Many of the soldiers returning from the Civil War were broken, maimed and with health impaired by the effects of the war. Many had no homes to return to, or were unable to take up the life they had laid down many months before. Very few received a pension, the amount allowed for total disability was eight dollars a month. These veterans became destitute, having to rely on poorhouses and various other charitable organizations.
The Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.), a Civil War veterans organization, came into existence in 1866. The mission of the GAR was to keep alive the fraternal feeling that had been formed in camp, on the march, and in the line of battle and to help the disabled comrades on the march of life. On June 17, 1875, the one hundredth anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill, a conference was held in Charlestown, for the purpose of establishing a Soldiers' Home. Committees were formed throughout the GAR State Department to solicit donations and run events to obtain funds for a Soldiers' Home. In the meantime a number of members were incorporated as Trustees of the Soldiers' Home in Massachusetts. The next step was to search for a location.
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In 1873, while Chelsea was still the vacation resort of the North Shore, a group of hotel men purchased a piece of land on Powderhorn Hill and built an imposing building that became known as the Highland Park Hotel. After a few years, due to immigration and industrial growth, Chelsea lost it's resort standing. The hotel became a financial failure, was foreclosed and put up for sale. This photo of the Highland Park Hotel is taken from the top of Powderhorn Hill facing Revere. |
The Trustees of the Soldiers' Home, after visiting many places, decided to purchase the Highland Park Hotel. The estate comprised the building, furnishings and four acres of land. The original cost of the hotel was $110,000 but was purchased by the GAR for $20,000.
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The Home was dedicated June 8, 1882 and opened for admission June 25, 1882. At the dedication the Home was presented with two fitting items: a bible, to be a guide in the journey of life to a better land; and a flag, to inspire patriotism and love for the country these members helped to save. |
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One year after opening, the Home was well established, free from debt and with a balance of $30,000 in its treasury. Applications for admission were beyond the capacity of the Home. It was apparent more room was needed. In 1886 a hospital building was erected and additional accommodations for fifty men were acquired. The following year, found the Home crowded again and applicants being turned away. The State legislature appropriated $50,000 to build an addition making the Home capable of caring for Two hundred and eighty-eight men. The GAR managed and supported the Home from it's inception until December 1934, when the State took over management.
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Soldiers' Home Main Entrance - approx. 1910 |
Adams Hospital - Soldiers' Home Chelsea - approx 1910 |
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The State, in 1908, erected a separate, fire proofed hospital building. It was named after the second vice president of trustees, Capt. John G. B. Adams. He also served as president of trustees in 1883 and in 1884. - (Photo above). In 1920, the laundry building was built of brick, the first step in the replacement of the old wooden buildings. The Nurses Quarters (Keville House) was constructed in 1929. A members' and employees' dormitory was built in 1934 by the WPA. All wooden buildings were eventually replaced by brick. |
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The Nurses Quarters (Keville House) |
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When the State took over the management of the Soldiers' Home in 1934, Lawrence F. Quigley, six term Mayor of Chelsea, was appointed first Commandant, by the Governor of Massachusetts. Lawrence Quigley passed away in 1948 and was succeeded by his son John as Commandant. In 1950 a 300 bed hospital was built, opposite the Home, and named in memory of Lawrence F. Quigley. The Home originally established by and for veterans of the Civil War, later opened it's doors to veterans of all wars. |
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Quigley Memorial Hospital - Powderhorn Hill, Chelsea |
