Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-10-07
OBSERVE GOTH ANNIVERSARY
NATIONAL SOLDIERS HOME, FOCUS
WITH APPROPRIAT { EXERCISES

ent on the occasion and extending
their best wishes to the officials and
members of the Home.
Another guest Of honor through the
afternoon but who was unable to re-
main for the evenings program, was
Charles o. Tibbetts of Augusta, d.
vision commander of the Maine Vet
Grams of the Civil War. Invitations
had also been extended to Mayors
Mclean of Augusta and Tilden of
Hallowell, who were unable to be
present.
Among those present at the even
ing's party were Major w. T. Han
ley treasurer of the Home; Major
Niles l.. Perkins, quartermaster; ].
w. Loughlin. surgeon; Daniel +.
Ivory, commissary; James r. Wall
ton, adjutant; J. E. Stephan and
John w. Christensen, physician;
Commander Amos l. Ingham of En-
sign Worth Bagley Post, Veterans of
Foreign Wars: Commander William
r. Wade, of the local Spanish War
Camp; and Commander Mike
Kavanaugh of the Ivan Bickneil Post
of the American Legion.
This occasion inaugurates the first
of the winters Campfires," asserted
Governor Ryan. I'VE had some
mighty good times last winter
Following the addresses the re-
mainder of the evenings program
was carried out informally, Captain
Wade of the William Tiffiny Camp of
Spanish War Veterans presiding. A
concert by the Togus Home Band
and vocal selections by James Clark
were among the several features.
AS the National Ga1diorcs -
Togus was the first established by
the Government its history is of es-
pecial interest. Following is a brief
synopsis of the events connected
with the establishment and the per-
petuation of the Eastern Branch,
where there are now approximately
lf5 veterans of the Civil war, 400
veterans OF the Spanish war, and $50
veterans of the World war:
History of National Soldiers Home
at Togus
The Act of Congress establishing a
National Home for disabled yolun-
teer soldiers, was passed in 1865
which provided for q board of 100
managers, but as no quorum for the
transaction of business could be as
Sembled this was changed in 1866 TO
The Board of Managers shall be
composed of President, Secretary of
War and Chief Justice of the United
states cS-oflicio, during their term of
once, together with nine other citi-
Zens of the United States, not mem
pers OF Congress etc" The first
president of the Board was Major
general Benjamin T. Butler of Low
ell. Mass.
The Eastern Branch received its
m
was James p. Nickerson who served
IN Co, A., 10. Mass, INF. from June
80, 1861 torJune 80 1865 He was born
IN England, but the records does NOT
snow his age He left the Home Nav
~ 1871, to reside in Wenfeet. Mass.
MAJOR general Edward w. Hincks
was the first Deputy Governor and
Commandant. -'A
Inc property consists Of more than
ISO0 acres with many fine buildings.
theatre, hotel baseball field with
two large grand stands. etc. The
property was originally a summer re-
sort, better known as "Toeus
Springs belonging to Mr.. Beals. a
man Of large wealth, and this upon
his decease fell into the possession
OF his widow, of whom it was bought
by the United STAGES Government. At
that time it consisted of 100 acres
OF land with a first-class hotel. capa-
BILE of accommodating 800 guests.
farm buildings, bowling alleys, etc.
Being possessed of ample means. Mr..
Beals' intention had been to make
place second to Saratoga.
After the property was acquired by
the Government, the buildings were
altered and repaired and others built
il,
Grams being cared for. Later brick
hopsitai was erected, also a chapel
and work shop.
About $3.50 P. NJ, on January Z.
1868, fire broke out which totally
destroyed the principal building and
turned about 270 inmates into the
open air of severe winters night.
Messengers were sent to Augusta for
aid and many citizens responded to
the call The brick hospital was
saved in a damaged condition and
which was repaired at once. From
this time on larger and better build
ings were erected and the member
ship increased until it was at its
peak in 1904 1t then being nearly
$500. 1t has gradually dropped to
S37.
Among the celebrities who have
visited the Home is President U. s.
Grant. who with a distinguished par
ty came here by teams from Augusta
on August 10, 1873, and was~wel,
coined with a salute of u guns, the
veterans being drawn up in line.
The Home is supported by yearly
appropriation from the Federal gov
eminent which amounts to about
100000 and there is paid to the
veterans in pensions more than S20..
600 each month. also compensation
which comes direct to the World
War veterans in sums of Sc to 500
each month. The veterans are fur
nished good, clothing, medical atten-
dance, various kinds of reading mat
ter, ball games, moving pictures, and
pool and billiard tables, and other
games, and everything is done by the
officers and doctors for their care,
and to make this a Home in reality.
NATIONAL home