HOME FOR AGED WOMEN

Brewster House.

Cortland Standard and Weekly Journal, Friday, August 5, 1892.

Home for Aged Women.

   Much to be commended is the custom, now gaining ground, of disposing of either accumulated or inherited wealth during the natural life of the proprietor. Much unnecessary litigation is thereby prevented and when it is used for philanthropic purposes its work commences sooner. The best interest to which money can be put is bearing fruit for God. It was the recognition of this principle that originated the Home for Aged Women, situated in Homer.

   Mrs. Elizabeth A. Brewster for the first quarter of a century of her life a resident of that town, a long-time resident of Rochester, returned to Homer in 1886 from a sojourn in California whither she had gone some years previous for the benefit of her son. She purchased the estate known as the Lewis property, fronting on Main-st. and running back to the river. Houses numbers 41 and 43 South Main-st. were then standing upon it. Its area is about an acre. Back from the street is a pretty cottage built by her in 1887 for the accommodation of herself and sisters. The rooms are very nicely arranged, large south and east windows invite the sun, which she utilizes in winter for the cultivation of plants of which she has a great variety. Her rare cacti are her especial pride.

   Advancing years show their traces upon her physical system, but the great heart still plans and labors for the good of others. Such hearts are ever young. In spite, however, of the weight of years which she bears, she spends much time amid the fruits and flowers with which she has covered the best part of her grounds, and whose products are more for others than herself.

   The location is central, being opposite the village green, where are the churches and high-school building. Street-cars from Homer to Cortland make transportation from one place to the other very conveniently for those who occupy or wish to visit the Home.

   In October, 1891, Mrs. Brewster deeded to an association incorporated about that time this property, reserving for her own use the brown cottage so long as she shall need it. The association known by the name given at the head of this article has for its president Mrs. C. O. Newton; vice-president, Mrs. J. J. Murray; secretary, Miss Sara G. Collins; treasurer, Mrs. Augustus H. Bennett.

   The buildings on Main-st. were occupied by tenants. They were allowed to remain for a time. April, 1892, house No. 41 was vacated. It was then thoroughly renovated and refitted internally and prepared for occupancy. On April 27 the Home was informally opened with Mrs. E. M. Gates as matron.

   On April 30 the first boarder, a lady from Cortland, arrived. It will be noticed that we say boarder. This is necessary now, as there are not sufficient funds on hand to enable the managers to promise to see anybody through life, the only charge now made being $2.50 per week. The trustees hope that people of the county, who are abundantly able, will hasten to endow this association that they may be able to care for those who have small means and no one to care for them . Will not the churches of the county especially look to their duty in the matter, as well as in other philanthropic moves?

   If this enterprise receives the assistance from people outside the county, it will be after an effort has been made by the residents of the county, an effort too crowned by success, in the securing of a fund whose size shall be a guarantee of permanency. Let the people then realize the duties and privileges which are theirs in this direction and contribute liberally toward the establishment of this undenominational home, made such by especial provision of the founder.

   Liberal donations of house-furnishing goods have fitted this house as a home indeed, contributions of provisions have also been frequent. More furnishings and bedding will soon be needed, as more rooms must soon be opened. The work is yet in its infancy, but its opportunity is large. Will not the people of the county help to its development?

   Rev. Geo. F. Clover, recently returned to Homer from St. Luke’s hospital, N. Y., kindly offered to visit the Home on Wednesday of each week and conduct a short religious service. His coming is warmly welcomed by the occupants. The hearts of those who are waiting for the boatman to carry them over the river are always gladdened by kindly remembrances from those who are in the midst of life’s battle and the Christian minister often receives his best inspiration while ministering to their spiritual needs.

Why is This?

   The following communication from one of our leading citizens explains itself:

To the Editors of the STANDARD:

   Cortland bought a stone crusher last spring, and it does good work. In the light of this why are our village trustees filling in Greenbush-st. with dirt and cobbles to be carted off again next spring in mud?

   CITIZEN.

New Cortland City Band.

   Several times each week the new Cortland City band is meeting for rehearsals. Cortland has had bands and bands. Some have been excellent ones and some have been only medium. Some have quickly been split up and disorganized and others have remained together for a considerable time.

   Certainly no band has ever started out with brighter prospects than this new one which has just been organized. It contains many of the finest instrumentalists in Cortland and Homer. It has a leader in Mr. Bates who has acquired a deservedly widespread reputation as a band master. There are twenty-two pieces in the band, a number of them being the finer instruments which are rarely found in the ordinary brass band and which produce the sweet tones and fine melody so much admired. Though wind is an important element in band music, yet no band can be supported by wind alone.

   Money is needed for instruments, for new music which the hearers constantly demand, for uniforms, for room rent and for other incidental expenses. Inasmuch as the public in general are to be benefitted by such an organization, it seems only proper that the public should help bear some of the expense. A number of the citizens have appreciated this fact, and have expressed a desire to help the band boys. They believe that there are others who would also like to assist and they propose that a subscription paper should be sent around to give every one a chance to contribute much or little as they feel able. It seems likely that this may be done a little later. If it should be brought about, the thought cannot be commended too highly to all those who feel an honest pride in Cortland.

   Nothing better represents a place outside of its own limits than a first-class band, and it seems likely that this organization bearing the name of Cortland will be one of the finest bands in the state. Let every one give the boys a lift when the time comes.

The Hitchcock Band Will Continue.

   An arrangement has been effected by which the Hitchcock band purchases the interest of retiring members and will continue as a regular organization. Friday night last Messrs. Fred Osborne and Fred J. Pike each as a representative from a different faction met as a committee and appraised the whole band outfit at the most conservative prices. After an exciting indebtedness was subtracted the balance was divided into shares equal to the number of members. Everything was done with the greatest fairness. Each member was also allowed the privilege of buying the instrument used by him at the appraised figure. The band will continue under the able leadership of Mr. Fred Osborne. An orchestra led by Mr. William Daniels will be a kind of joint organization embracing many members of the band.

Wheel Club Runs.

   Captain L. C. Miller of the Wheel club has posted the following list of club runs:

   Aug. 10—Truxton.

   Aug. 17—Little York.

   Aug. 24—McLean.

   Aug. 31—East Homer.

   The start will be made from the club headquarters on Railroad-st. at 6:30 sharp and all active members are expected to be present in uniform if possible. The dates are subject to change, but due notice will be given in case of it. It is probable that the twenty-five-cent fine regulation will bring a larger attendance than has been seen this season.

The Record Did Not Go.

   Aug. 2.—The scorch to Little York and return last night resulted in a very close race, but the record of 53:10 was not touched by a minute. There were only two starters, Will Jacquett and E. S. Dalton. Jacquett cut out the pace and led nearly all the way, although Dalton passed him, going through Homer, both on the trip up and on the return. At about 8 o’clock, when the time came for the finish, there was a crowd of three or four hundred gathered at the Cortland House crossing [finish line]. It was almost dark when the cry went up, “Here they come.” Two or three friends of the riders came on ahead as pace makers, and cleared the way through the crowd. Jacquett was leading by about ten yards and past [sic] the cross-walk a winner. The times taken were various, but the best accredited is put at 54:15.

Trustees’ Meeting.

   Aug. 2.—A regular meeting of the board of trustees was held last evening, all of the members being present. The following bills were audited and ordered paid:

Street Commissioners’ Payroll, $381.70

James O’Neil, to repairs on sandbank house, $5.60

E. Williams, labor, $9.75

Fred Ryan, work on stone-crusher $68.25

Police force, salary, $49.00

E. D. Parker, to taking prisoner to Syracuse, $2.40

Fred Hatch, clerk salary, $25.00

F. M. Samson, janitor salary, $25.00

L. R. Lewis, plumbing, $3.20

G. O. Gilbert, services to board of health, .75

Cortland, Homer & Electric Co., $468.93

   The bond of David G, Johnson in the sum of $80,000 as collector of Cortland village, with Messrs. Fitz Boynton, W. B. Stoppard, D. F. Wallace, H. F. Benton and James R. Schermerhorn as sureties, was approved and placed on file.

   On motion City Engineer Place was ordered to give a sidewalk grade from Monroe Heights to Graham-ave.

   A complaint was laid before the board concerning the accumulation of surface water at Barber-ave. and Homer-ave. On motion this was referred to Trustees Smith and Hodgson.

East Side Reading Room Entertainment.

   Aug. 2.—An entertainment was held last evening in the quarters of the East Side reading room, which was an unqualified success. All five rooms were well filled and the audience was a most appreciative one and repeatedly encored the performers. Quite a neat sum was netted by the sale of lemonade and refreshments. The following is the programme:

Violin Solo, Miss Nellie Mulligan.

Plano Solo, Mr. Harry Butler.

Recitation—Kentucky Belle, Miss Jennie Weyant.

Solo, selected, Mr. M. J. Stanton.

Recitation—Funny Uncle Phil, Grace Fitzgerald.

Duet—O That We Two were Maying, Misses M. J. and C. E. Nash

Solo—Sunshine, Bessie O’Connell.

Recitation—A Mouse, Miss Lillian Deusenberry.

Solo—The Children’s Home, Mrs. F. E. Plumb.

Clarionet solo, Mr. Livingston, accompanied by Miss Lelia Roberts.

Solo—When the Stars Begin to Peep, Miss Mamie Sheridan.

Carriage Builders Meet.

   Aug. 2.—The monthly meeting of the New York State Carriage Builders’ association was held in the Messenger House this morning. A large amount of routine business was disposed of. Among those present were: G. H. Babcock, Watertown; Frank Youngs, Watertown; P. S. Jennings, New York; Chas. C. Castle, New York; F. Bacon, Waterloo; W. C. Bradley, Syracuse; Geo. A. Brockway, Homer; M. Woodford, Binghamton; Geo. C. Hubbard, Cortland M’f ’g. Co., L’t’d; The H. M. Whitney company; Hugh Duffey, Cortland Wagon company, and W. D. Tisdale, the secretary of the association.