Page:Oregon, her history, her great men, her literature.djvu/258

Rh. A large share of the foodstuffs consumed at the Home is produced on this land, thus materially reducing the cost of maintenance. A number of cottages have been provided by the State, and such soldiers as have wives are permitted to maintain homes. The climate of Roseburg is especially pleasant the entire year, and this contributes to the comfort of the veterans who served their country in the troublesome times in the past. Indian War veterans, and soldiers who served in the Spanish war and are in need, are eligible to admission to the Home. The number of soldiers at the Home at this time is 189.

Largest Western Chautauqua. Some enterprising citizens in 1893, established the pioneer Chautauqua of Oregon, at Ashland. The idea immediately became popular, and many new Chautauqua assemblies came into existence throughout the state and prospered. In the same year a Chautauqua reading circle was organized in the parlors of Mrs. Eva Emery Dye, the author, at Oregon City. This reading circle developed (1894) into an assembly at Gladstone Park, which came to be the permanent meeting place. It was named the Willamette Valley Chautauqua, and July was appointed as the time for the annual sessions. Situated between Portland and Oregon City, Gladstone Park is favorably located to accommodate the crowds that seek intellectual diversion. In 1917, a thousand automobiles—many from Eastern Oregon, and from other states—entered the grounds for the change of scenery and environment, as well as for the remarkable programs presented by the best American talent. Hence the Willamette Valley