The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1910-01-06
GYMNASIUM and CASINO
A New Building to Be Erected at
Brattleboro Retreat, Largely as
Result of Gift BY Mrs. Sarah A. w.
BrndIpy,

Result of Gift BY Mrs. Sarah A. w.
Bradley.
Brattleboro, Dec. 31.-Through the
munincence of Mrs. Sarah A. w.
Bradley, of Brattleboro, widow of the
late Richards Bradley, Esq, one OF
the trustees of the Brattleboro Re-
treat from 1876 to the time of his
death. in 1904, this institution, found
ed seventy-ive years ago by a be-
quest of Anna Marsh, of Hinsdale, N.
H., is soon to erect a memorial GYM
nasium and casino, which will COM
prise every modern feature and at the
same time furnish unique club
house for patients.
Throughout the history of this in.
stitution it's officers have recognized
the great value of occupation, am
usement, and diversion as curative
means and have been quick to adopt
every advanced method.
The old gymnasium, which was APP
propriated two or three years ago
for the purpose of installing a new
kitchen plant, was the first building
of the kind in the United States to
be erected by hospital for the in
sane
The same is true of the Summer
Retreat for women patients establish
ed in 1881, lakewood Cottage for men
opened in 1885, and Ridgewood Camp
inaugurated and built in the same
year
A systematic course of amuse-
ments during the winter months, has
been carried on for nearly sixty
years.
Another unique recreation feature
is the Hillside Park of thirty acres,
heavily wooded, laid out in 1880 and
| intersected with upwards of two
miles of shaded walks ascending by
easy grades to a stone observation
tower located at an attitude of 800
feet above the buildings. This park
is designed for the exclusive use of
patients and is in immediate proN-
unity with the buildings.
The latest and most important ad-
dition to the curative means above
mentioned will afford exceptional ia
cilities for carrying on the time
honored theories of the Retreat man
agement. and it is confidently ex-
pected that this memorial is destined
to exert an unparalleled influence
toward cheering and Frightening the
lives of a class of invalids richly Ell.
titled to the kindest consideration
The cost of the building will
largely exceed Mrs. Bradley's gift and
so the trustees are confronted with
the problem of making up the de-
ficiency, especially as the income de-
rived from the keeping of patients
is wholly required for current ex-
improvements.
AS the building stone and most of
|
Retreat lands and large part of the
labor will be furnished by patients
and regular employees of the Re-
treat the total cash expenditure will
be considerably minimized.
1t will be remembered that the Beg
islature of 1908 passed an act al
thorizing the trustees to dispose oi
valuable building lots, providing the
proceeds be applied toward the cree
ton of building, near the main in
stitution, to be used for recreation
, and diversion of patients, and for q
nurses home. From these sales q
considerable sum will be realized ant
, it is hoped that, as the building pro
crosses, other persons of means viii
follow Mrs. Bradleys example.
The building is to be easily &C
9 cessible from all parts of the mair
o institution.
q 1t is to be two and one-half storie.
in height, and will occupy an at
G tractive site on the Retreat lawn nea'
o the tennis and croquet grounds.
+ The first story is to be of mountai'
z. stone and the rest of single.
d The dimensions are 100 to l06 feet
S From the veranda, 63 feet long and J.
e feet wide, entrance is gained to tin
: gymnasium and ball room, GO feet D,
= 40, and to the sun rooms and par
o lors, "a feet by %. The latter rooms
/ are located at either end of the gym
y nasium, are connected herewith ant
S arc so arranged as to permit of thei
e ICING thrown togethe, when desired
Il In the rear of the mems parlor i
e 4 smoking and reading room, 81 fee
o by "a; and connected with the wo
II mems parlor is billiard room o
IS the same dimensions.
swimming tank, % feet wide b
"A feet long, is located in the base
ment, and is of graduated dept
J. from three to seven feet. A system o
steam pipes will permit of regulating