Daily Republican., 1885-11-14
The Ferris Reform school.


for IN School would have been ready for
permanent occupation by the time the
November Court met, but 1t looks now
as II the repairs which are being m ed
and which are very necessary will not
be- completed until after the Fall term
Of court Is over. The great mansion
house was large enough 10 hold fifty or
sixty pupils at any time but 1t was con.
structed for dwelling house and not
for school and needed many altera
tons to convert 1t into an educational
reform institution. Partitions had to
no taken cut. rooms enlarged. doors
cat through walls, pipes run ali through
the building and heaters put in.
All this work has been going on, and
though much has been done, there re-
mains much to do yel. The rickety old
conservatory ~ the west end sof the
building HAD been torn away, and a
tandsome porch running the whole
width Of the building has been erected
This adds much 10 the appearance and
comfort OF the building The managers
have found 1t very necessary to have
room for certain purposes that could
not be provided in the III ain building,
ADD they are now erecting large
building standing alone on the site OF
some frame shedding torn away. This
building will he used for laundry
and the second story viii be used for a
place for recreation during incement
weather. when IL ID too d!sagresable to
be outside.
TIE SUPPLEMENTARY department will
oe in the west end of the building sepa-
rate from the school, dining and sleep
log rooms of the scholars, but convoni.
emily connected by doors. Everything
possible il being done to make the place
cheerful for its occupants. William r.
Peters has been out looking over he
farm tor the best location for fruit or
| chard. He ends the level, alluvial soil
Of the meaiows well adapted 70 the
culture of the blackberry and dwarl
pears. Tue hill sides from which rock J
Ooulders protrude would 10 ake exce,len,
sites for vineyards.
IL Is doubtful IL there is % farm IL
| the country that possesses sucn q varie'
~ "a advantages for fruit and truck cul
lure, while the meadow lands make ex
cellent grazing lands. Could the Ia
Dor of the inmates OF the institution b,
properly Utilized, as VIZ have no dIub
it will be in time, this farm can be III adj
the finest in New Castle County, sEl
made to contribute largely To supper
the institution. For reformatory pur-
poses the surroundings are unequaled
Even Girard College has not a NOR,
beautifully wooded lawn than tn,
three or four acres enclosed between tn,
mansion and the pubic road, covered
with large shade trees, such 10 poplars
chestn uts, oaks, pines, beech and elms
A number of the trees have become old
and decayed and should be removed
and replaced by young aud more vigor
lous trees.
A young apple orchard is to be set on
, this fall. When all the repairs unde
way and contemplated are completed
boys removed from their haunts OF 81
5 and vice in this city will have ever
incentive to reform. The home will b
spacious and comfortable, the SURROUND
Iin2s beautiful, restraint gently impose
aud instruction will be given in I'll
lproper sp!rlt OF reform work.
ri Superintendent Pickles is acquain
. ing himself with the duties of HIS otfic
He is fully aware that his position
not n bed of roses, and he Is prepared
d endure the thorns.
He IL full of the spirit Of reform atiol
n aud HIS wife and daughters share Il
game spirit. They are determ med tn,
: failure shall not overtake this grand e.
!. terprise II they can help II.