Caption: Sophograph - 1891
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THE SOP 01 some cases, two beds, with various ornaments, such as flowers in bloom, pictures, birds, etc. These rooms arc attractive and homelike as far as possible, all appearance of confinement being concealed as much as is practicable. The halls arc also nicely kept; pictures and mottos are on the wall: at one place stands a piano, at which a girl with a vacant ped, stood motionless for a few econds, t h e n resumed his seat. Soue- of them stand with their eyes on the floor for h o u r - a t a time: others wander up and down the hall, often t a l k i n g to themselves in a low tone. A few hfl tie appearance of rational beings, but mot h. • a vacant, melancholy look thai i pitiful. Some, though wild and tierce looking, are b a r m less. Once in a while a laugh i^ >ard but in! the faces of the majority even a -mile never dares creep. I next visited t he workshop, where t he men. who were able, were working at their different trades. Some were m a k i n g shoes ami barn- ; some were w o r k i n g in iron, while other- were doing carpenter work. In connection with the institution there is a large farm, the labor of which is furnished by the inmates. T h e women do needle work, assist in keepi n g t h i n g s in order, knit, crochet, draw, paint, or do a n y t h i n g they desire. In pleasant weather, the men are taken oil in companies of t w e n t y each for exercise, while the women are driven out in carriag Many are allowed the liberty of t h e lawn u n der the supervision of a t t e n d a n t s . T h e main building is a large brick with east and west wings. T h e window-sash.•- : l p made of iron. T h e g r o u n d s s u r r o u n d i n g it a' elegant. All kinds of out-door sports are encouraged and provided for. The asylum was founded in 1847, t h r o u g h the influence of Miss Dorothea Dix. She had investigated tbe condition oi' the insane in fcb State, ami finding them poorly provided for. appealed to the legislature for aid m their behalf. Appropriations were made and work expression of countenance is seated. Farther on is a billiard table, also a card table around which sit a group of men evidently deeply interested in the game. Checkers and chess are provided for those who desire to use them. The halls and rooms are kept exceedingly clean. Not a speck of dust is to be seen a n y w h e r e . Each hall, or ward, has a small library consisting of works of fiction, poetry and o t h er literature. T h e patients are encouraged to read and take part in the games as it t u r n s their t h o u g h t s from their troubles. T h e first ward is occupied by those recently received for t r e a t m e n t . H a v i n g completed t h e inspection of this, we ascended to the second story, which is arranged in t h e same m a n ner as the first. Mere are those who have been treated for some time and are improving. We passed t h r o u g h and spent a short time in the third and uppermost story, occupied by t h e mildest cases and those who are almost ready • leave. T h e incurables and violently insane are kept in a separate building erected quite recently. T h e appearance and actions of some of the inmates were quite interesting to me. When we first entered, I noticed a man sitting with his head resting on his hands and his knees drawn up almost to his chin, lb' remained in this position as we pa88ed, and an hour later. when I went out. he was still in the same a t t i - ale. Another, who had been sitting quietly near the wall started up as we approached and moved rapidly toward i but he suddenly stop- gan Immediately. It was at first supported by a tax of one-fifth of a mill on the dollar oi il the taxable property in the state. This, being more than was necessary, the system was discontinued in 1855. It is now supportedbv ap-
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