The Record-courier. [volume] (Gardnerville, Nev.) 1904-current, 1920-06-04
ORPHANS HOME
INVESTIGATION.


In report filed today with the state
orphans home board the special COM
mittee of women appointed to investi-
gate various charges made In connec-
tion with the method the institution
is being conducted reviews at consid-
cradle length conditions at the home
ands makes various recommendations
as to how affairs there should be man
aged in the future. The report Is
Esigned by Mrs. Frank Ellis Humphrey.
Mrs. George Thatcher. Mrs. J. e.
Church and Mrs. ]. M. Fulton and
reads
I'VE, the undersigned committee,
appointed by the Board of Directors
of the Nevada State Orphans Home
to assist the board In conducting an
investigation as to conditions said to
exist In the home. herewith make the
following report
I'VE commend the superintendent
and matron for the splendid sanitary
conditions existing In the home, the
generally good physical condition Of
the children and the neatness of their
clothes; for the improvement in the
appearance of the children by doing
away with uniforms. We commend
the superintendent for suggesting.
and the board OF directors for INSTALL
ing in the home the splendid gymna-
SUM equipment. tennis court, play
ground apparatus. swimming pool. fine
kitchen equipment, etc. which makes
the Nevada Orphans Home one of the
best equipped in the country We
commend the board of directors for
their Willingness to receive all sug-
gestions for the betterment of the con-
dition of the children.
we find from the testimony given
that:
There Is a general feeling of
discomfort and restlessness among the
children.
"2-Hours for retiring for most
children too early.
Supper served at 4:30 p. m,
making too long hours between the
evening meal and breakfast the next
morning.
''4-No special hours for recreation
work.
-5-The cook competent but over
burdened with her duties.
"6-Severe punishment inflicted up
on the children by assistant matron
and farmer.
In view of the above, we recon-
mend:
THAT modified form of self
government be installed as soon as
possible for children over eight years
of age-one for girls and one for the
boys. That there be a ban on cor
poral punishment. of all kinds and
that if self-government rules be en-
ployed. punishment be carried out by
government be installed as soon as
the governing officers under the sup
ervision of the superintendent.
"2-That n director of athletic ac-
tivities be secured and that regular
hours for recreation be set aside
g. That some though be given to
general uplift of the children and more
thought to their amusements and
social needs.
"4-That patronesses be invited to
take over responsibility Of simple en-
tertainment for small groups of the
children and to take special interest
in their happiness culture, etc.
THAT there be an increased va
riety of food with more fresh vegeta-
bles. fruit and sweets; that food sup
plies be unlimited. except In cases
where any special article of food
would be injurious when INDUCED In
too freely.
"6-That some person prepare well
balanced menus for each week; that
the same be not used two weeks in
succession; that menus be prepared a
week in advance and posted In the
kitchen and a copy sent to the board.
I'VE recommend that the cook
be given another assistant
'S-That the home physician be
asked to make weekly visits to the
home to get the general condition OF
the health of the inmates and that he
make a written report on each visit
to the board.
"9-That dinner be the evening meal
and served at $50.
"10-That we disapproye and pro-
test against any child being sent to
bed without his or her supper as a
means of punishment.
"11-That the government, care
advice, counsel, amusements, ETC.. ol
the girls be left. entirely Ii some
kindly disposed woman in the institu
tion, she to be named by the board.
I'VE congratulate the State OF Ne.
vada upon the willingness to provide
ample means for the care and support
!. of its helpless and dependent chill
dren, and appreciate the splendit
, equipment provided for their comfor
and amusement