A Visit to the Kentucky Confederate Home in 1915
Reprinted from Confederate Veteran Magazine, 1915
(From Mrs. T.H. Baker, of South Pittsburgh, Tenn., but now a temporary resident of Louisville, Ky., comes this interesting account of a visit to the Kentucky Confederate Home, which she made on July 11, 1915 in company with Mrs. Lily F. Worthington, Mississippi Director of the Arlington Monument Association, and Mrs. Andrew Sea, of the Albert Sidney Johnston Chapter, of Louisville. The Home is located at Pewee Valley, Ky., five miles by trolley from Louisville. Mrs. Baker is Regent of the Tennessee Room in the Confederate Museum at Richmond, Va., and is a member of the South Pittsburgh Chapter, UDC.)
(From Mrs. T.H. Baker, of South Pittsburgh, Tenn., but now a temporary resident of Louisville, Ky., comes this interesting account of a visit to the Kentucky Confederate Home, which she made on July 11, 1915 in company with Mrs. Lily F. Worthington, Mississippi Director of the Arlington Monument Association, and Mrs. Andrew Sea, of the Albert Sidney Johnston Chapter, of Louisville. The Home is located at Pewee Valley, Ky., five miles by trolley from Louisville. Mrs. Baker is Regent of the Tennessee Room in the Confederate Museum at Richmond, Va., and is a member of the South Pittsburgh Chapter, UDC.)
As we entered the spacious grounds we were almost startled by the impression that we were approaching a delightful summer resort. The immense central building, with its circular porticoes, arched windows, and spacious verandas freshly painted and glistening in beauty and newness, the broad seats under the arching locust trees, the flower borders and beds gay with hollyhocks, nasturtiums, and other summer annuals, the velvet lawns, the porch and window boxes trailing with vines and bright with blooming plants, gave the scene a festive air not altogether in accord with the preconceived idea that we were entering a retreat for the old, the helpless, and the invalid. And we found our impression a reality. The veterans living within the portals are old, but they were not infirm; they are not vigorous, but they are alert and active. They make no appeal to your sympathy or pity, for with them abide comfort and content. They are guests for whose well-being every consideration is given. We felt complimented as they rose gallantly in greeting to us and other guests. Luncheon hour was interesting as well as delightful. Col. Henry George, Commandant of the Home, and Mrs. George were hosts as if to a large but welcome company; the menu and service that of a well-cared for and well-ordered home in which happiness and perfect comfort are provided.
The main building contains one hundred rooms, so neatly furnished and kept that they assure comfort for the occupants, and connected with it is a perfectly equipped laundry plant. It is lighted throughout by acetylene gas and is provided with water and sewerage connections. The water is brought to the Home a distance of two and one-half miles and forced through an eighty-foot standpipe to a tank that gives ample supply and fire protection. The sewerage system is the most modern and unique in existence and has proved a wonderful success. (Editor's note: the Home did have indoor toilets; however, the septic system was still a problem.) The building, because of its size, has had the safety of inmates further assured by a fire escape of modern construction.
Located on the grounds are three hospitals, the main hospital for the treatment and care of usual forms of illness and for infirm patients, one for tubercular troubles, and one for the care and treatment of cancer and skin diseases. Each is provided with all medical and surgical means for alleviating suffering. The entrance hall to the main hospital is a large semi-circular room the full width of the building, glass-enclosed in winter for a sun parlor, screened in summer for outdoor sitting rooms. The long verandas were shaded with awnings and beautiful boxes of flowers and ferns. Rows of daintily furnished wards bordered both sides of the wide corridors on the upper and lower floors. Unusual features of both the main buildings and hospital are attractively furnished guest rooms, in which may be entertained a visitor to the Home or a relative or friend of a resident veteran. In the main hospital, on the second floor immediately above the sun parlor, is the luxuriously fitted and furnished Wooster library, a memorial to one of the best-known daughters of the South. Filled bookcases line all sides of the room. Wonderful pictures adorn the walls, and the other furnishings tire in harmonious upkeeping. On the first floor, at the west entrance to the hospital, the Soldiers' Home Chapter, U.D.C., of Pewee Valley, has fitted up an artistic reception room.
The main building contains one hundred rooms, so neatly furnished and kept that they assure comfort for the occupants, and connected with it is a perfectly equipped laundry plant. It is lighted throughout by acetylene gas and is provided with water and sewerage connections. The water is brought to the Home a distance of two and one-half miles and forced through an eighty-foot standpipe to a tank that gives ample supply and fire protection. The sewerage system is the most modern and unique in existence and has proved a wonderful success. (Editor's note: the Home did have indoor toilets; however, the septic system was still a problem.) The building, because of its size, has had the safety of inmates further assured by a fire escape of modern construction.
Located on the grounds are three hospitals, the main hospital for the treatment and care of usual forms of illness and for infirm patients, one for tubercular troubles, and one for the care and treatment of cancer and skin diseases. Each is provided with all medical and surgical means for alleviating suffering. The entrance hall to the main hospital is a large semi-circular room the full width of the building, glass-enclosed in winter for a sun parlor, screened in summer for outdoor sitting rooms. The long verandas were shaded with awnings and beautiful boxes of flowers and ferns. Rows of daintily furnished wards bordered both sides of the wide corridors on the upper and lower floors. Unusual features of both the main buildings and hospital are attractively furnished guest rooms, in which may be entertained a visitor to the Home or a relative or friend of a resident veteran. In the main hospital, on the second floor immediately above the sun parlor, is the luxuriously fitted and furnished Wooster library, a memorial to one of the best-known daughters of the South. Filled bookcases line all sides of the room. Wonderful pictures adorn the walls, and the other furnishings tire in harmonious upkeeping. On the first floor, at the west entrance to the hospital, the Soldiers' Home Chapter, U.D.C., of Pewee Valley, has fitted up an artistic reception room.
Raising the Flag
We finished our tour of the different buildings just in time for the exercises attending the raising of a United States flag over this Home for Confederate Veterans, which was the basis for an interesting celebration on that July 11, 1915 and the presentation and acceptance were so inspiring and patriotic in character that the event was almost dramatically impressive. As we reached the front entrance of the main building the veterans of the Home were already seated on the lawn, and the speakers and guests and choir filled the big circular veranda. The invocation was given by the Rev. John T. Thomas, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Louisville, who, by the way, is a Tennessean, the son of a Confederate veteran from Bristol, Tenn. Capt. Andrew Sea, who as trustee has been identified with the Kentucky Confederate Home since its inception, presented the flag and briefly explained that the gift has been made by Col. Andrew Cowan, who was Chief of Artillery of the 6th Corps, U.S.A., is president of the Army of the Potomac, U.S.A., and, by virtue of the esteem and affection in which he is held by the Confederates of Kentucky, an honorary member of the Kentucky Orphan Brigade. S.S.A. Colonel Cowan was influenced to give this handsome flag by the expressed wish of Col. Henry George, Commandant of the Home, for a United States flag to be used on the Fourth of July and other patriotic occasions. Colonel George made the speech of acceptance, and, holding aloft an old Confederate battle flag, he reiterated his own love and that of every Confederate veteran for the Stars and Bars, but pledged himself and them loyalty and fealty to their country's flag. Over a hundred Confederate veterans stood with bared heads as their aged comrade, John Gobin, slowly drew the handsome twelve-foot flag to its position at the top of the lofty flagpole, and a gentle Southern breeze spread its folds above their heads over an audience composed almost entirely of veterans and Daughters of the Confederacy. After a moment of tense suspense, the whole company united in singing "America." Other addresses were made by Col. E. Polk Johnson, Maj. John B. Pirtle, Capt. George C. Norton, Capt. John W. Green, with the benediction by Rev. Peyton Hoge, of the Pewee Valley Presbyterian Church. To a Tennessee Daughter this event put a final seal on the patriotic hope and belief that we are a reunited people, whose glory is "one country, one flag."
We finished our tour of the different buildings just in time for the exercises attending the raising of a United States flag over this Home for Confederate Veterans, which was the basis for an interesting celebration on that July 11, 1915 and the presentation and acceptance were so inspiring and patriotic in character that the event was almost dramatically impressive. As we reached the front entrance of the main building the veterans of the Home were already seated on the lawn, and the speakers and guests and choir filled the big circular veranda. The invocation was given by the Rev. John T. Thomas, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Louisville, who, by the way, is a Tennessean, the son of a Confederate veteran from Bristol, Tenn. Capt. Andrew Sea, who as trustee has been identified with the Kentucky Confederate Home since its inception, presented the flag and briefly explained that the gift has been made by Col. Andrew Cowan, who was Chief of Artillery of the 6th Corps, U.S.A., is president of the Army of the Potomac, U.S.A., and, by virtue of the esteem and affection in which he is held by the Confederates of Kentucky, an honorary member of the Kentucky Orphan Brigade. S.S.A. Colonel Cowan was influenced to give this handsome flag by the expressed wish of Col. Henry George, Commandant of the Home, for a United States flag to be used on the Fourth of July and other patriotic occasions. Colonel George made the speech of acceptance, and, holding aloft an old Confederate battle flag, he reiterated his own love and that of every Confederate veteran for the Stars and Bars, but pledged himself and them loyalty and fealty to their country's flag. Over a hundred Confederate veterans stood with bared heads as their aged comrade, John Gobin, slowly drew the handsome twelve-foot flag to its position at the top of the lofty flagpole, and a gentle Southern breeze spread its folds above their heads over an audience composed almost entirely of veterans and Daughters of the Confederacy. After a moment of tense suspense, the whole company united in singing "America." Other addresses were made by Col. E. Polk Johnson, Maj. John B. Pirtle, Capt. George C. Norton, Capt. John W. Green, with the benediction by Rev. Peyton Hoge, of the Pewee Valley Presbyterian Church. To a Tennessee Daughter this event put a final seal on the patriotic hope and belief that we are a reunited people, whose glory is "one country, one flag."
The July 11, 1915 Courier-Journal carried a story about the flag presentation and raising described by Mrs. Baker in Confederate Veteran Magazine. A century after the Civil War, it's difficult to understand how divided the country remained in the years after Appomatox. Raising the Stars and Stripes over the Kentucky Confederate Home was symbolic of the national healing that had taken place during the forty years since the war's end:
FLAG-RAISING
_______
Auspicious Event at Home of
Confederates
_______
CAPT. SEA PRESENTS
GIFT OF COL. COWAN
_______
War Story Told In Address
During Exercises.
_______
ATTENDANCE IS LARGE
An American flag, the gift of a Federal soldier, was raised over the Kentucky Confederate Home at Pewee Valley yesterday afternoon while a group of veterans in gray and their guests sang "The Star Spangled Banner" as a renewed pledge of their devotion to the Union.
Exercises befitting the occasion, beginning at 2 o'clock, were held in the presence of close to 200 persons, including the veterans and their guests. Maj. John H. Leathers presided. Capt. Andrew M. Sea presented the flag on behalf of Col. Andrew Cowan, the donor, whom illness prevented from being present. The speech of acceptance was made by Col. Henry George, commandant at the home. Short addresses followed by Maj. John R. Pirtle and Captain George C. Norton, trustees of the home; Col E. Polk Johnson and Capt. John W. Green. A vocal programme which included patriotic songs was carried out by the choir of the Pewee Valley Presbyterian Church, led by the Marchese San Garmano. (Editor's note: the Marchese was Rev. Peyton Hoge's daughter.) The invocation was made by the Rev. Dr. John T. Thomas, pastor of the First Presbyterian church, and the benediction was pronounced by the Rev. Peyton H. Hoge, of Pewee Valley.
The speakers described the sentiment which had brought about the raising of the Stars and Stripes over a home for Confederate soldiers. Praises of the Stars and Bards, as well, were sung. The principal speech, that of Cat. Sea, follows:
"It is natural that you should feel some curiousity to know how it came about that we are here this afternoon to raise a United States flag over our Confederate Home. It is a rare and rather unique occurrence, and it came about in this way: Col. George, always alert and anxious to get everything good for the home, was in my office a few days ago and remarked he wished we had an American flag for the Fourth of July, but that we had no money to buy one. He wondered if Col. Andrew Cowan, a distinguished Federal soldier, would not give us one. He asked me if I knew Col. Cowan and if I would not ask him.
*********
Strange Comradeship
"I told him that Col. Cowan had been the Captain of the First New York Battery and afterward the chief of artillery of the Sixth Corps, U.S.V., and that he was now the president of the Society of the Army of the Potomac, U.S.A., also that he was an honorary member of the Kentucky Orphan Brigade, C.S.A. I told him that Col. Cowan knew that I was a Lieutenant commanding the battery which was part of the escort of President Davis and his Cabinet from Charlotte, N.C. to Washington, Ga, and which surrendered on the sixth day of May, 1865; that, we as we were both in the same branch of the service -- although on different sides -- there was a sort of comradeship between us. I promised to ask him if he would not give the home a flag so I called up the Colonel by telephone and he answered that he had none himself, but would see that we got one. The next morning I received a letter from him, saying that he had ordered from the manufacturer a regulation United States flag, twelve feet long, to be shipped to the home at Pewee Valley. He also inclosed (sic) his check for $25 to pay for refreshments for the veterans and their friends upon the raising of the flag.
"This showed the liberality and comradeship characteristic of Col. Cowan. I hoped that Gen. Young* or some other member of the board of trustees would receive the flag in fitting and appropriate words, but, as they have declined, that duty devolves upon me. As I cannot take the place of these gentlemen as a speaker, I can only promise that I will try to make up in brevity what I lack in oratory, and you know that is is said that brevity is the very soul of wit.
********
Courage of the South
"The Confederate Army was composed of the very flower and expectancy of the South. They were mostly young men of the most devoted patriotism and high ideals. They fought for personal freedom and State rights. They staked their fortunes and lives upon the altars of their county. They were, after the first year of the war, poorly clothes and often ragged and barefooted. They fought with old-fashioned weapons until they captured modern arms. They were outnumbered in men at least four to one and, if you consider the difference in military equipment, munitions of war, food, clothing, etc., the disparity would be most strikingly apparent. They were generally not more than half fed and if it had not been for their captures from the enemy they would have starved. I know from personal experience that their allowance of food for months at a time was one third of a pound of bacon and two little corn dodgers a day. Their pay was small and in a currency so depreciated that it was practically worthless. Yet they did not murmur or complain. They loved and trusted their leaders and for over four long years they triumphantly repelled the assaults of every overwhelming army that could be sent against them.
"It is conceded by all, even their former enemies, that for heroic devotion to their country and for brilliant, terrific fighting the Confederate armies have never been equalled in the annals of war.
"But, comrades, we are not here to eulogize Confederate soldiers. They need no encomiums. Impartial history, when it shall have been written, cannot fail to acknowledge their heroic devotion to their country and their courage and valor as unsurpassed in all the ages. The cause which was so dear to our hearts during the Civil War was forever settled by an all-wise overruling Providence who controls the destinies of countries as He does of individuals. Who would dare to question His decree? He restored the Union because he know it was best for us all. He wanted a united people and a government of the people, by the people and for the people. He has given us the most beautiful and productive country under the sun, with a greater diversity of soil and climate, capable of feeding and sustaining untold millions who have and will continue to seek our shores.
********
World's Great Refuge
"He intends our country as a refuge for the oppressed and downtrodden from every land. He has given us greater wealth, higher culture and civilization, unequaled educational facilities and absolute freedom of speech, and above all the unquestioned right to worship God each according to the dictates of our own conscience. We are a united people -- one flag covers us all. That flag symbolizes and stands for freedom, equality and fraternity.
"I invited Col. Cowan to come to the Home and in person present the flag, but he had to decline, as he was very unwell** and expected to be away when the flag arrived. As his letter was addressed to me, I feel that I am representing him in tendering the flag in his name, and I ask that you will authorize me, as secretary of the Board of Trustees, to profoundly thank him in your name for his magnificent gift and to assure him of our grateful appreciation and sincere purpose to cherish and defend the flag as did our comrades and brothers during the Spanish-American War. With united hearts and voices we accliam with patriotic citizens everywhere ---
'The Star-Spangled Banner -- long may
it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home
of the brave."
As Capt. Sea concluded the strains of the national anthem were began by the Marchese San Germano. The audience joined in the chorus as John Gobin, an aged veteran, hoisted the flag to its place on a pole on the lawn of the Home. Col. George responded briefly to the presentational speech. Col. Johnston spoke feelingly of the consolation offered by the sight of the flag in foreign lands. "America" and "My Old Kentucky Home" were the concluding numbers of the vocal programme.
Among the guests, who were received by Miss Florence Barlow, president of the Confederate Home Chapter of the Daughters of the Confederacy, were Miss Lillie Worthington, of Mississippi; Mrs. T.H. Baker, of Memphis; Mrs. A.M. Sea, Miss Mary Kinkead Venable, of Lexington; Mrs. C.C. Fuller and Mrs. William Charlton, of Anchorage; Mrs. Montgomery Hunter, Mrs. Laura Malone, Miss Elizabeth Fletcher, the latter of Indianapolis, and others.
Refreshments were served under the supervision of Bushrod T. Castleman.
* Bennett H. Young died in February 1919
**Andrew Cowan died Aug. 23, 1918
FLAG-RAISING
_______
Auspicious Event at Home of
Confederates
_______
CAPT. SEA PRESENTS
GIFT OF COL. COWAN
_______
War Story Told In Address
During Exercises.
_______
ATTENDANCE IS LARGE
An American flag, the gift of a Federal soldier, was raised over the Kentucky Confederate Home at Pewee Valley yesterday afternoon while a group of veterans in gray and their guests sang "The Star Spangled Banner" as a renewed pledge of their devotion to the Union.
Exercises befitting the occasion, beginning at 2 o'clock, were held in the presence of close to 200 persons, including the veterans and their guests. Maj. John H. Leathers presided. Capt. Andrew M. Sea presented the flag on behalf of Col. Andrew Cowan, the donor, whom illness prevented from being present. The speech of acceptance was made by Col. Henry George, commandant at the home. Short addresses followed by Maj. John R. Pirtle and Captain George C. Norton, trustees of the home; Col E. Polk Johnson and Capt. John W. Green. A vocal programme which included patriotic songs was carried out by the choir of the Pewee Valley Presbyterian Church, led by the Marchese San Garmano. (Editor's note: the Marchese was Rev. Peyton Hoge's daughter.) The invocation was made by the Rev. Dr. John T. Thomas, pastor of the First Presbyterian church, and the benediction was pronounced by the Rev. Peyton H. Hoge, of Pewee Valley.
The speakers described the sentiment which had brought about the raising of the Stars and Stripes over a home for Confederate soldiers. Praises of the Stars and Bards, as well, were sung. The principal speech, that of Cat. Sea, follows:
"It is natural that you should feel some curiousity to know how it came about that we are here this afternoon to raise a United States flag over our Confederate Home. It is a rare and rather unique occurrence, and it came about in this way: Col. George, always alert and anxious to get everything good for the home, was in my office a few days ago and remarked he wished we had an American flag for the Fourth of July, but that we had no money to buy one. He wondered if Col. Andrew Cowan, a distinguished Federal soldier, would not give us one. He asked me if I knew Col. Cowan and if I would not ask him.
*********
Strange Comradeship
"I told him that Col. Cowan had been the Captain of the First New York Battery and afterward the chief of artillery of the Sixth Corps, U.S.V., and that he was now the president of the Society of the Army of the Potomac, U.S.A., also that he was an honorary member of the Kentucky Orphan Brigade, C.S.A. I told him that Col. Cowan knew that I was a Lieutenant commanding the battery which was part of the escort of President Davis and his Cabinet from Charlotte, N.C. to Washington, Ga, and which surrendered on the sixth day of May, 1865; that, we as we were both in the same branch of the service -- although on different sides -- there was a sort of comradeship between us. I promised to ask him if he would not give the home a flag so I called up the Colonel by telephone and he answered that he had none himself, but would see that we got one. The next morning I received a letter from him, saying that he had ordered from the manufacturer a regulation United States flag, twelve feet long, to be shipped to the home at Pewee Valley. He also inclosed (sic) his check for $25 to pay for refreshments for the veterans and their friends upon the raising of the flag.
"This showed the liberality and comradeship characteristic of Col. Cowan. I hoped that Gen. Young* or some other member of the board of trustees would receive the flag in fitting and appropriate words, but, as they have declined, that duty devolves upon me. As I cannot take the place of these gentlemen as a speaker, I can only promise that I will try to make up in brevity what I lack in oratory, and you know that is is said that brevity is the very soul of wit.
********
Courage of the South
"The Confederate Army was composed of the very flower and expectancy of the South. They were mostly young men of the most devoted patriotism and high ideals. They fought for personal freedom and State rights. They staked their fortunes and lives upon the altars of their county. They were, after the first year of the war, poorly clothes and often ragged and barefooted. They fought with old-fashioned weapons until they captured modern arms. They were outnumbered in men at least four to one and, if you consider the difference in military equipment, munitions of war, food, clothing, etc., the disparity would be most strikingly apparent. They were generally not more than half fed and if it had not been for their captures from the enemy they would have starved. I know from personal experience that their allowance of food for months at a time was one third of a pound of bacon and two little corn dodgers a day. Their pay was small and in a currency so depreciated that it was practically worthless. Yet they did not murmur or complain. They loved and trusted their leaders and for over four long years they triumphantly repelled the assaults of every overwhelming army that could be sent against them.
"It is conceded by all, even their former enemies, that for heroic devotion to their country and for brilliant, terrific fighting the Confederate armies have never been equalled in the annals of war.
"But, comrades, we are not here to eulogize Confederate soldiers. They need no encomiums. Impartial history, when it shall have been written, cannot fail to acknowledge their heroic devotion to their country and their courage and valor as unsurpassed in all the ages. The cause which was so dear to our hearts during the Civil War was forever settled by an all-wise overruling Providence who controls the destinies of countries as He does of individuals. Who would dare to question His decree? He restored the Union because he know it was best for us all. He wanted a united people and a government of the people, by the people and for the people. He has given us the most beautiful and productive country under the sun, with a greater diversity of soil and climate, capable of feeding and sustaining untold millions who have and will continue to seek our shores.
********
World's Great Refuge
"He intends our country as a refuge for the oppressed and downtrodden from every land. He has given us greater wealth, higher culture and civilization, unequaled educational facilities and absolute freedom of speech, and above all the unquestioned right to worship God each according to the dictates of our own conscience. We are a united people -- one flag covers us all. That flag symbolizes and stands for freedom, equality and fraternity.
"I invited Col. Cowan to come to the Home and in person present the flag, but he had to decline, as he was very unwell** and expected to be away when the flag arrived. As his letter was addressed to me, I feel that I am representing him in tendering the flag in his name, and I ask that you will authorize me, as secretary of the Board of Trustees, to profoundly thank him in your name for his magnificent gift and to assure him of our grateful appreciation and sincere purpose to cherish and defend the flag as did our comrades and brothers during the Spanish-American War. With united hearts and voices we accliam with patriotic citizens everywhere ---
'The Star-Spangled Banner -- long may
it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home
of the brave."
As Capt. Sea concluded the strains of the national anthem were began by the Marchese San Germano. The audience joined in the chorus as John Gobin, an aged veteran, hoisted the flag to its place on a pole on the lawn of the Home. Col. George responded briefly to the presentational speech. Col. Johnston spoke feelingly of the consolation offered by the sight of the flag in foreign lands. "America" and "My Old Kentucky Home" were the concluding numbers of the vocal programme.
Among the guests, who were received by Miss Florence Barlow, president of the Confederate Home Chapter of the Daughters of the Confederacy, were Miss Lillie Worthington, of Mississippi; Mrs. T.H. Baker, of Memphis; Mrs. A.M. Sea, Miss Mary Kinkead Venable, of Lexington; Mrs. C.C. Fuller and Mrs. William Charlton, of Anchorage; Mrs. Montgomery Hunter, Mrs. Laura Malone, Miss Elizabeth Fletcher, the latter of Indianapolis, and others.
Refreshments were served under the supervision of Bushrod T. Castleman.
* Bennett H. Young died in February 1919
**Andrew Cowan died Aug. 23, 1918
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