Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1884-11-04

The new male pavilion at the Insane Hos
pltal is now about completed for occupancy.
and the equipping of the building with suit
able furniture has already commenced. The
structure is located about six rods directly
east Of the old hospital buildings, and in con-
straetlon, size, etc, is almost a fac simile of
a companion female pavilion standing several
rods west. Both are connected BY covered
corridor resting on iron supports twelve feet
above the ground. and this in turn is tapped
IN the center by another covered way leading
direct to the older buildings toward the river.
The female pavilion was completed last fall,
and was three wears in building. Originally
1t was proposed to have but one building, but
other cJunsels prevailed They are situated
so far from the main buildings that all dis
turbance arising from noisy inmates con-
fined in the latter is obviated, which is a mat
er OF no trivial importance shen it i, con-
sidered that the pavlions are devoted exclu-
sively to cOnyalescent patients
The new male pavilion of which we will
now speak, and description of which will
answer for both. rs an edifce of much archi-
tectural symetry and beauty, and is credit to
its designer. Mr.. F. II. Fassett of Portland.
It's dimensions are l3Ox5O feet, three stories
in height. Verandas 80 feet in length appear
opposite the lower hall, one on the last end,
and one each on the sides Doorways con-
meet these with the halls 40 that on favorable
days, the patients can step out and enjoy the
open air and warmth of the sun The mate.
rial used for the walls is brick and the con-
tractor was the well known firm of NJ c.
Foster Son of Waterville. The interior
is designed on the latest modern plan. being
a model Of convenience and adapted in every
respect to the purpose for which the building
was intended. There are three halls, all fin
ished in hard pine with hard wood floors
They are each large and roomy. the ceilings
being OF unusual height The rooms are
al4o of uncommon size, being l0xl5 and in
many instances door is so placed that two
apartments can be thrown into one There is
purpose in this, a. the budding of insane
patients into cramped quarters is necessari-
y detrimental to their recovery, and condu-
Give to disease and discomfort. Each room
will he neatly carpeted, and furnish
ed with commode, stand, dressing
case, rocking chair and bed, the
latter having spring mattress. Further
more on the sunLy corner of each hall a cosy
little parlor, lastly furnished, is found.
Easy chairs and sofa invite the visitor to a
figured carpet on the floor. Opposite the
parlors are commodious dining rooms each
furnished with two closets The food is con-
veyed TO the rooms from the basement below
by means of an elevator, which is operated
by n water motor all the old windlass ap-
paratus being done away with, much to the
relief Of the attendant. From the kitchen
the food il conveyed Ia he elevator on car
running on tram eal I rough brick arched
underground passage Each hall has its bath
room, which is equipped with all the latest
appliances for bathing. Both hot and cold
water can be had at any time by simply turn
ing faucets. The building is lighted by gas
and the arrangements for heating are almost
perfect. The great aim of the builders was
to secure thorough ventilation with as little
direct radiation rs possible. This is attained
by sheet iron tanks placed in the basement
and containing radiators heated by steam
These tanks are filled with fresh air
admitted through large air passages connect
ing with the exterior of the building. and
empty directly into the rooms above. In
their turn a set of fiues opening upwards near
the ceilings of the rooms, carry off the vitiat
ed atmosphere. Thus continual circulation
of air is obtained, and while the building is
thoroughly warmed. complete ventilation is
reached, the patients breathing pure air, SO
necessary for health under all circumstances.
The entire cost of the pavilion will be up
wards of $50, 900 1t has been nearly two
years in building. and with its twin pavilion
supplies what has long been needed at the
Hospital, retreat where convalescent pa
tients, beyond the reach of the noise and
excitement which might arise from the near
proximity of turbulent inmates, might secure
the home life and quietness so necessary for
complete recovery.
But the erection and equipment of these
pavilions. although a great undertaking of
itself. is not the only step of improvement
which has been taken at the institution
About three months ago an almost entire re-
grading and reconstruction of the grounds
was commenced. and when completed it is
safe to say that the Maine Insane Hospital
will possess more commodious lawns
and handsomer drives than any similar
institution in the country. Although the
work is nov well begun and quite far sdvanc.
ed, vet several years will be required to
entirely finish it. The plan involves radical
changes 10 the roads and drives, the chief of
which is new entrance to the grounds from
the main road, and the construction of a
circular driveway around the buildings. As
at present the visitor, on approaching the
institution, drives along the main road until
nearly opposite the Hospital, then turns
sharply to the right and proceeds down a
lane by the north wing, and around to the
front. Under the new dispensation this lane
Ia tn no entirely done away with and new