The number of applications and letters of inquiry does not lessen, requiring daily thought and attention to this most difficult part of the work. The Committee on Admission have a most laborious and perplexing task. The large number reported pending have been very recently received and therefore have not yet come before the committee. For instruction to those making application, see report of the Secretary to Thirteenth National Convention. All applications should be addressed to the Chairman or Secretary. MILLER FAMILY. During the morning session of the Home Board Annual Meeting, September 10, the Miller family, holding a reunion at North Madison, called to pay their respects to the Board of Directors. The company numbered about forty persons, and pleasant greetings were exchanged. A little girl of the family sang. Mrs. Wittenmyer and Mrs. Hitt gave happy brief addresses in response. MARGARET R. WICKINS MEMBER NATIONAL W.R.C. HOME BOARD. This year closes the term for which Mrs. Wickins was elected a member of the National W.R.C. Home Board of Directors, to fill out the unexpired term of Mrs. Sarah C. Mink, resigned. During these years Mrs. Wickins' heart and hands have been full of care and sorrow, and her home thrice shadowed by the death of loved ones. She has been able to be present at all the meetings of the Home Board of Directors since 1893. Mrs. Wickins' very complete knowledge of the work of the Order, and experience in public work and institutions, have made her counsels most wise and helpful in the important questions that come before the Home Board. It was the happy privilege of Mrs. Wickins, while National President and ex officio member of the Board, to accept the Ohio Cottage from the Construction Board, in behalf of the National Woman's Relief Corps, responding to the gift from the State of Ohio, in graceful patriotic words. ANNIE WITTENMYER. On Aug. 26, 1897, occurs the seventieth birthday of Mrs. Annie Wittenmyer, Chairman of the National W.R.C. Home Board. A plan to fittingly celebrate this event, by letters of congratulation from her many friends, and by a birthday testimonial, is being carried out. Thus in part the great debt of gratitude may be paid, which a patriotic people owe this veteran heroine, whose life has been spent in her country's service. May the sunset of her life be golden. NATIONAL WOMAN'S RELIEF CORPS HOME. For the sake of brevity, and to avoid repetition for much that might be said concerning the National Home, reference is made to the reports of the Chairman and Superintendent. The National W.R.C. Home is full of noble appreciative women. At present two comrades and wives only are there. As this large family must first be well cared for, the much needed Home reports, and elevator referred to in this report, are again deferred. A new windmill must soon be purchased, however, as greater water-power is needed. It is a great pleasure to visit the Home as I go monthly as a member of the Auditing Committee, and oftener if business requires. The warm greeting and many courtesies from the Superintendent, Mrs. Clare H. Burleigh, and the happy sight of this contented, comfortable family of war heroines, makes my heart full of gratitude to all who have helped in any way to establish this beautiful home. I so often wish that these, and other members of the Home Board, could see their smiling faces as often as myself. It would be reward enough. I wish to assure the Order at large, of the appreciation these good women feel for all that is being done by the Board and others, to give them this happy home. May it still be the delight of all to labor for the maintenance, peace and prosperity of this magnificent charity, the grandest work of the Woman's Relief Corps. In behalf of the Home Board grateful thanks are returned to the Order at large, and all who, during the past year, have assisted to maintain the happiness and comfort of the Home family. The work of this office, with its large correspondence, its many perplexing duties upon committees, in conducting the applications for admission, and all duties as ordered by the Chairman of the Board, I have endeavored to most faithfully and promptly perform. For the continued kindness and co-operation of the National and Department officers, of committees in charge of applicants, of the members of the Home Board, of the Superintendent and members of the Home family, of the members of the Woman's Relief Corps everywhere, I am still appreciative and most grateful. Respectfully submitted in F., C. and L., PLUMA L. COWLES, Secretary Board of Directors. REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT NATIONAL WOMAN'S RELIEF CORPS HOME. OFFICE OF NATIONAL WOMAN'S RELIEF CORPS HOME, Mrs. ANNIE WITTENMYER, MADISON, O., July 1, 1897. Chairman Nat'l W.R.C. Home Board. Madam: I have the honor again to submit a yearly statement of the expenses of this institution, with a report of matters of interest pertaining to the Home July 1. Betsey M. Smith, Chagrin Falls, O., Veteran's mother. 1896. Aug. 25, 1896, Mary E. Sweetser, Hartford, Conn. Oct. Jan. July 4, 1896, Laura Bradway, Thompson, O. 1, 1897, Ellen Finn, Dayton, O. 1, 1897, Eliza A. Gregory, Los Angeles, Cal. Deceased. Feb. 2, 1897, Jerusha Ward, Geneva, O. Number of visitors registered 905 Number attending entertainments, etc., more than 1,000 400 |