The Daily Alaska empire., 1937-01-27
COMPLIMENT TO THE PIONEERS HOME

Without exception the Territorial Legislators who visited the Pioneers Home Ska the last weel end loud in their praise of the institution and it management. They reported finding everything tip-top condition and pioneers living at the Hom' perfectly happy and contented. It is remarkable and pleasing commentary; remarkable in that of from 150 to 180 men there would not be some com plaint and pleasing to taxpayers and other residents of the Territory that public money has beer and being so ably expended to bring peace and happiness to those old timers who north in the early days and made possible through their persistent efforts, the Alaska of today
 The comment of the lawmakers of whom had the institution before lends weigh to the statement of Superintendent Filler Hansen in hi biennial report to the Legislators: Two years of cupation of the present Home has demonstrated tha with very few exceptions it is admirably adapted the purpose for which it designed"
 There appears to be doubt remaining the the Pioneers Home fills the program that the Ter rtory originally intended to carry It's construc. ton management and occupation has been free pickering, misunderstanding and politics Commen of members of the 18th Territorial Legislature of them pioneers themselves is fitting tribute to audable undertaking, well conceived and efficient! carried forward
 Some of the report of Superintendent Hansen i enlightenng in this connection reflecting the resen conditions and the future needs:
 Tt has been pleasing to determine that the cos of operation in this modern structure is excessive The average per diem cost for the bennun to the Territory of Alaska of $l02 is the lowest record With regard to future costs it should be pained that repairs to buildings replacement equipment and higher prices for food factor. that will increase the expense of operation
 The Home designed to house TIC men, Il 1886 there frequent periods when thar for for, yir,c the attic habitable to relieve overcrowding thu other floors. To promote the welfare and happines, of the Pioneers I recommend that 180 be fixed as the maximum number of occupants.
 Some interesting statistics have been worked ou to the effect that the average age of the residents has gradually increased. The average age now is 73. The average period of occupancy is two year; and eight months. Your attention is called to the fact that the receipts for the past biennium have been double that of any previous similar period This has been mainly due to the persistent prose cution of claims for subsistence against the estate of deceased pioneers.
 T the recommendation made in my las report that the Territory construct mausoeum unit basis for burial of deceased pioneers. If th is not done the next Legislature will have to pro- vide funds for another burial ground There are now 559 pioneers buried in three cemeteries at Sitka. is doubtful if any suitable burial ground b found Sitka. The greater initial cost of mau soleum crypts will be more than offset by the of clearing and preparing burial ground and its per petual upkeep
 During the bennum there were 321 person cared for at the Home; 13S were admitted 32 wer discharged; three were adjudged insane and com mtted to Morningsde; 115 died, and I'll are res dents of the Home at the close of this report.