The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1915-03-03
Mr.. f. H. GERK
Veteran Type.Setter For Associate
Reformed Presbyterian Writes
About the State Hospital

The editor of this paper has receiv-
ed a long letter from Mr.. F. H. Gerk,
who once worked for the A. R. Pres
byterian in Due West He was there
when this writer was a boy attending
college, and the boys all liked him. In
recent years he has been at the State
Hospital for treatment. We are sorry
we have not space to publish all he
says. However, we are copying a por-
ton of his letter as it will prove in
tcresting to the public on account OF
the fact that it deals with the State
Hospital. Among other things he says:
Perhaps your many readers would
take delight in reading about the
events of the State Hospital. There
have been some improvements going
On here. Some changes have been
made in the way of building at State
Park, which is considered another
hospital for the inmates and which is
located about six miles from the city.
The outlook for further improvements
is very good, for the present legisla-
] ture has made very remarkable ap-
preparation to defray all expenses for
the current year.
"There have been good many pei
Iegra cases among the inmates. Some
Of them have died Of this fatal malay,
while other cases seem to yield to
treatment.
The health of the inmates is excep-
tionally good at present. We have al
good many who are frail and well ad-
yanced in years. Some Of them are
Confederate soldiers who long ago en-
dured the hardships Of the tented field.
They have spent their best days.
eve have well equipped medical
staff whose duties are worthily be-
slowed upon the inmates. With loving
hands and kinder hearts they admin
! lister to the wants of the patients, and
endeavor to alleviate their pains up
on beds of affliction. They 60 patient
lv on their weary rounds to admins
ter to the afflicted ones and try to-
comfort them. DR.. J. L. Thomson, who
has been here upwards of " years IS
noble figure among the inmates. He
has long been a good Samaritan. His
labors are among the white males.
Then we have another good friend in
the person of DR.. Margaret Whiteside,
who is so devoted to the friendless
{ and to her work. She takes an active
interest in her patients. The reader
can plainly see that this institution Is
blessed with four distinguished ply
sicians, who are well disciplined In
their work, while they have power
and strength it is freely given to the
inmates. .'.>
DR.. Strait, our Superintendent, is a
new man, and is not yet well equipped
for the work on that account, but he
is a physician of reputation. He is
Confederate soldier, too. He is we'll
liked by the inmates. He has a. pleas
ant word for the ALL, He is a noble
example Of an upright man, and tries
to obey the laws of his maker.
The inmates are well taken care of
by the means at hand. They have
plenty of substantial food, with milk
and coffee. They have good, comfort
able beds and are glad that they are
60 we'll taken care of by the loyal peo-
pie of the state. ..-..
During the winter months the patti
,ents enjoy themselves in some sport
Every Tuesday night they go to the
hall where they enjoy themselves in
the gay fantastic sport. Here they
choose their partners and commence
the fun Of dancing. We are not aware
whether the tango is in rage or not
but they all enjoy the dances given
them, and regret that the evening soon
passes. In the summer they have the
picture shows which are greatly en-
jcyed. How thankful the in
mates ought to be whtn they have so
much for their comfort.
We have chapel for divine wor-
ship, and minister from Newberry
county who dispenses to us the preach
ing of the words.
I am sorry to hear of the death Of
John w. Sign. have known him in
csmp, on the march, on the battlefield
and since the war, and always found
him the same kind friend. He and my
other comrade, Francis Henry, have
crossed the river; MAY each of them
find home that is fairer than this"
I'VE believe this letter will he in