Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1888-04-03
The Maine Insane hospital

9
under treatment; 1860, 240; 1870. 345;
1880, 436; while at date of this writing.
March 81. 1888, there are resident in the
Hospital $40 patients and nearly $50 employees,
so that when the Institution is closed for the
night there are more than go souls within
its walls.
Originally the Institution consisted of a
centre structure, s0x40. four stories above
basement; with wing on either end, each
40x35. three stories above basement. The
building was constructed entirely of granite
and in the first annual report, the Trustees.
Benjamin Brown, Esq. Hon Reuel Williams,
and Rev. William c. Larrabee, said: The
building, on the whole, is an honor to the
State"
The Institution has been enlarged from
time to time in order To meet the ever press
ing demands, occasioned by the rapidly and
constantly increasing number of patients, IN
til il has assumed magnitude which sur
prses those visiting it for the first time; and
which was not at all anticipated by the de-
signers judging from the small dimensions
of the centre building, and its inadequacy TO
conveniently meet the present demands
At about four O'Clock on the morning of
Dec. 4, 1850, fire occurred by which the
two south wings, and most of the main build
ing were destroyed. Twenty-seven of the
patients persisted in the flames and one at
iendant Mr.. II. ID. Jones, while heroically
laborng to rescue the inmates shared the
same fate.
This melancholy catastrophy cast shade
of gloom and sadness throughout the Hospital,
and indeed, over the entire State although
strange to relate. the Trustees in their re-
Sc l.- Ia st,a j.ry To,
the building more than the unhappy lot which
befell the poor helpless unfortunates whose
deaths occurred in SO revolving manner.
| That portion Of the Hospital destroyed by
| fire was speedily rebuilt, and in a manner
which made it much more commotiious and
convenient than previous to the confagra-
ton.
| From 1850 to the present time nothing of
especial importance has occurred TO retard
the efforts put forth to carry out the object
of this great and worthy charity.
Aside from the present incumbent,
Bigelow r. Sanborn NJ. d., the Institution
has been under the superintendency of four
different persons, viz. Cyrus Knapp NJ. D.,
in office little more than a year; Isaac Ray,
NJ. D., four years; James Bates, NJ D.,
six years; the latter having been succeeded
| by ii. NJ. Harlow NJ. d., who served the
/
30 consecutive years, efficiently, faithfully
and satisfactorily.
DIR. Harlow is a man of rare attainments.
As physician and psychologist he ranks
among the highest while his excellent
executive ability, kind heartedness, even
temperament, sound Judgment, systematic
habits and strong christian virtues, particu-
larry fitted him for the peculiar and respou-
sible position which he held SO long and
filled acceptably. Even now it is no
unusual occurrence to hear some patient
was was under DIR. Harlow's charge, expatia-
ting upon some kind act or word of his.
DIR. Bigelow T. Sanborn has now been in
charge of the Maine Insane Hospital about
five years. and with his superintendency
began particularly progressive era in the
affairs of the Institution
The Easements have been relieved of
rubbish, collection of years old ventilating
fiues placed in q more effective condition
new ones added; new and improved bath
rooms and water-closets constructed, pleasant
and attractive parlors and cheerful dining
rooms added, and to-day the Institution is in
as near perfect hygenic and sanitary state
as is possible to obtain, and this fact was
successfully and satisfactorily demonstrated
during recent visit to the Hospital by the
State Board of Health.
The hospital is now exceedingly crowded,
particularly on the female side. there being
some eighty more patients than its capacity
will conveniently accommodate. The sur
plus, however, is very comfortably cared for
by having large numbers sleep in certain
wards, upon cot beds. under the supervision
of night attendants the beds being removed
during the day.
The Legislature will be obliged to resort
to of three alternatives in the near flu
ture. viz construct detached building
(Which could be under the present hospital
ma 1agement), where the chronic insane
could be more economically cared for thereby
treating this class and acute cases separately
. appropriate a large sum with which to great
~ enlarge the present institutions or, appro-
pirate still more extensively. and erect a new
| hospital in some other portion of the State
The past season has been one of general
activity at the hospital The chapel or kit.
chen building. which contains the bake room
grocery store and kitchen on the ground
floor; sewing room, Dir, goods store and
T sleeping rooms for help Oh the second; aad
chapel or amusement hall on the third OF
upper floor has received an addition of a
feet to its west and one of % feet to its east
extreme.
These accessoHs to the bull ling enlarge
and very materially Increase the couvenien-
ces aud facilities of the several department.
enumerated above, and add "a large number
of sleeping apartments for the help to the
original accommodations.
Amusement Hall has been enlarged and al
| teratons made to some extent, a gallery
added, painted and frescocd, and now with
out doubt is one of the most convenient and
attractive halls in the State. The decorative
l. l. ...t. L
talent of Maj J W Berry of Gardiner.
Religious services are conducted in the
hall every Sabbath afternoon by Rev. J. b.
Jordan, the Hospital Chaplain; and secular
exercises, such as dances. dramatic and
musical entertainments, are participated in
twice weekly by the patients and employees.
The building comprising the laundry and
engine house has also received its share of
much needed attention, having been raised
one story improved and generally remodeled.
After all contemplated arrangements are
consummated new and improved machinery
supplied etc, the laundry will be first class
in every particular. The story added is di-
vided into sleeping rooms for the help of the
laundry aud engine house departments.
During the coming season new brick
building is to be erected for the accommo-
dation of patients, which for convenience,
! OeautN OF archileCtuTe ana elegaDce OF design
will have no superior in the State; and no
doubt will reflect great honor upon the arch-
tect Mr.. G. NJ. Coombs of Lewiston.
Another comparatively new and at
tractive feature of the Institution
is the very extensive and well regula-
ted greenhouse, containing plants to the
value of nearly $1,000, of about every va
| riety. Twice weekly elaborate tastefully
arranged bouquets are distributed through
out the wards: and the mind is exceedingly
Respondent and diseased indeed when the
eountenance will not brighten at the sight of
these beautiful tokens of nature.
Upon entering the wards a stranger is i'm
pressed with the universal cleanliness and or
der which prevails on every hand Imagine
well lighted and well regulated hall, s0x35
high walls, cosey and pleasant sleeping
rooms on either side, each containing from
one to five comfortable and tidy beds. with
spreads of snowy whiteness everything hav-
ing the appearance of scrupulous neatness
and daily attention. and you have as correct
an idea of one of the many wards of the In