Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Illinois - University Library

Nov TU da GRAND LODGE OF ILLINOIS, I. O. O. F.
lS i913 !
To the Grand Master, Jno. B. Jennings, and Members of the Grand
Lodge I. O. O. F.:
We take pleasure in submitting to you the sixteenth annual report
of the Old Folks' Home, at Mattoon, for the year ending September
30th, 1913.
The year has been an active one, with its usual cares and enjoyments.
Many new members have been admitted, and quite a number
are now placed upon the waiting list to be admitted as soon as room
can be provided. The death rate among the members has been low,
as viewed by the tables of expectancy, but still fifteen have been
called by the grim messenger of death. Among those taken were
Sister Hannah Foss, who died at the advanced age of 96 years, and
Brother Stephen Hess, aged 87 years. Brother Hess was the first
member admitted to the Home, having entered the Home May 11,
1899.
The health generally has been good throughout the year, the sani-
tary conditions of the Home have been excellent, and the general
healthy condition of the Home never better than now.
Perfection can not at all times be expected in earthly institutions,
but your trustees have given their best endeavor to minimize any
unpleasant conditions that might arise.
Brother and Sister J. T. North have been in charge of the Home
as Superintendent and Matron during the year, and the results of their
earnest labor can be seen in the splendid healthy surroudings of the
farm, garden and buildings. Cleanliness and avoidance of wastefulness
has characterized their efforts, and they have been able to surround
themselves with employees that have yielded cheerful helpfulness in
the performance of their duties.
There are at present 141 members, 112 Brothers and 29 Sisters, an
increase of 12 members over last year. The average age is 72, and
28 are over 80 years old.
The year has brought many visitors to the Home, not only from
our own jurisdiction, but from neighboring and foreign states, and
they left with the management much encouragement by their many
expressions of appreciation as to the condition of the Home and the
care of its members.