9/14/2010:
Dr. J. H. Johnson, the first surgeon of the North Dakota Soldiers' Home, passed away on this date in 1910. As surgeon of the home, Johnson also served on the Board of Admissions. His role at the home was instrumental during its early years. Although Johnson suffered from a stroke in February of 1910 that left him paralyzed, out of respect for the doctor's years of duty, his successor was not officially appointed until the doctor's death.
The Soldiers' Home, or Veterans' Home as it became known after 1983, was created by an Act of Congress in 1887 that set aside lands for the erection of homes to foster and care for veteran soldiers. Appropriating money for the Home was among the earliest acts enacted by the First Legislative Assembly of North Dakota.
In 1891, a Board of Commissioners purchased ninety acres of land near Lisbon. Architects and contractors from Minneapolis were hired to design and build the "barracks-style" home to house fifty veterans.
Completed on August 1st, 1893, the first veteran moved in August 2nd. At first, residents did most of the work, including the laundry, cleaning, cooking, and gardening. Eventually, as residents became older, civilian employees were hired to complete most of these tasks. Residents were also required to wear uniforms in the early days; these consisted of navy coats and vests, light blue pants, and black caps. In 1899, a hospital was added to the grounds and, later on, barns, a hog house, and a chicken coop. By the 1940s, the original buildings were in a state of disrepair, however, and a new home was constructed in 1950. The four-story building featured many modern conveniences, including an elevator, and it accommodated 150 veterans, wives, and widows. Renovations and additions continue to be made, including an outdoor gazebo in 2000.
The Home itself is run by a Board of Commissioners, consisting of three members of each of the major veterans' service organizations. Required to be North Dakota residents, they are appointed by the Governor and approved by the Senate. In 1971, the Board changed its title to the Administrative Committee on Veterans' Affairs, but it continues to adhere to the home's founding mission statement, "...to ensure that each and every eligible North Dakotan and spouse receives the benefits, services, ...healthcare, and respect which they have earned by their service and sacrifice."
Dakota Datebook written by Jayme L. Job
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