St. Helena Health Retreat.
By M. C. Israel
HAVING lately returned from a three weeks' visit at the above-named place, and feeling grateful that a place has been provided in California where the sick can be treated in harmony with the laws of nature, and for the benefits derived in so short a time, I will write a few lines in regard to the institution. The Retreat is located two and a half miles north of St. Helena, on the south-west side of Howell Mountain, about one-half mile from the valley, and at an altitude of four hundred feet—high enough to be clear of the fog and dampness that arise from the valley. Frosts seldom visit the place. The view for beauty and grandeur can hardly be surpassed in the State. A living spring of pure, soft water bursts from the mountain, a few rods above the house, from which the place is supplied through pipes leading wherever desired. The rooms for patients are all pleasant and comfortable, warmed with stoves during the rainy season. The spacious parlor with open fire-place glowing with coals from oak and manzanita "chunks," deserves special mention; and when the household and patients are gathered in, one is reminded of home enjoyments of by-gone days. I know of no institution where a person will be made to feel more at home than here. The manager and the employees are all Christian men and women, and try to exemplify the principles of the Christian religion in all their relations to the institution. At seven o'clock morning and evening the bell is rung, and all who can are invited to come together in the parlor, a chapter in the Bible is read, and prayer offered. The Great Physician is appealed to, to heal our spiritual infirmites, and to bless the means used to restore our physical health. The facilities for giving treatment are all that can be desired. Dr. H. H. Chase is a skillful physician and a Christian gentleman, and is always on hand, and attentive to the wants of his patients. A lady who has had long experience at the Sanitarium at Battle Creek, Mich., will give treatment to lady patients. An excellent bill of fare is provided. Everything is in readiness to give successful treatment to the sick. I went there in a very debilitated condition from inaction of the liver, and dyspepsia. After three weeks' treatment I came away quite well, and feeling that I have a new lease of life. Bro. Charles Turner went there from camp-meeting nearly helpless from asthma and lung trouble. In seven weeks he came home, having gained twelve pounds in weight, and is able to perform his daily labor as a mechanic. Very many testimonials could be procured from persons who have received help at the Retreat. We believe if the sick people of our State could know of the benefits to be derived healthwise from a few weeks' stay at the Health Retreat, it would be crowded to its fullest capacity all the time. I can recommend any who are suffering with disease to give it a trial.