Visit to the Orlando (Fla.) Sanitarium by George Ide Butler

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 15, 1909

Visit to the Orlando (Fla.) Sanitarium

By George Ide Butler

AMONG the most recent additions to the sanitarium family is the above-named institution. It has but fairly begun its work of usefulness. It was the privilege of myself and wife, after a warm invitation from Elder R. W. and Dr. L. E. Parmele, to stop off on our trip homeward from the General Conference and make a brief visit to it. The automobile met us at the train in Orlando, and we took our first ride in that kind of conveyance to the sanitarium, about two miles away.

The shades of night had drawn around us. We were tired and dusty from the long ride from Washington. With nice baths, refreshing us from weariness, we were soon ready for quiet, restful sleep. The cool Florida nights are most favorable for sound repose, and we enjoyed a delightful rest.

Some people imagine Florida to be exceedingly hot, and the nights almost unendurable,—a great mistake indeed! Having made this State my home for twenty years, I can truly say I have known only one day when the mercury reached 96° in the shade. It rarely goes above 90°. Never have I seen a hot, muggy night, such as are often experienced farther north. The nights are almost always cool enough for one to feel the need of bed clothing before morning, thus enabling one to obtain refreshing sleep even during the hottest months in summer.

On awakening, and looking about, all seemed so calm, so peaceful, so quiet and restful, that we could say from the heart, “This is an ideal place for a sanitarium.” Florida is famous for its clear lakes, and two of these were in plain view, nestled among the trees and orange groves.

Boating was always a favorite recreation of mine, so my wife and Dr. Parmele seated themselves in the boat, and I much enjoyed rowing them around the largest lake of the two, only a few miles in circumference. A gentle breeze raised the tinged waves enough to make sweet music with their gentle ripples. How sweet and peaceful are nature’s joys compared with the noisy, feverish jam of life in the city.

The improvements are only fairly launched as yet. The house is not large, but sufficiently so to be comfortable, neat and tidy, clean and wholesome. The food was plentiful, of sufficient variety to satisfy any unperverted appetite.

Elder Parmele, much to our regret, was away on his ministerial duties. Our dear sister, Dr. Parmele, whom we have long known with high respect and esteem, is a devoted, intelligent physician of experience, whose judgment is cool and reliable; whose influence will be that of a true Christian lady. Other medical help is also expected.

We can truly recommend this institution as worthy of patronage. It makes no display of huge, massive brick or stone walls. Really, such buildings are not the most cozy and desirable in so warm a climate as Florida. Multitudes come to Florida every winter for health, mildness of climate, beautiful sunshine, where nine days out of ten they can live with doors and windows wide open, and bathe with delight in the balmy sunshine and soft zephyrs of this Italy of America.

Having a sanitarium in Florida has been for many years a cherished dream of mine. I have longed much to be instrumental in carrying the matter into effect, but never felt able to accomplish it. I am exceedingly thankful that Elder and Dr. Parmele have had better success. The desired institution has materialized, at least in a measure. Its work has already been entered upon with success. We were informed that there have been very few, if any, pecuniary losses in its first year of experience. We believe it has come to stay, and be one of the many sanitariums to relieve distress and be a blessing to the sick and suffering, who we believe will come in large numbers to receive its benefits.

GEO. I. BUTLER.