Evening star., 1936-06-25
Veterans Home Closing Leaves
ssMotl,er'' Steed Without Boys
1000 Fed and Shell.
tered Since Start With
Bonus Army.

The War Veterans Home at 1895
Penniylvania avenue was closed today
and Mother" Steeds work was
finished-all because Uncle Sam had
paid the bonus to veterans Of the
World War.
They we're my children-every one
of them," said Mrs. j. Nathaniel
Steed of Beach Summit. Va. service
chairman of the Washington Wom-
ems Overseas Service League. She
referred to the thousands Of destitute
veterans she and her organization had
helped and housed since the first and
most famous bonus army" converged
on Washington in 1882.
The veterans loved her and called
her Mother" They stayed at the
home until the bonus was collected.
Now they are gone to their own
homes, rehabilitated, heartened, and
prepared for new life.
Back in 1882, the bonuseers had no
place to stay. After their meeting
with members of Congress. they we're
permitted to use an empty. Govern
ment owned building on c street. Part
of it once was a blacksmith shop. The
next Winter the Pennsylvania avenue
building was provided by c. Marshall
Finnan, head of National Capital
Parks, when Mrs. Steed and other
members Of the overseas league asked
for another home for the ex-soldiers.
The old one was torn down.
s. Stay 10 End.
The War Veterans Home started
with $50 residents. This number was
reduced to S. at the request of the
Health Department. And it was IS
veterans who moved out this week
when they cashed the bonus bonds.
Mrs. Bryan K. Ogden was presi-
dent OF the league when the home
was acquired. The league went to
work obtaining supplies and collected
about $1,000 which was used for food
and other necessities. The members,
all of whom served the Red Cross or
other organizations in France in 1917
and 1918. obtained cots and blankets
from the Army. For four and a half
years they sponsored the home
Rev. ]. J. Queally. rector Of the
Church of the TRANSPORTATION. served
as chaplain and constant friend Of
the veterans. They organized along
army lines and governed themselves
until the home was disbanded. Dur
ing the last two years many Of them
got work and we're able to help their
less fortunate comrades. especially
those who had been discharged penni-
less from hospitals. They took up col
lections to send the convalescents
home.
Pride in Rehabilitation.
1.-THE great pride the league has
had in this work Is the rehabilitation
of so many men" Mrs. Steed said.
They have gotten back their self-re-
spect. They realized that the women
who served them overseas we're still
their friends and buddies. The men
and the league are very grateful to
each Congress member. business house,
organization, department and person
who has helped In this work"
During the life of the home. 1000
veterans we're sheltered and fed. Miss
Katherine Address succeeded Mrs. Og-
den as president of the league. Now
Mrs. Fred FRANKIE Is the president,
while Mrs. Steed continues as service
chairman.
At party last Friday night the re-
naming veterans presented Mother"
Steed with what they loved most-the
flags which have flown over the home.
They also gave her sl25 to defray
her expenses to San Antonio. to attend