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FIEST ANNUAL REPORT
THE TRUSTEES
TEMPORARY ASYLUM FOR THE CHRONIC INSANE
WORCESTER,
For the Year ending September 30, 1878.
BOSTON :
foanfc, 8&«ts, $ <&a., printers to tfje Qtommaxitotzltij,
117 Franklin Street.
1879-
OFFICEES OF THE ASYLUM.
TRUSTEES.
EOBERT W. HOOPER, M.D.
Gen. WILLIAM S. LINCOLN
THOMAS H. GAGE, M.D.
Col. JOHN D. WASHBURN
Prof. JAMES B. THAYER
Boston.
Worcester.
Worcester.
Worcester.
Cambridge.
JOHN G. PARK, M.D.
ENOCH Q. MARSTON, M.D.
WILLIAM H. RAYMENTON, M
CHARLES H. SAEFORD .
SOPHIA N. GRAVES .
CLARENCE R. MACOMBER
WILLIAM SHERMAN
RESIDENT OFFICERS.
Superintendent.
First Assistant Physician.
D. Second Assistant Physician.
Steward.'
Matron.
Clerk.
Engineer.
TREASURER.
ALBERT WOOD
Worcester.
Commomoealtf) of Jfta0Bacf)ii0rti0«
TRUSTEES' REPORT.
To His Excellency the Governor and the Honorable Council.
The Trustees of the Worcester Lunatic Hospital, in their
capacity as Trustees of the Temporary Asylum for the
Chronic Insane, submit their First Annual Report.
The Asylum was established by an act of the legislature,
approved May 15, 1877, of which the following is a copy : —
" An Act establishing an Asylum for the Chronic Insane.
"Be it enacted, Sfc, as follows:
" Section 1. There shall be established at Worcester a temporary
asylum for the chronic insane, and so much of the land and buildings
there situate heretofore used for a lunatic hospital, as the trustees thereof
may deem necessary, is hereby appropriated for the use of such asylum.
" Sect. 2. The trustees of Worcester lunatic hospital are hereby
invested with the same authority relative to the management and govern-
ment of said asylum, the care of the inmates thereof, the custody of its
funds, and the collection and disbursement of moneys for and on account
of it, and to the same extent, as if the asylum was a part of said hospital :
provided, however, that the inmates thereof shall consist only of such
chronic insane as may be transferred thereto by the board of state chari-
ties in the manner provided in section four of chapter two hundred and
forty of the acts of the year eighteen hundred and sixty-three.
" Sect. 3. Said trustees are hereby authorized to sell and convey any
land heretofore used by said hospital, not necessary for the purpose of the
asylum, in accordance with the provisions of section four of chapter two
hundred and thirty-eight of the acts of the year eighteen hundred and
seventy.
" Sect. 4. This act shall take effect on the first day of September
next. [Approved May 15, 1877."
6 ASYLUM FOR CHRONIC INSANE. [Oct.
ORGANIZATION.
Under the authority thus conferred it was determined,
Oct. 25, 1877, that the permanent officers of the Asylum
should be a Superintendent, one Assistant Physician, a
Steward, a Matron, a Treasurer, a Clerk, and an Engineer,
who should be elected by the Trustees, and whose salaries
should be fixed by them.
On the same day, Dr. John G. Park was elected Superin-
tendent, with a salary of $2,000 per annum ; Dr. Enoch Q.
Marston was elected Assistant Physician, with a salary of
$900 ; Dr. Albert Wood, Treasurer, with a salary of $400 ;
Mr. C. R. Macomber, Clerk, with a salary of $400 ; and Mr.
William Sherman, Engineer, with a salary of $1,000. At
a subsequent meeting Miss Sophia N. Graves was chosen
Matron, with salary fixed at $325; and Mr. C. H. Safford,
Steward, with a salary of $800. Although no second Assist-
ant Physician has been appointed, the Trustees have author-
ized the employment of Dr. William H. Raymenton in that
capacity, with a salary of $600 ; it having been found that
such assistance, at least temporarily, was required.
REPAIRS.
Up to the passage of the "act," the board — sharing in the
generally prevailing idea, that, upon the completion of the
new Hospital buildings, the old ones were to be abandoned —
had allowed the same to depreciate, and become much out of
repair ; but, perceiving by the new legislation that their
occupancy was to be continued, they at once set themselves
to the work of having them put in a proper state of repair.
This has been done with as much rapidity as possible, but is
not yet fully completed. The amount thus far expended for
the above purpose is $8,767.86, and has been paid out of the
accumulated funds of the Hospital. More remains to be
done, the payment for which, it is hoped and believed, can be
met from the earnings of the institution.
INMATES.
On the thirteenth day of October, 1877, the Trustees were
furnished with a copy of a vote passed the day previous by
the Board of State Charities, to the effect that " 200 State
and town patients from the Taunton Lunatic Hospital, 100
1878.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 23. 7
from the Worcester .Lunatic Hospital, and 25 from the North-
ampton Lunatic Hospital were to be removed to the Asylum ; "
the work of removal " to be begun at once, and completed
by the 1st of November " then next following.
In accordance with this vote, the work of removal to the
new building was at once commenced ; and on the nineteenth
day of the same month the Trustees, by vote, directed " that
all patients belonging to the Worcester Lunatic Hospital
be removed from the old to the new buildings on or before
the 23d inst., and that all patients committed to the Hospital
before that day be sent to the new building."
On the day designated in this vote every patient belonging
to the Hospital was domiciled in the new building. One
hundred of the patients had been designated by the General
Agent as subjects for the Asylum, and were left undisturbed.
On the twenty-third day of October, 100, on the 26th
another 100 patients, were transferred from the Taunton
Hospital to the Asylum ; and on the 30th of the same month
25 more were received from the institution at Northampton :
so that at the end of seven days a family of 325 patients had
been gathered within the Asylum. All this without any acci-
dent or escape.
Other transfers to this institution have been made during
the year, until the largest number was reached which could
be comfortably accommodated.
The largest number of patients at any one time during the
year has been 407 ; the average number, 382.98 ; the smallest
number, 200 ; while the number now remaining is 375. The
average weekly cost of supporting each patjent during the
time the Asylum has been in operation has been $2.79.
There is due the Hospital, for supplies left in the building
at the time of removal, the sum of $2,825.66, payment of
which sum will be easily made from the receipts of the com-
ing year.
LAND.
So much of the land heretofore occupied by the Worces-
ter Lunatic Hospital as is bounded by Summer, East Cen-
tral, Mulberry, and Asylum Streets, with the buildings
thereon, was, by vote of the Trustees, passed on the twenty-
fifth day of October, 1877, under the authority conferred by
8 ASYLUM FOR CHRONIC INSANE. [Oct.
the statute before referred to, set apart " for the use of the
Asylum," — that being all, which, in the opinion of the
Trustees, was, using the language of the act, " necessary "
for the institution. The temporary use of about four acres
additional was allowed. In consideration of the fact, as
appears by the report of the Superintendent, that this last
lot has furnished the household abundantly with vegetables
during the season, and with a considerable supply for the
winter ; that the vegetables have been raised almost entirely
b}^ the labor of the patients ; that health has been promoted
by this labor, — it may be a matter of question whether this
tract, or some other of sufficient size, might not have been
wisely included in the premises appropriated for the perma-
nent use of the Asylum.
It is a matter of congratulation, that, if the Trustees have
erred in this point, the error is not past remedy.
HEALTH.
The health of the inmates of the institution during the
season has been good.
Twenty-six deaths only have occurred.
You are respectfully referred to the accompanying report
of the Superintendent for a more detailed account of the
working and present condition of the institution. The
Treasurer's report shows a gratifying result.
The Trustees feel that they have been fortunate in the
selection of officers^ who, under their general supervision,
have administered the affairs of the Asylum. To the skill
and judgment of these gentlemen the success of the past
year is mainly due.
R. W. HOOPER.
WM. S. LINCOLN.
THOMAS H. GAGE.
JOHN D. WASHBURN.
JAMES B. THAYER.
1878.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 23.
VALUE OF STOCK AND SUPPLIES,
Sept. 30, 1878.
Live-stock $100 00
Carriages and agricultural implements ..... 608 00
Machinery and mechanical fixtures 3,000 00
Beds and bedding in inmates' department . ... . 9,120 00
Other furniture in inmates' department .... 2,205 60
Personal property of State in Superintendent's department . 9,394 15
Ready-made clothing . . . . . . . . 96 75
Dry-goods 572 00
Provisions and groceries . . . . . . . 2,497 86
Drugs and medicines . . . . . . . . 325 00
Fuel 2,222 25
Library 150 00
$30,292 11
10
ASYLUM FOR CHRONIC INSANE.
[Oct.
TREASURER'S REPORT.
To the Trustees of the Asylum for the Chronic Insane.
Gentlemen, — I herewith submit my Annual Report on
the finances of the Asylum for the Chronic Insane, for the
year ending Sept. 30, 1878 : —
RECEIPTS.
Amount received :
From the Commonwealth for support of patients
cities and towns for support of patients
loans
all other sources
$10,393 05
41,122 39
10,000 00
1,343 89
$62,859 33
The expenditures for the year (49 weeks) have been as
follows : —
Salaries and wages .
117,817 53
Provisions and supplies, viz. :
245 61
$18,063 14
Meats of all kinds $3,392 85
Fish of all kinds
465 53
Fruit and vegetables .
1,566 93
Flour, 452^ barrels, at $6.53
2,953 25
Grain and meal for table .
143 42
Grain, meal, and hay for stock
-
171 01
Tea and coffee
1,210 85
Sugar and molasses .
1,774 46
Milk, butter, and cheese .
5,855 06
Salt and other groceries .
459 29
All other provisions .
1,195 83
19,188 48
Clothing and material
3,752 46
Fuel and lights .
4,322 35
Medicine and medical supplies
344 77
Furniture, beds, and bedding
1,351 07
$9,770 65
Amounts carried forward
$37,251 62
1878.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 23.
Amounts brought forward
Transportation and travelling .
Ordinary repairs .....
All other current expenses
Total current expenses
Loans paid to Worcester Lunatic Hospital
Refunded, and furnished patients
Cash on hand Sept 30, 1878
No. 23.
11
$9,770 65
$37,251 62
191 59
222 45
2,618 76
12,803 45
$50,055 07
$10,000 00
110 52
10,110 52
$60,165 59
2,693 74
>,859 33
RESOURCES.
Cash on hand .
Due from the Commonwealth
from cities and towns
LIABILITIES.
$2,693 74
4,513 25
14,235 83
$21,442 82
$3,007 78
2,825 66
364 19
1,792 39
7,990 02
Due for supplies . . . .
Worcester Lunatic Hospital for supplies
inmates ......
for salaries and wages
Total surplus $13,452 80
Respectfully submitted.
ALBERT WOOD, Treasurer.
Asylum for the Chronic Insane,
Oct. 1, 1878.
Worcester, Mass., Oct. 9, 1878.
The undersigned have this day examined the account of the Treasurer
of the Asylum for the Chronic Insane, and have inspected all the vouchers
of expenditures from Oct. 23, 1877, to Sept. 30, 1878, inclusive.
They find all the items properly vouched, every voucher being indorsed
with the approval of the Superintendent, and with that Of three or more
of the Trustees.
(Signed) JOSEPH SARGENT, }
THOMAS H. GAGE, \ Audltors -
12
ASYLUM FOR CHRONIC INSANE. [Oct.
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
To the Board of Trustees of the Temporary Asylum for the Chronic Insane.
Gentlemen, — In accordance with an act of the legisla-
ture of 1877, entitled " An Act establishing an Asylum for
the Chronic Insane," approved May 15, 1877, the buildings
heretofore used as a lunatic hospital were, on the 23d of
October, 1877, occupied for the purposes specified in the act.
The Board of State Charities, by the authority given them
in the act, have, during the year, transferred from the State
Lunatic Hospitals, and the State Almshouse at Tewksbury,
429 patients, as follows : —
Table No. 1.
Number of Admissions during the Year.
Date.
Transfeebed from —
Male.
Female.
Total.
1877.
Oct. 23.
Worcester Lunatic Hospital
50
50
100
23.
Taunton Lunatic Hospital
50
50
100
26.
Taunton Lunatic Hospital
50
50
100
30.
Northampton Lunatic Hospital
5
20
25
Nov. 16.
Taunton Lunatic Hospital
25
25
50
30.
Northampton Lunatic Hospital
1
-
1
Dec. 28.
Taunton Lunatic Hospital
12
13
25
1878.
Feb. 14.
State Almshouse, Tewksbury .
4
11
15
April 18.
Worcester Lunatic Hospital
-
1
1
Aug. 1.
State Almshouse, Tewksbury .
Total
12
-
12
209
220
429
The above table represents 428 persons, one patient having
been discharged, and committed to the Worcester Lunatic
1878.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 23. 13
Hospital, and again transferred to the Asylum. The patients
were all of them considered to be suffering from insanity in
its chronic form ; and, in making the transfers, the general
rule was followed by the Board of State Charities of select-
ing for removal those patients who resided nearest Worces-
ter, and who had been longest in the various hospitals from
which they were transferred : the question of who are the
" chronic insane " being in this case decided by the date of
the commitment paper.
While this plan did not relieve the other hospitals of many
disagreeable patients, who could properly be classed as
chronic, and who would have been willingly spared, it was
probably the only one which could have been adopted with-
out prejudice to this Asylum.
In the first report of the Board of State Charities in
1864, the want of a proper classification of the inmates of
our lunatic hospitals was spoken of as one of the evils con-
nected with their management.
The necessity of securing a more uniform price for those
patients supported by towns and cities was urged, and the
regret expressed that the State, in 1855, had not built a
smaller hospital at Northampton, and expended the balance
left of the $350,000 which that hospital cost " in the pur-
chase of lands, and in the erection and furnishing of a plain,
convenient, and substantial building in some rural district as
an asylum for the incurable insane." But until the last year
no attempt has been made in this State to provide for the
dependent incurable insane in an asylum devoted exclu-
sively to their care.
The question of the advisability of caring for the acute
and chronic, the curable «and incurable, insane in separate
institutions, is one which has been pretty thoroughly dis-
cussed in this country during the last few years. It has
been generally opposed by the superintendents of hospitals
for the insane on the ground that it would be disadvanta-
geous to both classes, and advocated by State Boards of
Charities for reasons of economy.
It is possible that the opponents of the plan may have
had their judgment biased somewhat by the consideration of
the effect such a sj^stem might have on their own institu-
tions. At any rate, while many good reasons may be given
14 ASYLUM FOR CHRONIC INSANE. [Oct.
against the plan, there seems to have been a good deal of
sentiment made to do the duty of argument by those who
object to the separation of the curable and incurable insane,
and their treatment and care in different and distinct insti-
tutions.
The State having probably provided buildings for the
insane of all classes for some time to come, no new asylum
will be built for the special accommodation of the chronic
insane. For this reason it does not seem necessary to discuss
the subject at any length in the present report.
Should, however, in years to come, the success of this
Asylum be such as to encourage the extension of the system
here inaugurated, the State already possesses the " rural dis-
trict," the quiet neighborhood, the well-cultivated farm, and
suitable buildings, to which additions could easily be made
to accommodate any required number of patients.
The number of insane persons now provided for in alms-
houses by the cities and towns in the State is about 450.
The managers of these institutions are undoubtedly efficient
and humane, and well suited to perform their ordinary duties*;
but none of them have probably ever paid any attention to, or
had any experience in, the special care and treatment of the
insane, other than of the few who happen to be in the building
under their control. They cannot therefore be expected to
understand their peculiarities and wants. While it is true
that some insane persons can be as well cared for in the alms-
house or private family as in a large hospital, this number,
in comparison with all the insane, must be small.
The custom, as it prevails at present, of removing insane
patients from the State hospitals by the Overseers of the
Poor to their almshouses, is one in many ways objectionable.
It acts unfavorably on the insane themselves, who exert an
influence upon the other inmates of the almshouse, especially
the children, which is extremely pernicious ; and now that
the State institutions devoted to the insane are not over-
crowded, the plan of almshouse treatment should be discour-
aged and condemned.
With the decrease of the market price of supplies, it is to
be hoped that the expense of caring for the dependent insane
may be reduced to such a point that the cost cannot be an
excuse for their removal from the hospital or asylum to the
1878.]
PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No.
15
almshouse. If, however, the practice is to continue, it would
seem that the best interests of this unfortunate class require
that the matter should be directly under the control of the
State, and that the determination of who is a proper person
to receive almshouse care and treatment should be intrusted
to a medical man whose experience and education fit him for
his duties, and who, in arriving at a decision, would take into
consideration all the circumstances of the case, and not
assent to such removal simply because the patient is not
dangerous to society.
Table No. 2.
Number of Patients discharged during the Year, and their Con-
dition at Time of Discharge.
Male.
Female.
Total.
4
_
4
2
2
4
12
8
20
18
8
26
36
18
54
Remaining Sept. 30, 1878 ....
173
202
375
All of the patients of the Asylum being at the time of
their transfer considered incurable, the number discharged
recovered would naturally be small. The above table shows
that number to have been 4.
One of these was a patient suffering from recurrent mania v
from which attack he had recovered at the time of his dis-
charge. It is probable that he will have another attack
sooner or later.
The insanity of the other 3 being caused by intemper-
ance, their recovery will be of as long duration as their
abstinence.
Of the 4 who had improved, 2 were well enough to go to
their homes, and 2 were removed to other States by the
Board of State Charities.
16
ASYLUM FOR CHRONIC INSANE.
[Oct.
Of the 20 discharged not improved, 9 were removed by
Overseers of the Poor to their almshouses.
Twenty-six have died.
The number remaining Sept. 30, 1878, was 375.
Table No. 3.
Showing Causes of Death.
CAUSES.
Male.
Female.
Total.
4
4
8
5
-
5
Exhaustion from chronic mania . . .
2
1
3
2
1
3
Exhaustion from chronic dementia
1
1
2
-
1
1
1
-
1
Chronic dysentery .....
1
-
1
1
-
1
1
-
1
. Total .......
18
8
26
The house has been during the year free from any epidemic
or contagious disease, and the amount of serious acute sick-
ness has been very small ; only one death from this cause
having occurred, that of an old lady, who died from double
pneumonia.
Among the patients received were 34 suffering from chronic
epilepsy, — 19 males and 15 females, — and 18 males affected
with general paralysis.
Five have died of the latter disease, and 3 of the former.
Consumption stands at the head of the list as a cause of
death, 8 having died of this disease.
1878.]
PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 23.
17
Table No. 4.
Assigned Causes of Insanity.
ASSIGNED CAUSES.
Male.
Female.
Total.
Hereditary
44
34
78
Epilepsy ....
19
15
34
Intemperance
19
9
28
111 health .
4
18 '
22
Paresis
18
-
18
Masturbation . . ' .
12
5
m
Injury ....
12
3
15
Domestic troubles
-
14
14
Old age
6
3
9
Puerperal condition
-
8
8
Sunstroke .
6
-
6
Overwork .
5
1
6
Religious excitement .
1
5
6
Business troubles
5
/
5
Turn of life
-
4
4
Disappointment in love
1
3
4
Syphilis
2
1
3
Solitary habits of life
1
-
1
Political excitement
1
-
1
Fright . ' .
1 '
-
1
Unknown .
52
96
148
Total .
209
219
428
The causes of insan
Lty, as g]
ven in the above table, were
the ones assigned on th
eir c
omn
litm
3E
t paper
s to the
various
hospitals from which they were transferred to the Asylum.
In 148 cases no cause was given. In many of the cases
the wrong cause was undoubtedly assigned, and the table
itself can have but little statistical value,
3
18
ASYLUM FOR CHRONIC INSANE.
[Oct.
Table No. 5.
Showing Nativity of Patients.
Male.
Female.
Total.
Maine
9
9
18
New Hampshire .
5
8
13
Vermont
-
1
1
Massachusetts
108
79
187
Rhode Island
3
-
3
Pennsylvania
1
-
1
Maryland .
-
1
1
Virginia
1
-
1
North Carolina
1
-
1
Georgia
-
1
1
Florida
1
-
1
"The South"
-
1
1
Total of Americans
129
100
229
British Provinces
4
4
8
Western Islands .
2
o
4 .
Ireland
61
96
157
Scotland
3
5
8
England
7
2
9
France
1
1
2
Germany
.
1
7
8
Austria
-
1
1
Poland
.
1
-
1
Sweden
•
-
1
1
Total of foreigners
80
119
199
Total p
• per
sons
•
209
219
428
1878.]
PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 23.
19
Table No. 6.
Showing Residence of Patients.
COUNTY.
Male.
Female.
Total.
Bristol .......
4
_
4
Dukes .
1
-
1
Essex .
13
11
24
Hampden
1
-
1
Middlesex
29
22
51
Norfolk
8
8
16
Plymouth
1
-
1
Suffolk
118
141
259
Worcester
20
19
39
Unknown
14
18
32
Total .
209
219
428
Table No. 7.
Showing the Ages of Patients admitted, discharged recovered,
not recovered, and died during the Year.
t
AGES.
Admitted.
Discharged
recovered.
Discharged
not
recovered.
Died.
Ma. Fe.
Tot.
Ma.
Fe.
Tot.
Ma
Fe.
Tot.
Ma
Fe.
Tot.
Under 15 .
From 15 to 20
20 to 25
25 to 30
30 to 35
35 to 40
40 to 50
50 to 60
60 to 70
70 to 80 .
80 to 90 .
Unknown .
3
5
19
26
22
30
36
29
13
5
1
20
4
11
20
24
34
51
27
24
6
1
17
3
9
30
46
46
64
87
56
37 ■
11
2
37
1
2
1
4
-
1
2
1
4
4
3
3
4
14
2
1
4
2
1
10
2
4
1
3
7
6
1
24
2
1
3
2
5
3
1
1
18
1
1
1
o
2
8
3
2
4
2
8
3
3
1
Total
209
219
428
26
20
ASYLUM FOR CHRONIC INSANE. [Oct.
Table No. 8.
Shoiving Occupat
ion c
f Me'
i admitted during the Year.
Laborers 33
Machinists .... 2
Farmers .
15
Lawyers .
2
Carpenters
11
Butchers
2
Clerks .
11
Harness-makers
2
Shoemakers
9
Oystermen
2
Sailors .
8
Music-teacher .
1
Masons .
6
Engineer
1
Mechanics
5
Rope-maker .
1
Teamsters
5
Trunk-maker .
1
Storekeepers
5
Expressman .
1
Operatives
4
Waiter .
1
Tailors .
4
Broker .
1
Painters .
4
Calker
1
Students
3
Constable
1
Printers .
3
Baker
1
Gardeners
3
Brass-moulder
1
Merchants
2
C arriage-maker
1
Sea captains
2
Boat-builder .
1
Hotel-keepers
2
Unknown
47
Barbers .
2
Blacksmiths
2
Total
209
1878.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No.
21
Table No. 9.
Showing by whom the Patients have been supported during the
Year.
6
S
fa
o
1
3
o
State
47
61
108
Brought forward .
187
206
393
Boston .
77
89
166
Chelmsford .
1
-
1
Cambridge
9
9
18
Cohasset
-
1
1
Chelsea .
9
5
14
Concord
1
-
1
Salem
4
4
8
Dighton
-
1
1
Lynn
2
3
5
Douglas
1
-
1
Brookfield
1
3
4
Edgartown
1
-
1
Beverly .
2
1
3
Essex .
1
-
1
Fitchburg
—
3
3
Fall River
1
-
1
Franklin
2
1
3
Holliston
1
-
1
Lowell .
1
2
3
Lancaster
1
~
1
Marblehead
1
2
3
Leicester
1
-
1
Melrose .
1
2
3
Lincoln
-
1
1
Needham
3
-
3
Medway
-
1
1
Newburyport
1
2
3
Natick" .
-
1
1
Stoneham
2
1
3
Plymouth
1
-
1
Woburn .
1
o
3
Pembroke
1
-
1
Waltham
2
1
3
Peabody
1
-
1
Wakefield
3
-
3
Revere .
-
1
1
Haverhill
-
2
2
Randolph
1
-
1
Lawrence
1
1
2
Sutton .
1
-
1
Maiden .
2
-
2
Spi'ingfield
1
-
1
Manchester
1
1
2
Swampscott
1
-
1
Medfield .
-
2
2
Scituate
-
1
1
Millbury
1
1
2
Southampton
-
1
1
Medford .
1
1
2
Shrewsbury
-
1
1
Mili'ord .
2
-
2
Sherborne
1
-
1
Newton .
1
1
2
Southbridge
-
1
1
Quincy .
1
1
2
Templeton
-
1
1
Uxbridge
1
1
2
Tewksbury
-
1
1
Westford
2
-
2
Westborough
1
-
1
Webster .
2
_
2
Warren
1
-
1
Weymouth
2
-
2
Wilmington
-
1
1
Worcester
1
1
2
Walpole
1
-
1
Blackstone
1
-
1
West Boylsto
n
-
1
1
Bradford
_
1
1
Acton .
1
-
1
Brookline
—
1
1
Sharon .
1
-
1
(^ 1 • ^4_„
1
1
v^nnton ...
Total .
209
220
429
Carried forward .
187
206
393
22
ASYLUM FOR CHRONIC INSANE. [Oct.
Table No. 10.
Showing Daily Average Number of Patients for each Month for
the Year ; the Largest and the Smallest Number of Patients in
the Asylum at any Time.
DAILY AVERAGE.
Male.
Female.
Total.
1877.
October ......
134.44
137.78
272.22
November .....
167.53
182.27
349.80
December .....
182.03
194.74
376.77
1878.
January . . . . . ' .
191.55
205.09
396.64
February-
190.79
209.67
400.46
March
190.81
213.51
404.32
April
189.43
211.27
400.70
May .
182.64
205.74
388.38
June
178.93
205
383.93
July.
174.71
204 51
379.22
August
183 54
203.16
386.70
September
177 16
202
379.16
Total daily average for the year (343
days) ending Sept. 30, 1878 .
•
•
382.98
Largest number in the Asylum at
any time .
192
215
407
Smallest number in the Asylum at
any time
100
100
200
1878.]
PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 23.
23
Table No. 11.
Showing Number of Articles made in the Seimng-Room.
Articles.
Number.
Articles.
Number.
Dresses ....
250
Pillow-slips . . .
94
Print sacks .
12
Pillow-shams .
5
Skirts .
55
Curtains .
30
Chemises
170
Table-cloths .
6
Drawers
64
Towels .
104
Night-dresses
16
Dining-room towels
95
Print aprons .
28
Clothes-bags .
12
Underwaists .
6
Ticking aprons
8
Spreads .
24
Suspenders (pairs)
42
Sheets .
84
24
ASYLUM FOR CHRONIC INSANE.
[Oct.
STATEMENT
Showing Cost of Maintenance to Sept. 30, 1878.
Flour, 471 barrels .
Flour (Graham), 15 barrels
Corn and rye meal, 7,102 pounds
Oatmeal, 634 pounds
Hominj", 5 barrels .
Cracked wheat, 689 pounds
Crackers, 63 barrels
Fresh beef, 12,657 pounds
Corned beef, 21,544 pounds
Soup beef, 5,098 pounds .
Lamb and veal, 929 pounds
Mutton, 862 pounds
Poultry, 909 pounds
Fresh pork, 2,798 pounds
Salt pork, 5^ barrels
Sausage, 2,069 pounds .
Hams, 409 pounds .
Fish (fresh), 10,185 pounds
Fish (salt), 4,238 pounds
Vegetables
Potatoes, 1,680 bushels
Potatoes (sweet), 1,329 pounds
Beans, 108 bushels .
Rice, 898 pounds
Salt, 13 barrels
Spices
Vinegar, 320 gallons
Sugar, 18,544 pounds
Molasses, 572 gallons
Sirup, 121 gallons .
Lard, 2,734 pounds
• Amount carried forward,
$3,070 75
76
40
107
10
24
43
24
64
27
59
195
25
1,456
83
1,102
19
152
96
178
09
78
95
183
99
193
04
81
00
169
03
45
52
314
46
211
96
149
43
925
24
30
50
205
37
66
26
29
75
49
82
64
00
1,576
21
255
79
71
12
231
11
.1,348 78
1878.]
PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No.
25
Amount brought forward
Eggs, 1,926 dozen .
Butter, 11,715 pounds
Cheese, 1,723 pounds
Milk, 66,127 quarts
Coffee, 2,448 pounds
Tea (Japan), 867 pounds
Tea (Oolong), 918 pounds
Chiccory, 189 pounds
Ice, 224,665 pounds
Fruit
Fruit (dried) .
Raisins, 26 boxes .
Bi-carb. soda, 256 pounds
Cream of tartar, 274 pounds
Tobacco, 308 pounds
Groceries (miscellaneous)
Medicines, etc.
Disinfectant, 1,515 pounds
Soap, 4,160 pounds
Soap (soft)
Starch, 330 pounds
Hay, 9,993 pounds
Straw, 39,892 pounds
Provender
Dry-goods (including women's
ings)
Clothing (including men's clothing and furnishings)
Boots, shoes, and slippers'
Blankets and spreads,
Crockery and glass
Tinware
Hardware
Pipe and fittings
Tools .
Furniture
House furnishings
Stationery
Brooms .
Paints and oils
Lime and cement
Lumber .
Amount carried forward
4
clothing: and furnish
$11,348 78
346 65
2,747 99
206 44
2,975 71
626 15
158 40
468 74
19 56
349 99
144 61
99 62
54 62
13 08
81 16
153 24
143 91
291 75
45 80
262 78
169 67
22 44
101 91
334 15
77 30
926 21
1,852 00
553 90
416 24
169 13
240 50
211 98
114 83
21 50
51 50
559 56
300 19
76 55
115 50
48 97
122 71
$27,025 72
26
ASYLUM FOR CHRONIC INSANE. [Oct.
Amount brought forward,
$27,025 72
Carriages and wagons
478 75
Horse ....
125 00
Seeds and plants
39 47
Gas, 484,300 cubic feet .
1,380 29
Oil ....
106 36
Coal, 1,374,390 pounds .
^
§,867 38
Charcoal, 153 bushels
41 50
Chaplain
130 00
Undertaker's charges
199 50
Labor ....
283 49
Expense
742 95
Repairs (ordinary)
300 33
Net expended for suppl
Les issued t
o Sept. 30, 1878
, $33,720 74
Net expended for suppl
ies
. $33,720 74
Pay-roll to Sept. 30, 1878
19,609 95
$53,330 66
Less sundry sales
•
.
869 It
i
Dividing this expenditure ($52,461.48) by the aver-
age daily number of patients (382.98) gives the
cost of each patient for 49 weeks
Dividing this by 49, the number of weeks the Asylum
has been opened, gives the weekly cost per
patient ........
5,461 48
$136.98
$2.79
It being supposed that, upon the completion of the new-
Hospital, the use of the old buildings for hospital purposes
would be discontinued, only those repairs have been at-
tempted for the last five or six years which were absolutely
necessary.
All of the buildings and fences needed painting; and
much work, in the way of painting, plastering, and laying of
new floors, was necessary.
The work of outside painting was commenced in August,
1877 ; and it was expected, that, upon the transfer of the
patients to the new Hospital, a few months could be used for
completing the necessary repairs and alterations in the wards
before they were again occupied ; but the overcrowded con-
dition of the other hospitals called for immediate relief.
The last patient was taken from the old to the new Hospi-
1878.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 23. 27
tal on Oct. 23 ; and on Nov. 1 the Asylum contained 325
patients. Thus the repairs, which, it was hoped, could be
completed in a few months, have dragged slowly along
through the whole year, owing to the difficulty of employ-
ing many workmen at the same time in a house full of
patients.
The old laundry, situated in the basement of the chapel
wing, was of insufficient size, and in a dilapidated condition.
The building above being devoted to living and sleeping
rooms for the employe's and for a general sewing-room, these
apartments were frequently filled with the most disagreeable
and unhealthy odors, which emanated from the filthy clothes
washed below.
A building of brick, two stories in height, was added to
the north side of the engine-house, which furnishes a room
below for laundry purposes, taking power from the adjacent
engine-room, and one above for an ironing and dry room.
These repairs have been made from the surplus funds of the
Worcester Lunatic Hospital, and have cost about $9,000.
Much still remains to be done. New floors have been laid
in twelve of the twenty-four wards ; others should be relaid
as opportunity offers.
The system of water-closets, which has been in use for
more than twenty years, needs re-organizing.
The floors of many of the rooms and dormitories occupied
by patients require a coat or two of paint ; 'and the plastering
and ceiling — which is badly cracked in places, and started
from the laths in many of the wards — will need renewing.
These repairs we hope to be able to make from our own cur-
rent receipts, without asking for a special appropriation for
the purpose from the legislature.
Although, from the chronic character of the malady of the
inmates of the Asylum, but very few recoveries are to be
expected, the usual means for their recreation and amuse-
ment have been employed. The stereopticon, concerts, plays,
and readings have brought together in the chapel, once or
twice a week during the autumn and winter evenings, those
patients whose mental condition would admit of it.
These entertainments were furnished entirely by the offi-
cers and employes, who cheerfully assumed this extra labor
in addition to their regular daily duties.
28 ASYLUM FOR CHRONIC INSANE. [Oct.
Religious services have been held on sabbath afternoons,
the pulpit being occupied by clergymen of different denomi-
nations from the city.
Much attention has been given to employment of some
kind as a sanitary measure ; and every endeavor Has been
made to have our patients do something useful. In this
way their thoughts have been diverted, for the time being,
from themselves and their troubles and delusions.
I am pleased to acknowledge a kindly interest shown in
our behalf by Miss Dix, who has remembered this new insti-
tution by a donation of copies of "Social Hymns and
Tunes " for chapel service.
A water-color picture of Lake Quinsigamond, executed by
himself, has been given by Mr. Henry Woodward, son of the
first distinguished Superintendent of the Worcester Lunatic
Hospital, and himself one of its former Treasurers. The pro-
prietors of " The Worcester Evening Gazette " have, gener-
ously contributed a copy of their paper during the year.
The lot of land east of the Asylum, containing about four
acres, and heretofore occupied by the Lunatic Hospital as a
garden, was wisely set apart by you for the temporary use
of the Asylum. Under the management of our faithful
gardener, Daniel O'Neil, assisted by several patients, it has
furnished the household abundantly with vegetables during
the season, and with beets, turnips, parsnips, and celery suf-
ficient for winter use.
Much of the success obtained in the management of large
institutions like the Asylum must depend on the faithfulness
and efficiency of the subordinate officers and employes.
Dr. Enoch Q. Marston, formerly Assistant Physician at the
State Almshouse at Tewksbury, was appointed First Assistant
Physician ; and Dr. W. H. Raymenton was continued in the
office of Second Assistant Physician, having held a similar
position in the Worcester Lunatic Hospital for the three years
previous.
Miss Sophia N. Graves was appointed Matron, having had,
in other capacities, four or five years' experience among the
insane.
Mr. Clarence R. Macomber was appointed Clerk. I desire
to commend the general maimer in which each and all of
them have performed the duties of their respective positions.
1878.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 23. 29
In December Mr. C. H. Safford was chosen Steward, and
continues to fill the office in an acceptable manner. An
examination of the tables accompanying this report, refer-
ring to subsistence and supplies, will show that the most
careful and constant economy has been practised during the
year in his department.
The employe's, with few exceptions, have engaged in their
duties with zeal and fidelity.
To you, gentlemen, I feel greatly indebted for aid and
counsel during the year.
In closing, I think we may say that the first year of the
Asylum has been one of gratifying success, and furnishes
good reason to believe that this special charity will be, in the
future, another commendable addition to the ones which
Massachusetts has already established for the care and relief
of the poor and unfortunate, both within and from without
her borders.
JOHN G. PARK,
Super inten ent.
Asylum for the Chronic Insane,
Oct. 1, 1878.
Profile of . Ham Line or v«
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Profile of Line across Irrigation Field from entl of Pipe to Lake
A
LUN A TIC HOSPITAL
Worcester Mass
"■■-■ ■ ' " '"
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