YESTERYEAR STORIES: Luray's "Whosoever Farm" - Part I
The following article is from The Natrona County Tribune (Casper, Wyoming), dated September 15. 1897.
A Quiet Home Where They Are Sheltered and Educated — Rev. Dr. Wharton’s ‘Whosoever Home and School’ — A Magnificent Charity
The far-famed vale of Chamouny is not more lovely and picturesque than the charming little Page Valley, which lies between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Massanutton [sic] and forms a part of the great Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.
In the heart of this beautiful region lies Luray, a village of three thousand inhabitants. Two miles to the westward flows the bright sparkling river which the Indians named Shenandoah, “the daughter of the stars.”
Between the two are the famous Luray Caverns, the most magnificent subterranean wonders yet discovered.
A mile to the east is another wonder of peace and contentment, where the hands and hearts of benevolent men and women have provided a home and school for helpless children. It is known as ‘The Whoever Home and Schools.’
About ten years ago three children, two boys and a girl, whose father had been killed, and whose mother was in the penitentiary, fell into the hands of Rev. H. M. Wharton, D.D., the well-known pastor-evangelist of Baltimore [EDITOR’S NOTE: Historical documents also revealed that Wharton was the president of Luray College and also the pastor of Main Street Baptist Church).
With these three children and five dollars, the work began.
Securing the service of a widow lady mid her niece, and renting their home, the door was opened for destitute children, without regard to creed or denomination, preference being given to the children of the fallen and outcast.
It was unique in its character and at once arrested the attention of the public. Applications came from societies for protection of children, and from mothers whose husbands were criminals or drunkards, and from poor lost creatures who desired that their daughters at least might be saved.
The needs were so pressing and widespread, that Dr. Wharton saw there must be an enlargement of his work.
Not having the means at hand to purchase larger premises. he moved them to an old home at Luray, Virginia and located them on a farm which he purchased within a mile of the town.
The railroad and turnpike run through the farm, the water is abundant, and the fine mountain air and charming scenery made it peculiarly fitted for the enterprise.
It is about six hours from Baltimore and five from Washington. He obtained a charter from the legislature, with trustees and officials, and all necessary provisions for its lawful and successful management.
Instead of one large building, he adopted the home idea—many cottages with a matron or "mother" for each, and a general meeting place for meals, school and worship.
Boys and girls are taken between the ages of 2 and 10 as a rule. but the rule is often relaxed.
For several years, there has been an average of a new cottage a year until there are now eight in all. There are always enough applications on hand to fill a new cottage.
The farm and cottages (the farm contains 230 acres), are under the control of a superintendent and his wife, and are managed with care and judgment.
It is supported entirely by voluntary contributions. Bands of young women are formed to send regular contributions or to clothe and care for one or more of the little ones. Money is needed all the time, and it comes. The little ones have never gone without a meal nor lacked clothing.
The object of the Whosoever Home and Schools is to take destitute children, and preferably children of outcasts, away from their pernicious associations, and give them pure air, fresh food, clean clothes and moral surroundings.
A strict regard is paid to religious influence, and without having it forced upon them, they are surrounded by an atmosphere of right living and right teaching, in which they may with God's help grow to be His children by the word and spirit of His grace.
A good English education is given to the children of soldiers who may be killed or disabled in the present war, or indeed any child of a soldier who is in the army serving his country and who needs help.
The tender of these homes was kindly received by the government. In view of this fact, it becomes necessary to greatly enlarge the facilities at the farm. If friends respond with their usual patriotism and enthusiasm, this amount will be contributed in a very short time.
A short time ago, a boy, eight-years old, went all the way from Flushing, Long Island, to Luray, Va., alone. He had only a little tag on his jacket which read: "Friends will please help this little fellow to Dr. Wharton's Whosoever Farm at Luray, Va." He was kindly treated by everyone and came all right.
Last October, Dr. Wharton was holding a series of meetings in Macon, Ga. He heard of the death of a fallen woman who had left a child only eight years old. He sought to get possession of her, and found a beautiful, bright-eyed. rosy-checked girl.
She was in the possession of an aged grandmother, who said, "There is nothing for her but a life like her poor mother. I'll soon be gone; then no one will care for her." The child is now at the farm.
A few days ago, a poor widow of Norfolk, applied for admission for her little boy. Her son, on whom she depended for a living, is on the gunboat Nashville, now off the coast of Cuba. The child will be taken, and the mother. too, if necessary.
Dr. Wharton has received a letter front General Fitzhugh Lee asking him to include the children of Cuban soldiers in his homes and he has consented to do so. This will add greatly to the work and needs of the farm, but is a fine opportunity for the little Cubans.
Un-cropped version of main story photo:
Tracy, this is a great article. Can’t wait to read more. Luv your writing style. Debbie S.