River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1908-07-23
WILLIAM JENNINGS BRYAN
mt Forgh Characteristic Poses His Wife, Son and Two Daughters

is proving of value in extending her
knowledge of the world and it's 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 of
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
ortably. They could we'll 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 line
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 1udg-
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 or the
owners, it was necessary that strong
hand should be at the helm. To see
the final results is to know that she
builded well. Within the portals is
every evidence of culture and extensive
travel. A weighty volume would be re-
CURED in which to do justice to Nhe
vast collection of personal gifts 10
both Mr.. and Mrs Bryan; tokens OF
respect and admiration from every
quarter of the globe. There are hne
paintings, rare old pottery, beautltul
snecimens of the taXidermlsts art
autograph portraits of famous men and
women, and quaint old relics tron1 the
Holy Land.
One witty Nebraska editor has as
serted that he 'gazed upon haiI-coro
of gold-headed canes" During the
campaign of 1896 Mr.. Bryan was Made
the recipient of vast number OF Sill
yer souvenirs Gree silver, you Know
quite enough to establish mint, an
sure The gift most highly prlzed Dy
Mrs Rrvan is a life-sized bust or hel
husband. carved from Carrara marble
in Florence, Italy, and presented 10 mel
Inv tho Democrats of the DISTRICT OF
Columbia. Just above this handsome
bust in the drawing room there hangs
fine portrait of the late Phllo D Ben
nett of New Haven, Conn.
Tn the great hall on the main moor
NOV no seen a life-sized portrait OF
Thomas Jefferson, while just pelow Oh
etand there is usually displayed q
nriceless old punch bowl or mortar
used in the home of Jefferson. Inc
library is probably the taVorlte room
in the Bryan home. Here are gatnereo
MANY valuable books, most OF theH
being works of the great masters, Dotf
of ancient and modern times. MANY
souvenirs are on display here, but per
hans the one IulOE AllOoS 80
with western life is fine specimen o.
tho American eagle, captured on the
Mains of Nebraska and mounted by a
narsonal friend of the family. An
omen piano in the library suggests tha'
thew often have "Just song at twl
light, when the lights are loW' Wills
grand piano in the drawing room Is
usad for more formal functions.
On the basement floor is found the
nr;vate office and study of Mr.. Bryan,
which is probably the most Interesting
room tn many visitors who wend their
wav TO "Fairview." Here may be seen
an extensive and valuable working
library" of political and economic
works. and massive desk well laden
with papers and communications, Ior
If is here that Mr.. Bryan prepares MS
editorial work, when at nome. "A
c+anoorapher comes from the city to
attend to much of the heavy CORE
coincidence that finds it's 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-
tion of the children. 1t contains
snecimens from land and sea, Aztec
nottery, curious weapons from 1or-
eign shores, queer fish and birds and
shells. and several sets Of natural MS
torv 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
IRE 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
communicable 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 a fluent speaker, aided
by her gracious manner, well mt her
for any exalted station to which she
might be called.