davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Norwich bulletin., 1909-02-27

reduce eur weekly per capita cost dur
ing the past year The weekly expense
per patient, based upon the amount
actually expended, with allowances
mace for money refunded and for mis-
cellaneous receipts. was for the year
1so6-o7, s5.3S; and for the year 1907
0S, $4.01. The per capita cost for the
year 1s0T-0g, based upon the actual
cost Of the several departments as
shown by the summary of the requisi-
tons, was 1895, the slight difference
being due to corresponding gain IN
inventory.
This per capita may be regarded as
high in comparison with that of larger
institutions, but when compared with
state hospitals of like size and dur
ing the same period of their history
will be found to be surprisingly low.
We rejoice that this reduction has not
been accomplished at the expense Of
either employe or patient; there has
been quite material increase in the
latter have been better provided for
than ever before.
Assuming we would have a daily av-
erage of four hundred patients during
the years 10000. we received an ap-
preparation sufficient to allow a per
capita cost of S4.12 We shall in all
probability have a population OF at
least six hundred patients at the close
OF 1903, and while this increase will
bring a reduction in our per capita
cost, with the lessened income per pa
tient and the expense Of opening new
buildings, 1t will require the strictest
economy to keep within the income.
Purchase and Distribution of Supplies.
The plan of purchasing, through
competitive bids, certain of the sup
plies of the hospital was tried early in
the present year, and as II has proved
both successful and has resulted in
economy has been gradually extended
so that now practically all our pur-
chases are made in this manner. The
major portion of our supplies ara PUP
chased each month from estimates
prepared by the heads of the several
departments and submitted to the SUI
perintendent for his approval. modifi-
cstien and classification. Bids for
certain supplies that do not deteriora te
in storage and can be purchased in
arger quantities with greater econenav
are obtained for a longer period. For
example. bids for -four, meats, butter
and eggs are secured but once in six
months, deliveries being made as df-
rected by the hospital.
Norwich bulletin., 1909-02-27

tunate recipients. The insane, as a
class. are sensitive, and their relatives
particularly so.
Our aiTn,as has been remarked, should
be to receive patients as early in their
disease as possible, and believe a ma
terial aid in so doing would be a change
in name as indicated.
Paroles.
We have continued the practice inau-
gurated at the opening of the hospital
of granting the freedom of the grounds
to those patients whom we felt could
be safely trusted with the privilege.
These parole limits, in certain selected
cases, have been extended to Norwich,
and several patients have been permit
ted to 20 home unattended for brief
visits. This liberty has been abused
in but few instances, has FASTENED the
recovery of acute cases and has made
the lot of those destined to spend the
remainder of their lives in an institu-
ton of this character far more pleas
ant. During the past two years this
privilege has been attended to some 65
patients. We plan during the coming
period TO allow an increased number
of patients this freedom and to conduct
certain wards as open wards, permit
ting the inmates thereon to freely en-
ter Or leave as they may desire.
Trial Visits.
We continue to folloW-the custom Of
allowing patients to go out upon trial
visits with relatives or other RESPONSE
bic persons, a custom extended only to
Norwich bulletin., 1909-02-27

ing the various articles purchased and
their distribution through the several
der artrnents Of the institution.
Bach quarter an inventory ia taken
OF all the supplies remaining in the
storeroom and this inventory checked
With the "storskeeper's book" A sum-
mary Of tho acquisitions of the several
departments, 10 which are added the
cost OF wages and the expense of re-
pairs, is sent monthly to the depart
ment head. including all head-ward
nurses, and thus each department is
acquainted with the cost of its opera
ton for the month.
Meeting Of Department Heads.
Monthly meetings OF the department.
heads are held VITA the superinten-
dent. Reports OF the work accomplish
ed in the several departments are re-
ceived and suggestions made for the
better cooperation Of the several de-
partlnents.
Farm.
The development Of our farm has
been quite marked during the past Pc
Rod and each year, from the increased
productivity of the soil and the greater
area under cultivation, In yielding
larger financial retufps.
We have at all times had an aaoun-
dance OF milk and fresh Vegetables.
have harvested q goodly supply OF
roots for the winters USE. together
with the necessary forage for our
growing herd Of cattle, and have pro-
vided a remunerative occupation for
an increased number of patients.
Construction.
The completion of the buildings in
process Of construction at the close of
our first biennial period and the ereo-
ton of those authorized by the last
session Of the general assembly has
lecessitated a continued activity in
constructive work.
Ward B, with accommodations for
one hundred and fifty patients, our
kitchen. laundry and power house were
finished and occupied during the early
portion Of the present period.
Administration Building.
1t was determined by your board
that the administration building
should be so planned as to be used
solely for administrative purposes and
the special treatment of patients, and
that the necessary quarters for the
entertainment of your board and the
various hospital visitors, and the
housing of the superintendent. staff,
Norwich bulletin., 1909-02-27

I ton Of competent nurses becomes of
INITIAL Importance. Very few of our
| hospital employees. enter upon their
! work in the institution with the idea
| of making the nursing OF the insane
other than q temporary vocation. If
they take up the training school, they
| do so with the thought that as soon
as they graduate they win leave the
employ Of the hospital and enter the
| field Of general nursing. where their
work is not only much more congenial
but brings greater remuneration, and
the hospital loses their services just
when they have become of the greatest
| value.
do not believe an indiscriminate in
crease in wages for the entire nursing
force would result in q commensurate
return, but l do believe that our wage
limit is now toe low and that il would
be wise TO give, after the present limit
had been reached. an additional re-
mun6ratiOn eacn Yea~ so that at the
end Of five years Of continued meritori-
GUS service the trained nurse might re-
ceive from S45 to $50 per month.
of even greater import to the nurse
and incidentally to the hospital. than a
mere Increase in wages, is the necessi-
ty of reducing the hours of duty and
providing suitable places Of recreation
upon the grounds and sleeping quarters
apart from the p&uentE-
Increased wages, shorter hours. IA
cilities for recreation and proper rest,
would I am sure, result in our retain
ing the services Of at least a portion
Of our desirable nurses, and from the
better care and oversight that would
be given. would greatly increase the
number Of cures among our patieYts.
The action Of your board in granting
ere day in seven to ali ward employees
la.
on Wards A, apart from the patients,
accomplish ed without Increased operat-
Ing expense or addition to the number
Of our nursing corps, has resulted most
happily
The completion Of additional build
ings for our patients will necessitate
providing increased quarters for our
employees. These acconm odations can
be secured at less expense by building
frame cottages about the grounds than
BY occupying a portion Of the wards.
The insane hospital is but beginning to
realize what the general hospital
adopted as an axiom long ago, that its
possibilities of success must be meas
ured by the personnel OF its nursing
corps.
Should a reception hospital be estab-
hshed, the formality of commitment of
the insane be modified as outlined. and
properly trained nurses OF the right
temperament secTed. believe the
prejudice against the insane hospital
would disappear; that no longer would
there be tales Of III treatment ana
abuse of patients; that our patients
would come under treatment sufficient
ly early to recover. and that the in
crease of the insane in our state insti
tutions would be greatly lessened or
even Totally abolished.
Change in Hospitals Name.
1t would be in accordance with the
spirit Of the times, and would facilitate
the work Of this institution. il the
n~p70 woe rhe~'reT f~o7- "Tho NOru-ich
Hospital for the Insane" to '0The Nor
There is growing disposition not to
file o.-dfns al the face of its unfor-
Norwich bulletin., 1909-02-27
Cow Barn.

COW Barn.
Our new COW barn, 70x56 feet. with
an adjoining ere story cow shed, SIX
&c feet, giving accommodations to forty
cows. has been built midway between
the main wards and the colony. IT'S
construction. consisting Of reinforced
concrete frame with curtain walls OF
terra Gotta blocks, plastered both ex-
teriorly and intsr1orly with cemena
plaster, is very substantial and fire.
proof throughout with the exception of
the roof.
The main barn is given over TO our
head farmers Office milk room. locker
room. feed room. storage rooms. etc.
and has also IN connection an ample
root cellar. 1t is 50 designed that
without alteration additional COW sheds
mey be buiE as thu needs Of the in
Stitution require.
Water Supply.
1t was found advisable TO add to our
water supply.
An eight inch well was accordingly
sunk 10 a depth of see feet, 270 feet
being through solid ledge, and q con-
tinaous yield OF one hundred gallons
per minute obtained. This water on
analysis was found to be Of great Puri-
~ and OF unusual softness, and, togeth-
er with our reservoir, win doubtless be
ample, notwithstanding our ever in
creasiRg consumption. TO supply the fu-
ture needs OF the institution.
Other Improvement
Staircase towers OF brick and con-
crete have been built in connection
with the A wards. the fire escapes re-
moved therefrQm and used in contunc-
tion with the Colony buildings and new
staircases Of iron and slate erected in
their stead The temporary roof and
sides of the corridor between wards A
as well as that between the adminfstra-
ton building and the future amuse-
ment hall, have been removed, the
sides replaced by brick and the top by
concrete. with a granolithic finished
walk.
An automatic refrigerating and ice
making plant has been installed in the
basement of the kitchen building It
has a capacity somewhat i'm excess of
our present requirements.
Carpenter and raint shops have been
established in the basement of the
laundry building, equipped with the
necessary power machinery.
Considerable grading has been done
in front Of the building ahd 30 the rear
of Ward A, nerth.
A sewer has been laid from our COL
ony to an adjacent arm Of the Thames
river, and electric and water mains
carried 10 the colony and 20 the new
cow barn.
Additional Ward Buildings.
Notwithstanding the. fact that with
the completion OF our buildings, now
IN process Of construction. quarters for
some zoe additional patients will be
provided, the accommodations Of the
two state hospitals are stu inadequate
for the care Of the states insane. The
number OF the insane IA the two his
pitfalls has Increased 26s during the past
two years. To meet this increase, ac-
commodations for but 400 have been
built. Norwich now has 81 more pa
TENTS than it should normally accom-
modate and this number is rapidly in
creasfnR. This superintendent Of the
Conn hospital Tor the insane in
Norwich bulletin., 1909-02-27

ANY firm. either within or without
the state, that has expressed a desire
to bid has been permitted to submit a
proposal upon the form sent out by
the hospital, but Connecticut dealers
have in all cases been given the prefer
ence when such pre6erment could be
shown without loss TO the state, and /
all Of our supplies have been procured
through Connecticut firms. I believe
that the adoption OF this method of
securing supplies has not only resulted
in economy, bat has also removed from
the hospital the possible charge of
favorittsm being employed and is
therefore welcomed by the majority Of
dealers. However, 1t would be uawise.
in my opinion, to compel your super
intendent to procure supplies only
through competitive bids, as the need
Of certain articles, especially for re-
pairs, is at times urgent, or special OPP
portunities for purchase present them
selves which would be lost through tire
delay incident to the securing Of com
petitive bids.
Supplies when received at the hos
pital are accompanied by an invoice,
weighed or measured by the house
steward, checked from the samples AMI
bids as to quality and price, given an
invoice number and placed in the
storefsen% issues fr2h lne SCoEerooni
are made only upon duplicate requisi-
tons approved by the superintendent.
Articles which permit OF exchange do
not appear upon the requisition until
duly condemned by the house steward.
These duplicate approved acquisitions
showing the measure, unit price and
the cost OF the several articles, to-
gether with the fetal cost Of the
requAitlon, are sent with the supplies
to the department head and after the
checking of the arti lies called fer are
signed by him as received. One copy
IS then returned to the storekeeper to
serve as his voucher and the other to
the superintendent office for entry in
the "storelzeepeFs- book" a book show
Norwich bulletin., 1909-02-27

our present wards a very disturbing
element. and will result undoubtedly
not only in marked. Improvement in
both the mental and physical condi-
ton of this class ofpatients. but will
also equally benefiE quIstsr cases.
Colony.
The colony plan was urged At the
last general assembly because it not
only secured economy In the FIRST cost
establishing q new institution, and
could be carried on practically indefi-
nitsly without adding to the adminis-
trative expense Of the parent hospital,
but also 1t avoided thu duplication Of
the expensive equipment, necessary
improvements, AMI hospital facilities
Of the main institution, and retained
tire working class Of patients where
their labors would result in the great
est advantage to tina state.
The hope was also expressed that as
this class Of patients could be accord
ed q greater degree Of liberty, and
more attention given to the forming
OF industrious habits, an increased
percentage might eventually be able
to leave the hospital and become fair
lY productive members OF society.
II was therefore determined to try
the plan and SUM not exceeding $50
600 was appropriated for this purpose.
Accordingly an ideal site, about half
q mile removed from the main build
inggs, adjoining a major portion of
eur farming land and rsving in close
proximity q spur track of the Norwich
&c Westerly railroad, was selected by
your board. A substantial brick and
concrete building, giving ample &C
conuodatfons TO 100 male patients,
with quarters for the necessary en-
ployes, was begun thereon and Is now
nearing completion.
While this colony plan is no doubt
both economical and logical, I would
respectfully recommend that additional
colonies be not built in connection
with the Norwich hospital for the in
sane until a considerable growth in
population had been experienced.
Superintendent's House.
A commodious home for the super-
intendent. erected to the left of the
hospital building site, supplies most
comfortable quarters for the superin-
tendent and is of ample size for the en-
tertainment of the members of the
board and the various visitors to the
institution.
Norwich bulletin., 1909-02-27

those who, in the opinion of the super
intendent and medical staff are suffi-
GENTLY recovered and who are not dan
gerous to the nerson or property Of
others. The patient is regarded as be-
ing connected with the hospital for the
period of six months. and during this
time can be resumed without expense
or the formaHt.- of new commitment.
At the end of SIX months a formal no.
tice is sent TO the judge Of probate OF
the discharge, unless from information
received it is probable that the patient
may soon be obliged to return to the
irstitution. under which circum stances
the duration Of the trial visit is extend
ed The practice permits us To allow
patients to leave the institution much
earlier than otherwise would be the
case.
Training School for Nurses.
Our training school for nurses was
established last year and we now have
enrolled six senior and fifteen junior
nurses.
That our nurses might have a thor
ough training in both. general and men
tai nursing, arrangements were entered
into with the United Workers of Nor
witch to furnish from the HOSPITAL train
ing school a district visiting nurse for
the INDECENT poor. This nurse now
devotes the major portion of her time
to this work. and not only is she re-
ceiving a training which could not 9TH
eTwise be obtained but the public are
becoming to regard the hospital as a
hospital rather than an asylum. and to
have a greater interest in its work
The expenses Of this outside nursing
sre met By a small fee charged the pa
tients, who are both willing and able
to pay, and by private. contributions.
$4,000 MI
Efforts have been made during the
period, and especially during the past
year, to provide employment for all our
able bodied patients. 1t is surprising
how a simple occupation will quiet a
mischieVOus or destructive patient
and how those who have apparently
vegetated for years and have shown
interest IN nothing, will under the in
huence of employment gain both ply
sically and mentally. The housekeep-
ing upon the wards, the kitchen, lam
dry. sewing room and work upon the
grounds and farm afford employment
to many of our patients; but these
occupations are not congeniai to all
and consequently are not always at
tended with the best results.
I am pleased to report that plans are
now practically perfected fer securing
teacher to devote her entire time TO
the amusement Of the women patients
and their instruction in Industrial
work. 9ns I trust that ere long like
arrangements may he made for the
instruction Of the male patients l see
no reason why IN time workshops Of
various kinds may not be established
in connection with the hospital
I anticipate a slow but stea6y devel-
opment along this line. and to so plan
as to make the work practically self
supporting from its origin, but las
financial return alone but rather by
the increased happiness and well-being
Of our patients.
Per Capita Cost.
Our added number of patients and
the observation Of the. most rigid
economy has enabled US to materially
Norwich bulletin., 1909-02-27
LADIES' CATHOLIC BENEVOLENT
ASSOCIATION.

The women OF ST. Rose branch, No
1878, with many OF their friends, MADE
their regular meeting a quilting bee on
Friday evening In Hibernian hall, en-
ioying e quiet social evening, which Al
the same time win be OF financial
profit to the organization. Three
quilts were made and another started
one OF the quilts was awarded 90 Mrs
William Greene, and Miss Hoar Of
Greeneville was the lucky one to re-
ceive a centerplece.
One feature OF the evening was the
display and sale OF beautiful cluny lace.
Florentine lace. drawn work. etc, By
Mrs. Rosa Cora OF New York, Who
experienced q good patronags.
Norwich bulletin., 1909-02-27

and office assistants, should he provid-
ed elsewhere.
The administration building. three
stories in height, with attic and base
ment is located centrally and slightly
in front of Wards A, to which, as well
as to all the other buildings, it is
Joined by a short extension eg the cen
tral corridor. In architectural style and
general construction It, follows very
closely the ward building already
erected. The exterior walls are of red
brick with Indiana limestone and ter
racotta trimmings. The frame work
and floor construction is Of reinforced
concrete and the partitions Of steel
and metal lath.
The first floor has reception hall.
reception room, patients library, phsr-
macy. the necessary public and private
toilets. and offices for the superintend-
emit. staff and business and clinical as
sistants.
The second Moor is occupied by tho
trustees room, committee room, stah
library, assistant physicians room,
electrical treatment room, photograph
ic room with adjoining dark room, and
operating section. comprising aizss-
thetic, surgeons dressing and sterH-
iziRg ropms.
Separate psychopAthic wards for
the reception and treatment Of pa
tients Of both sexes, adjoining which
are bathrooms and private rooms for
the treatment of surgical caseS. oocu-
by the third floor A temporary
amusement hall has also been pro-
vided on this floor by the omission OF
rooms halls and storage closets, but
though this may serve TO provide q
place of asseHblage and amusement
for certain selected patients, it is by
no means adequate for even our pres
ent needs.
The basement is well lighted and
contains diet kitchen with pantry
macy storage, CUB business office, and
two rooms which, until other quarters
are provided, must serve as staff and
supervisors dining rooms. An electric
push button controlled elevator runs
through the building from basement to
attic. This building is planned, as are
all our other Industrial buildings. not
only for the present but also for the
future requirements of the institution
and should be ready for occupancy
prior to January /.
Ward o, North.
A two-story ward building for Atty
chronic disturbed female patients is
now in process Of building II is To-
Gated on thu female side to the rear
and parallel to the laundry, from
which it Is removed about one hun
dred feet. It il Joined to the central
subway by a similar subway of REIN
forced concrete, thus providing with
the central and other subway an easy
and protected communication between
Ward D and the remaining buildings
of the institution. The interior ar
rangement comprises a like plan on
each of the two fio9rs, consisting a
day room, dormitories, single rooms,
large veranda, serving room, and the
necessary bath and toilet facilities. II
is TO be foored throughout with to-
razzo tile and all walls are TO be
wainscotted with cement plaster to
the height OF seven feet The compile
Norwich bulletin., 1909-02-27
GRAND ARMY.

Sedgwick post. No. 1. held its reEu-
lar meeting Friday evening at the
Buckingham Memorial, Commander
Vine 5. Stetson presiding. An invi-
tation was received and accepted fross
the Breed theatsr management to at
tend the moving picture show Their.
tonight az guests OF the management.
for the special purpose OF seeing the
Civil war picture, Stirring Days IN Old
Virginia. The members will meet al
post building about o'clock ana march
to the theater in a body.
Notice was also received from the
grand officers that they would be here
for a visit on the third Friday in
March. Preparations win be made for
their suitable reception.
Norwich bulletin., 1909-02-27
woMAN's RELIEF CORPS.

Sedgwick corps, No. Is, met In reg
vlar form Friday afternoon at the
buckingham Memorial the president
Mrs. Emogene Eovey. calling the
meeting TO order. A report from the
executive committee showed a satis-
factory sum realized from the colonial
supper on Wsshington's birthday. The
corps also held its usual social meet
gene Covey. calling the meeting to
order. A report from tho executive
committee showed a satisfactory sum
realized from the colonial supper on
Wa 3hington's birthday. The corps al
so held its usual social meeting We'd
nesday at the Buckingham Memorial,
with a good attendance.
Norwich bulletin., 1909-02-27
Lodge Notes and
Fraternal Interests
DEGREE or PocAHoNTAs.

The Neosha Wrist club, connected
with Sebequonash council, No. IL held
a whist evening IN Foresters' hall last
Monday. which was well attended and
eighteen tables were played, providing
an extremely enjoyable evening. Those
aW arded the prizes were the following:
Firsts-ATary O'sulllyen. As, q shopping
bag Rufus d. Harris. 81, a silk neck
tie. Seconds-Mrs. E W. Tanner. As,
colonial glass pitcher; William
Blackburn, so, q pack OF cards. Con-
solations-Mrs. Sabourin, Mr. Glenn
ents.
The committee served cake and cof-
fee. Il was announced that there
would be another whist IN the hall on
the sth of March and the next home
whist OF the Neosha would be on
March 4th with Mr.. and Mrs. John A.
Ruffnn