# 25th Anniversary of the “Old Folks’ Home” explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper.

## What happens

The chapter commemorates the 25th anniversary of the Old Folks' Home, honoring the founders, benefactors, and faithful servants who provided shelter and care for the elderly poor. It reflects on the charity that built the home, the individuals who supported it, and the hope of eternal rest in God's home.

## Themes in this chapter

### Resilience and Sacrifice

The chapter honors those who sacrificed their wealth and labor to build and sustain a home for the aged, reflecting resilience in service.

### Hope and Redemption

The poem looks forward to a heavenly home where the homeless and weary find eternal peace and light.

## Character check-ins

### Ann Jess

Faithful and constant in her sacred charge of helping the home.

### Sarah Pennock

Her kind hand often brought relief to the home.

### Israel Johnson

Custodian of the generous purse, long remaining faithful.

## Key lines

> We come, but not to celebrate, Amid the flight and whirl of years, The deeds of heroes, on whose brows Are laurels, drenched with blood and tears.

We gather not to honor warriors or their bloody victories.

_The opening sets a tone of humble remembrance rather than martial glory._

> To shelter those who long have borne Life’s chilling storms and searching heat, In restful homes, with love alight, What charity more pure and sweet?

Providing a loving home for the elderly who have endured life's hardships is a pure and sweet form of charity.

_Highlights the moral value of caring for the aged._

> Oh! when our earthly homes shall fail And vanish from our fading sight, May friends and patrons meet again In God’s fair halls of love and light.

When our earthly homes are gone, may we all reunite in God's heavenly home.

_Concludes with a hopeful vision of eternal reunion._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/25th-anniversary-of-the-old-folks-home
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_7_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters