Long Way Home, The (ca 1956)

e [Music] William Barker is 73 years old his wife is dead he has no other family now his money is gone today he must find shelter in a charitable institution but this morning before he goes anywhere Mr Barker has an appointment he cannot miss like the many who can't afford the care they need Mr Barker depends on a clinic supported by the United Fund 600 people every day from every part of our community Martha Scott Martha Scott 600 strangers part of a big family it's when you need help that you find out what kind of family you have like blood from the Red Cross A stranger's blood to serve a stranger's need that's the test of a community the way it takes care of its own Mr Barker's appointment is at the tumor clinic in the Barnard free skin and cancer hospital they use a betatron to help him an atomic instrument to fight the cancer under his skin [Music] the great enemies of age are disease and loneliness today Mr Barker's Club has its meeting a bad day to move you really shouldn't take the time but maybe just a minute wouldn't hurt the Golden Age Club at Kingdom House meets just once a week but these few hours are important to Mr [Music] Barker it's a good feeling to belong to just sit and watch and know you're among friends and once in a while take a look at the younger [Music] generation the Kingdom House day Nursery is one of 10 supported by the United Fund so much to learn when you're young so much to remember when you're old but today is moving day and he better get [Music] on [Music] e [Applause] [Music] it's hard for an old man to learn that he can't trust his own ears it must be harder when you're young play with dick at the St Joseph Institute for the deaf children learn to hear with their eyes time and play baseball okay Joanie you try [Music] D with dick D baseball baseball hasn't changed much since Mr Barker played hey the kids from the South Side wise still play the same game you can't help but end be [Applause] [Music] [Applause] them Mr Barker usually stays to the end but not today only there's a friend he wants to see first at the rehabilitation center in the Jewish hospital Mr Barker planned to tell his friend about where he had to move but it doesn't seem so important now no his friend is busy [Applause] too [Applause] it isn't easy for an old man to keep trying but there isn't any other [Applause] way it's no use putting it off Mr Barker it's time to go William Barker is 73 years old his wife is dead he has no other family but today he has found a new home through the United Fund this community takes care of its own