The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1908-07-24
in nd Daughters

fine saddle horse. She enjoys travel
as a means of recreation only when it
is proving of value in extending her
knowledge of the world and its natural
wonders.
Something About Their Home.
The Bryan estate outside of Lincoln
now comprises about $50 acres of fer
tile rolling land. In the autumn or
1901 the construction of the present
mansion was begun. Before it was
ready for occupancy the family fitted
up several rooms in the brick barn,
and lived there most happily and COM
fortably. They could well afford to do
this, for the splendid home which was
nearing completion is, beyond doubt,
one of the finest private residences to
be found in the west. The house,
which is built of Clipped brick and
stone, is situated on the brow of a fine
grassy eminence, which slopes away in
every direction, and from which an I'M.
INSTRUCTED view of the country for
miles around may be enjoyed. There
fore the name "Fairview" is most ap-
propriate. Every modern convenience
is found within this home, and an elec-
trio car line within reasonable walking
distance carries one directly to the city.
1t was in the construction OF this
large house that Mrs. Bryan's execu-
tive ability and sound business Judg-
ment came to the front. Mr.. Bryan
was absent much of the time, and as
the building was not by contract, but
under the personal supervision OF the
owners, it was necessary that strong
hand should be at the helm. To see
the final results is to know that she
builded we'll. Within the portals is
every evidence of culture and extensive
travel. A weighty volume would be re-
uuired in which to do justice to the
vast collection of personal gifts to
both Mr.. and Mrs. Bryan; tokens OF
respect and admiration from every
quarter of the globe. There are fine
paintings, rare old pottery, beautiful
specimens of the taxidermists' art,
autograph portraits of famous men and
women. and quaint old relics from the
Holy Land.
One witty Nebraska editor has as
serted that he "gazed upon a halt-coro
of gold-headed canes" During the
campaign of 1896 Mr.. Bryan was made
the recipient of a vast. number OF sill
yer souvenirs Gree silver, you KNOW
quite enough to establish a mint, am
sure. The gift most highly pr1zed oy
Mrs. BRYAN is life-sized bust of her
husband. carved from Carrara marble
in Florence, Italy, and presented to he1
by the Democrats of the District OF
Columbia Just above this handsome
bust in the drawing room there hangs
a fine portrait of the late Philo 3. Ben
nett of New Haven, Conn.
In the great hall on the main nooI
NAV be seen a life-sized portrait OF
Thomas Jefferson, while just below on
a stand there is usually displayed a
priceless old punch bowl or mortar
used in the home of Jefferson. Inc
library is probably the favorite room
in the Bryan home. Here are gathered
MANY valuable books, most of them
being works of the great masters, both
of ancient and modern times. Many
souvenirs are on display here, but per-
haps the one thing most in harmony
with western life is fine specimen OF
the American eagle, captured on the
Mains of Nebraska and mounted by a
personal friend of the family. An
omen piano in the library suggests that
thew often have "Just song at tWl-
light. when the lights are low" while
a grand piano in the drawing room is
used for more formal functions.
On the basement floor is found the
private office and study of Mr.. Bryan,
which is probably the most interesting
room to many visitors who wend their
way to "Fairview." Here may be seen
an extensive and valuable working
library of political and economic
works. and a massive desk well laden
with papers and communications, for
it is here that Mr.. Bryan prepares his
editorial work, when at home. A
stenographer comes from the city to
attend to much of the heavy CORE
spondence that finds its way to Fair
view"
Another room especially worthy of
notice is the museum or den on the
third floor, which is maintained par
ticularly for the pleasure and educa-
ton of the children. 1t contains
specimens from land and sea, Aztec
pottery, curious weapons from for
eign shores, queer fish and birds and
shells, and several sets of natural his
tory to aid and instruct the son and
daughter of the house in their search
for knowledge.
Thus it is that Mrs. Bryan's best
thought and endeavor are centered in
the welfare of her home, and the pleas
ure of her family. Her closest friends
and associates find embodied in her
character all the requisites of the
highest type of womanhood. She Is a
companionable mother, and a stead
fast friend. Endowed with much good
common sense and practical religion,
her work outside the home circle is
productive of satisfactory results,
while her scholarly achievements and
her ability as fluent speaker, aided
by her gracious manner, well fit her
for any exalted station to which she
might be called.