The Oklahoma City times. [volume] (Oklahoma City, Okla.) 1908-1984, 1919-02-19
By JESSIE w. HILTON
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Conditions which might easily repeat doubleold the
recent fire disaster in the state hospital for the insane AT
Norman where thirtyve inmates lost their Ves menace
of the Western Oklahoma hospital for the insane
at General Clusters old stamping ground at Fort
Supply Wooden buildings more than forty years ola are
coupled by more than hundred patients.
Stoves running night and day used for supplemental
heating of the odtme cottages ashes sometimes removed
by attendants red hot In fire was just smoth
cred in time by Dr. c. B. Hill, medical superintendent He
gave the attendant minutes to make getaway That
didn't remedy the future fire probabilities
These conditions the first to impress me when
visited this state institution Saturday and Sunday jan
usry 81 and February with credentials from Governor
Robertson and as member Of the Times staff Other dis
coveries are:
Barred Window would prsvsas ssrsss q patsats
in case Of fret parow sarways would court disaster TOR
those desesndns, lack Of fire escape pros:eon .: any
Of the buildnss would make the loss Of life complete
Two fire. have already caused two deaths Of in
mate. Notwithstanding. the state ecnsinas' the policy
Of erecting wooden buidnss since the site ceded
by the government in 1907. Today twenty buidinss
stand . q monument Of such Judgment
"The state has made an appropriation Of cent
|for freproof buildings" Hill. when sought the
aid of the board of affairs for fire protection reply was
The legislature has charge of the policy of protecting insane
|patients.
County indissnts sound in mind but afflicted with
bodily ailments, have hssn reiroadsd into the 'ns-
tuition for the insane Il 10 said, By county cossionsrs
aided by physicians 1.-TWO sti living here Laura
shaplsy. Of Cheyenne. Roger. county and c:srs: Wit:
tsubsrs," Hill said to Several have died since
assumed charge have tried 10 effect their release,
was told BY q county Judge that II would b very
baassins for the physician who signed the commitment
papers,, but he promised he would what could be
done The patients still live here"
| living stream Of ice cold water, SO percent pure
Pushes from watershed the property of the state institution
ts banks drowsy tangled mass of pungent water
eress During spring freshets overflows DR.. Hill has
kried in vain to impound it, but impounding requires
Engineering feat.
| Every spring." says he, I'VE have this overflow
Every summer drouth. We own the source of an all
ysar.round water supply giving adequate fire protec
tion but lack funds to develop it."
ARRIVED at tho Western Oklahoma Hospital for the In
pane late the evening of January 81 Dr. Hill also
passenger the train Of Oklahoma City, but had
met him. When left the train at the hospital flag station
accosted making inquiry whether was not mistaken
leaving at the hospital instead Of the town of Supply
Explained that had business at the state institution he
me to his office.
There were no sleeping quarters In the institution for
ues extra employees taken later In the evening
Into his home. In the morning explained my errand to
|Dr HILL He Immediately invited me to make tour of
ths institution.
He took me through every ward where ais of the states
population housed Group after group sat around
heating stoves Everywhere stoves seemed too hot
"These patients would crowd every stove to the limit
they not constantly watched" said DR.. Hl "Its
because like home to M around ordinary stove"
bald he.
khan hundred patients live occupying every available
kpace upstar downstars In halls and almost In closets
bwins their crowded conditions stoves were red hot
Dr. Hill spoke to atendants asking them 10 watch more
elossly He directed my attention to the barred windows
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