hill. which rises far above tbs sur
rounding country, close By the side OF
a natural spring. surrounded on all sides
by beautiful natural scenery. stands a
little hut built Of rude boards
Seated upon the inside one viii find
a young man. William +. Van Loan. one
OF Dayton's most prominent society
men, and recently the Eastern agent Of
the National Cash Register Company.
HIS constant companions are mis- books
and his dogs. The little hut is simply
but tastefully decorated
Directly across from the littl" hut is
the Vandalia Cemetery. How many
times the occupant has sat al the little
side window. and watched the pail
bearers carefully lower the casket %
It's hnal resting place, only he viii know
Fighting for Life.
Billy" Van Loan is not living the
life Of a recluse for the pleasure that
might be had in separating himself q
short time from the busy world. nor is
he carrying out an eccentric idea. IL
is a case Of life or death with him.
Several years ago Mr. Van Loan, who
is now about thirty years Of age. found
that he had tuberculosis. He immediate
~ entered a sanitarium. where he was
treated for the terrible disease. he
grew no better, and was finally infor--,ed
By the best physicians in the country
that he could not live year. That
was three years ago. and Billy Van
Loan is stln on earth. and is getting
better each dayf in fact, physicians now
state that he Is on the road 70 health
When Billy" Van Loan was given up
by the physicians be was in such con-
ditiOn that IL was almost Impossible Tor
him 10 exert himself IN any way lie
had no appetite. took little Interest IA
what was going on about him.
Billy Van Loan studied his case
aud found that his condition could Dc
much improved II he could live in the
open air. He realized that there would
be many hardships 10 face and disagree
able things TO encounter, but IL was q
fight for life and he determined 70 De
the victor Under his directions the nut
was erected. A place was cut IN each
side for a window, and space was al
lowed for q door. A bed with all OF the
necessary clothing was moved into the
hat, a stove was set up, table upon
which he could do his writing. cum
ning!v contrived bookcase. which con-
taIns choice pieces Of literature. and
"Bnly" Van Loan was ready for the
hgnL
Walks and Chops Wood.
Beside the door Of the hat was placed
a chair IN this, day after day, Billy
Van Loan sat. The sun tanned his
white face. thickened his blood Billy
Van Loan concluded that he must move
ABOUT. At first the walks were short
and upon his return 10 MS hut he would
fan exhausted into the chair. But as
the summer progressed he grew
stronger.
IL a farm house near the hut Mrs.
Var Loan and her little son FrantZ,
have taken I'D their abode. Several
time daily the wife and child 90 10 see
the father, who is lighting desperately
for his life because of his love for
them When the child comes TO the hut
M Van Loan teaches him 70 read and
write. ana often hours are spent IN
reading fairy stories.
Mr. Van Loan eats an especially pre-
pared food II is on the order Of cereals
His coTdition allows him 10 eat plenty
OF fruit which is sent 10 him from the
store Ia Naudalia.
Each morning for exercise Mr.. Van
Loan cuts a number OF pieces OF this
wood.
Owing 10 the heavy rains ne was COM
PEELED 10 have q door put in the hut. as
well as windows. These, however, are
opened at night, and the fire is allowed
70 die out. Mr.. Van Loan sleeps with
heavy blankets wrapped about him.
leaving only the tip OF his nose exposed
10 the air.