The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1884-06-06
The Maine Insane Hospital.

The Many EmprOVements which have been
Wrought-The INSTITUTE an a Model One
superintendent sanborn and His Work
From an Occasional Correspondent of the PREss.l
AUGUSTA, MAY 30.
Among all our State institutions there is
none IN and around which so many interests
centre as the Maine Insane Asylum. Gould
its walls unfold the history of the poor broken
minds which have lived and died there, what
sad story would be read of minds diseased
and distorted BY wild fancies and unsettled
DRAINS OF homes broken and happiness ruined
because reason has been dethroned.
In the quiet of this Sabbath day as walked
about the beautiful lawns, and around the
buildings where there are nearly five hundred
persons from as many homes in Maine,
wished that those who wait outside with sor-
rowing hearts could join me in nv rambles
and be hushed, as have been by thu quiet
which is scarcely unhroken. There is hardly q
sound to remind one that this is other than
large boarding house. Plants grow and blossom
in all the halls. Faces frightened by strange
fancies nod from the windows A hearty
"good morning" greets the stranger every
the place is, there would be hardly a thought
to mar the beauty, or break the solemnity of
the morning. So different is this from former
years that every friend of humanity has reason
to hope for wonderful progress in the treat.
ment of the insane in the future.
The building of chapel and amusement
hall, where weekly the patients can gather and
be entertained the opening of the grounds in
front, and the introduction of plants and flow
ers, both indoors and out, have had wonder
full effect in soothing the unrest of the minds
diseased. The fencing of the park, where the
more violent can be taken and given liberty.
without fear of their running away, has been
the means of providing exercise for many who
for years have breathed the air, and felt the
sunlight only through the windows of their
apartments. The daily walks and rides pro-
vided for all who are able to be oat are doing
their work, while the games indoors and ont
play an Important part in the present method
of treatment.
A person who has not visited this institution
for ten years, could hardly be made to believe
1t was the same, SO great has been the change
in the mental condition of the inmates. While
much has been accomplished By humane med
ical treatment, we fancy that the physicians in
charge realize that more is due to the intro
OuobIOu Va tAO various LulUgB m6DG1On0Q above.
all OF which have served to divert their minds
from their strange wanderings, and broken in
upon their wild fancies.
The familiar form of the old Superintendent,
Or. d. M. Harlow, is missed by all who visit
here, but in his successor DR.. II. r. Sanhorn,
the trustees have found one who. after wears
OF training takes up the cares and duties with
ready hand. and is carrying forward with
zeal many new and important improvements.
In all we see and hear the thought is promi-
n 10 ~ L. - III
and happiness to the inmates is to be sought
as a necessary means of curing the maladies of
the minds diseased. Within the past few wears
large greenhouse has been erected which sum-
pies the lawns and house with beautifu
plants and flowers, and is also a source of reye.
nue. to the institution.
Inc new pavilion, SO roomy and pleasant,
Ireeo from the dungeon-like appearance of the
old building, seems inviting and home-like.
Inc value OF music as medicine seems to be
recognized more and more as the years pass,
and as we listen to the fine orchestra in their
render1ngs OF the familiar church tunes, or
the more difficult orchestral selections we
md ourselves Quoted and soothed by the
sweet strains One of the surprising things to
visitor is the fact that out of the officers and
attendants, changing constantly as they are,
| such an orchestra could be maintained as is to
| be found here, while the brass band is
lar superior to many that claim pub
| lie attention. Under the direction of prof.
=. K. Harlow, and the leadership of Mr. V.
r. Luce. supervisor, the orchestra of II pieces
has acquired a proficiency which we think will
| entitle it to rank fourth in the State If not
| third. That such baa and orchestra can be
maintained without expense to the State speaks
volumes for the interest and influence OF the
| officers OF the institution. Prominent among
| the improvements being made is the opening
| OF the basement of the old building, and the
thorough ventilation and lighting of the same
| Under the direction of the able and efficient
steward, r. W. Soule Esq, forty-five acres
have been planted and sowed this season.
| The grounds all about the place are in fine
condition, and the Indications are that heavy
grass crop will be gathered next month.
SETH.