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Transcribed by Candi Horton, 2007 ©
Genealogy Trails History Group.
This almshouse was designed and drawn by Louis Dwight,
Secretary of the Prison Discipline Society and G. J. F. Bryant,
architect. The plans have been so highly approved, that they have been
adopted in the enlargement of the State Prison in Charlestown, in the new
Almshouse, in Cambridge, the Prison at Dedham, for the County of Norfolk
and the new jail in Concord, N .H..
Almshouse Reports
Of the 220 almshouses reported in the foregoing tables the
majority have been visited during the year which this report covers; and
several towns which do not maintain almshouses have also been visited by
direction of the Inspector of Charities. The object of these visits has
usually been to ascertain the condition of the insane persona and children
maintained by the different cities and towns, at their alms houses or in
private families; but advantage was taken of the opportunity thus afforded
to inspect the sanitary condition and general management of the
almshouses. The Visitor in most cases was a woman, who has exercised the
experience gained in domestic life for testing the housekeeping of these
establishments. Many of them have not met this test very well; and the
publication of a brief and frank report of what was observed will probably
be useful to the town authorities in improving the condition of their
poor.
The new law of 1887, allowing the
State Board to make provision for placing almshouse children in families
when the cities neglected this duty, has been enforced by the Board, and
has led to a considerable reduction in the number of children residing in
the local almshouses. This result only began to appear in the summer and
autumn, and therefore is only occasionally mentioned in the following
reports of almshouse visitation. It was found, as might have been
expected, but apparently against the expectation of some Overseers, that
there is little difficulty in placing children from almshouses in
families, where the cost of maintaining them is actually less than it was
in the almshouse. Three or four small town almshouses have been condemned
as unfit to occupy, or as not needed because the number of paupers in town
was so small, and have been abandoned during the past year. The most
striking example of this is in the town of Prescott, where the unfortunate
circumstances preceding the death of an insane inmate (Mrs. Joseph
Lindsey), who ought not to have been kept in such an establishment, led
the town to offer its almshouse and farm for sale. Several new almshouses
have been occupied or built during the year, and others have been
noticeably improved. The last is true of the Lowell almshouse, which is
still, however, in a very unsatisfactory condition, by reason of the
mingling of so many classes of occupants in one set of
buildings.
SUFFOLK COUNTY.
This, which is the largest county in
Massachusetts, with a population exceeding that of several of the smaller
States, has in some respects a very complete, and in others a very
imperfect, system of management for its sane and insane poor. The city of
Boston has five or six almshouses, including the new one at Long Island,
and the Austin Farm establishment, which is still in law an almshouse,
although in fact an asylum for the chronic insane; but neither the city of
Chelsea nor the small towns of Revere and Winthrop have any almshouse.
Moreover, the care of the poor in Boston itself has long been divided
between two boards, the ancient Overseers of the Poor, who have existed
under that name for more than two centuries, and the Directors for Public
Institutions of the city of Boston, a board created by legislative act
about thirty years ago. Disputes have sometimes arisen between these two
boards in regard to jurisdiction over particular cases, or the policy to
be pursued concerning full support at certain seasons of the year; and it
has frequently been declared that the city expenditure is greater than it
would need to be if the whole pauper management were in a single board, or
if it were differently divided. It is now proposed by the Boston
authorities to ask the Legislature to abolish the Board of Directors, and
establish a smaller board of paid commissioners to manage the present
establishments on the islands, at Roxbury and South Boston, and at Austin
Farm. This would still leave the Suffolk Jail under an independent
management, and would make no provision for the poor of Chelsea and the
smaller towns. It might be well, therefore, for the Legislature to
consider the propriety of creating a county board for the whole of Suffolk
County, in which the cities and towns should all be represented, and which
should be free, so far as practicable, from political influence, both in
its original appointment and in its management of the large revenues
devoted in Suffolk County to the relief and support of the
poor.
Reports of Almshouse
Visitations The following abstracts
of reports made by the Visitors in the Inspector's department omit, in
most cases, the names of almshouse inmates, but not the names of
Superintendents of the almshouses inspected. It is not intended to present
reports of all the visitations, but mainly of such as an illustrate the
general character of the almshouses in the different counties, or else
show a special condition, good or bad, in certain almshouses.
Listed by
Cities
A through
K
L through
Z
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ABINGTON -
Plymouth County -(Mrs. S. M. BROWN). The almshouse of Abington, visited June 29, 1887, is about half
a mile from the railroad station, on a hill near the main road. The house
is of wood, painted yellow, without blinds; is out of repair and does not
have in the least a home look. For several years the town has adopted the
plan of allowing the superintendent $2.50 per week for each inmate, and
the use of the farm and house. The water supply is good, but the drainage
flows on the top of the ground near the house. There is a kitchen which is
used as a dining-room, a large pantry and a wash-room; near these and
adjoining these rooms are three bed-rooms. On this same floor are two
sitting-rooms for the officers. On the second floor are seven
sleeping-rooms ; two in the attic are not in use. The bedsteads are old,
of wood, and abound with vermin. The matron says that it is impossible to
get rid of them. With this exception, the house was passably clean. It is
heated by stoves, although there is a furnace in the building, the woman
saying that she can "run the house" more economically with stoves. There
is a great temptation to cheapen the living and economize in all
directions, possibly sometimes at the expense of absolute necessities, by
this plan of boarding the poor. The superintendent, Columbus Alger, has
been here two years. Of the inmates, four are men and one a woman ; none
are insane or idiotic.
ACTON.
(Visited June 10, 1898.) There have
been no changes at this almshouse since the last report. The house is
clean and well managed, but there is urgent need of better bathing
arrangements. The farm is quite productive, and vegetables, milk,
etc., to the amount of $1,300, were sold last year. There are three
inmates, one of whom is insane and one idiotic. The house provides for no
separation of the sexes. The warden and matron together receive a salary
of $325.
ACUSHNET. (Visited
September H, 1898.) This town no
longer maintains an almshouse, but boards its dependents in private
families.
ADAMS -Berkshire
County (H. C. PRENTISS) The almshouse
of Adams was visited July 21, 1887, and the superintendent, M. J.
Wheelock, and his wife the matron were both at home. The condition of the
place is good, and not essentially different from what it was found by the
Inspector a year ago. The situation is pleasant; the families entirely on
the Hoosac mountain slope, and seem to be of very good quality. Both house
and are efficiently managed. It was stormy weather, and all the inmates
but one were found in the shelter of the two buildings where they room;
the women in the main house, the men in the detached building. None of the
men had anything to do, hut two or three of the women were helping about
the house, and one was ironing. Tin- rooms were reasonably clean and
orderly; the inmates as a rule take care of their own, with the usual
result that those of the men were in poorer condition than the others.
There are thirteen paupers here, five men, four women, three hoys and
one girl. None of these are insane, only two or three are able-bodied. The
list is as follows :
A. M., 78;
feeble. (His wife Betsey died here last winter.) H. R., 76; palsied,
as a consequence of intemperance. M. H., 61; a good worker. M. L.,
56; who has lost both his arms and his sight, and is otherwise disfigured
by an explosion in a quarry, but is corpulent and contented, though
helpless. Z. C., 81; said to have been a preacher of " Millcrism."
E. J., 81; (she has been called S.) whose husband, F., left within the
past year. B. R., 57; (who insists that her name is A.). E. M., 36;
a deserted wife, who has here two children, W., 7; and Jessie, 4. J. M.,
11. F. E., 6.
All of whom were
here a year ago, and M. F., a middle-aged woman who came recently. The
children seem very well eared for, attending school when it keeps, but the
new law has moved the Overseers to find places for them in families. Mrs.
M., who seems poorly, much dislikes this prospect of separation from her
children. It may possible stimulate her to self-support outside The
sanitary arrangements of the almshouse are suitable ; drainage is almost
necessarily good, the waste water passing underground on each side of the
house; and being discharged upon the sloping fields below the highway.
There is now an abundance of good spring water flowing to the house from
its sources up the hillside. Separate privies are provided for the men and
women, and are suitably cared for. The place is quite healthy. The
establishment as a whole is satisfactory, quite equal to most of the
country almshouses.
ADAMS.
(Visited July 22, 1898.) This
almshouse was undergoing quite extensive repairs at time of the
inspection, the town having appropriated $3,000 for the purpose. An
addition for the use of the warden and his family, as well as more
commodious and satisfactory accommodations for the inmates, will be
provided. The objectionable arrangement whereby the warden received $2.50
per week for the support of each inmate has been done away with, and a
salary of $750 is now paid the warden and matron. There are eleven
inmates, one of whom is epileptic and two are children. There is complete
separation of the sexes at night.
AGAWAM. (Visited July 19, 1898.)
The management of this almshouse is
good, but the house is still in need of the improvements suggested in last
year's report, namely, better provision for the separation of the sexes,
and a bath-room. The kitchen drainage is defective, but might be remedied
at small cost. The old wooden bedsteads should be replaced by iron ones,
in order to insure cleanliness. The farm is small, providing only
sufficient vegetables for the use of the house. There are six inmates, one
of whom is insane. The warden and matron receive a salary of $275.
AHESBURT. (Visited April 27,
1898.) As reported last year, this
house is defective in structure, but under good management. It is proposed
to add a bath-room, a much needed improvement. The heating arrangements
are still inadequate, though somewhat improved since last year. The sexes
are separated at night. There are twelve inmates, three of whom are insane
and one is idiotic. The warden and matron receive a salary of $500.
AMHERST. (Visited August 22,
1898.) This almshouse was found in
better condition than last year. A bath-room, and provision for the
separation of the sexes, are still needed. The management is good, and the
inmates are kindly treated. The farm contains 150 acres, about one-third
of which ia tilled. There are three inmates, one of whom is idiotic. The
warden and matron receive a salary of $400.
ANDOVER. (Visited February 18, 1898.)
The management of this almshouse
continues excellent. There is complete separation of the sexes except at
meals. The farm contains 75 acres, 30 of which are under cultivation.
There are twenty-five inmates, six of whom are insane and five idiotic,
and two are children. The warden and matron receive a salary of $700.
ARLINGTON. (Visited September 7,
1898 ) This almshouse is under good
management and in good repair. A hospital room and another bath-room are
still needed. There is no separation of the sexes. There are five inmates,
one of whom is feeble-minded. The matron receives a salary of $360.
ASHBT. (Visited June 13,
1898.) This almshouse is old, in poor
repair, and lacking in modern conveniences. Painting and papering are
needed, and the old wooden bedsteads should be replaced by iron ones.
There is no provision for separation of the sexes. A large part of the
products of the farm is used for the inmates, about fifty of the one
hundred and seventy-five acres being tilled. The income from the farm last
year was $1,016. There are seven inmates, of whom two are insane and
two idiotic. The warden and matron receive $400 per year.
ASHBURNHAM. (Visited August 29,
1898.) The management here is good,
but the heating and bathing arrangements are poor. The cellar is damp, and
needs draining. There is complete separation of the sexes at night, but
none by day. About fifty of the two hundred acres are cultivated. There
are twelve inmates, three of whom are idiotic, and three are children. The
warden and matron receive a salary of $500.
ASHFIELD. (Visited September 14,. 1898.)
Excellent management is found at this
almshouse. Praise is due the matron for the satisfactory condition of the
bed and person of one helpless inmate. Separation of the sexes is observed
at night, but not by day. A bath-room is needed. There are three inmates,
one of whom is idiotic and epileptic, and one demented. The warden and
matron receive a salary of $300.
ASHLAND. (Visited April 22, 1898.)
This almshouse was not found in as
clean a condition as desirable. Better bathing and heating facilities are
needed. There is separation of the sexes at night, but none by day. About
forty- five acres of the one hundred twenty are under cultivation, and the
income from the farm last year was $2,105. There are six inmates, of whom
one is insane and two are idiotic. The warden and matron receive $500 for
their services.
ATHOL.
(Visited August 22, 1898.) This
almshouse, under new management, was found neat and clean, but it is
poorly arranged and furnished. There is complete separation of the sexes
at night, but none at meals or by day. The farm contains seventy-five
acres, about twenty-five of which are tilled. There are ten inmates, three
of whom are insane and one is idiotic and epileptic. The warden and matron
receive a salary of $350.
ATTLEBOROUGH . (Visited April 18,1898.)
Although well managed, this almshouse
is not a credit to the town. It is old, and not suited for its present
use, and it has neither proper bathing facilities nor suitable heating
apparatus. There is no separation of the sexes. There are five inmates,
three of whom are idiotic and two are children. The warden receives a
salary of $400.
AYER. (Visited
June 7, 1898.) This almshouse was
found clean and orderly throughout. Since the last report a bath-tub has
been placed in the house. Flush water-closets in place of the old privy
vaults would be a great improvement. Better heating arrangements are
needed. The structural arrangement provides for complete separation of the
sexes at night. About twenty of the sixty acres are tilled, the income
from the farm last year having been $600. There are at present five male
inmates, one of whom is insane, and three are idiotic. The warden receives
a salary of $650.
BARNSTABLE
(visited by Mrs. S. M. BROWN) This
almshouse, visited July 19, 1887, at West Barnstable, is one-quarter of a
mile from the railroad station, quite old, shingled on all sides, has
blinds on the front only, and is two stories in height. The town officers
have the room on the right as you enter the house, where they meet either
as Selectmen or Assessors, and for any other official business. At present
the assessors are there every day, and will be for a month, to make up the
tax list. In the --ll of the house on the first floor are six
sleeping-rooms occupied by the men. These are of good size, furnished with
iron bedsteads and with straw and feather beds, all in good condition. The
women have the second story, where are eight sleeping-rooms also furnished
with good beds and bedding; these with two exceptions were in excellent
condition. One of these is occupied by an old lady who is very filthy, and
the room is intolerable; the other by an insane woman, who would not be
persuaded to open her door. The inmates have a large dining-room or the
kitchen, as all the cooking is done here upon a range, and also a
sitting-room downstairs. All these rooms I found in satisfactory
condition. The drainage is good, and the water supply is from wells. The
superintendent, James Arey, has been in charge five years; salary $350. Of
the ten inmates five are men and five are women; one woman is insane, and
one man and three women are idiotic. I saw them all. The oldest is a man
of 77 and there are three women of 72, 73 and 74; two men of 64 and 68; a
man (idiotic) of 49 ; another (epileptic) of 27 and two idiotic women of
26 and 34.
BARNSTABLE. (Visited
September 20, 1898.) This almshouse,
as usual, was found neat and clean, and under satisfactory management. The
practice of lodging tramps in the house still exists, and should be
abandoned. There is urgent need of at least one bath-room in a house where
fifteen people live. There is complete separation of the sexes by night,
but none at meals or by day. Three of the inmates are insane and three are
idiotic. The warden and matron receive a salary of
$400.
BARRE. (Visited June 4,
1898.) Although the management of
this almshouse is good, the condition of the sewerage and the
water-closets is to be condemned. New and more suitably placed closets
should be built, and the cellar should be drained. A better arrangement
should be made for the care of the insane inmates. There is complete
separation of the sexes. There are four inmates, of whom one is insane and
one is idiotic. The warden and matron receive a salary of $500. The town
boards one of its insane poor in a private family, where she receives good
care. The sum of $2 per week is paid for her board.
BECKET. (Visited July 23,
1898.) Three dependents of this town,
a mother and two daughters, are supported in a private family, at a cost
of $110 per year for all. Arrangements have been made with the Overseers
of the Poor for a different and better disposition of these cases, which
are all feeble-minded.
BEDFORD. (Visited February 9, 1898.)
This almshouse is under the same
efficient management as last year, and was found in a neat and clean
condition. Better heating facilities, a bath-room, and some repairs are
much needed. Of the one hundred and eighteen acres of land about
twenty-five are under cultivation, the income from the farm last year
having been $1,800. There is no separation of the sexes, or of the sane
from the insane. There are eight inmates, of whom four are insane or
idiotic. The warden and matron receive a salary of $500.
BELCHERTOWN. (Visited June 3,
1898.) With the exception of its poor
heating and bathing facilities, this house was found in a satisfactory
condition. A new creamery has been built, and some minor but important
repairs have been made. A building for tramps has also been erected,
detached from the main house. The management is good and the house is
clean. There is no provision for separation of the sexes, or of the sane
from the insane. About one-third of the one hundred and seventy acres is
under cultivation. There are seven inmates, of whom two are insane,
and one is idiotic. The warden and matron receive a salary of $400.
BELLINGHAM. (Visited September 1,
1898.) The management of this
almshouse continues good, but the building is poorly arranged and
equipped. The bath-tub should be supplied with hot and cold water, and the
house should not be heated by stoves. There is complete separation of the
sexes by night, but none by day. There are nine inmates, three of whom are
insane, and one is idiotic. The warden and matron receive $500 for their
services.
BERKLEY. (Visited
February 15, 1898.) No inmates were
found at this almshouse, although it is kept open. The warden and matron
receive a salary of $200.
BERLIN.
(Visited July 8,1898.) This town,
having no almshouse, supports three of its demented poor in private
families, where they receive good care.
BEVERLY. (Visited March 2, 1898.)
This almshouse is poorly arranged,
and the rooms are small and not as attractive as they could be made by a
generous use of paintand whitewash. The management is good, but more hired
help should be employed in-doors. There is complete separation of the
sexes. As twenty-two of the thirty inmates are mentally defective, they
need more careful supervision than they now receive, and provision should
be made for their separation from the sane inmates. The warden receives
$500 for his services.
BILLERICA.
(Visited June 6,1898.) This almshouse
was found clean and well managed, but lacking in proper heating and
bathing facilities. There is suitable separation of the sexes by night,
but not by day. The farm contains one hundred acres, fifty of which are
cultivated, the income from the farm last year being $2,624. There are
eight inmates, two of whom are insane, and one idiotic. The warden
receives a salary of $504.
BLACKSTONE. (Visited May 18, 1898.)
This almshouse is in the same
condition as before reported, fairly well managed and in fair repair, but
lacking in provision for proper separation of the sexes, and of the sane
from the insane. With the exception of the cellar drainage, no repairs of
note have been made. Ninety-five of the one hundred and ninety-six acres
of land are under cultivation, the products from which yielded $323 last
year. There are nineteen inmates, two of whom are insane. The warden and
matron receive a salary of $450.
BOLTON. (Visited July 8, 1898.)
There have been no repairs of note at
this almshouse for some years, and the place is unfit for its present use.
Better heating and bathing facilities should be supplied. The rooms are
poorly furnished and cheerless, but the management is as good as can be
expected, and the house clean and neat. The drainage is in a bad
condition, and may cause trouble unless it receives attention. There is no
separation of the sexes. There are six inmates, of whom one is insane, and
three are idiotic. The warden receives a salary of
$300.
Mrs. S. M. Brown visit
began with the old Charlestown Almshouse, March 7, 1887, where the
superintendent, because she had no pass from the Directors, was unwilling
to give her access to the rooms and to furnish information. Her report is
as follows :
The almshouse of
Charlestown is located on Alford Street, as you pass over the bridge to
Everett. It is a large brick building of four stories, and has two wings.
This house has been built a great many years and needs repairing. It is
over-crowded, several of the rooms having five or six beds in them. The
attic has the past year been finished and accommodates about forty
persons. There were present on the day of my visit 213 inmates, of whom 43
were men and 170 women; and of these women, 12 appeared to be insane, but
quiet. The inmates generally sleep on iron bedsteads with straw beds, and
I found both beds and bedding generally in good condition. The house
throughout was neat and in good order, and the inmates seemed to be well
fed and properly cared for. Repairs and improvements have been made in the
old building and some of these were not completed. There are now five
bath-rooms for the inmates, where formerly there was but one; and cooking
by steam has been introduced during the past year. It will be observed
that most of the inmates here as at Austin Farm, when I visited there, are
women; and this classification by sex is one of the features of the Boston
almshouses. The Charlestown almshouse, however, still retains the pauper
men who were there many years ago, although the number has not been
increased as that of the women has. There is an entire separation of the
sexes, and the house is under strict and competent management.
CHARLESTOWN. - Boston- (Visited
April 8, 1898.) This almshouse was
found under the same management, and in a very satisfactory condition. No
changes in structure have been, made, though some may be necessary in the
near future. There are one hundred and twenty-five inmates, all apparently
receiving the best of care.
BOXFORD. (Visited September 8, 1898.)
This place is under the same
inefficient management reported last year, being dirty and disorderly
throughout. A bathroom, supplied with hot and cold water, and a flush
water-closet have been added since the last report. The use of paint and
whitewash, and good housekeeping would make this almshouse an attractive
place. There is no provision for the separation of the sexes. There is but
one inmate, an epileptic. The warden and matron receive a salary of $450.
BOYLSTON. (Visited May 24, 1898.)
This almshouse was found under good
management. Since the previous visit the interior of the house has been
renovated by the use of paint and whitewash, and is now clean and
attractive. It is hoped that the need of a bath-room and better bathing
facilities will be realized in the near future, and the necessary changes
made as soon as possible. The house provides for no separation of the
sexes. There are four inmates, two of whom are mentally defective. The
warden receives a salary of $400.
BRAINTREE. (Visited April 7, 1898.)
The management of this almshouse
remains the same, and no changes are reported. The practice of lodging
tramps in the main house still exists, and should be tolerated no longer.
There is complete separation of the sexes by day and by night, but none at
meals. There is no separation of the insane from the sane. There are
eleven inmates, one of whom is insane, and three are idiotic. The warden
and matron receive a salary of $480.
BREWSTER (Mrs. S. M. BROWN) The almshouse of Brewster, visited July 27, 1887. is one mile
from the village of Brewster, is a wooden house of one story with an ell
which has two stories, and is in good repair. The superintendent, Elkanah
Rogers, came May 1st, 1887; salary $260. The management is good, and one
of the selectmen said the town was fortunate in procuring the present
superintendent and his wife to care for the poor. There are no facilities
for bathing. On the first floor are five bed-rooms, a dining-room, used
also as a sitting-room, a kitchen and pantry; and there are eight rooms on
the second floor. The sleeping-rooms are provided with wooden bedsteads
with straw and feather beds, and have clean and comfortable bedding. The
drainage is good and the water supply, which is from wells and a cistern.
Of the seven inmates three are men, two are women and two boys ; one man
and one woman and one boy are idiotic. Three of the inmates were away, one
of them painting in the village, and two were in the pasture picking
berries. The list is as follows
:
C. E. B., 60; partially paralyzed, but is
able to earn a little money painting. L. L., 30; a cripple, cannot
walk, knits edging which he sells. F. P. M., 30; idiotic, sometimes
works for people away from the almshouse. W. S., 13; simple-minded, but
attends school. C. S., 12; (I called the attention of Mr. Foster, one
of the selectmen, to this case, but he thought the boy was not bright
enough to board out; the matron calls him a smart boy. Polly M., 53;
able to work, simple. M. M., 31; idiotic daughter of
Polly.
BREWSTER. (Visited August
3,1898.) Good management was found at
this almshouse. Better heating and bathing facilities are still greatly
needed. There is partial separation of the sexes at night, but none by
day; there is no separation of the insane from the sane. There are twelve
inmates, of whom one is insane and five are idiotic. The matron receives a
salary of $300.
BRIDGE WATER.
(Visited September 22, 1898.) The
almshouse here, although old, remains under good manage ment, and is neat
and clean. Some minor repairs have been made, but many more are needed.
Two new water-closets should take the place of the present one, which is
in bad condition. There is no separation of the sexes. There are twelve
inmates, three of whom are insane, and one is epileptic and idiotic. The
warden and matron receive $300 a year for their services.
BRIMFIELD. (Visited June 2 and
July 9, 1898.) New and improved
management was found at this almshouse. Inside, the house is badly out of
repair, poorly furnished, and cheerless. There are no bathing facilities,
and no means for the separation of the sexes or of the insane from the
sane. There are seven inmates, two of whom are insane ; one of the latter,
a blind and demented man, is to be committed to a hospital for the insane.
BROCKTON - Plymouth County - (Mrs.
S. M. BROWN). The almshouse of
Brockton is about one and one-half miles from the railroad station. It was
built in 1883, at a cost of $12,000; is of wood and has two stories,
besides a basement. The superintendent occupies the central portion, the
inmate men have the north wing, and the women the south wing. The basement
has a kitchen, laundry, and smoking-rooms, besides pantries, boiler room
and vegetable- cellar. On the first floor on the left is the office, while
on the right is the dining-room for the superintendent; in the rear of the
hall is the dining-room for the inmates; and on the right of this
dining-room are five sleeping-rooms for men, a bathroom, water-closets,
and padded rooms for refractory persons or those determined to injure
themselves. On the south side are six sleeping-rooms (one having two
beds), water-closets and a bathroom. The second story has five bed-rooms,
one padded room and water-closets, while the north side has six
sleeping-rooms and water-closets for the men. The attic has a large
hospital-room with four neat beds, pictures on the walls, and every way
pleasant. The hall doors were locked, yet the men could from their own
side of the house pass down into the yard when they chose. Four women were
locked in their rooms, and one was in the padded room, who refuses to wear
anything, and tears her bedding and clothing. The fourteen insane were
very quiet, except one, who was noisy, singing and screaming; and with
three exceptions they were neatly clothed and comfortable. All but one
were idle; this one was sewing. The house is heated by steam. The water
comes from wells, and by a windmill is forced into a tank, whence it is
distributed through the house. The bedsteads are iron, furnished, some
with straw and some with feather beds, all clean and free from vermin. The
food is taken by a dumb-waiter from the basement to each floor above, and
the house is very conveniently arranged. There is an old structure just
back of the main building containing twelve lodging rooms, but with the
exception of the hired man who sleeps here it is empty ; when necessary it
will be occupied. The old almshouse near by is used by C. D., his wife and
four children. The town gives him the rent of the house, fire-wood and
milk for family use, and pays him small wages; otherwise the family would
be in the almshouse. The superintendent, R. J. Peck, has been here five
years ; salary $700. The house, with the exception of the basement, was in
excellent order but the kitchen, laundry and smoking-rooms were in bad
condition. Of the 25 inmates 12 are men, 10 women and 3 children; 6 men
and 8 women are insane, and 1 is idiotic. I saw them all.
BROCKTON. (Visited June 2, 1898.)
As reported in previous years, the
management of this almshouse is most excellent, everything about the place
bearing evidence to the fact. The farm is well managed, yielding a
satisfactory income. There are thirty-one inmates, twelve of whom are
insane, five idiotic, and one is epileptic. The warden and matron receive
a salary of $1,500.
BROOKFIELD.
(Visited June 7, 1898.) The almshouse
remains under the same management. It is neat and clean, and the inmates
apparently receive good care. There is no separation of the sexes, or of
the insane from the sane. The farm of two hundred and ninety-seven acres
is partially cultivated, and yielded an income of $1,383 during the past
year. There are eight inmates, of whom one is insane, and one idiotic. The
warden and matron receive a salary of $400.
BROOKLINE. (Visited July 8, 1898.)
The management of this almshouse and
of the farm is excellent. The house is in good repair and was found neat
and clean, and the inmates receive kind treatment. There are eight
inmates; no insane are received.
BUCKLAND. (Visited September 14, 1898.)
A new almshouse is greatly needed in
this town, as the present one is hardly worth repairing. The management is
fairly good. The separation of the sexes at night is insecure, and there
is no separation during the day. There are eight inmates, of whom four are
insane. The warden and matron receive a salary of $420.
BURLINGTON. (Visited September 5,
1898.) This almshouse is under fairly
good management. It needs painting on the exterior, and repairs and
improvements inside. Both the heating and bathing facilities are
inadequate. There are four inmates, one of whom is feeble-minded. The
warden and matron receive a salary of $400.
CAMBRIDGE. (Visited March 25, 1898.)
As usual, this almshouse was found
under good management. There have been no changes during the year. A
larger house, built in accordance with modern plans, is needed. There is
complete separation of the sexes, and partial separation of the sane from
the insane. The inmates number one hundred and fourteen, twenty-six of
whom are insane or idiotic. The warden and matron receive a salary of
$1,500.
CANTON (H. C.
PHENTISS) This town, whose almshouse
has been in a disgraceful condition for some years and so reported by the
Inspector of Charities, has now built a new one, which, no doubt, will be
satisfactory when completed and furnished, which, however, will not be
before March next. The old almshouse when visited Dec. 30, 1887, had
seventeen inmates, ten men, four women, and three children ; one man is
insane. The new almshouse is on Walpole Street, a mile west of the
Junction station. The farm contains about forty acres, but of this not
over three acres are, at present, tilled, and the greater portion is
wooded. The establishment consists of a large farmhouse in good repair,
which is having an addition, two stories of wood, about thirty-two by
seventy-three feet. The farmhouse has a dozen sleeping rooms, and there
will be as many more in the addition. Steam heat is provided, and water
flows from a source on the farm into the second storyv. There are to be
two bathtubs in one bathroom on the second floor, with water-closets
attached ; the drainage seems well provided for. The house is nearly
finished within, the plastering being completed, but it is not likely that
it can be occupied before April, as the present appropriation, in all
$13,000, will not suffice for the building and furnishing. The work is not
in the hands of the Overseers.
CANTON. (Visited September 22, 1898.)
Excellent management prevails at this
almshouse, both within the house and on the farm. There is partial
separation of the sexes by day, and complete separation by night and at
meals, but there is no special provision for the insane. There are fifteen
inmates, two of whom are insane and two idiotic. The warden and matron
receive $500 for their services.
CARVER - Plymouth County - ( Mrs. S. M.
BROWN). The Carver Almshouse, visited
August 26, 1887, is about a mile from the village of Carver, and seven
miles from the Plympton station. It is an old, one-story building, so much
dilapidated as to be hardly worth repairing. The rooms are small,
inconvenient, poorly-ventilated, but numerous, six bed-rooms, two
sitting-rooms, a pantry and a kitchen. The furniture is old, and the beds
and bedding poor. The water supply is sufficient, but the drainage
unsatisfactory. The superintendent is a woman, Mrs. Shurtleff, here since
February, 1887 ; salary $5 per week. She makes no use of the farm, except
for a small vegetable garden. There were five inmates, four men, and one
woman who is blind ; all the men are old, one is a cripple, and one, W.
8., is insane but quiet.
CARVER. (Visited September 22, 1898.)
This almshouse has been opened for
the first time in eleven years. It was found under the excellent
management of a matron. The building has been renovated within, and
presents a pleasing and homelike appearance. The drainage needs attention,
and a pump connected with the well should be placed in the house. There is
no provision for separation of the sexes. There are four inmates, two of
whom are insane. The matron receives $5 per week for her
services.
CHARLEMONT. (Visited
September 15, 1898.) This town
supports one of its dependents, an insane woman, in a private family; $2
per week is paid for her board.
CHARLTON. (Visited June 8,1898.)
This almshouse was found clean and
orderly within. There is partial separation of the sexes at night and
during the day, but none at meals. There are eight inmates, two of whom
are insane, and one is idiotic. The warden receives $350 for his services.
CHATHAM (Mrs. S. M.
BROWN) The nearest railroad station to
Chatham is Harwich, ten miles away. The almshouse, visited July 27, is in
Chatham village. It is a large building of wood, two stories high, and in
pretty good repair. The management seems to be efficient, and the inmates
are well clothed and apparently kindly treated. Food is ample, and the
inmates are contented. On the first floor are a kitchen, seven bed-rooms
and a dining-room; this kitchen and two of the bed-rooms are for the
superintenclent's use. The second floor has ten sleeping-rooms. No
provision is made for bathing or for a separation of the sexes. Iron
bedsteads with straw and feather beds are furnished, which I found clean
and comfortable. The house is heated by a furnace, and the water is from a
cistern. The drainage is good. The superintendent, Charles R. Atwood. has
been in charge a year; salary $200. Of the seven inmates three are men,
three women and one a boy. I saw all of them but two, who were away. Of
this number none are insane or idiotic.
CHATHAM. (Visited August 3, 1898.)
This almshouse is well managed, and
clean. There is lack of provision for separating the sexes, and also of a
bath-room and proper heating facilities. No repairs have been made for
some years. There are seven inmates, of whom two are feeble-minded. The
warden receives a salary of $150.
CHELMSFORD. (Visited June 6, 1898.)
At this almshouse two well-equipped
bath-rooms and water- closets have been added since the last report, and
the house has been well renovated by the use of paint, paper, and
whitewash. A windmill is to be erected soon, which will furnish water for
the house. The management is good, but there is no provision for
separation of the sexes. There are seven inmates, four of whom are insane
or idiotic. The warden and matron receive a salary of $350.
CHESHIRE. (Visited July 19, 1898.)
This town supports two of its insane
dependents in private families, at a cost of $10 per month for each.
Although one of these houses was dirty, the patient living there reported
herself as satisfied.
CHESTERFIELD.
(Visited August 23, 1898.) This town
supports one of its idiotic dependents in a private family, at a cost of
$1.25 per week, where he apparently receives good care.
CHICOPEE. (Visited March 15,1898.)
During the year the sum of $1,500 has
been expended for repairs at this almshous'e, and much has been done to
improve its condition. A new wing, which will provide suitable separation
of the sexes, and relieve the over-crowded condition of the house, is
greatly needed. The housekeeping should be improved, and sufficient means
should be taken to exterminate the vermin, which abound. Only one of the
two bath-rooms is in use. There are fifty-one inmates, six of whom are
insane or idiotic. The warden and matron receive a salary of $650.
CLINTON. (Visited February 24,
1898.) This almshouse is fairly well
managed, but it was not found as clean as it should have been. No changes
have been made since the last report, except in management. There is
complete separation of the sexes by day and by night, although there is
none at meals. A small part of the farm is under cultivation. There are
twenty inmates, only one of whom is mentally defective. The warden
receives a salary of $700.
COHASSET. (Visited September 27,1898.)
No changes are reported at this
almshouse, and it is totally unfit for its present use. Owing to
structural defects, separation of the sexes, and of the sane from the
insane, cannot be secured. The place is well managed, and the inmates
receive good care. There are eight inmates, two of whom are insane and
three idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $600.
CONCORD. (Visited August 18, 1898.) Good
management and a general satisfactory condition of affairs were again
found at this almshouse. The one objectionable feature here is the lodging
of tramps in the house, a practice that should be discontinued. There
are six inmates, all sane. The warden and matron receive a salary of $480.
CONWAY. (Visited Angust 26, 1898.)
No repairs of note have been made at
this almshouse, although a few are about to be made. A bathroom supplied
with hot and cold water, and a safer method of heating the house, are
greatly needed. The practice of lodging tramps in the bed-chambers should
not be allowed. There is no separation of the sexes. There are six
inmates, of whom one is insane and one idiotic. The warden receives a
salary of $300.
CUMMINGTON.
(Visited May 27, 1898.) This town
supports a feeble-minded dependent in a family, where she is kindly
treated. The sum of $2 per week is paid for her board. Another dependent,
a weak-minded man, was seen August 23, 1898, in Worthington, where he is
boarded. He also receives satisfactory care.
DALTON. (Visited July 18, 1898.)
This town supports two feeble-minded
dependents in the families of relatives; in each case they receive
satisfactory care. The whole family to which one of these cases belongs
comes upon the town for support. The other case is boarded at a cost of
$10 per month.
DANA. (Visited
August 23, 1898.) As reported last
year, this house needs many improvements to make it a satisfactory
almshouse. No changes have been made during the year. The house is
scantily furnished, but was found in a clean and neat condition. There is
but one inmate, an insane woman, who has good care. The warden and matron
receive a salary of $200.
DANVERS.
(Visited October 10,1898.) Four of
the idiotic and insane dependents of this town are boarded in private
families, where they receive satisfactory care, at an average cost of $10
per month.
DARTMOUTH. (Visited
September 13, 1898.) As reported last
year, this almsbouse was found neat and clean, and under proper
management. No changes have been made. The greatest need now is a properly
equipped bath-room. There is complete separation of the sexes. There are
seven inmates, one of whom is idiotic. The farm of eighty acres is
partially cultivated. The warden and matron receive a salary of $400.
DEDHAM. (Visited March 11, 1898.)
This almshouse was found in excellent
condition, and under most efficient management. It is quite probable that
the almshouse will be sold in the near future, as it is in a part of old
Dedham now known as the town of Westwood. In this case it is probable that
Dedham will build a new almshouse within the town limits. Complete
separation of the sexes was found. There are eleven inmates, three of whom
are insane or idiotic.
DEERFIELD.
(Visited August 25, 1898.) As
reported last year, the cellar at this almshouse has poor ventilation and
bad drainage. That this condition should have been allowed to remain is
most discreditable. No changes of any kind have been made during the year,
though many are needed. A bath-room and a furnace are among the much
needed improvements. There are but two inmates, both insane women. The
warden receives a salary of $275.
DENNIS (Mrs. S. M. BROWN) The almshouse of Dennis, visited July 26,1887 is two miles from
the railroad station on a very lonely road, far from neighbors. The house
is large and with the outbuildings presents a very neat appearance, all of
them being painted or whitewashed. There are no bathing facilities. The
selectmen have a front room for town business, and here the town records
are kept, as well as all town accounts. The kitchen is used as the inmates
dining room. There are eleven sleeping rooms on the second floor with
straw and feather beds. These were clean and in good order; one room
occupied by an idiotic man was somewhat faulty, and the only exception.
This room has a barred window, and the occupant is locked in at night. The
establishment seems to be well-managed, and the inmates kindly treated.
The sewage matter from the kitchen and the rest of the house is carried
away in pails and emptied upon the land, for there is no drain. This
arrangement is objectionable. The superintendent, Barzillai Chase, has
been here three years ; salary $225. Of the inmates four are men and
two women ; one man is idiotic, one woman is insane. I did not see them
all, for two were away on a visit. One of these was the insane woman, M.
P., who is at times noisy. She is 76, and there are two men of 75 and 76,
and another of 57. The idiotic man, W. B., 23 years old, is an epileptic,
and needs restraint at times. He is then fastened by a chain attached to
his ankle in the corner of the dining-room, for he is apt to run away; is
troublesome, very noisy, etc.
DENNIS. (Visited August 3, 1898.)
The condition of this almshouse is
the same as reported last year, and it remains under good management. The
town authorities should not allow tramps to lodge in the house. There is
no provision for the separation of the sexes either by day or by night.
There are six inmates, two of whom are idiotic. The warden receives a
salary of $300.
DlGHTON. (Visited
February 15, 1898.) Excellent
management was found at this almshouse. The house needs better heating
apparatus and a bath-room. Though there are but three inmates, separation
of the sexes cannot be secured. The farm is small, and but little income
is realized from it. The warden receives a salary of $275.
DOUGLAS. (Visited June 9, 1898.)
Though this almshouse was found neat
and clean, it is not well equipped for its use. It needs better heating
and bathing facilities. No provision is afforded for separation of the
sexes. There are seven inmates, two of whom are idiotic. The warden and
matron receive a salary of $300. The town supports one of its dependents
with his mother, at a cost of $3 per week. He has every necessary
attention.
DRACUT. (Visited. March
9, 1898.) The appearance of this
almshouse has been improved, both outside and inside, by the use of paint
and whitewash. The management is satisfactory, and the inmates have the
appearance of being kindly treated. No provision for separation of the
sexes is made. There are at present but three inmates, one of whom is an
insane woman. The warden receives a salary of $400.
DUDLEY. (Visited June 9, 1898.)
This almshouse was cleaner and more
orderly than at the time of the previous inspection, though still better
management is desirable. No changes of note were found. There is no
provision for separating the sexes, or the sane from the insane. There are
six inmates, three of whom are insane or idiotic. The warden receives a
salary of $450.
DUXBURY. (Visited
September 28, 1898.) The management
of this almshouse is fairly satisfactory, but it is very poorly arranged.
The house was built only two years ago, yet it provides for no separation
of the sexes. There are five inmates, one of whom is insane.
EAST BRIDGEWATER. (Visited January
24, 1898.) This almshouse was found
in good condition, and under good management. About twenty-five of the
one hundred and thirty acres of land are under cultivation, and yielded a
small income last year. The sexes are completely separated, both by day
and by night. There are nine inmates, two being insane and three idiotic.
The warden and matron receive a salary of $425.
EASTHAM. (Visited August 4, 1898.)
Two of the dependents of this town
are boarded in private families. One is a feeble-minded woman, who is
boarded at a cost of $2 per week; the other is insane, and the sum of $4
per week in winter and $3 in summer is paid for her board.
EASTHAMPTON. (Visited August
29,1898.) As usual, this almshouse
was found in a clean and orderly condition. Little repairing has been done
upon the house, but the barns have been greatly altered and improved.
About one-half of the fifty-eight acres of the farm are under cultivation.
There is partial separation of the sexes by night, but none by day. There
are thirteen inmates, seven of whom are insane. The warden receives a
salary of $600. The town supports one of its insane dependents with her
sister, who receives $1 per week for her support.
EASTON. (Visited September 27, 1898.)
This almshouse was found under the
same management as when last visited, and was in a satisfactory condition.
No repairs have been made during the year. There is no separation of the
sexes, and none of the sane from the insane. The farm is well managed,
about fifty of the one hundred and fifty acres being tilled. The income
from the farm last year was $2,400. There are ten inmates, six being
insane or idiotic. The warden and matron receive a salary of
$500.
ENFIELD. (Visited June 30,
1898.) This town supports one of its
feeble-minded dependents in a private family in South Leverett, where she
has a good home, at a cost of $2 per week.
ERVING. (Visited June 29, 1898.)
One insane woman, a dependent of this
town, is supported in a private family in Montague, at a cost of $2 per
week.
ESSEX. (Visited June 22,
1898.) This almshouse was found under
the same good management as in former years, but little else can be said
in praise of it. As has been stated in previous reports, a new house is
greatly needed. There is partial separation of the sexes by day and by
night. There are eight inmates, seven of whom are mentally defective. The
warden receives a salary of $400.
FAIRHAVEN. (Visited September 13, 1898.)
This almshouse presents a pleasing
appearance on the outside, and cleanliness and order prevail inside. The
house is comfortably warmed, provides for the separation of the sexes, and
has excellent bathing facilities. The farm of fifteen acres yielded an
income of $275 last year. There are five inmates, two of whom are insane
and one is idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $400.
FALL RIVER. (Visited March 4,
1898.) As usual this place was found
in a satisfactory condition, being clean and orderly, and well managed.
The sexes are completely separated, but there is no separation of the sane
from the insane. At present there are one hundred and twenty inmates,
sixteen of whom are reported to be idiotic. The warden receives a salary
of $650 and the matron $350.
FALMOUTH. (Visited October 3, 1898.) The same
excellent management was again found at this almshouse, but the warden and
matron are soon to resign. Owing to the unwise economy of the Overseers of
the Poor, bathroom facilities are still lacking. The drainage is bad, and
needs immediate attention. There is no separation of the sexes. There are
seven inmates, four of whom are insane or idiotic. The warden and matron
receive a salary of $375.
FITCHBURG. (Visited May 11, 1898.)
Good management was found at this
almshouse. The exterior of the house has been painted, which much improves
its appearance. Improvements are to be made in the barn, and it will be
enlarged to twice its present size. About one-half of the eighty-nine
acres of land are under cultivation, and the products are used for the
inmates' table. There is complete separation of the sexes. The inmates
number seventy-four, of whom twenty-eight are insane or idiotic. The
warden receives a salary of $700.
FOXBOROUGH. (Visited March 28,1898.)
As before stated, this almshouse is
disgracefully out of repair, and entirely unfit for its present use. There
are but two inmates, both women. The warden and matron receive a salary of
$300.
FRAMINGHAM. (Visited April
22, 1898.) Good management was found
at this almshouse. No repairs have been made during the year, though many
are needed. The bath-tub, situated in the men's smoking room, is not fit
for use; and the water-closet, placed out of doors, is unsafe. There is no
separation of the sexes. There are sixteen inmates, four being insane. The
warden and matron receive a salary of $550.
FRANKLIN. (Visited September 1, 1898.)
The management here is excellent, but
the house is in great need of minor repairs. The bath-room, though well
supplied with hot and cold water, is poorly located in the basement. The
cellar needs better drainage and ventilation. There is no separation of
the sexes. The inmates number six, two being idiotic. The warden and
matron receive a salary of $450.
FREETOWN. (Visited February 15, 1898.)
Although under the same management as
when previously visited, this almshouse was found in a disorderly and
dirty condition. The house is entirely unfit for its present use, being
damp, poorly ventilated, and much out of repair. There is no separation of
the sexes. There are four inmates, all of whom are weak-minded. The warden
and matron receive a salary of $250.
GARDNER. (Visited August 24, 1898.)
Good management was again found at
this almshouse. No repairs have been made during the year. There is
satisfactory separation of the sexes, but none of the sane from the
insane. About fifty of the four hundred and fifty acres of land belonging
to the farm are under cultivation, and the income from them last year was
$1,119. There are sixteen inmates, five of whom are insane and two
idiotic. The warden and matron receive a salary of $500.
GEORGETOWN. (Visited April 21,
1898.) The management of this
almshouse is good, and the inmates are well cared for. Minor repairs have
been made, greatly adding to the attractiveness and comfort of the
interior. A bath-room is soon to be added, in the room now used by tramps,
and a few other repairs are to be made. There is complete separation of
the sexes by night, though there is none by day. There are ten inmates,
four of whom are insane or idiotic. The warden and matron receive a salary
of $300.
GLOUCESTER. (Visited
January 31, 1898.) The same excellent
management was found at this almshouse. The criticisms made last year
concerning the overcrowded condition of the house, its poor sanitary
conveniences and inadequate water supply, should be repeated, but with
greater emphasis. Thirty-three inmates were found here, ten being insane
or idiotic. All had the appearance of being kindly treated. The warden
receives a salary of $550.
GOSHEN.
(Visited May 26,1898.) One
feeble-minded woman is supported by this town. She is still boarded with
her son, at a cost of $2 per week.
GRAFTON. (Visited May 17,1898.)
New and good management was found at
this almshouse. Since the last visit, about twenty of the rooms used by
the inmates have been papered. Paint instead of paper should have been
used, and would have been found to be cleaner and more serviceable. There
is no separation of the sexes at night or by day. There are eighteen
inmates, three being insane. The warden receives $400 for his services.
The town supports one of its dependents, an insane woman, with her mother
in Worcester, the sum of $3 per week being paid for her board.
GREAT BARRINGTON (H. C.
PRENTISS) J. B. Chadwick, one of the Overseers of the Poor,
was seen July 20, 1887 at his house in the outskirts of the village, and
the condition and management of the town's poor were discussed. The poor
are now kept by contract with Orin Monson, who lives in a retired spot in
the western part of Monterey, and several miles away from Great Barrington
village, a distance much increased by the circuitous approach. As there
were no insane among them I did not deem it wise to take the time
necessary to reach them. The board of Overseers is distinct from the board
of selectmen, but the latter made the contract for the full support cases
at $1,050, while the relief cases were left in the Overseers' hands.
Considering that the average number fully supported outside of the
hospitals is less than five, the weekly rate under the contract is
above $4. So far as I could learn the poor at Mr. Monson's are well
enough cared for. They number five:
E. M., 34. B. O. B., C. D., 67. T. M.,
77. C. H., 11.
The hospital list of Great Barrington is large,
seven in number, all at Northampton Hospital, viz. X. C., 44. J.
T., 44. C. H., 27. L. C., 59. M. D., 43. R. B., 47. M. B.,
30.
The Overseers are understood
to favor the establishment of an almshouse. Such a step would be likely to
make the annual expenses of the poor at least no greater than now, and
insure more direct supervision of their management and
treatment.
GREAT BARRINGTON.
(Visited July 22, 1898.) This town
supports five of its insane dependents in private families, where they are
kindly treated.
GREENFIELD.
(Visited December 30,1897.) Although
the management of this almshouse is good, the house is not a credit to the
town. It lacks a bath-room and proper heating facilities; there is no
provision for the separation of the sexes ; and the cellar needs draining,
its floor being often covered with water, and at all times damp. There is
no reason why the necessary changes cannot be made. There are nine
inmates, five being insane or idiotic. The warden receives a salary of
$400.
GREENWICH. (Visited June 8,
1898.) This old building of one and
one-half stories, is poorly arranged and badly placed. It is kept clean
and neat, and the inmates receive good care. No repairs have been made for
years. Painting and whitewashing, and some new ceilings, are greatly
needed, and can well be afforded, the expenses for the last year having
been $300 less than for twenty-five years. There are two inmates, one of
whom is a deformed idiot. The warden and matron receive a salary of
$325.
GROTON. (Visited June
7,1898.) Good management was found at
this almshouse. The house is old, and much out of repair. The bedsteads
are for the most part of wood, and it is very difficult to keep them free
from vermin. There is complete separation of the sexes by night, but none
by day. There are ten inmates, five of whom are insane or idiotic. The
warden receives a salary of $550.
GROVELAND. (Visited April 21, 1898.)
Since the last visit to this
almshouse, a wing has been added, containing a bath-room, a sitting-room,
and Bve bed-rooms. The bath-tub is supplied with neither hot nor cold
water. Waterclosets are being built out of doors. The old part of the
house is greatly in need of repairs, and it is hoped that it will be
thoroughly painted and whitewashed. About $1,000 was realized last year
from the farm of ninety acres. There are four inmates, three of whom are
idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $300.
HADLET. (Visited August 20, 1898.)
Good management was found at this
almshouse. Repairs are needed inside, and better separation of the sexes
should be secured at night. An addition of some size has been made to the
barn. There are seven inmates, one of whom is insane, and one idiotic. The
warden and matron receive a salary of $400.
HANOVER. (Visited September 26, 1898.)
New and good management was found at
this almshouse. Since the last visit, an addition has been made, which
affords a smoking- room for the men and four bed-rooms. There is complete
separation of the sexes by day and by night, though there is none at
meals. A bath-room and better heating apparatus are much needed. There are
eight inmates, two of whom are insane. The warden and matron receive a
salary of $250.
HANSON. (Visited
September 26, 1898.) New and good
management was found at this almshouse. Many repairs must be made before
the house can be brought up to the proper standard. The condition of the
water-closets and of the kitchen drainage needs immediate attention. There
are six inmates, one being insane, and one idiotic. The warden and matron
receive a salary of $350.
HARD
WICK. (Visited June3, 1898.) No
changes have been made at this almshouse since the last visit. A bath-room
and better heating facilities are needed. The management is excellent,
both on the farm and in the house. There is no provision for separation of
the sexes. From the farm of one hundred and fifty acres of land about
$1,000 was realized last year. There are five inmates, one being insane,
and three idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $425.
HARVARD. (Visited July 8, 1898.)
This house was found in a clean and
satisfactory condition, and under new management. No repairs have been
made since the previous visit. As before urged, a bath-room and better
heating facilities should be added as soon as possible. Tramps should not
be tolerated in the main house. The house provides for no separation of
the sexes. There are at present only two feeble-minded women here. The
warden receives $350 for his services.
HARWICH (Mrs. S. M. BROWN) The almshouse of Harwich, visited July 27, 1887, is a mile from
the railroad station, is one and one-half stories, of wood, and has a
good-sized ell; the whole is painted white. Some of the rooms are now
being whitewashed and painted. It is kept in good repair, and the
housekeeping is excellent. The rooms were in good order, with one
exception, a room occupied by a woman who had here two illegitimate
children and a daughter, who is a Lancaster girl; and this daughter has
also an illegitimate child. This room with so many occupants was dirty and
foul. The men and women have separate sitting and dining rooms, and there
are eleven small bed-rooms on the first floor, besides six on the second
floor, and a lock-up. Some of the floors were nicely scrubbed, especially
on the men's side ; these are taken care of by one of the men. There is no
bathroom. The clothing of the adults was in fair order but the children
were dirty. The diet for the superintendent and the inmates is the same,
and is all that can be expected. The superintendent, Mark Allen, came Oct.
27, 1886 ; salary $250. Of the fifteen inmates six are men, five women and
four children; one woman is idiotic.
HARWICH. (Visited August 3, 1898.) This
almshouse was found in a neat and clean condition, and the inmates
apparently receive good care. A furnace is much needed, and should be
added as soon as possible. There is partial separation of the sexes during
the day, and complete separation at meals and at night. There are twelve
inmates, of whom one is insane, and four are idiotic. The warden receives
a salary of $250.
HAVERHILL.
(Visited September 21,1898.) This
almshouse is under excellent management, and in good repair. There is
complete separation of the sexes both by night and by day. The custom
still exists of keeping criminals here, a practice strongly to be
condemned. There are fifteen criminals, who are only partially separated
from the other inmates. There are also one hundred and twenty-five pauper
inmates, twenty-two of whom are either insane or idiotic. The warden
and matron receive a salary of $1,200.
HAWLEY. (Visited September 14, 1898.)
Although this almshouse is under good
management, and the inmates receive good care, little else can be said in
praise of the place. The building is old, and lacking in the conveniences
necessary to an almshouse. The few stoves in use are insufficient to keep
the house comfortable in winter. Better bathing arrangements are also
needed. There is no separation of the sexes. There are four inmates, one
being insane. The warden receives $285 per year for his services.
HINGHAM. (Visited September 27,
1898.) , The arrangement of this
almshouse is good, and the old and helpless inmates are kindly cared for.
A bath-room is greatly needed, and also a more convenient water supply.
All water has to be carried in pails from the well outside. No repairs
have been made since the last visit. At night the sexes are completely
separated, though they are allowed to mingle during the day. There are
nine inmates, two of whom are insane, and one is idiotic. The warden
receives a salary of $840.
HOLBROOK. (Visited September 27, 1898.)
One of the idiotic dependents of this
town is supported in the family of relatives, $3 per week being paid for
his board.
HOLDEN. (Visited
April 7, 1898.) New and better arrangements have been adopted by the
towns supporting poor in this almshouse. The town of Holden now
assumes the burden of the general expenses, and charges each town
for the support of its poor. Quite extensive improvements are
contemplated, and some are already in progress. Better heating
arrangements are needed. There is no provision for the separation of
the sexes, a serious fault. There are twenty-two inmates, of whom
eleven are mentally defective. The warden receives a salary of $600.
HOLLISTON.
(Visited September 21, 1898.) Cleanliness and order were found in this almshouse.
All inmates who are able are required to do some work. There is
complete separation of the sexes. There are eleven inmates, five of
whom are insane or idiotic. The warden and matron receive a salary
of $450.
HOLYOKE. (Visited March 15, 1898.)
It is
most unfortunate that the important structural changes that were
begun on this almshouse in 1896 are still incomplete. The sum of
$27,749 is to be expended in the improvements. Considerable
confusion was found at this visit throughout the house, and in fact
competent management has not existed here for some years. The
separation of the sexes is complete by day and by night, though only
partial separation is secured at meals. There are eighty-three
inmates, twenty-seven being reported as insane or idiotic. The
warden receives a salary of $45 a month, and the matron, $25.
HOPKINTON. (Visited April 22, 1898.)
Fairly good
management was found at this almshouse. Although paint, paper, and
whitewash have been used throughout the house, it still presents an
unattractive appearance inside. A more suitably placed bath-tub
should be furnished, as the one in the shed is seldom used.
Water-closets placed farther away from the house should be built,
the present ones being foul and entirely unfit for use. About fifty
of the one hundred and thirty-five acres of land are now under
cultivation, and the farm yielded an income of $1,400 last year.
There is no separation of the sexes, or of the insane from the sane.
There are eleven inmates, four of whom are insane or idiotic. The
warden receives a salary of $750.
HUDSON. (Visited July 9, 1898.)
A new and well
planned almshouse has been erected by this town since the last
report. It provides good accommodation for the superintendent's
family, and satisfactory separation of the sexes. The house is well
heated by steam and there are two bathrooms. An excellent new barn
has also been built. There are eight inmates, two being insane. The
warden receives a salary of $500.
IPSWICH. (Visited April 27, 1898.)
This almshouse
is clean and well kept, but considerable renovation is needed
inside. The old wooden bedsteads should be replaced by iron ones.
Bathing is well attended to, and the inmates appear to receive good
care. There is complete separation of the sexes by day and by night,
but there is none during meals. There are seventeen inmates, ten
being insane or idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $600.
KINGSTON.
(Visited September 28,1898.) One of the feeble-minded dependents
of this town is well cared for in the family of a relative, $5 per
week being paid for her support.
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Cities L
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LANCASTER. (Visited February 24,
1898.) Excellent management and a generally satisfactory
condition were found at this almshouse. No changes have been made
during the year. Of the eighty acres of land about fifty-five are
tilled, and last year the income from the farm was $1,633. There are
sixteen inmates, two being insane, and five idiotic. The warden
receives a salary of $600.
LAWRENCE. (Visited April 26, 1898.)
This almshouse,
still in an unfinished condition, was found under new management. It
was thought that the new building would be ready for occupancy by
October, 1897, but at this visit it was found unfinished. A large
sum of money has been expended, resulting in a badly planned,
incommodious building, in which administration will be seriously
handicapped by the poor structural arrangement. The management is
not so good as is to be looked for in an almshouse of this size.
There are one hundred and eighty-six inmates, fifty-three of whom
are insane. The warden receives a salary of $700, and the matron
$300.
LEE (H.
C. PIIENTISS) . I visited the Lee almshouse about 8 A. M., July 19,
1887. The superintendent, H. J. Perry, was absent at his usual work
on the highways, with one of the male paupers. There is but little
land attached to the almshouse, and therefore little out-door work
is required. Mr. Perry, who came in 1886, receives $450 a year.
Besides working on the roads he cultivates some rented land to
secure farm supplies for the almshouse. His wife, with the aid of a
domestic whose wages they pay, does most of the in-door work, which
seems fairly well done. The house is old and inconvenient, a
farm-house of a story and a half, looking westward, with an ell in
the rear, two stories high above a basement story. Room is found in
the main house for the women paupers; the men lodge in the ell,
where two men sleep in a chamber of the second story fitted with two
beds, and six men lodge in the large basement room where there are
four beds. The upper rooms are comfortable enough; the basement can
hardly be a suitable place for old men, rheumatic and otherwise
infirm. The floor of this room is but a few inches above the cellar
bottom, which was stated to be very damp at times from the
overflowing of surface water The inmates complained of dampness, yet
the floor seemed quite dry, and the door and two windows open upon
the sunny side of the house. Before this door the old men lounge
away the time. Arrangements are being made for raising the roof of
the main house, by which alteration six new rooms will he secured.
These are to be for women only. Possibly better sleeping room will
be made for the men also, so that the basement may become a day-room
only. The town has appropriated $1.000 for this. The drainage and
water-closets are not objectionable. Drinking water is obtained from
a well suitably located, and a large underground cistern supplied
with rain water from the roofs serves for other uses. There were ten
inmates on the almshouse list, eight men and two women ; among them
one insane woman and three idiotic men, as follows :
J. F.,
65; idiotic, but capable of some work at the barn, where he was
seen. C. K., 40; idiotic and irritable, the result of an old
injury, well able to work under supervision, and to-day off with the
superintendent. W. B., 30; idiotic and sometimes destructive,
tearing and breaking articles, and filthy in his habits. K. C.,
44; a woman mildly insane, and industrious, but never at a hospital,
so far as known.
The sane inmates are :
J. S., 82; a
rheumatic old man rather disposed to grumble, and unable to do much
else. T. M., 74; too feeble to wait on himself. J. K., 74 ;
pretty well, and able to do chores. W. R., 82; an intemperate
man, now weakened in mind by age and bad habits. C. B., 69; a
bachelor, who owns a small farm some miles away, which he goes to
till, taking provisions from the almshouse and staying away for
days. M. C., 86; well, and industrious at knitting and sewing;
annt of J. F., before mentioned. Excepting C. B., all these
paupers have been inmates for years; all but B. and K. were seen
to-day. The cost of support at the almshouse is quite high, as
might be expected from the smallness of the farm, and the general
inefficiency of the inmates, reaching $3.80 per week for the past
year. In this state of things there can be no inducement to
remove.
LEE.
(Visited July 22, 1898.) Fairly good management was found at this almshouse.
Since the last visit a bath-room, supplied with hot and cold water,
has been added. The house is small and poorly arranged for its use,
though separation of the sexes is secured at night and at meals.
There are six inmates, three of whom are insane, and two idiotic.
The warden receives a salary of $500.
LEICESTER. (Visited September 8,
1898.) New and
satisfactory management was found at this almshouse. Bathing is
regularly attended to, and the inmates had the appearance of being
kindly cared for. The structural arrangement is such that no
separation of the sexes can be secured. There are thirteen inmates,
nine of whom are insane or idiotic. The warden receives a salary of
$275.
LENOX.
(Visited July 19, 1898.) This town supports one of its insane dependents in the
family of relatives, where she receives kind care. The sum of $3 per
week is paid for her board.
LEOMINSTER. (Visited May 11, 1898.)
This almshouse
was found in good condition and under fairly good management.
Complete separation of the sexes is secured. Bathing is regularly
attended to, and the inmates are apparently well cared for. There
are ten inmates, five of whom are insane or idiotic. The warden
receives a salary of $700.
LEXINGTON. (Visited February 9, 1898.)
No changes of
note have been made at this almshouse since the last visit. The
management is fairly good, but the house is entirely unfit for its
use, and provides for no separation of the sexes. The appearance of
the interior is somewhat improved over that of last year, as some
whitewashing has been done, but it greatly needs further renovation.
There are five inmates, all sane. The warden receives a salary of
$550.
LITTLETON. (Visited June 2, 1898.)
This almshouse
was found in a more satisfactory condition than when last seen. The
house was cleaner, and more interest had evidently been taken to
make it attractive inside. A new floor is to be laid, and some
painting and whitening are to be done. A bath-room is needed. There
is but one inmate, an insane woman. The warden receives $275 for his
services.
LONG ISLAND -Boston -(Visited October 29, 1898.)
This
large department of the city's poor was found in excellent
condition, and under the same good management as last year. The
improvement noted at that time has been continued with most
gratifying results, and many changes have been made and reforms
instituted, which have greatly increased the usefulness of the
institution. Much remains to be done, however, and a large amount of
work has been mapped out. During the year many insane persons have
been removed and committed to the different hospitals in the State,
leaving but a few cases of mild dementia, which require no special
care and treatment. There are six hundred and eighty-four inmates;
three hundred and twenty-five males and three hundred and fifty-nine
females. Of this number twelve are infants, six males and six
females. Since February 1, six hundred and eighty-seven persons have
been admitted, and eight hundred and sixty-one discharged.
LOWELL. (Visited April 20, 1898.)
The almshouse
in this city was found under efficient management, and in a
satisfactory condition. The undesirable practice of keeping
criminals in the almshouse is still maintained, and at the time of
the visit thirty-seven of this class were found here. They are only
partially separated from the other inmates. There were three hundred
and fifty-seven inmates at the time of the visit, and of these
one hundred and thirteen were insane and idiotic. There were also
thirty-six children. The warden and matron receive a salary of
$2,000.
LUDLOW. (Visited June 22, 1898.)
The one
dependent of this town, an insane man, is boarded in a private
family, where he appears to receive excellent care.
LUNENBURS.
(Visited September 23,1898.) Excellent management was found at this almshouse. No
changes have been made since the previous visit. The house does not
provide for the separation of the sexes, but at present there are
only female inmates. The farm is partly under cultivation, and milk
and vegetables are sold. There are six inmates, of whom four are
insane and one is idiotic and epileptic. The warden receives a
salary of $350.
Lynn. (Visited May 9, 1898)
Excellent
management was again found at this almshouse. It was expected that
before this time the old building, now occupied by the insane men,
would be torn down, and a new building for their use erected, but
nothing has been done to accomplish this result. The old building is
in every respect to be condemned. The sitting-rooms are hot and
improperly ventilated in summer, and the plumbing is bad. Either
these insane men should be removed to a state hospital for the
insane, or proper sanitary arrangements should be provided for them.
There are one hundred and nine inmates, twenty-five of whom are
insane or idiotic. The warden and matron receive a salary of $1,200.
At the children's home, twenty-one children were found. This house
is excellently managed, being under the supervision of a matron.
MALDEN.
(Visited February 17, 1898.) As usual, most efficient management was found at this
alms house. The new wing affords excellent accommodation for the
male inmates. Complete separation of the sexes at all times is now
secured. There being no insane inmates here, separate provision for
their accommodation is not necessary. There are thirty-six inmates,
six of whom are children. The warden and matron receive a salary of
$700.
MANCHESTER. (Visited June 22,1898.)
Although
this house is old and lacking in modern improvements, it was found
in good condition. The management is excellent, and the inmates are
all kindly treated. There is no separation of the sexes. The farm of
twenty-seven acres yielded an income of $507 last year. There are
five inmates, all sane. The warden receives a salary of $300.
MANSFIELD. (Visited February 8,1898.)
This is
an old building, badly planned, and in a poor state of repair.
Painting, papering, and whitewashing have somewhat improved the
appearance of the interior, but further repairs are greatly needed.
A bath-room and better heating accommodations are also much needed.
There is complete separation of the sexes at night, bat none during
the day. There are six inmates, two of whom are idiotic. The warden
and matron receive a salary of $400.
MARBLEHEAD. (Visited July 16, 1898.)
The management
here is good. The almshouse has improved in recent years, and is now
fairly well supplied with modern conveniences. The house is very
clean and orderly, and the inmates are kindly treated. The drainage
is defective. There is complete separation of the sexes. There are
twenty-three inmates, of whom six are insane or idiotic. The farm is
small, but provides most of the vegetables used in the house. The
warden receives a salary of $400.
MARION. (Visited September 12, 1898.)
This town
boards two of its dependents in private families. One, a
feeble-minded man, lives with relatives, $4 a week being paid for
his board. The other case, an insane man, is boarded in a family,
where he receives excellent care.
MARLBOUOUGH. (Visited August 4,
1898.) This
almshouse was found under good management. The present house is not
well adapted for its use, and a new one is greatly needed. The sexes
are separated at night, but not during the day. The farm of eighty
acres yielded during the past year an income of $1,230. There are
thirty-one inmates, thirteen of whom are insane or idiotic. The
warden receives a salary of $800.
MARCELLA St. Home - Boston- (Visited
April 8, 1898.) This institution was found under the same management,
and in splendid working order. The public school system has proved
to be most satisfactory. At the time of the visit there were one
hundred and thirty-seven children here. Children over ten years of
age are boarded in private families.
MARSHFIELD. (Visited May 10, 1898.)
Much credit is
due the matron for the satisfactory condition of this almshouse. The
house is old, and entirely lacking in modern conveniences. A
bath-room and better heating apparatus are needed. There are six
inmates, two of whom are idiotic. The warden receives a salary of
$300.
MATTAPOISETT. (Visited September 14, 1898.)
This almshouse
was found clean and orderly, and apparently under efficient
management. The house is old and out of repair. There is no
provision for separation of the sexes. There are five inmates, one
of whom is idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $350.
MAYNARD.
(Visited Jane 10,1898.) This almshouse was found under good management and
scrupulously clean. No changes have been made since the last visit,
and it is to be regretted that steam heat and a bath-room are not to
be added soon. A small income is realized from the farm of twenty
acres. There is complete separation of the sexes. There are six
inmates, one being feeble-minded. The warden receives a salary of
$350.
MEDFIELD. (Visited September 1, 1898.)
New and
satisfactory management was found at this almshouse. No improvements
have been made during the year. Better bathing and heating
arrangements should be supplied as soon as possible. The house
provides for no separation of the sexes. At present there is but one
inmate, a feeble-minded woman. The warden receives a salary of $388.
MEDFORD. (Visited February 17, 1898.)
This city has a
first-class almshouse, under efficient management. Complete
separation of the sexes is provided, also good hospital rooms, and
excellent sanitary arrangements. There are nineteen inmates, three
of whom are insane or idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $700.
MEDWAY.
(Visited September 1, 1898.) A new almshouse is to be erected in this town, at a
cost of $7,000. It will be ready for occupancy about February 1,
1899; therefore no changes have been made in the old house. It is
under fairly good management. The income from the farm of one
hundred acres was $674 last year. There is no separation of the
sexes except at meals. There are seventeen inmates, three being
insane or idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $450.
METHUEN.
(Visited September 30, 1898.) Efficient management was found at this almshouse. A
bathroom and more suitably placed water-closets are greatly needed.
There is no separation of the sexes. Some papering and painting have
been done during the year. There are eleven inmates, one of whom is
mentally defective. The warden receives a salary of $450.
MIDDLEBOROUGH
- Plymouth County - (Mrs. S. M. BROWN). The new almshouse of Middleborough stands
near the site of the old one, one and and one-half miles south of
the village of Middleborough, and was visited once by Mrs. Brown and
by several members of the Hoard, and the Inspector of Charities. It
is large, convenient and well-heated, with numerous sleeping-rooms,
a bath-room, laundry, hospital-room, etc., all in very good
condition. The superintendent, E. S. Lovell, has been here nine
years ; salary $500. His management is excellent. The inmates, when
visited early in April, 1887, were eighteen, ten men and eight women
; of whom two men and two women were insane, and one man idiotic.
(S9)
MlDDLEBOROUGH. (Visited September 22,1898.)
The same good
management is again found at this almshouse. It is still necessary
to urge the addition of another bath-room, one being insufficient
for twenty-two inmates and the superintendent's family. The house
provides for complete separation of the sexes, but none of the
insane from the sane. Of the twenty-two inmates, ten are
feeble-minded or insane. The warden and matron receive a salary of
$600.
MILFORD.
(Visited May 13, 1898.) Satisfactory management was found at this almshouse.
No changes of note have been made during the year. Two more
bathrooms are greatly needed, one being entirely insufficient for
twenty-eight inmates and the warden's family. There is complete
separation of the sexes at night, but none during the day. There are
twenty-eight inmates, five of whom are insane or idiotic. The warden
receives a salary of $600.
MlLLBURY. (Visited May 17, 1898.)
This almshouse
is badly in need of repairs. The water-closets are in a disgraceful
condition, and should be removed at once. Good bathing and heating
arrangements are needed. There is no provision for the separation of
the sexes. There are six inmates, one being insane and one idiotic.
The warden receives a salary of $400.
MlLLIS. (Visited September 1, 1898.)
An insane
woman, a dependent of this town, is boarded in a family where she
receives excellent care, at a cost of $3 per week.
MILTON.
(Visited September 6, 1898.) The management at this almshouse is, on the whole,
good. More attention should be paid to the cleanliness of the
portion occupied by the male inmates, and they should be made to
bathe more regularly. Since the previous visit, a flush
water-closet, a bath-room, and a room for the accommodation of sick
men, have been provided. The separation of the sexes is complete,
except at meals. There are nine inmates ; three being insane, and
one idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $500.
MONSON.
(Visited June 20, 1898.) Cleanliness and order were found throughout this
almshouse. The house is heated by stoves. If better heating
arrangements could be made, the bath-tub might easily be supplied
with hot water. The separation of the sexes is complete at night,
but not during the day. There are seventeen inmates, six being
insane or idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $600. The town
boards one of its feeble-minded dependents in a private family, at a
cost of $3 per week, where he is apparently kindly treated.
MONTAGUE.
(Visited June 28, 1898.) The same excellent management was found at this
almshouse as heretofore. Running water has been led into the
inmates' dining-room, a new ice-house has been built, and many rooms
have been papered. Much credit is due the warden and the matron for
the satisfactory conditions found here. The great needs of the house
now are a bath-room and more efficient means of heating. There is no
separation of the sexes. The inmates number ten, three being insane
or idiotic. The warden and matron receive a salary of $350. The town
supports one family of three persons, two of whom are mentally
defective, and are now a great care to the third, an oldman. The
sum of $20 a month is paid for the support of the three. Another
dependent, an insane woman, is supported at a cost of $2 per week.
She has a pleasant home, and receives kind treatment.
MONTEREY.
(Visited July 20, 1898.) This town supports a feeble-minded dependent in a
family, where she appears to be kindly treated. The sum of $7 per
month is paid for her support.
NANTUCKET. (Visited October 3, 1898.)
This almshouse
was found in its usual satisfactory condition, but a bath-room is a
still needed improvement. The inmates are comfortably clothed and
fed, and kindly treated. One insane woman, who is a great care,
should be removed to a hospital for the insane, where she can be
properly controlled. There is complete separation of the sexes.
There are twenty-eight inmates, sixteen of whom are mentally
defective. The warden receives a salary of $300.
NATICK.
(Visited March 10, 1898.) This almshouse is under the same management as when
last seen. Bathing of the inmates should be enforced oftener, the
facilities being sufficient. The house is kept clean inside, but the
condition of the grounds is little changed from that found two years
ago, being unfinished, and showing evidence of poor management.
There is complete separation of the sexes. The inmates number
twenty-two, two being insane and one idiotic. The warden receives a
salary of $600.
NEW BEDFORD. (Visited September 13,1898.)
Since the
previous report, city water has been introduced at this almshouse,
and connection with the city sewer established, but it is to be
regretted that the other improvements, so much needed, namely, a new
administration building, a hospital, and electric lights, have not
been made. The house is under good management. There is complete
separation of the sexes, though no special provision is made for the
insane. There are eighty-three inmates, twenty-five of whom are
insane or idiotic.
NEWBERRY. (Visited May 4, 1898.)
At the time of
the visit this town was supporting three of its dependents in
private families. One, an idiotic child of fourteen, has, since the
visit, been sent to the Massachusetts School for the Feeble-Minded.
The other two dependents are insane women, who should be placed in a
hospital for the insane, where they would receive proper care.
NEWBURYPORT.
(Visited April 27,1898.) Excellent management was again found
at this almshouse. No changes have been made during the year. The
house affords satisfactory separation of the sexes, although no
special provision for the insane is made. There are fifty-five
inmates, of whom eight are insane and seven, idiotic. The warden
receives a salary of $720.
NEW SALEM. (Visited September
15,1898.) This
almshouse has been closed for some months, and the town now boards
its poor in private families.
NEWTON. (Visited. August 31, 1898.)
Excellent
management was found at this almshouse. Full separation of the sexes
is now observed. It is still necessary to urge that an additional
bath-room be provided. The inmates are kindly treated, and bear
evidence of the fact. The farm of sixty-five acres, of which thirty
are tilled, yielded an income last year of $1,801. There are
nineteen inmates, two being insane. The warden receives a salary of
$800.
NORTH
ADAMS. (Visited July 22, 1898.) The condition of this almshouse is
improved. More hired help should be allowed for the inside work, the
matron having too much responsibility. The old wooden bedsteads have
been replaced by iron ones, and vigorous means have been taken to
clear the house of vermin. Separation of the sexes is complete.
There are twenty-seven inmates, one of whom is insane, and one
idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $750. This town also
supports one of its demented dependents in the town of New Salem,
where she lives with her father. It is probable that she will be
removed to a hospital for the insane at an early date.
NORTHAMPTON.
(Visited May 30,1898.) New management was found at this almshouse. The old
system of paying the warden $2.25 per week for all town paupers
supported within the almshouse has been abandoned, and he now
receives an annual salary of $650. At the time of this visit, the
house was not found as clean as it should have been, but at a later
visit, on August 29, there was manifest improvement, some floors
having been painted, and vigorous means taken to exterminate the
vermin. The house, although comparatively new, already shows signs
of poor construction. The products of the farm of fifteen acres are
consumed in the house. The separation of the sexes is complete.
There are twenty-seven inmates, sixteen being insane or
idiotic.
NORTH
ANDOVER. (Visited February 18, 1898.) New and satisfactory management was found
at this almshouse. About $550 has been spent in shingling the house
and building a new carriage house. The farm of one hundred and
thirty-five acres yielded an income during the past year of $2,600.
The sexes are separated except at meals. There are six inmates, one
being insane, and three idiotic. The warden receives a salary of
$500.
NORTH
ATTLEBOROUGH. (Visited January 11,1898.) Excellent management was found here, the
house being scrupulously clean and orderly. No changes have been
made during the year. The house is comfortably warmed, has good
sanitary arrangements, and provides for separation of the sexes,
except at meals. There are eleven inmates, eight of whom are insane
or feebleminded. The warden receives a salary of
$550.
NORTHBOROUGH. (Visited September 19, 1898.)
This almshouse
was found clean and orderly throughout, and the one inmate, a
feeble-minded woman, receives good care. Since the last visit the
house has been painted on the exterior, and a few other repairs have
been made. A bath-room and better heating facilities are much
needed. The warden receives a salary of $365.
NORTHBRIDGE.
(Visited May 11,1898.) Good management was found at this almshouse. Better
heating facilities are needed, and a better equipped bath-room.
There is no separation of the sexes. Only a small part of the one
hundred and fifty acres belonging to the farm is under cultivation,
and a small income from the farm was realized last year. The inmates
number eight, one being insane and one idiotic. The warden receives
a salary of $300. The town also supports one of its insane
dependents with her son, in the town of Bellingham. She is well
cared for, at a cost to the town of $10 per month.
NORTH
BROOKFIELD. (Visited June 7, 1898.) Since the last report a new and, in most
respects, a very well constructed almshouse has been built in this
town. A great mistake was made in not following out the original
plans, which provided for the warden's quarters and two wings. Only
one wing was built, and no provision for the separation of the sexes
was made. But since then, separation has been secured by building a
door at the entrance to each corridor; these doors are kept locked.
Fire escapes leading from the third floor are needed. There are
eleven inmates, of whom three are insane, and two idiotic. The
warden receives a salary of $450.
NORTH EGREMONT. (Visited July 21,
1898.) This
town supports a demented dependent in the family of relatives, where
she receives excellent care, at a cost of $3 per week.
NORTHFIELD.
(Visited Jane 29, 1898.) This town has no almshouse, and
supports an idiotic man in a private family, at the rate of $1.50
per week. It is reported that he is given but one meal a day, being
obliged to saw wood for his dinner, or, more often, go without it.
The Overseers have been requested to better his condition.
NORTH
READING. (Visited January 28, 1898.) The interior of this old almshouse
looks as if paint and whitewash had not been used for years. It
lacks all modern conveniences, and is not a credit to the town.
There is no separation of the sexes. Of the one hundred and sixty
acres, about twenty-five are under cultivation. An income of $1,740
was realized last year from the farm. There are five inmates, one
being insane, and two feeble-minded. The warden and matron receive a
salary of $450.
NORTON. (Visited September 27, 1898.)
The management
of this almshouse continues to be efficient. With the exception of
the painting of the house and barns, no improvements have been made
during the year. A bath-room and better heating facilities are
greatly needed. The separation of the sexes is complete by night,
but not by day. There are six inmates, one being insane, and three
idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $300.
NORWELL.
(Visited September 26, 1898.) Although this almshouse is a very old
building, it was found neat and clean throughout. The practice of
lodging tramps and prisoners in the cellar should be discontinued. A
bathroom is greatly needed. No separation of the sexes is secured.
The farm is small, yielding a small income and supplying the house
with vegetables, etc. There are five inmates, three being insane or
feeble-minded. The warden receives a salary of $300.
OAKHAM. (Visited June 8, 1898.)
This town
provides for a demented woman in a private family at New Braintree,
where she is well cared for. Nothing is paid for her board, as she
does considerable work for the family.
ORANGE. (Visited August 24, 1898.)
This almshouse
continues to maintain its reputation for cleanli ness and good
order. A bathroom is still needed, and it is hoped that it will soon
be supplied by the Overseers. The separation of the sexes is secured
by night, but not during the day. There are four inmates, one being
insane, and one idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $400.
ORLEANS (Mrs.
S. M. BROWN) The
almshouse of Orleans was closed in 1885, and the town decided that,
considering the small number of paupers, it is cheaper to have them
boarded out. At the present time the following persons are boarded
in private families: U. L. P., 56; boards with M. H.; the town
pays $2.00 per week. M. N., 70; boards with A. C.; the town pays
$2.00 per week. C. S., 32; has two children. B. F., 4; R. F., 2;
they board with the father of C. in South Orleans, - and the town
pays $4.00 per week for the board of the three. M..V., 42;
boards in Orleans with Mrs. J. R., and the town pays $2.50 for her
board. She appears to earn her living, seems well, and one would not
take her for a pauper. The main facts of this report were
obtained from H. T. Newcomb, one of the selectmen, July 26,
1887.
OXFORD.
(Visited June 9,1898.) Excellent management was found at this almshouse. The
exterior of the house and barn has been painted. Two new furnaces
have been put in, and the house will now be comfortably warmed. The
tramp house has been renovated. A bath-room is still greatly needed.
There is no separation of the sexes. There are ten inmates, of whom
one is insane, and seven are idiotic. The warden receives a salary
of $400. This town also supports one of its demented dependents in
the family of relatives in New Braintree. The sum of $2 a week is
paid for her board, and she has a very comfortable
home.
PALMER.
(Visited June 21,1898.) The management of this almshouse is not up to the
proper standard, there being a general lack of order and
cleanliness. The bath-room has been re-located during the year, and
bathing should be more regularly enforced. Many of the rooms have
been papered and painted, thus adding much to the attractiveness of
the house. The farm is productive, and about $1,000 was realized
from it last year. Separation of the sexes is complete by day and by
night. There are twenty inmates, of whom four are insane, and two
idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $600.
PEABODY. (Visited May 2, 1898.)
This
almshouse was found in good condition and under good management. No
changes have been made during the year. The separation of the sexes
is complete. There are forty inmates, of whom eight are
feeble-minded. The warden receives a salary of $600.
PEMBROKE. (Visited September 26,1898.) This
almshouse was found as usual, fairly clean and satisfactory, but a
higher standard is to be desired. No changes have been made for some
years, though many are needed, the house being an old farmhouse, and
not well adapted to its present use. There is urgent need of a
bath-room, but whether this improvement is made or not, bathing
should be enforced. There is complete separation of the sexes by
night, but none by day. There are six inmates; one being insane, and
three idiotic. The warden receives a salary of
???
PEPPERELL. (Visited May 7,1898.)
This almshouse
was found clean and orderly, and under proper management. The bad
practice of lodging tramps in the attic still exists ; during the
past year two hundred and eighty-six were provided for in this
manner. The farm of sixty acres is partly under cultivation, and
$615 was realized from it during the past year. The house still
provides for no separation of the sexes. There are four inmates, one
being insane, and one idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $360.
PETERSHAM.
(Visited August 22, 1898.) This almshouse, a small house of one
and one-half stories, is poorly arranged for its present use. It
provides for no separation of the sexes, though at present this
arrangement causes no inconvenience. Though heated by stoves, the
house is kept comfortable in winter. A bath-room is greatly needed.
There are two inmates, both men, and both insane. The warden and
matron receive together a salary of $400.
PITTSFIELD. (Visited July 19, 1898.)
This almshouse
was found under the same management, and in an improved condition,
but further improvement is desirable. The farm is under excellent
cultivation. The house provides for the separation of the sexes
except at meals, and for the separation of the sane from the insane.
There are forty-one inmates, of whom twenty-two are insane or
idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $650. he town also supports
a feeble-minded woman, in a private family in the town of Dalton, at
a cost of $1 per week. She has a good home.
PLYMPTON - Plymouth County - (Mrs. S.
M. BROWN). The
almshouse of Plympton, visited August 26. 1887, three miles from the
railroad station, is a small, wooden house, old and somewhat out of
repair. On the first floor are a kitchen, pantry, sitting-room and
bed-room. The second floor has two small sleeping-rooms. The house
is furnished by the woman who has charge of the establishment, Mrs.
K. R. W., who is really supported by the town. She is allowed to use
the house, and lives there with her three children, and she is
also allowed three dollars per week. The last inmate (other than her
family) died two years ago last March. I found the house neat and
everything in order. The children were away. Mrs. W. has some
opportunity of earning money by working in families occasionally. I
obtained these facts after leaving the almshouse, and did not get
the names of the children, not thinking there were any children.
[Their names do not appear on the pauper list of Plympton, and if
entered at all it is probably as persons partially
supported.]
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth County - (F. B.
SANBOHN) The
almshouse of this town consists of two parts, the first built many
years ago, but kept in good repair, and still used for a portion of
the inmates ; while the new structure which is added to the old
towards the south is very well built, spacious and convenient, with
rooms specially fitted for the insane, large and comfortable,
but not all occupied. When visited, Nov. 3, 1887, there were only 14
inmates, 11 men and 3 women, nearly all of whom were old and some of
them very old ; there being one woman of 92, a man of 89, two others
of 85, and five other inmates upwards of 70. Several of these old
people are in a condition of senile dementia ; one man, S. R.,
50, is feeble-minded, and the youngest inmate, C., 35, is an
epileptic whose mind is much affected. Although this almshouse
stands near a mill-pond, and is much exposed to dampness, the
situation is very pleasant and apparently salubrious, for some of
these old people have resided here many years. The superintendent,
Mr. Pratt, has been here four years; salary $400; his management is
good. The water supply is excellent and the drainage seems to give
no trouble.
PLYMOUTH. (Visited June 13, 1898.)
This almshouse
was found in its usual satisfactory condition, the management being
the same as for the last fourteen years. During the year, fire
extinguishers, together with one hundred feet of hose, have been
provided, and the house is now lighted by electricity. A well has
also been dug, furnishing an excellent supply of water. The house
provides for satisfactory separation of the sexes. There are eleven
inmates; one being insane, and two idiotic.
PROVINCETOWN. (Visited August 4,
1898.) This almshouse continues under the same good
management that has been found here for the past nineteen years. It
still needs better heating and bathing facilities, and provision for
separation of the sexes. There are ten inmates. Three women are
feeble-minded, and one man is epileptic. The warden and matron
receive a salary of $260.
QUINCY. (Visited June 20, 1898.)
Although the
inmates of this almshouse are kindly treated, the management is not
good. The house was found in an unclean and disorderly condition.
Another bath-room is greatly needed, one being insufficient for
twenty-one inmates. The house provides for partial separation of the
sexes at night, but none during the day. Four of the inmates are
insane, and one is idiotic. The warden and matron receive a salary
of $500.
RANDOLPH (Mrs. S. M.
BROWN). The town
almshouse, visited May 20, 1887, is a mile and a half from the
railroad station, built of wood, two stories high, with a mansard
roof giving sleeping room in the upper story for men, of whom seven
were found here today. The other inmates were eight women and two
children: William M., five, and Teresa L., nine, illegitimate
children of an inmate woman, M. M., twenty-eight. Two of the women
are insane, C. H., sixty-eight, and E. B., forty-six, both quiet,
and the latter able to work. E. E., an insane man, sixty-seven, is
also quiet. I saw all the inmates except the boy, W. M., who was at
school. Since my last visit a new wing has been added, costing
$1,600, and containing kitchen, laundry, bath-room and
water-closets, besides ten sleeping-rooms. The whole house has forty
rooms, in good condition, and heated throughout by steam. The
bedsteads are of iron, furnished with straw and feather beds, all of
which are in excellent order, as was the whole house. The inmates
are well-fed and well-clothed, and I have seldom visited an
almshouse where the inmates were so lavish in their praise of the
superintendent and matron, Calvin Sanford and wife, who have been
here two years; salary, $500.
RANDOLPH. (Visited September
22,1898.) This
almshouse, a three-story building with one wing, remains under the
same management as in former years, which is only fairly good.
Nothing has been done to improve the water-closets, which open off
the women's corridor, and were condemned last year. They remain a
menace to the health of the inmates and a disgrace to the Overseers.
The house affords only partial separation of the sexes at night, and
none during the day. There are eleven inmates, two of whom are
insane, and three idiotic. The warden and matron receive a salary of
$500.
RAYNHAM. (Visited September 27, 1898.)
Two
feeble-minded dependents of this town are supported in a private
family, where they receive excellent care, at a cost of $3 each per
week.
READING.
(Visited January 28,1898.) New and satisfactory management was found at this
almshouse. The house provides good sanitary and heating
arrangements, and the inmates receive good care. During the year the
house has been painted on the exterior, and it now presents a
pleasing appearance. No separation.of the sexes is secured. There
are five inmates, one of whom is insane, and two are idiotic. The
warden receives a salary of $500.
REHOBOTH. (Visited June 7, 1898.)
New and good
management was found at this almshouse. Although the drainage was
reported to be improved last year, it was found to be in bad
condition at this visit; it should receive immediate attention. The
house needs a bath-room, better heating facilities, and provision
for separation of the sexes. There are seven inmates; one being
insane, and two idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $300.
ROCHESTER.
(Visited September 14, 1898.) This almshouse, an old building of one and one-half
stories, is much out of repair and is unfit for its use. It is,
however, kept clean in every part, and the inmates are kindly
treated. The Overseers of the Poor are seeking a new location. There
are four inmates; three being insane or idiotic. The warden receives
a salary of $240.
ROCKLAND. (Visited September 26, 1898.) Good
management was found at this almshouse. An addition, providing a
better bath-room, a dining-room, a sitting-room, and a kitchen, is
greatly needed. The house provides for no separation of the sexes.
There are twelve inmates, three being insane or feeble-minded.
ROCKPORT. (Visited January 31,1898.)
Excellent
management was found at this almshouse. It still greatly needs a
bath-room, supplied with hot and cold water. There is separation of
the sexes at meals, but at no other time. There are seven inmates,
six of whom are feeble-minded. The warden receives a salary of $400.
SALEM.
(Visited May 2, 1898.) This almshouse was found in satisfactory condition,
and under new management. Since the last visit, three new bath-rooms
and three flush water-closets have been placed in the insane wards.
The house provides for separation of the sane from the insane, and
also for separation of the sexes. There are one hundred and
twenty-two inmates, forty-nine of whom are insane or idiotic.
The warden receives a salary of $550, and the matron $400.
SANDWICH
(Mrs. S. M. BROWN) The almshouse of Sandwich, visited July 19, 1887, is
about a mile eastward from the railroad station. The house is very
old and shingled on all sides, poorly contrived and needs repairing.
There is a large kitchen, used as a dining-room by the inmates,
a back room where the washing is done, one sitting-room for the
inmates, and three rooms used by the superintendent's
family. There are seven sleeping-rooms on the first floor, five
of them barred with wood at the doors, cage-like, and at the windows
are wire screens. One of these has no furniture, for the
woman occupying it is so destructive that she breaks everything
she can reach. The other rooms have iron bedsteads with clean
bed-clothing and beds. On the second floor are seven sleeping-rooms
on the women's side of the hallway, which is very narrow, with
four rooms on the other side, used by the men. There is also a room
over the shed occupied by an idiotic man, and one dark bedroom
which gets its light and ventilation from the adjoining room; of
course the ventilation is deficient. On the first floor it would
seem impossible for the inmates to be comfortable in winter; in fact
the building appears wholly unfit for occupancy. The drainage and
water supply are satisfactory. The personal appearance of the
inmates, partly owing to their filthy habits, was repulsive. Most of
them were barefoot. I saw them at dinner which consisted of boiled
meat and potatoes, bread and butter, a bowl of tea with milk and
sugar. One woman eats in her cell, two eat in one entry way, and two
eat in another entry way. In the rear of the house is a large yard
where the insane can daily exercise. There is no bathroom. The house
was generally clean.The superintendent, Elijah Hancock, has been in
charge sixteen years ; salary $300.
Of the seventeen inmates
six are men and eleven women, and of this number, one man and ten
women are insane, and three men simple-minded; one man is also
idiotic; I saw them all.
J. M., 69; Sind and idiotic. H. D., 70; simple,
does light work. G. H. W., 34; simple, the town of Bourne pays
his board. J. A., 65; simple, epileptic, can do some light work.
C. W. H., 49; insane, has to be confined, at times very
troublesome. J. O. C., 67; feeble. A. M., 47; insane, no
trouble, does most of the cooking for the inmates. S. N., 52;
the town of Bourne pays for her board; she is insane, and is locked
up most of the time. S. G., 73; Bourne pays for her board; insane.
S. B., 62; insane, able to work, Bourne pays her board. E.
N., 32; insane, is filthy, Bourne pays her board. M. J. J., 37;
colored, insane, not troublesome, cannot work. S. C., 65; insane,
able to work. S. G. B., 38; insane, works some, will not eat
unless compelled to. M. D. K., 49; insane, has to be locked up
most of the time, is very troublesome.
These insane persons, the superintendent
informs me, have been in Taunton hospital; the town authorities
think it advisable to keep them at the town almshouse, and the town
of Bourne, once a part of Sandwich, coincides in this
view.
SANDWICH. (Visited June 30,1898.)
Good management
was again found at this almshouse, but the house is old, unsafe, and
entirely unfit for its present use. It provides for complete
separation of the sexes, but the sane and the insane are allowed to
mingle. The house is heated by stoves, which is a very unsafe
method. A bath-room is greatly needed. With the number of inmates,
and the facilities found here at present, bathing is accomplished
with difficulty. There are thirteen inmates, eleven of whom are
mentally defective. The warden and matron receive a salary of
$425.
SADGUS.
(Visited August 12, 1898.) Although new and excellent management was found at
this almshouse, little else can be said in praise of it. The
building is old and very unsafe, and, as previously reported,
reflects great discredit upon the town. Complete separation of the
sexes is secured. There are eight inmates, three of whom are
mentally defective. The warden and matron receive a salary of
$600.
SEEKONK.
(Visited June 7, 1898.) The management at this almshouse is good, but many
repairs are needed to bring the house up to the proper standard.
Paint and whitewash should be less sparingly used. Modern sanitary
appliances are the important needs. There is no separation of the
sexes. The inmates number five, of whom two are feeble-minded. The
warden and matron receive a salary of $400.
SHARON. (Visited September 20, 1898.)
This
almshouse was found neat and clean. It is much in need of repairs,
none having been made during the year. Much labor would be saved by
introducing water into the house, for, under the present conditions,
all water used has to be carried in pails from the pump outside. The
practice of lodging tramps in the house should be discontinued, as
there is great danger of fire from this custom. There is no
separation of the sexes. There are five inmates, one of whom is
insane, and one idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $300.
SHELBURNE. (Visited June 30, 1898.) This
town has no almshouse, and at present supports two dependents in
private families, one in the town of Charlemont, at a cost of $2.50
per week, and the other in Shelburne, at $1.50 per week; both
patients receive satisfactory care.
SHERBORN. (Visited June 17,1898.)
This town has a
new and well built almshouse, which affords complete separation of
the sexes, and of the insane from the sane. It has two well equipped
bath-rooms and four flush water-closets, and is heated by steam.
Although the house was not found scrupulously clean, its condition
in the main was satisfactory. There are four inmates, two of whom
are feeble-minded. The warden and matron receive a salary of $400.
SHERBORN.
(Visited June 17,1898.) This town has a new and well built almshouse, which
affords complete separation of the sexes, and of the insane from the
sane. It has two well equipped bath-rooms and four flush
water-closets, and is heated by steam. Although the house was not
found scrupulously clean, its condition in the main was
satisfactory. There are four inmates, two of whom are feeble-minded.
The warden and matron receive a salary of $400.
SHREWSBURY.
(Visited September 7, 1898.) This old almshouse was found in the usual
unsatisfactory condition ; it is now unfit to live in, the floors
being sunken, and the walls falling in. This condition reflects
discredit upon the town. There being but two inmates, both women, it
might be better to board them in private families, or place them in
the almshouse of some neighboring town. The warden receives $300 a
year for his services.
SHUTESBURY. (Visited June 27, 1898.)
Satisfactory
management was again found at this almshouse. The inmates receive
kind treatment, and have a good home. There is still need of a
bath-room. The inmates, five in number, are all feeble-minded, and
two of them are epileptic. The warden and matron receive a salary of
$225.
SOMERSET. (Visited March 5, 1898.)
Good management
was found at this almshouse. No changes have been made here for some
years. A well equipped bath-room and steam heat are greatly needed.
There is no provision for the separation of the sexes. There are
nine inmates, three of whom are insane, and one is idiotic. The
warden receives a salary of $400.
SOUTHBORUGH. (Visited August 31,
1898.) This
town supports two feeble-minded dependents in a private family,
where they receive good care.
SOUTHBRIDGE. (Visited January 19,
1898.) Although
lacking in modern conveniences, this almshouse was found under good
management. No repairs of note have been made during the year. The
bath-tub, which is supplied with neither hot nor cold water, is
improperly placed in a room which is very cold in winter; it is
seldom used, and a properly equipped bath-room should be furnished
at once. Only partial separation of the sexes is secured at
night, and none by day. There are eighteen inmates, of whom four are
insane, and two idiotic. The warden and matron receive a salary of
$600.
SOUTH
HADLEY. (Visited August 27,1898.) This almshouse was found under satisfactory
management, and in fairly good repair. A bath-room and a better
water supply are still the two great needs of the house. Insecure
separation of the sexes is obtained by night, and none during the
day. There are eight inmates, all sane. The warden and matron
receive a salary of $500.
SPENCER. (Visited September 8, 1898.)
This almshouse
provides well for its inmates. The management is satisfactory, and
the heating and sanitary facilities are good. Separation of the
sexes is now secured. There are eleven inmates, six of whom are
insane. The warden and matron receive a salary of $425.
SPRINGFIELD.
(Visited March 15, 1898.) This excellent almshouse was found under the same
efficient management, and in a most satisfactory condition. Separate
buildings, thoroughly equipped, are provided for the care of the
sick, the insane, and the sane. It is proposed to build a hospital
soon for the exclusive care of contagious diseases. With the
exception of the new detached laundry-building, no changes were
found. There are one hundred and eighty-six inmates, seventy-eight
of whom are mentally defective. The warden receives $1,000, and the
matron $240. per year.
STERLING. (Visited September 23, 1898.)
The same good
management as heretofore was found at this almshouse. A more
suitably placed bath-room should be provided. The house provides for
no separation of the sexes. There are eight inmates, three of whom
are mentally defective. The warden receives $540 for his services.
STONEHAM.
(Visited May 5, 1898.) This almshouse has improved much during the past few
years in management and in appearance, and is now in a very
satisfactory condition. It is heated by steam, is equipped with two
bath-rooms, and provides for complete separation of the sexes. There
are twelve inmates, two of whom are insane, and three idiotic. The
warden receives a salary of $500.
STOUGHTON. (Visited August 13, 1898.)
Under new
management this almshouse was found in a much improved condition.
Although an old building, and ill adapted to its present use, it was
found clean and orderly throughout. Many rooms have been painted and
papered. The bath-tub has been more suitably placed, and is now used
weekly by all inmates. There is complete separation of the sexes by
night, but none by day. There are eleven inmates, three of whom
are insane, and one is idiotic. The warden receives a salary of
$450.
STOW. (Visited June 10,1898.)
This almshouse
was found in a clean and orderly condition. It is an old and poorly
furnished building, and should be replaced by a new one. It has no
bath-room, is heated by stoves, and provides for no separation of
the sexes. There are four inmates, one of whom is insane, and one
idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $400.
STURBRIDGE.
(Visited January 19, 1898.) This old and dilapidated almshouse
was found in its usual unsatisfactory condition. Since the visit,
the Overseers have reported that a furnace has been put in, and that
some slight repairs have been made. No provision is made for the
separation of the sexes. There are ten inmates, five of whom are
mentally defective. The warden receives a salary of $300.
SUDBURY. (Visited August 18, 1898.) This
almshouse was found clean, and the inmates appeared to be happy and
well cared for. The house has no facilities for bathing, or for the
separation of the sexes, and efforts should be made to secure these
needed improvements. The condition of the privies has been improved,
and a new well has been driven some distance from them. The house is
to be painted and whitewashed inside, which, it is hoped, will
improve its appearance. There are six inmates, four of whom are
idiotic, and one is in sane. The warden receives $360 for his
services.
SUTTON. (Visited January 18, 1898.)
Good management
was found at this almshouse. The structural defects of the house are
pronounced, and no separation of the sexes can be secured. As long
as the filthy idiotic men are kept here, the house can neither be
kept clean nor properly ventilated. The sum of $250 has been
appropriated for improvements. The waterclosets used by both sexes
are placed at the end of the corridor, from which open the rooms
used by the male inmates. This shameful condition should receive
immediate attention. There are sixteen inmates, five of whom are
insane, and seven idiotic. The warden and matron receive a salary of
$500.
SWANSEA. (Visited March 5, 1898.)
The same
excellent management was found again at this alms house. A bathroom
is a greatly needed improvement. The insane and idiotic women
inmates should be placed in a hospital for the insane. There are
three female inmates, two of whom are idiotic, and one is insane.
The warden receives a salary of $375
TAUNTON (Mrs. S. M.
BROWN). The city almshouse of Taunton is a large brick
building standing on the road to Norton, about two miles north of
the Taunton station; it was built within the last twelve years, and
has ample room, tolerable well arranged, for the number of inmates
ordinarily found there. It has been frequently visited by the
Inspector and by Mrs. Brown. The last visit made by the latter is
thus reported : Nov. 8, 1887. The Taunton Almshouse is in good
repair; the rooms are comfortably furnished and all of them to-day
wore warm, the building being heated by a furnace. The
superintendent, Levi S. Pierce, has been here two years; salary
$500. I found fifty-two inmates today, thirty-one men, of whom four
are insane; sixteen women, of whom two are insane, and five
children, three of whom I did not see because they were at school in
the city school-house, not far off. The sleeping-rooms are furnished
with iron bedsteads; most of them have feather beds and good
bedding, and I found the clothing clean and well taken care of. One
room occupied by two feeble old men was close and poorly ventilated,
and, as the habits of these men are bad, and they are filthy, the
appearance of the room is explained. There are two large
dormitories, one for men and one for women, in both of which the
beds are crowded too close together. There are also eight beds in
the attic used by the men. The inmates were well clothed and
evidently well fed. I saw the dinner on the table, and it consisted
of baked beans, cold corned beef, turnips, carrots, potatoes, bread,
and bowls of tea. Everything was well cooked, and the food looked as
if it would be palatable. The insane women were in a room called the
nursery, just back of the superintendents part; one was mending
clothes and the other was holding a child. One of these women is
sometimes troublesome, and is then secluded; the other is always
quiet. The four insane men have nearly all been insane a long time
and are quiet cases; one of them, however, is paralyzed, and another
is very filthy. Two of them were removed from the hospital two years
ago. While the almshouse has so few inmates as at present they can
be well cared for where they are. Taunton has never kept many
children in its almshouse, and has now fewer than usual. Three of
them, Sarah H., 12, Charles H., 7, children of Mary H., an inmate,
and John K., 5, son of Mary K., an inmate, were at school as above
mentioned; of the other two, one is a colored boy of 14 and the
other an infant under two years old.
TAUNTON. (Visited March 1,1898.)
The management of this almshouse remains unchanged. It has
been necessary to convert the attic into a dormitory, and
accommodations for nineteen more inmates is now afforded. A bathtub
and a flush water-closet have been placed in this dormitory. A hot
water heating apparatus has also been placed in the house since the
last visit. There is provision for complete separation of the sexes.
There are fifty-one inmates, six being mentally defective. The
warden and matron receive a salary of
$900.
TEMPLETON. (Visited September 22,1898.)
Excellent new
management was found at this almshouse, and its condition is much
improved. The sum of $500, appropriated for improvements, has been
used to good advantage. The interior of the house has been
thoroughly cleaned, whitened, papered, and painted; the old wooden
bedsteads have been replaced by new iron ones, and new mattresses
provided; the tramp quarters havebeen removed, and repairs have been
made on the barn ; and the house has been provided with a more
abundant supply of water and modern heating apparatus put in. The
house provides for complete separation of the sexes by night but
none by day. There are five inmates, two of whom are insane and one
idiotic. The warden and matron receive a salary of $700.
TEWKSBURY
(Dr. H. C. PRENTISS) The town almshouse of Tewksbury is half a mile from
North Tewksbury, and about two miles from the State Almshouse; a
large, old wooden building, somewhat out of repair, but with a good
farm, which is so well managed by the superintendent that it costs
the town little or nothing for the support of the five inmates,
three men and two women, who have been here, with no accessions, for
three or four years. All these persons are more or less defective in
mind, and two of them have been patients at the State Hospital and
the Tewksbury Asylum, viz. : Horace D. H., 52, who was removed
from the asylum to this almshouse sixteen years ago, and Mary M.,
32, who was brought here from the asylum in 1883. The man has
virtually recovered ; he is a good worker, and when the almshouse
was visited last (April 27, 1887,) he was working alone on a distant
part of the farm. The woman is demented, but a good worker in
the house. The other woman, B. D., 7., is quietly insane, and is
boarded here by her friends.These two women have each a room in the
wing of the house; the three men occupy one large room in the main
house, with separate beds. The water supply is from wells, and the
drainage is satisfactory, though the cesspool is too near the house.
The superintendent, Chas. F. Atkinson, has been here several years ;
salary $600. If this seems large for so few inmates, it should be
remembered that he does nearly all the work on the farm, with the
help of the three men, one of whom has been described, another is an
epileptic, and the third broken down by bad habits. The sales of
milk from 17 cows bring in $1,000 a year, and there is also a market
garden and the ordinary farm crops. The management of this almshouse
is very satisfactory.
TEWKSBURY. (Visited June 8, 1898.)
New and good
management was found at this almshouse. The exterior of the house
has been painted, and this has much improved its appearance. About
one-half of the farm of one hundred acres is under cultivation, and
the income from it last year was about $3,089. The invasion of the
main house by vermin made the removal of the tramp quarters from the
basement a necessity, and a tramp house was therefore built at some
distance from the main house. There is complete separation of the
sexes except at meals. There are six inmates, five of whom are
mentally defective. The warden receives a salary of
$600.
TOPSFIELD. (Visited September 8, 1898.)
This almshouse
was found clean and orderly throughout, and the inmates receive good
treatment. The whole interior of the house has been much improved by
the use of paint and paper. The house makes provision for separation
of the sexes, although at present there are but two inmates, both
men. The warden receives a salary of $350.
TOWNSEND. (Visited Jnne 13, 1898.)
Very
satisfactory management was found at this almshouse. The custom that
permits of the lodging of tramps in the room adjacent to the kitchen
is to be condemned; the danger from fire is great, and the
introduction of vermin cannot be prevented. When proper heating and
sanitary appliances are furnished the house will be quite
satisfactory. An effort should be made to secure separation of the
sexes, at least during the night; at present there is no separation.
There are seven inmates, five of whom are mentally defective. The
warden receives a salary of $450.
TYNGSBOROUGH. (Visited April 4,1898.)
This
almshouse was found in the same dilapidated condition as heretofore,
and it is difficult to keep it clean. There is no provision for the
separation of the sexes, but at present there are but two inmates,
both men. The warden receives a salary of $300.
TYRINGHAM. (Visited July 21,1898.) The sum
of $75 per year is paid by this town for the support of a
feeble-minded girl, fifteen years of age, in a private family. She
should be sent to the School for the Feeble-minded, where much could
be done to improve her mental and moral condition. If she is allowed
to remain as she is, untaught and undisciplined, only bad results
can be expected.
UPTON. (Visited May 13, 1898.)
New and
good management was found at this almshouse. Although a
comparatively new house, no provision whatever was made for the
separation of the sexes. There are five inmates, all sane. The
warden receives a salary of $400.
UXBRIDGE. (Visited May 18, 1898.)
This old and
dilapidated almshouse was found under the same management. The
inmates are probably kindly treated, but dirt and disorder abound
everywhere. Nothing commendable can be said of the place. Beams rot,
floors sink, and ceiling and walls fall in, and yet no repairs are
made. There are seven inmates, all old and feeble, and three of them
idiotic. The warden and matron receive a salary of $400.
WAKEFIELD.
(Visited October 7, 1898.) The condition of this almshouse is not satisfactory.
The housekeeping is poor, and the interior of the house is greatly
in need of renovation. There is need also of proper bathing
arrangements, the only tub in the house being improperly equipped,
and placed in a room containing two beds. There are no flush
water-closets, and the only closet used by the inmates of both sexes
opens off a shed ; its condition needs immediate attention.
Altogether this almshouse is a great discredit to the town. There is
no separation of the sexes. There are eighteen inmates, seven of
whom are mentally defective. The warden receives a salary of $650.
WALES.
(Visited June 21, and July 9, 1898.) For the last twelve years this town has
supported three insane dependents in a private family. Although they
are treated with great kindness, and do not suffer for lack of the
necessities of life, it would be more to the credit of the town if a
larger sum of money were expended for their support.
WALPOLE.
(Visited March 28, 1898.) On the day of the visit, the warden and matron were
preparing to move out. Much credit is due them for the homelike
condition found in this old and poorly arranged house. Better
heating and bathing facilities, and some provision for the
separation of the sexes, are greatly to be desired. There are five
inmates, four of whom are feeble-minded. The warden and matron are
paid $400 a year.
WALTHAM. (Visited August 1, 1898.)
This
almshouse was found under the same good management as in former
years. The house provides for complete separation of the sexes, and
partial separation of the sane from the insane. The Overseers of the
Poor report that it has been proposed to renovate the interior of
the house with paint, etc. This would much improve its condition, no
repairs of this nature having been made since the house was
built, seven years ago. There are forty-six inmates, eighteen of
whom are mentally defective. The warden and matron receive a salary
of $1,000.
WARE. (Visited. June 2, 1898.)
This old and
poorly arranged almshouse is still occupied, and little is now heard
of building a new one. It is under new and excellent management. The
inmates are kindly treated and tenderly cared for when ill, and the
house is neat and clean throughout. The foul privy, adjacent to the
room occupied by a male inmate, should be removed. The house greatly
needs a properly equipped bath-room and a furnace. There is no
provision for separation of the sexes. There are fifteen
inmates, one of whom is insane, and one idiotic. The warden and
matron receive a salary of $400. The town supports a feeble-minded
man in the family of relatives, where he is kindly cared for. The
sum of $3 per week is paid for his board.
WAREHAM - Plymouth County -(Mrs. S.
M. BROWN). The
town almshouse, visited July 20, 1887, is one and one-half miles
north-west from the Wareham station, a wooden house of two stories
painted white, and without blinds. The inmates have a large dining-
room on the first floor; also a kitchen and back-kitchen, the latter
used in summer to wash in, and partly to cook in. The other rooms on
this floor arc occupied by the superintendent's family. On the
second floor are six sleeping-rooms, three for men and three for
women. The separation between the rooms occupied by the women and
men is a slat-work partition, kept locked. All the chambers except
one have two beds each. The bedsteads are of iron, and have
straw beds, several of which were sadly in need of filling. There
is one feather-bed in the house to be used in case of sickness. Two
of the rooms one occupied by a man and another by a woman of
filthy habits were in need of cleaning ; the rest I found in good
condition, with the exception that one or two of the rooms have
vermin, which the matron is using every means to exterminate. A good
diet is provided for the inmates, meat twice a day, tea with milk
and sugar at every meal. Three of the eight men were away, one at
the village and two on the farm. Three others were sitting under the
trees near the house; one was scrubbing the kitchen floor. Both the
women were in bed, one having a weakness, and the other not inclined
to get up except to her meals. There is no bath-room ; water is
supplied by wells and a cistern. The drainage is good. The
superintendent, George A. Wood, salary $250, has been here four
years. Of the ten inmates eight are men and two women; one woman is
insane, and one man and one woman are
idiotic.
WAREHAM. (Visited September 12, 1898.)
Good management
prevails in this almshouse, and it was found satisfactory in most
respects. A bath-room and safer heating facilities should be
provided. The separation of the sexes is complete at night only.
There are seven inmates, two of whom are feeble-minded. The warden
receives a salary of $250.
WARREN. (Visited September 8, 1898.)
Efficient
management was found at this almshouse. Many of the rooms have been
painted, and the interior now presents a pleasing appearance. There
is still urgent need of a bathroom, and of more complete separation
of the sexes. There are seven inmates, four of whom are mentally
defective. The warden and matron receive a salary of $600.
WARWICK.
(Visited March 16, 1898.) The management at this almshouse remains the same. The
house was found clean and orderly, and the inmates apparently
receiving good care. There is no provision for separation of the
sexes. There are six inmates, two of whom are insane, and one is
idiotic. The warden and matron receive a salary of $375.
WATERTOWN.
(Visited August 1, 1898.) This almshouse was found neat and clean throughout.
The house provides comfortably for its inmates. Complete separation
of the sexes is secured except at meals. Another bath-room is
greatly needed, and it is hoped that one will be provided in the
near future. There are twelve inmates, four of whom are insane, and
one is idiotic. The warden and matron receive a salary of
$500.
WAYLAND
(Mrs. S. M. BROWN) The old almshouse of this town, which has been
unfavorably noticed by all the visitors of the board, is likely
to be replaced by a new and better one. The old establishment was
visited by Mrs. Brown early in the spring of 1887, when it had few
inmates, who were in as good condition as the wretched state of the
house would permit.
WAYLAND. (Visited February 14,1898.)
This almshouse,
a building two and one-half stories high, provides a comfortable
home for its few inmates. Separation of the sexes is not secured,
neither has the house proper heating or bathing facilities. The
bath-tub should be supplied with hot and cold water; at present all
water has to be carried to the tub in pails. There are three
inmates, one of whom is insane. The warden receives a salary of
$400.
WEBSTER.
(Visited January 18, 1898.) Great credit is due the warden and matron of this
almshouse for its very clean and pleasing condition. It is still
necessary to urge that a well equipped bath-room and a furnace be
added. The house does not provide for any separation of the sexes.
There are fourteen inmates, two being insane, and two idiotic. The
warden and matron, who have been here for twelve years, receive a
salary of $600.
WELLESLEY. (Visited January 17, 1898.)
This almshouse
was found under the same management, and in a disorderly and dirty
condition. As has been reported in previous years, the house is
cheerless and poorly arranged. The three insane women, who were
found in one room in which they sleep and always sit, should be
assigned better accommodations. No provision for the separation of
the sexes is provided. The inmates number eight, six of whom are
mentally defective. The warden receives a salary of $550.
WELLFLEET
(Mrs. S. M. BROWN) The almshouse of Wellfleet, visited July 28,1887 is
about a mile from the railroad station. It is built of wood, is one
story in height and is in good repair. I found it thoroughly clean
and in good order. The house is to be closed August 1, 1887, as
there are very few paupers, at the present time only one woman, and
the town thinks it entirely unnecessary to keep up this
establishment for one person. This one is to board with Alden K.
Rich, of Wellfleet village. The superintendent, J. H. Harding, has
been in charge two years, and his salary has been $4 or $6 per week,
according to the number of inmates.
WELLFLEET. (Visited August 4,1898.)
This town
supports no almshouse. Two of its feeble-minded dependents are well
cared for in a family, where the sum of $3 a week is paid for the
board of each. One of the town's demented cases, a man of sixty-six
years, is boarded with an old woman of eighty-four years ; the sum
of $2.50 per week only is paid for his board, though this amount is
expected to furnish support for both of these persons. The case
should receive the attention of the Overseers of the
Poor.
WESTBOROUGH. (Visited July 16,1898.) This
almshouse was found under good management, being clean and orderly
throughout. No changes have been made since the previous visit. The
house provides for complete separation of the sexes. There are ten
inmates, four of whom are mentally defective. The warden and matron
receive a salary of $600.
WEST BOYLSTON. (Visited May 24,
1898.) No
changes were found at this almshouse. The management continues the
same, and the house was found in as clean a condition as could be
expected, but the use of paint and white-wash inside is greatly
needed. The practice of keeping petty criminals here has been
abandoned. The house provides for no separation of the sexes. There
are eight inmates, one of whom is insane, and one idiotic. The
warden receives a salary of $500.
WEST BRIDGEWATER. (Visited March 24,
1898.) Excellent management was found at this almshouse. Some
minor improvements have been made, besides the addition of hot water
to both bath-tubs and the kitchen. There is complete separation of
the sexes. There are eight inmates, four of whom are insane, and one
is idiotic. The warden and matron receive a salary of $400.
WEST
BROOKFIELD. (Visited June 7, 1898.) This almshouse is under good management,
and in good repair, though lacking in the necessary sanitary
appliances. The water supply is inconveniently placed, and it might
be changed at small cost. The foundation for a new barn has been
laid, and the work is fast progressing. When complete, the barn will
cost about $2,000. The farm interests are well looked after, and an
income of $1,250 was realized last year. There is no separation of
the sexes by day, though at night it is complete. There are six
inmates, one of whom is insane. The warden, receives a salary of
$500.
WESTFIELD. (Visited July 19, 1898.)
No changes have
been made at this almshouse during the past year. The present warden
and matron are serving their seventeenth year. The house is well
managed, and the inmates evidently receive kind treatment. A large
house like this, containing thirty-six sleeping rooms, cannot be
properly heated by stoves, and steam heat should be supplied. There
is partial separation of the sexes by day, and complete
separation by night. There are twenty-five inmates, four of whom are
mentally defective. The warden and matron receive a salary of $700.
WESTFORD.
(Visited September 29, 1898.) Efficient management was found at this almshouse. The
house is kept neat and clean, and, with frequent use of paint and
whitewash, is made attractive. It is proposed to build a wing to
replace the old one. If this plan is carried out, a kitchen, pantry,
coldstorage room, bath-room, and several sleeping rooms will be
furnished. There should be no accommodations in the main house for
tramps. At present, no provision is made for the separation of the
sexes. There are six inmates, one of whom is insane, and one idiotic
and epileptic. The warden and matron receive a salary of $450.
WEST NEWBURY.
(Visited May 4, 1898.) The management at this almshouse is the same as when
last seen. The house was not as clean and orderly as it should have
been. No changes have been made during the year. A bathroom and a
furnace are greatly needed improvements. There is no provision for
separation of the sexes. There are five inmates, one of whom is
insane. The warden and matron receive a salary of $250.
WESTON.
(Visited February 14, 1898.) This almshouse remains in the same unsatisfactory
condition as has been noted for some years past. That this condition
continues to exist reflects discredit both upon the management and
the Overseers of the Poor. There are three male inmates, one of whom
is insane. The warden and matron receive a salary of
$450.
WESTPORT. (Visited September 28, 1898.)
This almshouse
was found scrupulously clean throughout, and the inmates looking
neat and happy. A bath-tub has been purchased and is soon to be put
in place. The house is now satisfactory in most respects, but the
old wooden bedsteads should be replaced by new iron ones. The house
provides for partial separation of the sexes at night, but none
during the day. There are six inmates, three of whom are insane, and
two idiotic. The warden is paid $400 for his services.
WEST
STOCKBRIDGE. (Visited July 20, 1898.) This town pays $8 per month for the support
of a woman and her family of three idiotic children. The sum paid is
entirely insufficient, and the deplorable condition in which the
family was found reflects great discredit upon this well-to-do town.
WEYMOUTH.
(Visited March 21, 1898.) New and good management was found at this almshouse.
The looked for improvements have not been made. The bathing
accommodations, which consist of one bath-tub, are not sufficient
for the large number of inmates found here. The house was neat and
clean throughout, and the inmates had the appearance of being kindly
treated. The house provides for partial separation of the sexes.
There are thirty-four inmates, of whom two are insane, and eight
feeble-minded. The warden and matron receive a salary of $800.
WlLLIAMSBURG.
(Visited August 26, 1898.) This town supports an insane dependent in a private
family, where she has a good home. The sum of $2.50 a week is paid
for her board.
WlLLIAMSTOWN. (Visited July 21,1898.)
The almshouse
in this town remains precisely as reported last year, in a
dilapidated, discreditable condition. The arrangement whereby the
warden is given the rental of the farm, and paid $2 per week for
each inmate, is most objectionable. Under this arrangement it might
be possible for those in charge to economize in the expenditure for
food and clothing, to the detriment of the inmates. The house is
insufficiently warmed by stoves, is not supplied with proper bathing
arrangements, and provides for no separation of the sexes. There are
four inmates, all of whom are sane.
WILMINGTON. (Visited September
5,1898.) This
almshouse remains unchanged. Many improvements are needed to make it
satisfactory, among which are a bath-room, provision for the
separation of the sexes, and steam heat. With the income from the
farm, and that received from work done by the warden and the male
inmates in the highways, the almshouse is made self-supporting. The
income from these two sources last year was $1,506, and under these
conditions, the town ought to provide a more satisfactory almshouse
than the present one. There are two inmates. The warden receives a
salary of $400.
WlNCHENDON. (Visited May 3, 1898.)
This almshouse
is greatly in need of minor repairs. It is kept clean, and the
inmates are kindly treated. Complete separation of the sexes is
secured at night, but not by day. The farm of two hundred acres is
only partially cultivated, the income from it was $1,960 during the
past year. There are ten inmates, one of whom is idiotic. The warden
receives $750 for his services.
WOBURN. (Visited January 29, 1898.)
Good management
was found at this almshouse. The house is old, poorly arranged, and
greatly overcrowded. A serious fault is the over-crowding of the
small attic rooms, escape from which in case of fire would be
impossible, there being no fire escapes from this floor. If it were
not for the very creditable manner in which the almshouse is
managed, it would be a greater disgrace to the city than it now is.
There is complete separation of the sexes except at meals. There are
forty-nine inmates, of whom two are insane, and three idiotic. The
warden and matron receive a salary of $650
WORCESTER. (Visited September 9,
1898.) As
usual, this large and well planned institution is under good
management, and was found in a satisfactory condition throughout.
Since the previous visit a new wing has been built, which furnishes
accommodation for one hundred and fifty inmates ; it is to be used
for the sane and insane men. The sanitary appliances, both in this
new wing and throughout the other buildings, are very satisfactory.
A new heater for supplying hot water has been put in operation, and
a system of electric bells, connecting all the floors with the main
office, has been put in. The building provides for the complete
separation of the sexes, and of the sane from the insane. There are
two hundred and six inmates, ninety-four of whom are mentally
defective. The warden receives a salary of $1,500.
WORTHINGTON. (Visited August 24, 1898.)
This town
supports one insane and one feeble-minded woman in private families,
where they receive good care.
WRENTHAM. (Visited September 29,
1898.) Minor
repairs have been made at this almshouse since the last report, and
the house now presents a pleasing appearance. Good separation of the
sexes is secured, and bathing is regularly enforced. There are eight
inmates, of whom three are insane, and three feeble-minded. The
warden receives a salary of $300.
YARMOUTH (Mrs. S. M. BROWN).
The almshouse,
visited July 20, 1887 is two and one-half miles from the railroad
station. The house is built of wood, and is two stories in height
with an ell. The entire house is shingled on all sides. It is
painted white. The superintendent, Stephen Sherman, has been in
charge fourteen years; salary $500. The selectmen have a room on the
second floor, where the business of the town is transacted, also a
small adjoining room to hold the town hooks. The house is
inconvenient and unsuitable in many respects, yet the rooms are
neat; many of the sleeping-rooms arc carpeted, and are made very
pleasant by little adornments. During the hot weather a kitchen is
used at the farther end of the ell, and a room leading from this is
the dining-room for summer. There is no bathroom, but a common
wash-tub is used for the paupers. There is no common outlet for sink
drainage, but the sink water from the washing of hands and all
culinary purposes is caught in a pail beneath the sink which, as
often as full, is carried out and emptied upon the land at some
distance from the house. There are twenty rooms in the house. The
bedsteads are of wood, supplied with straw and feather beds, and
clean and comfortable. An inmate who is blind has a simple-minded
wife, also a son who is sick. Their rooms were decorated with cards
and pictures to suit their fancy. Of the eleven inmates six are men,
four are women and one a boy ; of this number two men are idiotic,
one man feeble-minded and two women simple-minded.
S. T., 68;
blind, cannot work. S. T., 31; sick, cannot work. I. H., 81;
feeble, cannot work. N. B., 73; paralytic, cannot work. A.
R., 17; idiotic, cannot work. B. B., 62; idiotic, cannot work. F.
B. G., 10; has tics, and is tied in the barn, and they charge the
boy with killing chickens and doing all sorts of mischief. S.
B., 41 ; has a useless hand. S. T., 60; simple, wife of S. T.
A. G., 62; simple-minded. O. K., 46; can do light
work.
YARMOUTH. (Visited August 2,1898.)
Though
lacking in all modern conveniences, this almshouse is under
excellent management, the same that has been here for twenty-six
years. No changes were found. The inmates have a good home and kind
treatment. There is no separation of the sexes. The inmates number
seven, of whom one is insane, and three are idiotic. The matron
receives $300 for her services.
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