Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-03-22
CONDITION OF GER.
TAIN ALMSHOUSES

The State Board Of Charities ana Cor
rections Tuesday authorized the puOaica-
ton of the following statement OF condi-
tions at certain almshouses In the state.
as disclosed by recent inspections. to-
gether with the suggestions and recon-
mendations which have been made to the
overseers Of the poor in relation thereto:
Scarboro Town Farm-Gensral condi-
tons: Cleanliness and repair. fair; fur
niture and beds comfortable and bed
ding clean. Earth closets clean and free
from odor. Conditions remain practically
unchanged from previous reports.
Recommendations and suggestions
Suggestions previously made. that super
intendent be placed upon q definite salary
and that tramps be not fed or lodged
without being required to work are re-
newed.
Biddeford City Farm-Inmates present.
two tuberculous, with no pro-
vision for segregation. Inmates able to
work were not assigned to any regular
tasks.
Bath tubs supplied with hot water, but
the method of heating is by live steam
pipe running into the tub. crude, unsatis-
factory and expensive.
Suitable fire escapes have been erected
since the previous report.
General conditions: Some parts Of the
house were clean, others not. House in
fair repair. and comfortably furnished
except that many Of the beds are without
springs. straw ticks are used instead Of
mattresses. Bedding was fairly clean
Food 1nnD1ioS vyho
! and kitchens clean. Bath tubs and flush
closets are old. the plumbing unsanitary.
menace to the health of the inmates
, impossible to keep clean, and disgrace
to public institution.
Recommendations and Suggestions
That good spring be provided for every
bed That the old-fashioned iron-slat
bedsteads be discarded.
Suggestions of previous report renewed.
separation of the sexes can and should
i be enforced. The old and unsanitary
plumbing ought to be replaced. The SER
vice of woman is required practically
all Of the time in the inmates part In
stallation of daily census register and
careful checking Of comparative state
ments Of expenses from month to month"
| ooSo lily rdTIll-IeneCal con0ltl0nS:
! The house was clean and in fair repair
throughout Furniture sufficient and
comfortable. Some Of the bedding was
showing the effects Of wear, and some
was not quite as clean as desirable. In
some of the rooms there was a consd-
cradle accumulation Of worthless belong
lngs OF the inmates, a gathering place
for dust, dirt and germs. Food supplies
were properly cared for. and food ap-
| peared to be properly cooked and served.
Religious services are held regularly
Discipline appears to be mild sexes are
separated all Of the time except at meals
Recommendations and Suggestions-
While the water supply is stated to have
been better during the past season than
! for some time heretofore. positive
regular ample supply is needed, and the
recommendation Of year ago as to con-
nection with the city system is renewed
The condition Of the inmate reported as
insane appeared to be such that he ought
to be removed to the State Hospital.
Better ventilation in some of the in
mates rooms is desirable.
Recommendation Of a year ago that az
cotton puffs wear out they be replaced
with blankets is renewed.