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Red Cross Convalescent Center
Following the nation’s entry into World War I, the American Red Cross was authorized to construct convalescent houses adjacent to military hospitals.
These facilities provided recreation away from a hospital atmosphere, and helped boost the morale of recuperating patients. The Red Cross provided writing supplies, books, games, movies, and other diversions, and offered hospitality to visiting family members.
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The construction of this building, a unique adaptation to standard plans, was completed in only four months due to the efforts of local trade unions and widespread community support.
The convalescent house at Vancouver Barracks was dedicated in February of 1919, and for a time continued its role in patient care.
It was furnished with locally-made wicker furniture and the flags of World War I allies.
The last hostess for the convalescent house was E. B. Hamilton, after whom the main hall is now named.
As the activities of the Red Cross diminished, the building was transferred to the Army and became a Non-Commissioned Officers’ Club offering a variety of recreational activities, including movies, parties, and dances.
GRANT HOUSE The first officer house built in 1849, constructed of hard hewn logs was for the commanding officer. Other log structures were built quickly following this for other officers but none of these remain. In those first years the houses were rough log buildings built with green wood. As the wood dried space between the logs expanded leaving large cracks so there was little protection from cold, damp weather. In those early years there was so much work to be done in establishing the base that comfort even for officers was low in priority.
Twelve years would pass before two more houses were built for officers in 1867. These two homes seem less elegant compared to the other houses we see in the Row but in the time they were built they were prized dwellings with tall ceilings, fireplaces, glass windows and many other comfort amenities.
MARSHALL HOUSE: Open to the Public

This house is the only Queen Anne style home on the row. At the second level, the tiny window in the turret is beveled.
It would be eleven more years in 1878 when another grand building was added which would function as a command center and an officer home. General O. O. Howard as Commander of the Department of the Columbia stayed here with his family till 1881 when Gen. Nelson A Miles took over command and moved in with his family until 1885.
Built in 1881 this large home would house more than one officer family. The molded doors have octagonal panels associated with the Italianate style. This feature is not found on any of the other buildings on the Row.
The house is named for Gen. George C. Marshall, author of the Marshall Plan for the economic rebuilding of Europe and Japan following World War II, Secretary of State and recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.
Gen. Marshall served as Commander of the Department of the Columbia and lived in this house from 1936-7.