Webermeier Memorial Library
307.76

The Milford Institution Story

The Industrial Home
Soldiers & Sailors Home
River side Camp Grounds

by Eldon E. Hostetler

The Old Milford Industrial Home
by Eldon E. Hostetler
Part # 1 Has Anything Changed Really Changed ?

The Milford community is truly blessed with a rich historical tradition featuring many unusual and
important happenings, some very unique to our early Seward County history. The Steam Wagon
Road, Shogo Springs, the Prairie Flower Mystery, the Quenchaqua Mills story, the discovery of
gold east of Milford, the commercial ice trade and the little steam-ship related to Milford's
recreational industry would be naming only a few. All entertaining narratives in their own right,
few stories have achieved the notoriety and interest generated by the establishment of the so
called Milford State Industrial Home on the spot now occupied by Sunrise Country Manor. Today,
people from all over United States contact Milford authorities, hoping to find information con-
cerning birth records connected with the Home. I have also discovered that many of our younger
citizens have no idea what the Home was all about, or why the history of this institution is so vital
to persons searching for their identity. Due to a lack of official records, as well as an aura of
silence and secrecy that appeared to surround the daily operations of the Home, true facts are
"hard to come by." This story was compiled from information gleaned from bits and pieces of
many different newspaper articles written between 1905- 1987.

Its been happening as long as the world has existed; unprincipled men taking advantage of
sometimes unsuspecting females, which often results in the conception of unplanned and many
times-unwanted children. The old tried and proven solution of the father marrying the mother to
be is usually supposed to provide the most satisfactory answer. While this simplistic answer
sounds great on paper, other more serious factors and circumstances, many times unknown to
the public often prevent this from being the ideal. Today one needs only to open a modern day
newspaper to see adds inviting girls in crisis to dial a certain phone number where she will
undoubtedly be assured of all the answers. However, one hundred years ago it was a different ball
game, mostly due to the fact that the so called weaker, "fallen gender " was usually branded as
the guilty party. In her initial report to the public the first Superintendent of the Home, Mrs. E.M.
Perkins echoed her personal sentiments by rebutting what she felt was a widely held
misconception:

"It is a source of regret that while the state of Nebraska provides so comfortable a home for the
unfortunate girls and their children, their partners in guilt are permitted to enjoy freedom while the
taxpayer bears the expense.....We have reason to believe that the majority of them (inmates) are
more sinned against than sinning." This sentence from an article published in the Nov. 27, 1987
Journal Star confirms the social stigma attached to unmarried motherhood in that day: "One
century ago, society's treatment of women who were pregnant out of wedlock was almost
unimaginably stringent. The institution first was called the Nebraska Industrial Home , so named
according to historical data, to disguise its true reason for being."

Other news items appearing in the Milford Nebraskan newspaper would suggest that the public
usually frowned on social "hanky panky," in fact, sometimes even implicating the male species. In
1904, the Seward County Sheriff made a trip to Michigan to bring back a 21 year old Milford man
to face his responsibility concerning a Lincoln girl. Today I suppose we would consider this
meddling in family affairs by the government. In 1886, a farmer living between Milford and
Pleasant Dale was picked up by the County Sheriff on charges of "taking up with the hired girl." .

So, has anything really changed in the past one hundred years? News headlines in the Nov. 29,
2001 Lincoln Journal Star reported this startling information: "Births to single mothers in
Nebraska are at an all time high....unmarried mothers accounted for 27% of all births in the state,
up from 24% five years ago. In other words, it would appear people have not changed all that
much, although community attitudes and mores certainly have.


The Physical Plant
Part #2

The beginning of our story goes back to the year of 1887 when the Nebraska State Legislature
appropriated fifteen thousand dollars for what was described in an undated pamphlet as a "home
for homeless penitent girls who have no specific disease." Nearly 40 acres of land was provided
by the City of Milford, land that at one time had been part of the original J. L. Davidson
Homestead. One good reason for building the Home in Milford was due to the persuasive
powers of J. L. Davidsons's son- law- J.H. Culver, who, appeared to carry plenty of clout with
the state government boys in Lincoln. In 1889, the legislature appropriated an additional thirty one
thousand dollars to build a barn and several other out buildings. The first girl was admitted on
May 1st, 1889 to what was said at that time to be the only state supported maternity home in the
nation.

Eventually the campus included two matching four story dormitories, a cattle barn, a boiler room,
a water tower, a huge garden, a laundry room and later the hospital which is still being used.
Early Seward County historian, Cox, said it like this: "Under the guiding hands of the Board of
public lands and buildings, two commodious structures have been erected with all modern ap-
pliances for the proper care of the inmates each containing twenty five neat and thoroughly
furnished rooms besides closets, bath rooms ,etc. and a fine power house to furnish water, heat
and light in every apartment. Beautiful trees furnish ample shade and the place would seem like a
little paradise." The Home, having capacity for fifty girls was dedicated sometime in 1888.

Although the Home was under the general direction of the Board of Control of State Institutions,
the local Superintendent had complete control of all day to day operations. However, she was
always under the watchful eyes of a board of trustees consisting of sixteen ladies of "high
standing," one being Mrs. Thomas Graham of Seward. In addition to the Home superintendent,
the all female staff included: One Matron, one lady in charge of the kitchen. one sewing teacher,
one secretary and steward, one lady in charge of the garden, poultry and dairy work, one in
charge of laundry room and one trained nurse. Dr. William Sandusky of Pleasant Dale, as well
as several Milford Doctors were in charge of the medical needs of the inmates and babies. Two
or three men were also on the staff; one in charge of the farming and one known as the Home
engineer. Other short term male employees were hired as needed.

Two Milford men, the late Kenneth Miller, and William Stauffer worked at the Home in the mid
1930s. Both were paid thirty dollars a month plus room and board above the laundry building
Stauffer served as a dairy-poultry, garden helper, while Miller worked as the boiler fireman, which
job included the unloading of the 400 tons of coal burned each year. The men were not even
allowed to say "hello " to an inmate if they chanced to meet one. Both men worked twelve hour
shifts. This news item from the March 30, 1895 Milford Mirror newspaper would suggest that by
1895, State Legislatures , as well as local citizens were thoroughly sold on the new institution.

"it will be very gratifying to the friends of the Industrial Home to know the expression of the house
in regard to it on march 12. This was the day set for considering the appropriations for institutions,
and every institution in the state was discussed, but with none was there as great enthusiasm and
as many complimentary remarks made as with the Industrial Home at Milford. The able and
economical management was commented upon by the leading members of the house. The
institution has passed through its struggling and trying times . It is now on a firm basis and will
rank with any institution in the state. It has many friends and will receive justice at the hands of
our lawmakers. We are pleased to know that the leading citizens of Milford are as a unit with the
superintendent of the home, and fully appreciate the high standard she has given this institution."


Guests or Prisoners ?
Part # 3"

A spirit of friendly cooperation exists between the girls and officers, and there is a decidedly
homelike atmosphere pervading the institution. The object of the home is to protect and shelter
the unfortunate girls of Nebraska. Most cases are voluntary admissions, but the courts can now
commit girls to the home. Girls from all walks of life, mostly very young come to the institution. At
present there is one thirteen year old girl, five fourteen year old girls, nine fifteen year old girls, a
large number who are sixteen years of age and seven who are twenty years old. Many of these
girls come from broken homes and many are children of over indulgent parents. Mothers of this
character often bring their daughters hoping that the home can make them see the light from a
different viewpoint. Though often rebellious at first, these girls often come to see that the officers
really have their best interests at heart and some of them make the best records." From a 1923
newspaper article.

Girls entering the home were required to stay for one full year, even if their baby was born in only
a few weeks. Girls were not allowed to leave the home to visit with their families during their one
year stay, but were allowed two hours of visiting time each week. Worship services on Sunday
consisted of Sunday school in the morning and public worship services in the afternoon. A
Protestant minister form Milford and a Catholic Priest from Crete conducted the services. Five
evenings each week the girls assembled in the chapel, one evening for young people's meeting,
one for current events, one for a sacred song service and one for kensington with victrola music
and one devoted to listening to a sermon by a pastor. The home kept a splendid Library of 800
volumes of fiction and poetry; also books on household arts, popular psychology and elementary
nursing. The girls were also encouraged to read the good magazines stocked by the home.

In July of 1889, the board of trustees in charge of the home adopted Home rules that were later
known as "our own ten commandments." 1. Chapel service and evening prayer will be observed
by both inmates and employees. 2. No visitors shall hold interviews with the inmates except in
the presence of the superintendent or officer in charge. 3. No visitors shall be allowed to visit the
rooms of patients while under ward treatment, except by the consent of the physician. 4.
Magazines and religious journals shall be upon the reading tables, accessible to all inmates. 5.
Bibles and song books shall be furnished by the Industrial Home. 6. Rooms of the inmates shall
be subject to inspection by the superintendent only in cases where there is reasonable grounds.
7. No employees shall exchange department duties with each other, except by the consent of the
superintendent or physician. 8. Both inmates and employees shall rise at the ringing of the bell ,
unless disabled by sickness. 9. Employees who desire to leave the home transiently must obtain
permission from the superintendent or resident physician if in their judgment such absence is
necessary. 10. The inmates of the home shall be detailed as practicable to perform the
household duties of the home . From the July 18, 1984 Milford Times.

One news item suggested that all babies born in the home were either given up for adoption. or
sent to the Home for the Friendless. (One was Whitehall Children's Home in Lincoln) However, a
1923 story mentioned the fact that over fifty percent of the girls kept their children. "After a
home has been investigated the child is placed. If she has relinquished her child and makes good
,every time the superintendent hears from the foster parents , a letter is sent to the girl giving her
the interesting facts of the child's progress, although she does not know the home into which the
child has gone. Within the past three years a number of young men and women who were born
here, have returned to find out something of their parentage. In every case they were respectable
citizens. When a girl leaves, every effort is made to place her in a good environment and secure
work for her. "


Why it was Known as the "Industrial Home
Part# 4

I still have vivid images in my mind of how this Milford "Institution" looked sixty five years ago,
especially in the winter time. It seemed like dark, black smoke was always billowing skyward from
the huge smokestack reaching up from the boiler room. The twin dormitories, surrounded by
huge shade trees and neatly manicured lawns created an impressive image in the summer time,
at least to a ten year old country boy. I, like many others in the community had no idea of what all
was going on behind these high stone-like walls. In fact, I had no idea why it was called the
"Industrial Home," instead of what it really was. Today in 2001, after researching through some
long hidden and forgotten facts, I feel like I am finally seeing some daylight. Back to our 1923
eyewitness account:

"Each girl agrees to remain one year, and during this time she is given training in housework,
cooking, fancy and plain sewing, laundry work, care of children, and religious training. Those who
prove themselves dependable and worthy are given eight weeks of training in hospital work,
instruction and practical work in gardening , dairy work and poultry raising is also given. At the
present time (1923) there are forty girls, thirty babies and ten officers and employees in the
house. Mrs. Mary Pritchard has charge of the kitchen and dining rooms. Ten girls are under her
supervision for an eight week period. There is an officer's cook; a girls' cook and one girl in the
pastry department and one girl who cares for the milk, the butter and the preparation of food.
for the infants; four dining room girls and one girl who prepares the vegetables. The girls are all
taught to plan menus and tastily serve what they prepare. They are taught to set the tables in a
way fitting to the best of homes. each girl at some time or another has instruction in this
department.

Miss Delia Olsen has charge of the sewing department . Here the girls are taught to make her
own and her child's clothing. When she leaves the home the state furnishes the material for
clothes for her and her child and the girl makes the garments. Mrs. Manderson supervises the
laundry department. The large amount of laundry work for an institution of this kind is done here in
an unusually efficient manner. Eleven girls are employed; two washing, four mangling and four
doing hand ironing, while one girl operates the drying tumbler and hangs up the clothes. There are
two nurseries for the babies; one for those from three weeks to eight months and one for the older
children. Mrs. Williams teaches each girl how to bathe, clothe feed, and take full care of her
child. Miss Townsend as matron, directs the girls in general household arts. They are taught to
make beds, care for the rooms and halls and keep the buildings in a very clean and attractive
condition. Mrs. McCall supervises the gardening, poultry raising and dairy work. This is a very
active department and much practical work is done by the girls.

Care of the health and hygiene is also taught, and the health of the girls is always above average
in the state, due to the supervision of Dr. Sandusky, who has been physician for the past ten
years. One feature of the life we have not stressed, is the punctuality and industry of everyone
there. The girls rise early and every minute of the day has its special duty. The work of this home
is real missionary work and prepares these unfortunate girls to become useful members of
society. They come in contact with refined Christian women as their officers and it is rarely that a
girl is not made better by her year at the Nebraska Industrial Home."

W.W. Cox, early Seward County historian echoed the true male chauvinistic attitude so in vogue
in that day in his 1905 Revised History of Sewrard County: "The Home is truly answering the
high object for which it was created; sheltering, protecting and helping to reform the wayward and
unfortunate girls that desire a better life. They receive, by moral teaching and training, that uplift
that will tend to respectability and usefulness. May the God of love and mercy bless this Home."


The End of a Great Institution
Part# 5

The usefulness and popularity of the Home appeared to peak in the mid 1920s. From 1907 to
1923, 728 girls entered and graduated from the Home. In 1923 the Home housed a total of ninety
one girls; two in the 10- 14 age bracket; fifty nine from 15 -17, and thirty from 18 to 30. No exact
figures are available to determine the total number of girls who passed through the home from
1889- 1952, although one writer has estimated about 4,000. Children born in the home were
allowed to stay, even if the mother decided to leave after her year was finished. However, the
family was charged $1.75 per week for board and room. If the family failed to pay for six months,
the child automatically became the property of the state, and could be put up for adoption. From
the first financial report dated on November 30, 1890 the home housed 67 residents costing the
state an average of $3.72 per week. The Home superintendent received $50.00 per month, the
matron and schoolteacher each received $25.00, while the sewing teacher was only worth $20.00.

In 1950, seventy babies were born in the Home costing an average of $104.00 per month.
Evidently one State Legislator became somewhat perturbed over the rising cost of keeping the
Home open. A Lincoln newspaper article published on Jan. 18, 1951 quoted a Legislative Council
Executive member as calling unwed mothers lawbreakers and referred to the Home " as an
encouragement to break the law." One record reported that thirteen expectant girls were living in
the home at its closure. About this time State Fire Marshal, E. C. Iverson found other even more
serious problems. "Sagging floors, falling plaster, leaking roofs, structural weaknesses, faulty
wiring and inadequate fire protection. He recommended that several of the buildings be
demolished at once. In 1953 the legislature passed a bill to close the Home.

In 1953 the Home, minus some of the farmland was offered for sale by public auction. Having
been appraised at $25.000, the high bid of $18.000 offered by a group representing the Nebraska
Mennonite Mission & Benevolent Board, who intended to use the plant to start a church school
was rejected by Governor Crosby. later it was sold by private treaty to Wes & Ida Stutzman for an
undisclosed sum. Later the Stutzmans sold the property to the Stauffer family. Most of the
original buildings ( except the hospital) have now been removed .

"It stands as a sentinel to a changing society. If the walls of the remaining dormitory of the
Nebraska Maternity could talk, they undoubtedly would tell a gripping story. In a small but
significant way they do. Scratched on the crumbling plaster in a small fourth-floor room are
"twenty four more weeks of this hellhole'- and Sylvia - another heartbroken girl . It is generally
agreed that this attic room was used for solitary confinement to discipline the pregnant women
and girls at the home. The rooms sloping ceilings provided little space for standing upright. But
there may have been hundreds more who found it a haven in their time of need and the first
caring place they ever lived . Time is eroding the story, and when the dorm is razed next year , a
piece of living history will go down with it." From Maternity home fading into history- by Betty
Stevens-Nov 29, 1987 Sunday Journal Star.

We the citizens of Milford, Nebraska , as well as other people scattered all over United States
who are so frantically searching for their Milford Industrial Home roots- will probably never know
many of the "real life stories" behind the story of Milford's No. one claim to historical fame. Is it
possible that even older, "dyed in the wool" male chauvinists may have toned down their "preachy
criticism" had they known the "rest of the story" maybe the real reason why many of these girls
were forced to spend one year in the Milford Industrial Home ?

(Note; All of the Industrial Home records are now in possession of the Catholic Social Services
Office in Omaha. A Court Order is usually required to open a file.


Shogo Springs Water and Milford Institutions.
by Eldon E. Hostetler
Would Milford be the new Saratoga Springs of the west?

What could be considered as one of Milford's greatest developments of the twentieth century
took place in the winter of 1941. This momentous moment in Milford history was recorded in the
February 15, 1941 edition of a Seward newspaper:

" The bill to establish a State Trade School in the buildings formerly occupied by the Milford
Soldiers & Sailors Home was reported to general file by the Appropriation Committee without a
dissenting vote Tuesday afternoon. The bill was introduced by (a home town boy), Senator Stan-
ley Matzke. The bill provides for an appropriation of $32,000 to carry the school through to the
end of the biennium July, 1941. This money will be used to pay instructors and remodel buildings.
According to other information this $32,000 will be matched by $70,000 in federal funds."

Without one dissenting vote (38 to 0 ), Bill LB 148 was approved by the Nebraska State Legis-
lature on March 27, 1941. The bill was signed immediately by Governor Griswold, and the Ne-
braska State Trade School was born. The school opened in May of 1941 with an enrollment of
24 students selected from 50 applicants. Only four of the initial 24 students were from Milford.
The rest of the Trade School story is history, a story of much early struggle, as well as
tremendous growth that eventually culminated into what we now know as "Southeast Community
College at Milford" Since a good history of the School has already been recorded by others
more familiar with its beginnings, this narrative will deal mostly with the School's roots and its
main reason for being , namely the unused old Soldiers & Sailors Home. Both renowned
Institutions in their own right , the story of either would be incomplete without a short history of
Milford's best " claim to fame" in the late 1800s, Shogo Springs. It all adds up to this: the
Sanitarium was built to take advantage of Shogo Springs water, the old Soldiers Home opened to
take advantage of the Sanitarium and a Trade School was started in Milford to take advantage of
the unused Soldiers Home.

The healing properties of Shogo Spring water was well known by many of our early Native
Americans who often journeyed to the Milford community to seek relief from assorted illnesses.
Noted for its high lithium content, the water was said to be especially good for kidney diseases
and rheumatism. One early source reported that when our first settlers arrived around 1860, the
skeletons of hundreds of deserted Indian teepees could still be seen in the community. Flowing
at the rate of 900 gallons per hour the springs were said to be the only mineral water springs
discovered up to this date in the entire state. The Seward Blue Valley Blade newspaper editor
writing about Milford in 1876, referred to the town as "The Youthful Saratoga of the West." An
early hotel, located at one time near the spot where the Dental Clinic stands today was known as
the "Saratoga Hotel." The Saratoga Hotel burned down in 1899. Were some comparing the
potential of Milford's Shogo Springs to the world famous medicinal mineral water springs near
Saratoga, New York ? The Saratoga Springs Resort was known at that time as "Queen of the
Spas" "having the capacity to handle 3000 health seekers at one time and processing six million
bottles of mineral water each year. Evidently several in the community, one being John H. Culver,
owner of the Springs at that time had visions of future greatness for the Milford Springs- maybe a
second Saratoga in the west.

The Milford newspaper editor said it like this: "Look around you and what do you see? Milford is
the "Saratoga" of the West. Where will you find a more enchanting summer resort? Look at our
attractions. Lake Quenchaqua, Lake Keego, the beautiful Blue, Shogo Island , our pure lithium
springs, " and many other things making it the most enchanting place on earth." Plans are now
being made to construct an electric railroad to Lincoln to provide a way for Lincoln resident to
enjoy Milford's recreational attractions." Being a visionary person as well as a man of action, Mr.
Culver instigated proceedings to harvest the potential wealth he saw in Shogo Springs water.


Building a Sanitarium

The early 1880s had been good years for most Milford citizens, in fact farmers were actually
making some money. Crops were excellent and prices were good for most Nebraska farmers
which caused a general feeling of euphoria and prosperity throughout the state. The 1888 and
1889 corn crops were said to be some of the best ever raised in the community, some fields
making up to 75 bushels per acre. The Milford Nebraskan newspaper editor expressed his
feelings this way: "Milford can now boast of the finest springs, the prettiest lakes, and the most
healthful and beautiful location of any burg in the state. Then in an everyday sort of way, with
ego clear down to zero , we will also mention that we have the largest flouring mills, as well as the
best ice fields and some of the best opportunities for investment in the state." This may have been
enough incentive to convince John H. Culver and his partners that this was the time to proceed
with their long planned dream of creating anew "Saratoga West. Spa'

The December 6, 1886 edition of the Milford Nebraskan newspaper announced the new plans:
"Its a go ! Milford will have a new Sanitarium! J. V. Consal has captured the bid for 11, 500
dollars. Mr. Consal proceeded to erect the original three story Sanitarium building, but stopped
before it was entirely completed due to a lack of funds by the corporation. Started some time in
1887, economic conditions had rapidly deteriorated by 1889. Although Nebraska farmers had
excellent harvests, prices tumbled, wheat prices fell below fifty cents and corn dropped as low as
fifteen cents. A general feeling of depression engulfed the entire nation. Communities depending
on agriculture were especially hard hit due to falling prices for farm products as well as high rail
freight rates. And then it happened - the second worst drought to ever hit the state. From 1890
to 1895, rainfall was scarce and the hot South winds played havoc with crops that were able to
survive the drought. By 1894, Milford farmers were forced to buy corn shipped in from other
states to feed their livestock. Over 300 cars of relief goods were shipped to Nebraska residents
from other states.

We can only imagine the stern look on banker Emerson's face when he announced to
Sanitarium stock holders that he is forced to withdraw his financial support from Milford's hoped
for "Saratoga of the west." Evidently some of the final finish work came to a screeching halt about
1890. One source says that people were allowed to live in the lower floor free where much of the
finish work was already completed. Would the huge building stand unfinished as a monument to a
few foolish Milford investors who had great dreams of putting Milford on the map as the new
Saratoga of the west." One more time, Milford's No. # 1, all time businessman-promoter, J.H.
Culver came up with a solution. Culver, who had used his charisma and political influence to
bring the Industrial Home to Milford several years earlier was no stranger to business or politics.
In 1884 , he had traveled to a Veterans Convention being held in Dayton , Ohio to " urge upon the
Committee the desirability of Milford as the location for a new Veterans Home. Culver who is a
hustler , will leave nothing undone." ( from the 1884 Milford Nebraskan newspaper.) Although
Culver and Milford lost this 1884 battle, he had in no way conceded defeat . Evidently he
launched his new offensive directly at the Nebraska State Legislature boys and their cronies
entrenched in Lincoln. We have no available records to reveal his plan of attack.

Armed with the facts and figures of the wonders of Shogo water and how it would help cure tired
old Civil War Veterans as well as the boundless scenic and recreational opportunities available,
Milford won the battle-thanks to the genius of Commander Culver. The April 20, 1895 newspaper
announced the news to the public: "Considerable rejoicing was done on Friday afternoon when it
was learned that house roll No. 284 , for the establishment of a branch of the Soldiers' and sailors'
home in our midst had passed the senate by a good majority, and there was still more rejoicing
when it was learned on Monday that Governor Holcome had attached his signature to the
document." No New Saratoga, but the city of Milford was now going "big time."


At Last, A Soldiers & Sailors Home in Milford

While the Milford Nebraskan newspaper editor appeared to be thrilled at the prospects of having
a second State Institution in Milford, it would appear other local citizens were still undecided. Was
the Home really popular with everyone in Milford ? (More on this later) .

"This in our opinion, is one of the most fortunate things that has yet befallen to the lot of the good
people of our city, both in its present and future prospects , as the support of such an Institution
necessarily involved the expenditure of a large amount of money, which in these times of
financial depression , will come as a great boon to our citizens. In all probability the building to be
used for the purpose , now called the Sanitarium, will be ready for occupancy by the first of July."
This good news released funds to complete the final finish work on the building. Initially the state
signed a ten year contract to lease the building. This lease provided for two years of free rent,
and an additional eight years at $800 per year, plus an option to buy the building at any time. in
June of 1899, the State of Nebraska purchased the building for $13,000.

Contrary to what the Milford Nebraskan editor had predicted, the unfinished Sanitarium building
was not ready for occupancy by July 1st. What one newspaper editor called " The greatest day
Milford has ever seen" happened on dedication day in late September of 1895. "Visitors began
arriving as early as 9:00'clock and the stream kept up until after noon. The governor and other
state officers arrived on a special train about 2:30 p.m. and were escorted to the Home by Troop
A.N. N. G. , various G.A.R. posts and the W.R.C. The exercises began soon after their arrival,
and consisted of the building being tendered to the department commander of the G.A.R. and by
him to the Governor who in turn placed it in the care of Capt. Culver, the commandant..... This
was followed by speeches by one Congressman, two Judges and other visiting dignitaries Thus
ended the greatest day Milford has ever seen. The crowd was probably the largest ever here at
one time, being estimated at 1,000 to 4,000, but probably numbered more like 1,500. Everybody
seemed happy and appeared to have a good time. "

The first residents moved in on October 1st, 1895. To gain admission to the Home it was neces-
sary to show an honorable discharge from either the Civil, Indian War, Spanish American , or the
Philippine Insurrection and prove that you were either physically or financially unable to care for
yourself. Guests were not required to do any work , except care for their own rooms, although
some were paid to do extra chores around the grounds. In case of sickness guests were cared
for in a well equipped hospital staffed by excellent nurses and a good doctor. Excellent food and
a comfortable bed to sleep in was provided at an average cost of $4,000 per month to the state.
(entire cost to operate the Home) J.H. Culver served as the first Commandant, at which time the
Institution housed only ten guests. Culver resigned before 1900, and Commander Fowler took
over. Starting with the capacity to house 125 guests, the Home was enlarged several time to the
point where they were able to accommodate 200. In 1908, 183 guests were living in the home,
plus 35 staff persons. In 1923, (probably the peak year) 125 men and 110 women were living in
the Home. Staff members included ; The Commander, Adjutant, Matron, Surgeon and Home
Engineer. The Home was always under the watchful eyes of the State Board of Control.

Whenever possible local people were hired to fill vacant positions. Milford natives Thomas
Swearingen and local Physician, James Muir were both long time employees. A religious service
was held every Sunday afternoon at 3:o'clock conducted by the Home Chaplain. Additional
buildings were added as needed ; including a hospital building in 1904 , and a new Administration
Building in 1910. One newspaper editor said the new Administration Building is built strong
enough to survive for 1000 years. The original hospital building was replaced by a new one in
1926, and is now the only original building used. Tday this building is known as Nebraska Hall.
The stone Administration building that was said to be capable of standing for ten centuries
succumbed to the wreckers ball many years ago.


The Home Survives a 1925 Scare

Few records are available to tell us what life was really like in the Home 100 years ago. The
editor of the Crete Vidette newspaper, who visited the Home in 1901 gives us his version of what
he observed: "There are 80 inmates at present , and carpenters are at work on the 4th floor
fitting it up with 20 more rooms. This is a large clean commodious building and it makes one
feel good to see all the old and crippled comrades so comfortably located. They all speak in
highest terms of the new superintendent and every one seems to be contented and happy. They
devote their time to reading, smoking, visiting, playing cards and billiards, walking on the grounds
and fishing along the Blue. Those who are able to work do so and are paid from 6 to 12 dollars
per month." Another guest in 1922 reported that he had visited with four old soldiers; 88, 86, 84
and 82 years of age. In 1922, old retired Veterans received a pension of $50.00 per month from
the U. S. Government.

The Home did survive one severe mid-life political crisis in 1925, when bill H.R. 106 was
introduced in the State Legislature by two Grand Island area law makers. This bill, if passed
would have transferred all the old soldiers housed in Milford to the home in Grand Island, thereby
providing room to convert the Milford facilities to a State poor farm. Alarmed Milford business
men, led by Stanley Matzke appeared before the Committee to protest the move. "Attorney
Matzke called the attention of the committee to the fact that the bill would destroy the community
life of the veterans and their wives who offered their lives in service for their country and should
not be required to move to Grand Island or be crowded out by an influx of Omaha and Lincoln
paupers. " J. E. Vance raised the question as to the advisability of making the state responsible
for a poor farm instead of leaving it up to the individual counties. He also suggest it would make
more sense to use the 640 acres of farm land surrounding the Grand Island Institution as a poor
farm than the 41 acres connected with the Milford Institution." The battle was heating up! This
news article from a Feb. 5, 1925 Seward newspaper tells the" rest of the story."

"The House, in committee of the whole considered the bill H.R. 106 . Representative McClellan
of Hall County defended the bill to the best of his ability and immediately after the killing of his
present hope, he is reported as saying as he stood with one hand extended foremost; "May God
forgive you. You know not what you do." Representative Munn of Lancaster County proposed an
amendment which reversed the order of consolidation and named the Grand Island Home as the
place for the aged poor instead of Milford. Milford's District Representative, A J. White introduced
a motion to indefinitely postpone the bill which carried by a wide margin. The general consensus
of opinion is that because of its location , beautiful grounds and convenient arrangement , the
Milford home is much better suited for use as a Soldiers home than for a poor farm."

Now back to the question raised at the beginning of this story- Did Milford people really support
the Old Soldiers Home as they should have? Testimony given at the 1925 hearing by Pastor -
Laipply of the Milford Evangelical church would suggest that there may have been mixed feelings.
"Mr. Laipply briefly reviewed the history of the home saying that while Milford as a community had
been negligent in appreciation of the efforts of the late General Culver in establishing the home
here, that now, when there is a prospect of its removal, the business men are rallying to its
support." One more quote by the Seward Blue Valley Blade editor in 1895 would support this
view. "The people of Milford ought to appreciate the efforts of Captain Culver to secure for that
place the new Soldiers Home. Culver has done more for them than ten men, and there should be
nothing too good for him that the people of Milford can do." Now back to 1939 events. .

"Mrs. Augusta Munger was moved to the Grand Island Home on Saturday, the last hospital patient
to be transferred and the local unit was closed. Mrs. Munger , who was moved on her 95th
birthday passed away the next morning. Mrs. Sarah Haynes, 87, who had moved on Wednesday
died Monday morning at the Grand Island Home." From the June 22, 1939 Milford Review .


The Riverside Story
by Eldon E. Hostetler

While it is doubtful if any person living in Milford today remembers the August day in 1915 when
the Evangelical Association Church Camp known as "Riverside Park" was dedicated, many
Milford residents have had their lives enriched at one time or another by attending varied types
of services held in the Park. It may have been a musical concert, a revival meeting, a church
conference, a Bible school or a family reunion. Although it is now showing it's age, the Park will
be keenly missed by the entire Milford community- should it no longer be available for public use.
The Park's story may be quite similar to that of an 87 year old person; the early years are great,
life is enjoyable and you appear respected and useful, but eventually, you, just like the
generations before you must succumb to a modernizing and changing world. As early as 1900
it became quite evident to many in the Evangelical Association Church that a permanent camp
ground and convention site was needed. The Young People's Alliance, the Woman's Missionary
Society and the Sunday School Departments spearheaded a move to provide better facilities.
Camp meetings and Conventions were usually held in City Parks in Elmwood, Sutton ,or in
Guelstorff's grove near Murdock as well as along the Blue River near Milford. At this time the
Conference owned one large tent for assembly and numerous smaller tents to house the people.

The Y.P.A. (Young Peoples Alliance) presented their needs to the conference held on March 27,
1913, and received a favorable response. The Church purchased seven and one half acres of
pasture land north of Milford from the Peterson family at a cost of $1,500. A 60 ' by 72 ' taber-
nacle started in the spring of 1915 was finished just in time for the Annual Convention and ded-
ication was held from August 17-21. The first meeting was a combined Y.PA., Woman's
Missionary Society and Sunday School Board effort. The theme of the convention was "For the
Glory of God and the Good of man,'while the keynote was "Accomplishment-Past Present and
Future. The saying made famous by early English missionary William Carey- "Attempt Great
Things for God , Except Great Things from God" served as the Convention Motto. Housing was
provided by the forty tents owned by the conference. Meals were served in a newly erected
dinning hall and kitchen and sold for 25 cents each, or thirteen meals for three dollars; while
children under 10 were charged 15 cents. Presentations were given in both English and German.
A news note in the Aug. 19, Milford Review mentioned the opening: " Riverside Park and Church
Camp opened and is sponsored by the Evangelical Church. They will have four gasoline powered
yachts and eight row boats to ply between Milford and Riverside."

Two years later, six 18' by 28' dormitories, a speaker's cottage and playground equipment was
added. In 1919 a larger men's dormitory (18 by 50') was added. Milford pastor, F. L. Weigart was
paid seventy five dollars for twenty three days' of carpenter work on the new addition. . In 1923,
the tabernacle was enlarged and two more dormitories were added. At the Convention held on
August 23, 1,051 people attended Sunday School on Sunday morning. In 1946 the Evangelical
Church and the United Brethren Church merged to form the United Brethren Church. In 1967-68,
the E. U.B. Church united with the Methodist to form what is now known as the United Methodist
Church. At this time the United Methodist Church became the owner of all property owned by
both churches, including Riverside.


Riverside Convention Hymn

Written by Mrs. G.T. Needles in 1928 to be sung to the tune of "Juanita."

Soft through the tree tops,
Comes the whispering of the breeze;
Calm in the evening
Fall sweet melodies;
"Tis the call to vespers"
As the sun is sinking low,
And our hearts are happy
As we onward go.

Here friends are truer,
For their having gathered here;
Here Christ our Savior,
Seems to us more dear.
And its at dear Riverside ,
That we've heard the message true;
Then with hearts of gladness,
Let us sing to you.

Chorus
Riverside , dear Riverside
Makes our lives more full and free;
Riverside , dear Riverside,
Here we love to be .