Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1845-05-08
ONO LuNATIC ASYLUM. April 18th, ls45.


Messrs CHAPMANs In pursuance of your kind proter
to publish any thing that might be calculated to duse
information the subject Of insanity IN our State,
propose writing few descriptive letters giving account
of of the best Institutions which shall visit before
my TO indianapolis, hoping that when our Hospital
shall go into operation officers may not be diverted by
many such visitors the following youth entered to
look the Ohio Lunac Asy for visitors admitted
ree and accosted the Superintendent" Well a mighty
bediam ths-rye often thought Id st like TO see you
crazy feer.'' That might be tedious I" said
Dr. Awl. 81 calculate it's rather nice work-a purity
tckIish point amt it SIR? "Why" said the Doctor,
(whOse curiosity had become inerested) how do You
suppose them ?? "DUnt know but reckon
when eers brain gels turned he won't be right I'LL you
open his head and turn it back again.
This is great and good institution erected stand
for and managed with due reference to consequences
in eternity.
The present building accommodates $50 patients and
will be extended receive 80 or 100 more And
by time next season another equally extensive
addition will be completed. so that when finished II
will be able 10 accommodate 800 patients. There
now enough applicants fiji the wiring that will be
completed this season waiting to obtain admission
The building is of brick orBamented with hewn stone
portico and cornice, and presents massive aspect 1t
mile from Columbus a farm Of 90 acres which the
Superintendent thinks will yet be extended.
The yard in front Of the building is large, beautifully
graded land out in walks and planted with ornamental
plants shrubbery and trees which will, when grown up
make it a delightful pleasure ground
The different apartments of the Institution
structed be light and well ventilated and thus are
free from the prson-iike appearance which formerly
threw gloom about similar Institutions. They kert
clean, and throughout there regns the most complete
order possible. Every thing arcand puts air of
cheerfulness making IT appear like the house OF
happiness and cOnentmeni Than the abode oil misery and
distress Nor is the appearance deusive; Tor amongst
those who would else have been miserable themselves
and oathsome all arouHd them, many who
cheerful, eonenied and happy. Yesterday attended
party which Mrs Elliott the excellent matron, gave the
patients is her every Thursday, and it is
but truth say that lew social parties even IN the first
class in sane society conducted with much order
aud proprIety OF conduct aud conversation. Some We're
engaged in quilting, some IN social chat some in games,
and some in examining The beautiful plants and flowers
which ornamented the ouAfter all dispersed
their several apartments without incident having
occurred to the enjoyment or TO disturb the good
order Of the occasion.
Ohio and her insane have to be thankful to
Benefcent Providence for excellent Institution and
especially for the services Of the able aud kind Supern
order and skill keeps the whole establish
ment moving together the mainsPrng does the wheels
Of watch
When see the insane here recovering and enjoying
all the comforts of life--when i them treated with
the utmost kindness and humanity repayng all with The
grateful smile of appreciation, and look back TO the poor
houses and prisons of Indiana and contemplate the
wretchedness and misery there, cannot withhold the
plying sigh restrain the sympathetic tear.
But thanks be 10 the Gver OF every good and perfect
gift" brighter day is about 10 dawn upon Indiana and
humbly trust and hope shc will long have hospital
where her insane may be cured and restored Their
homes and friends, to usefulness and enjoyment.
Most respectfully,
/ Your friend, J. Z.