The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1909-07-22
A Famous
School
For the Feeble Minded and Some
Amusing Anecdotes of the
Faribault Institution.

tiOns in the state Is the School for the
Feeble Minded at Faribault. The
school is built upon the bluffs overlook
ing the city and commands fine view
of the surrounding country for miles.
In connection with the school there is
a large farm, worked almost entirely
by the inmates. Nearly two thoussnd
feeble minded persons are cared for at
this school. To care for these a large
force of doctors, nurses and attendants
is required. Standing at the heal of
this list is DR.. A. &. Rogers, who has
charge of the entire school. DR.. Rogers
is a man who has had many years of
experience in dealing with this class of
persons and has written many valuable
papers re yarding them. Everything
possible is done to add to the comforts
of the inmates. In the summer time
they are entertained with band con-
certs given by the school band, which
is but one Of the many features of the
school. They are also given bus rides
and a merry-go-round has also been
added for their benefit. In the winter
shows, dances and sleigh rides help to
make things plea asant.
The State wishes to make the school
home-like as we'll as instructive and its
one great aim is to strengthen these
weak minded ones and restore them to
their parents strong in brain and body,
fitting them with trade which will
enable them to care for themselves.
Many different trades are taught and
the tasks are given according to the
amount OF reason the inmate possesses.
Many amusing sights may be seen at
a:place of this kind. And one is re-
mlnded of Phil Nays famous picture
which represents an insane asylum
surrounded by high stone wallis. Look
ing over the wall Can be seen one of
the inmates. Close to the wall there
flows small stream on the bank of
which stands fisherman. The lunatic
SPIES the fisherman and the following
conversation takes place between the
two: "Say! what are you doing out
there?" asks the lunatic. Fishing"
replies the man. Caught anything
yet?", "No." "Had bite YETI" "No."
~How long have you been there2"
"About three hours" The lunatic then
taps his head and says: "Better come
inside"
While party of young people were
visiting the school they came upon one
of the inmates who was busily engaged
in carrying coal from one pile to anoth-
or. Just then another inmate happened
to come along and going over to the
one who was working asked him what
he was getting for doing the work.
The first inmate took from his pocket
q small piece of tobacco and showed 1t
to the other. "You're fool to work
for that" said the newcomer. The
engineer just then spied the fellow and
called bim over to the engine room
He soon returned carrying bushel
basket and at once started to help re.
move the coal. In fact he was so anx.
ious to work that he made two trips to
the first inmates one. The FIRST one
watched him while then turning tC
the visitors said: "He's bigger foo
than am"
Then again over at Sunny Side, 9
building where the most dangerous arr
kept, the party was shown into larg,
room, where a number of the inmate,
were confined in straight jackets. On,
of the ladies of the party asked the at
teudant in charge why they were KEEP
in that condition. He erepIied that ther
were different reasons. "Some," h
said, "would attack those in charge
others would do themselves bodil
HARM"
The party then visited the girls dc
partment. They found the women On
gagged in making dresses and man.