“People Who Were One Day Some Pumpkins Now are Its Inhabitants.”
“Representatives of the press made an unexpected call at the county infirmary Sunday and spent some hours there inspecting that institution.
“Boss Foster, the superintendent, had just returned from Adams county with a runaway inmate, “Rev” William Webb, but he appreciating the importance of his visitors, spent an hour or more in showing the distinguished guests about the place.”
“The infirmary as originally built was the suburban residence of Frances Cleveland, but was in later years destroyed by fire. The present house was then built, except the additions in recent years, by William Buffington and the house and farm sold to the county in the early `60’s for $30,000. The farm lands lying south of the road and extending to the river comprise a tract of 160 acres, while the hill land in the rear of the house is fully that much more.”
“The house is a large substantial one and from its front a splendid view of the river and city can be obtained.”
“The number of inmates is now thirty-six, about equally divided as to sexes. Tom McCallister is dean of the institution and greets all new comers with a hearty welcome. Tom favors Henry Watterson’s idea regarding a home for decrepit and reformed newspaper men and thinks Andrew Carnegie could well give a million dollars to endow such a home.”
“Among other inmates is Bob Bell, the venerable blacksmith, now eighty years of age. Until the last few weeks he had not been out of his rooms for meals in the six years he has been an inmate, but he is now able to walk with crutches.”
“Butch” Miller appears in good health and spirits and William R. Gregg, the tinner, so long with Cadot and Lorey finds ease and comfort there in his declining days.”
“The rooms at the house were all clean, comfortable and in good order and in talking with inmates all seemed happy.” 1
