A Forward Move in Florida by R. W. PARMELEE

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 16, 1908

A Forward Move in Florida

By R. W. PARMELEE

Just now we are struggling with a sanitarium proposition. For years there has been a strong demand for a sanitarium in Florida. Thousands of invalids and semi-invalids come to Florida in the fall to escape the rigors of the northern winters. Many of these people pay high prices for entertainment in hotels, and spend their time in seeking pleasure. Others own winter homes, which they close when spring comes.

There is no sanitarium for our people in active operation farther south than Graysville, Tenn. To reach there and return means an outlay of fifty dollars railroad fare. This almost prohibits our people from having the advantages of the sanitarium, and the permanent residents of Florida know but little of our sanitarium work. Why should we not provide for these? Should not the work that such an institution would do for the Northern people who come here to spend the winter inspire in the hearts of our Northern brethren a deep interest in such an enterprise?

We take the following circumstance as an indication that God has gone out before us in this matter: A leading physician in Orlando, a beautiful little city, centrally located in the State, organized a company of citizens, and they erected a small sanitarium on a plat of seventy-two acres of ground, containing two lovely lakes. They installed their own water and sewer systems, erected a number of cottages, and bought furnishings. The buildings are lighted with electricity. The property lies about one mile from the edge of the town, and right by a station on the main line of the principal railroad from Jacksonville to Tampa, in plain view of the passengers.

This property was built this last winter; and when completed, the physician projecting it accepted a position as surgeon in an institution in Jacksonville. Those interested sought us out, and offered it to us for $12,500, the exact cost to them. We asked them to offer it at $9,000, and said we would see what we could do in the matter. This they did not wish to do, but one of the leading stockholders said if we would make him a bona-fide offer of that amount, he would see if he could not buy the other stockholders out at a price that would enable him to sell it to us at that figure. This, of course, we could not do, as we did not have the money. But one of our good brethren, fearing we would lose the opportunity altogether, taking the risk entirely upon himself, voluntarily traded his own home for an equity in the sanitarium property, hoping to be able by this means to hold the bargain until we are prepared to secure it. Now, brethren, shall we not recognize such sacrifice and devotion to the cause, and come to the help of the Lord, relieving this brother, and securing this institution to the cause of truth?

You may ask, How can this be done? The Florida Conference Committee drafted a plan for financing the enterprise, and the Union Conference Committee afterward gave this plan their indorsement. We shall be glad to explain it to any who are interested. By it those of small means can have a part in this work, and those even without means can be of assistance. We would be glad to hear from any who find it in their hearts to help us in any way. The only medical work in operation in Florida at the present time is at Tampa, where Dr. Lydia Kynett-Parmele has an office connected with treatment rooms. Will not our medical workers, as well as those having means that should be placed in the Lord's cause, respond to this call? Address the undersigned at Route 1, Tampa, Fla.

R. W. PARMELEE, Pres. Florida Conf.