The National tribune., 1907-10-31
WASHINGTON STATE, SOLDIERS
HOME.
The New Site on Puget Sound an Ideal
One.


Comrade NJ. NJ Holmes, Seattle
Wash, who has worked for eight years
to get the location of the State of Wash
ington Soldiers Home changed from
OrtinS and at last succeeded, writes
that the site selected at Port Orchard
Bay. an arm of Puget Sound. is an
ideal one. The action of the Commits
sion should be commended by every
citizen OF TIE State, and the wisdom of
the choice Will become more and more
apparent as time goes on. He entirely
'indorses the description of the new
site made by Comrade George w. Tib-
belts, State Senator also an active
worker for the removal, who says that
the new site contains a little more than
43 acres, and is about a mile east of
the town of Port Orchard and opposite
the Puget Sound Navy Yard. 1t ex-
tends along a pebbly beach a distance
of 1,40o feet, and connects with small
valley on the eastern edge of the tract,
thru which runs "a clear mountain
stream. Along this stream is natural
park of great beauty. Thus all along
the northern and eastern borders of the
site, with but small outlay, there will
be magnificent park, which for beau
ty of location and variety of scenery
viii not be surpassed in the State The
stream referred TO has it's source in the
hills to the south, and is fed by springs
at an altitude that viii furnish an ample
supply of pure water by gravity and Of
sufficient volume to run the electric
plant.
About two-thirds of the tract is on
plateau or bench about 60 feet above
high tide. This plateau is nearly level
sloping gently TO within 200 or 300 fee;
of the bay. From it there is splendid
view of the Navy Yard, Charleston
Bremerton, Manette, Port Washington
Narrows, the northern extension oi
Port Orchard Bay, the western end up
Sinclairs Inlet and to the east towards
Seattle. The Olympics are in fun view
and a part of the Cascade Range
On the summit of this plateau the
principal buildings will be placed. The
contour of the ground is such that the
cottages can be grouped in the form
OF the letter u, with the opening part
toward the bay. The stables and other
outbuildings can be placed on the
slopes of the ridge and in the vallcs
out vi range of the buildings on the
hill. The summit slopes slightly in
three directions, insuring perfect drain
age and sewerage at minimum. cost
There is not a spot on the whole tract
that cannot be perfectly drained.
Not the least among the attraction.
of the Port Orchard Home will be the
Navy Yard, little more than milo
across tne pay. III is IN PLAIN view, and
the music of the Navy Rand can b.
distinctly heard, There is seldom less
than dozen vessels at the dock and il
the stream. including some of the mosi
famous ships of war. The number OF
these VIII increase as time goes on
The saiuteS will be music 10 the vet.
Grams ear, and there will be many re-
minders of the time when he fought
for the dear old flag. In fact, there Is
no spot in all the State where there
win be so many attractions to the SOL
diers. the sailors and the marines who
nave fought in the wars
The branch Home at Port Orchard
will admit veterans with their wives
which is not the case at the Orting
Home. Until the Legislature makes
larger appropriations it is probable thai
no veterans without their wives will be
admitted.
II was the idea OF the trainers of the
law, Endorsed by tho Department En-
campnent of the G. A. II. and the Dc
partInent Convention of the Ladies OF
the g. 4. r., that the Home should be
built upon the cottage plan" The
Legislature appropriated $4,000. OF
this $4,000 has been expended for the
site. the title of which has been APP
proved by the Attorney General The
$4,000 remaining VIII moo construct
magnificent apartment holses or e
splendid administration building, bat
Will, If properly expended. provide fol
the necessary grading of the grounds
water. sewer and light. the office ana
other buildings required. and leave
enough to build at least 20 cottages
Elaborate buildings can well await fur
tnef action OF the Legislature.