The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1868-04-11
The Charleston Almshouse.

credit on the city than the AImshouse, near
Hampstead Mall. Constructed originally to be
used as factory, every care was taken to Sc
cure thorough ventilation, and when the build
ing passed into the hands of the city but few
notifications we're necessary. ,The long halls
were then divided into suitable apartments,
and large double piazzas erected on the south
side. Immediately after its renovation, and
while their home was undergoing repairs, it
was occupied by the orphan children, but on
their return to their old quarters, the factory
building was devoted to the purpose of an
almshouse. Its usefulness was unimpaired
during the war; as its position secured it from
the shells, and the inmates were not subject to
the alarms caused by the bombardment. 1t is
now one of the few charities exclusively under
the control of the city, and has been the means
of affordlng relief to many deserving poor, not
only to the inmates, but to number of out
siders who are altogether dependant on the IA
tions granted by the institution. The present
commissioners are: Dr.. J. L. Dawson, chair
man; Messrs. P. J. Barbot, 7. j. Kanuff, I. d.
Eason, E. Il. Locke, DR.. b. ". DeSaussure,
DR.. S. C. Brown, F. J. Pelzer, Jno M. Greer,
Joseph Dawson and ". C. Gibbes. Mr.. H. III.
Manigault, master. A recent visit TO the
almshouse convinced us that it was in every
respect admirably managed. The grounds are
kept in good order, and the gardens in front
and rear of the building are kept In fine order.
The CITY owns large lot few doors from the
almshouse, which is planted as vegetable gar
den, and its products are used by the inmates.
The building presents rsther an imposing
appearance, as the exterior is somewhat orna-
mental. It is two and half stories high, and
ia crowned with o tower from which an extend
ed view Of the northeastern section of the city
can be obtained The main entrance is through
large hall, on either side OF which are the
dormitories for the males. The office, mess
room and the Kitchens are also on this floor.
To the rear Of the building is the wide piazza
previously mentioned, on which the aged and
infrm can rest themselves. Many of the
patients are extremely old, and in some cases
almost bedridden, but there are o few who are
apparently strong and vigorous, and who have
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account Of their inability to procure work.
The second floor is devoted to the females,
and is divided in the same manner as the male
ward, the wards being entirely separate. A
careful survey of the different apartments
showed that the utmost cleanliness was pre-
served, and the dinginess Of some of the bed
ding is caused simply by long use aud frequent
washing. The beds were iron cots, placed 80
as to allow each inmate the prescribed quan-
tity of space and air. The ventilation through
ont the building was perfect, and, as far as
could be ascertained, every care is taken OF
the inmates. The attic has been also ap-
propriated to the males, and is kept entirely
separste from the other wards, back en-
trance affording the means OF ingress and
egress.
In the yard are the rooms assigned to the
colored patients. These, though small, are
kept thoroughly clean, and the tenants are
more comfortable probably than they would be
in their own homes. It is matter Of surprise
that go few Of this class have applied for relief,
a. they are generally more destitute than the
whites. At present but eight colored persons,
two males and six females, are the recipients
of the city bounty. The whole number OF white
inmates is venty-six-twenty-seven males.
thirty-nine females, and ten children. The
Almshouse was never intended for the accom-
mediation Of the last named class, but there were
large number Of women, with children, who
have applied for city relief, and it was found
impossible to refuse them. Where children
form a portion Of the inmates, it has been
found impossible to keep the premises In per-
feet order, as crumbs and other rubbish is con-
etantly left on the floor, Notwithstanding strin-
gent orders to the contrary.
In addition to the regular inmates OF the
Almshouse about fifteen hundred and fifty
rations are distributed monthly to the deserv-
ing poor outside. The commissioners fire.
ouently, for purposes Of inspection, visit the
building. They have been urgent in their de-
mands on the City Council for an appropria-
ton to furnish new bedding and other requl-
sites, but their petition has laid over from
meeting to meeting, until Mayor Cogswell took
charge of municipal affairs. The latter func-
tlonary has visited the Almshouse, and though
his views about the management do not accord
with those Of the majority Of the board, he has
promised that the sum Of $500 asked for shall
be forthcoming, and the beds be furnished
anew. It would be proper, in this connection,
to state that the work about the building, such
as securing, cooking, and keeping the wards In
order, is done by the inmates, though many
Of them object to tkis procedure on the ground
that they did not come there to work. AS
many of the inmates are comparatively strong
and able-bodied, this is wise provision, and
has save d o large amount of money for the
city.
The master gives the whole building his su-
pervision and takes care that the rules are en-
forced. There are few Of the inmates, both
male and fem ale, who are almost bedridden,
and who are compelled to Lie down during the
day. Some allo vance has been made for these
parties, but with this exception all are COM
PEELED to make their beds and leave the DOR
mitories at certain hour.
The Almshouse, under the management OF
the present board and master is one Of the best
conducted public institutions in the city.
ANOTHER SENSATION. Professor Sargent, the
great illusionist, has returned from his Geor-
gia tour, and as the Hibernian Hall is now
vacant, he might be induced to give few of
his exhibitions in that place. The numbers
who attended his exhibitions at the South Car