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Asylum
Asylum for Idiotic and Imbecile Youth at Winfield.
BACKGROUND ON ASYLUM AT WINFIELD.
[REPORT FROM “CARL” ON TOPEKA LEGISLATION.]
Winfield Courier, January 27, 1881.
Among the bills of interest are House Bill 174, which provides for a geological survey of the State; 179, for protection against prairie fires, and providing a fire tax which can be worked out; 181, by Joel, Moody providing for the erection of an asylum for feeble minded children, and to be located at Lawrence. As you know, Mr. Lemmon has introduced a similar bill, the institution to be located at Winfield. It is No. 118. This is, of course, the bill that ought to pass, but as to whether it will pass, I couldn’t venture an opinion. The governor has recommended such an institution, and some papers have made favorable mention of it.
Winfield Courier, January 27, 1881.
From the report of the legislative proceedings in the Topeka Commonwealth, we note that Senator Hackney, in the senate, and Representative Lemmon, in the house, have each introduced a bill for the establishment of an institution for the feeble minded and idiots; said institution to be located within two miles of Winfield, in Cowley County. We are not accurately informed as to the strength of the greenback vote in Cowley, but we believe it will be cheerfully conceded that a large measure of expense in the way of car fare would be obviated by locating the proposed asylum in a community which is strongly tinctured by the soft-money fallacy. Emporia News.
Winfield Courier, January 27, 1881.
We don’t exactly like Hackney’s idea about building the asylum for idiots and simple-minded people at Winfield. It will bring all the Oklahoma boomers here sure.
[REPORT FROM “CARL” ON STATE LEGISLATIVE MATTERS.]
Winfield Courier, February 3, 1881.
TOPEKA, KANSAS, January 30, 1881.
The Senate committee on ways and means reported the Winfield Feeble Minded Asylum bill for passage, with some amendments.
Winfield Courier, February 3, 1881.
The election of last Tuesday, in which so large a number of electors voted against the sale of the railroad stock belonging to this county, affords the most powerful argument in favor of locating the idiot asylum in this county.
Winfield Courier, February 10, 1881.
Since the vote on the propositions to sell our stock, it is claimed that the idiot asylum ought to be located at Arkansas City.
Winfield Courier, February 24, 1881.
FROM THE COURIER LEGISLATIVE REPORTER:
The bill providing for an asylum for the feeble minded is also made a special order for Monday. The bill passed the Senate locating the institution for the present at Lawrence and permanently at Winfield, Mr. Hackney having succeeded in tacking on the latter provision in the Senate.
[ARTICLE ABOUT HACKNEY...ASYLUM FOR FEEBLE MINDED CHILDREN.]
Winfield Courier, March 3, 1881.
Commonwealth: The effort made by Senator Hackney and Representatives Lemmon and Mitchell, to secure the location of the Asylum for Feeble Minded Children at Winfield, yesterday afternoon, was one of the most earnest and determined that has been made during the session. Senator Hackney left the Senate Chamber to assist the delegates from his county, and if hard work will locate it, Winfield will get it. The bill would have been defeated had it not been recommitted to the Committee of the Whole.
Winfield Courier, January 18, 1883.
IDIOCY. BOOMERS.
We are a little dubious about the advantages to Winfield of having the Institute for the feeble minded located here. We could get along well enough with the ordinary run of idiots, but it looks now that we should get large numbers of Oklahoma idiots from Wichita and that kind would be a curse to any asylum. We observe that they are so numerous and strong at Wichita that they get up enthusiastic invasion meetings and have started an idiot paper called the “Oklahoma War-Chief.” What in thunder do they want of another? Won’t the Times fill the bill?
Winfield Courier, January 25, 1883.
GATHER IN THE FEEBLE MINDED.
The Senate Committee on Public Institutions, Senator Sluss, chairman, has reported in favor of Hackney’s bill locating the asylum for the feeble minded at Winfield; and making an appropriation for the same.
All of the feeble minded (adults and children) were kept in the State Asylum, located at Lawrence, Kansas, in 1883. The following story pertains to this place.
Winfield Courier, December 13, 1883.
ATTEMPTED ASSASSINATION AND INCENDIARISM AT LAWRENCE.
Quite a sensation was caused at Lawrence, Kansas, December 10, by the attempted firing by an incendiary of the State asylum for feeble minded, coupled with the firing of shots into the office with the evident intention of assassinating the superintendent, Colonel H. M. Greene. The superintendent with the officers of the institution were first awakened by the breaking of glass in the offices, awakening all, and upon rising found the corner of the building in flames. The water hose of the building was brought into play promptly by experienced hands, and the flames were soon under control, but not until considerable damage was done, however. Colonel Greene upon rising rushed into the office with a lighted lamp, whereupon he was at once saluted by three shots in rapid succession, the last grazing his cheek, and upon the reception of which he quickly extinguished the light in his hands and rushed out with an assistant. Chase was given to the parties to be seen on the run; but being near a park, they were soon lost. The affair is wrapped in mystery as to the perpetrators. No ill feeling exists that is known against the institution, it being under good management and well conducted. The matter is in good hands, and it is thought will thoroughly run aground within a few days. Colonel Greene was in Topeka looking after the offering of a reward by the state. The most plausible explanation which can be given from the present facts known is that of a personal grudge against the superintendent, who is quite an active politician, and thereby has made necessarily some enemies.
Reference is made in the following to insane asylum at Topeka...
Winfield Courier, May 29, 1884.
Dr. A. P. Kenny, Superintendent of the Topeka Insane Asylum, was in the city Monday. Sam’l L. Gilbert, Secretary of the State Board of Charities, accompanied him to Arkansas City on business connected with the asylum, returning the same day.
Ed. Greer, of the Winfield Courier, became a State representative in 1885. He began to send back correspondence from Topeka.
The following are excerpts taken from his correspondence relative to the erection of an Asylum for imbecile youth at Winfield...
I must confess that I had a hard time reading through his “correspondence” and determining that he had indeed achieved passage of a bill to construct the Winfield facility. I listed items as the Courier presented them. MAW
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 5, 1885.
The mantle of Senator Hackney is sought to be preserved by the introduction of a bill by your member Monday, making an appropriation of $20,000 for the erection of an Asylum for imbecile youth at Winfield. Wichita is also an aspirant for the honor of this location and the Cowley and Sedgwick delegations will proceed to vie with each other as to which can show up the best living and breathing evidence of the local necessity for such an institution. While the tendency is to centralize these institutions, there are many points in favor of Winfield’s proposition, which your member will endeavor to present as strongly as possible. It will take hard work, and success can only be hoped for. The House is a hard body to handle and rather erratic in its movements.
NEW BILLS.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 5, 1885.
Mr. Hatfield: A joint resolution to remove the Asylum for Idiotic Youths to Wichita.
Mr. Greer introduced Hackney’s old Idiotic Asylum bill for Winfield.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 5, 1885.
Wichita had two suicides within a day or so last week, which, taken in connection with the attempt to move the idiotic asylum there from Lawrence gave that burg quite a boom.
COMMITTEE REPORTS.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 12, 1885.
Ways and Means. On idiotic asylum at Winfield, referring it to committee of the whole.
Ways and Means. On the appropriation for the Idiotic Asylum, and for additional buildings, reporting a substitute.
BILL PRESENTED.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 26, 1885.
To provide for a suitable building for the Kansas Asylum for Idiotic and Imbecile Youth at Winfield.
KANSAS HOUSE.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 5, 1885.
Kansas City Journal report of February 27th: The members assembled this morning, wearing solemn countenances. At first sight they appeared prepared for the final day, and were only lacking their ascension robes. The sergeant-at-arms felt his heart thump, for he had used the last yard of linen in covering the carpets, and here were over 100 members clamoring, as he supposed, for robes to cover their manly forms as they winged their flight to the region of clouds as the earth sank to nothingness. In groups the members assembled, and low toned, earnest voices indicated something serious. The speaker found no difficulty in seating the members, as was usually the case. The chaplain was delighted at the attention he received. Chief Clerk Martin’s voice sounded through the hall with more distinctness than usual, and he imagined for once that the members would listen to the proceedings of the previous day; but they did not. The journal was stopped as usual, and then the actual feelings of the members became apparent. Member after member arose with calendar in hand, and desired to know what had become of certain bills. The committee appointed to revise the calendar had dropped about 100 bills. To this each man had no objection, so long as his bill was not interfered with. When the printed book was placed in the hands of the members this morning, there was a hasty scanning of its contents, and lowering brows were seen all around. The music commenced as soon as the journal was closed. Efforts were made to resurrect bills that had gone through the furnace. Principal among them was the bill making appropriations for the current expenses of the asylum for idiots and inebriates at Lawrence. This had been marked from the calendar, and the bill making an appropriation for the erection of a building for this purpose at Winfield had found a resting place among the bills on the third reading. Mr. Roberts of Douglas tried to secure an explanation, and also to bring his bill back to its proper place, but failed, as Mr. Greer of Winfield had fastened the clasps too securely for them to be loosened. It now looks as though the Winfield fellows had captured the idiots and imbeciles.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 5, 1885.
STATE IDIOTS.
Mr. Roberts discovered an appropriation bill for a new Idiotic Asylum at Winfield on the calendar for third reading, and challenged its position there. He moved that the bill be remanded to general orders. The result was that it was left on third reading, subject to the amendment and debate.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 5, 1885.
Senate bill No. 284, an act making an appropriation and providing for the erection of a suitable building for the “Kansas asylum for idiotic and imbecile children,” at Winfield, Kansas.
Senator Barker moved to strike out “Winfield” and insert “Lawrence.” He said that this proposition would involve the State in an expense of thirty or forty thousand dollars to no purpose. There was now a building suitable for all the purposes of this school, which could be obtained for nothing. In these times of depression, there was no necessity for useless expenditures.
Senator Jennings spoke very earnestly in favor of Winfield, his own town, and of its advantages. Other Senators spoke upon the subject, but it was hardly serious enough to bring out good speeches. Some of them thought the institution could do no good either to the imbeciles or anybody else.
Senator Barker’s motion failed, and Winfield was selected as its locality, and the bill was put upon third reading.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 5, 1885.
THIRD READING.
Senate bill No. 284, an act making an appropriation and providing for the erection of a suitable building for the Kansas Asylum for Idiotic and Imbecile Youth, at Winfield, Kansas, was passed. The appropriation is $25,000.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 12, 1885.
The bill by Mr. Greer, an act making an appropriation and providing for the erection of a suitable building for the Kansas Asylum for Idiotic and Imbecile Youth, at Winfield, Cowley County, Ks., was next considered and defeated, by a vote of 42 to 37.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 12, 1885.
Substitute for House bill No. 178, an act making appropriations for the current expenses of the State Asylum for Idiotic and Imbecile children, for the fiscal years ending June 30, 1886, and June 30, 1887.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 12, 1885.
S. B. 284. Making appropriation for erection of building at Winfield for the Kansas Asylum for Idiots. It appropriates twenty-five thousand dollars. The bill passed.
THE REMOVAL OF THE IMBECILE ASYLUM.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 12, 1885.
While we regret exceedingly that the Imbecile Asylum will be removed from Lawrence and that consequently our city will assume very important proportions, still there are views in which the removal has a more favorable appearance. If the institution were permanently located here the antagonism of certain portions of the State would be aroused at every session of the legislature when the necessary appropriations for the asylum and the university were asked for. There exists a natural jealousy among the legislators representing different sections of the state in regard to state institutions and there is and always will be a strong opposition to the monopolizing by one city of any large portion of the funds devoted by the state to educational and charitable purposes. There is no doubt that the absence of the asylum and the necessity of asking appropriations for it will materially facilitate the obtaining of liberal appropriations for the far more important institution, the state university. Cowley County will hereafter be an applicant for the appropriation of state funds and we can safely count upon her delegation for assistance in our similar needs. We do not wish to be understood as being satisfied or pleased with the loss of the asylum but we merely mention points in which it can be seen that in this case as in all others, it is “an ill wind that blows no good.” Equally with losing the institution we regret the loss from our ranks of our citizens of Col. H. M. Greene, the efficient superintendent. Mr. Greene is a gentleman of high culture and attainments and Lawrence can ill afford to lose him. Lawrence Journal.
The only bad feature about the distribution of state institutions is in the fact that the counties in which they are located have a community of interests, and consequently form a powerful combination which is almost irresistible. They generally get about what they want from the legislature in the way of appropriations, and about everything else. It is a nice thing for those counties which form the “ring,” but a little hard on the “outs.” Cowley has been taken into this mutual admiration league. She need not wail seriously over this matter, however.
LOST! LOST!! LOST!!!
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 12, 1885.
Lawrence has lost her asylum for Idiots! Winfield wins the field in the Legislature after two pitched battles. In the first Lawrence seemed to prevail, but yesterday when the struggle was resumed, Winfield won, and got an appropriation of $25,000 to erect a new building at the flourishing young city of the southwest.
And behold our house (on the bill) is left unto us desolate. At least it will be evacuated by the “gorgeous idiots” at the expiration of the two years term, or as soon as the new edifice can be completed. Well, well, if we can’t find a better use for a ten acre lot with its handsome old college edifice on Mount Oread, it will be a great pity indeed.
On sober second thought we have concluded that we don’t want the idiots here “no how.” It would be idiotic in us to do so, and we wish the Winfield fellows joy of their big luck.
Lawrence Journal.
GOOD LEGISLATION.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 12, 1885.
The house did nobly yesterday in its action on the Imbecile asylum bill and on the university natural history bill. The first of these provides for the removal of the state imbecile asylum from its temporary location in Lawrence to a permanent place at Winfield in Cowley County. Hon. E. P. Greer and Hon. L. P. King, and Hon. J. D. Maurer, the members from Cowley, made a splendid fight; and the gentlemen from Douglas County showed their good sense by offering no particular opposition. The state university never ought to be hampered by the immediate presence of any other state institution, and the south-central part of the state now feels that it has been properly recognized. We congratulate Cowley County on its success. Capital.
WINFIELD’S ASYLUM.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 12, 1885.
Mr. Greer’s bill to appropriate $25,000 for the location at Winfield, Cowley County, of the asylum for idiotic and imbecile youth was then called upon third reading. This bill, which removes the institution from Lawrence to Winfield, was defeated once in the committee of the whole house, after it had passed the Senate, and by persistent effort on the part of Mr. Greer, the action was reconsidered, and was passed to third reading. The roll was called, and as it progressed it was amusing to notice the change of heart some of the members had experienced. Mr. Greer’s dulcet pleadings had been too much for the most of them, and it was noticed as a remarkable fact that those gentlemen who voted against the bill were gentlemen who had no trades to make. The bill receiving 73 ayes was passed, and Winfield was declared the new location for the asylum, and Ed. Greer heaved a large sigh of happiness. Capital.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 12, 1885.
Mr. Greer, of Winfield, this morning succeeded in capturing the Imbecile and Idiotic youth, and two years from now the school for this purpose will be removed from Lawrence to Winfield, and will serve all purposes as a high school for that beautiful little city.
Kansas City Journal.
There can be no doubt but that its removal to Winfield will elevate the tone of the institution, to such a degree, we hope, that its alumni will no longer consent to serve as Topeka correspondents for Kansas City papers.
KANSAS ASYLUM FOR IDIOTIC AND IMBECILE YOUTH.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 12, 1885.
Senate Bill No. 332.
An act to enable the City Council of the City of Winfield, Cowley County, Kansas, to appropriate money to purchase a site for the Kansas Asylum for Idiotic and Imbecile Youth, and levy taxes therefor.
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Kansas:
SECTION 1. That the City Council of the City of Winfield, Cowley County, Kansas, is authorized to appropriate out of the city treasury of such city in the amount not to exceed twenty-five hundred dollars for the purpose of purchasing a site for the Kansas Asylum for Idiotic and Imbecile Youth. Provided, That if said city has no funds in the city treasury for the purpose, that the City Council of said City may issue its scrip to the above amount in lieu thereof for such purpose, and at the next annual levy of taxes, may levy a tax on said property of such city in addition to other taxes sufficient to pay such scrip.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its publication in the WINFIELD COURIER.
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the original enrolled bill now on file in my office.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my official seal. Done at Topeka, Kansas, this 7th day of March, A. D. 1885.
[SEAL] E. B. ALLEN, Secretary of State.
DON’T WORRY, BROTHER.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 19, 1885.
The practice of dickering and trading and scattering the state institutions all over the state is vicious, but that is just the kind of foolishness that was enacted by the recent legislature. An asylum or school for imbecile children is to be established at Winfield, and a “reformatory” is to be built “west of the sixth principal meridian.” All these trades and “collusions” are made by the members of the legislature solely in the interests of certain localities, without reference to the convenience or the broader interests of the people of the whole state. The political center of Kansas is Topeka, to which more people are compelled to go every year than to any other town in the state. Common sense and ordinary fairness would say that the state institutions ought to be located where the people could reach them with the least inconvenience and expense. The idea of placing a state institution at a point which will require the citizens of the state to travel 600 miles to reach it is an outrage. But common sense and justice are not always taken into consideration by the legislature.
Abilene Gazette.
The Dickinson County editors are probably dyspeptic fellows who reason from the range and impetus of their own selfishness. The fact is that the policy of scattering these state institutions was long ago established, and we believe wisely so. This being the case it is entirely proper that Cowley, the fifth county in the State in point of agricultural production and population, should have a fair share of state favors. She has secured this and is now ready to help Abilene or some other nice, quiet, orderly little country town in the sparsely settled and unknown northwest to get a slice of public benefits. Please don’t make wry faces at us.
FOOLISH KICKERS.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 19, 1885.
We learn with regret that some people in Lawrence are disposed to snarl because they lost the imbecile school and that they blame their delegation in the legislature for what happened. We do not believe that the best people of our neighboring city participate in this feeling, and our remarks shall be addressed only to the probable few who do. In the first place it is possible for a man to look so long and so longingly on the pie when it is good as to become convinced that he needs and deserves and must have all the pie on the plate. But if a man proceeds on the supposition that he can get all the pie on the plate and attempts to so help himself he will find, first he knows that he gets no pie at all. Now Lawrence has the best and most desirable of all the State institutions, the State university. She had the imbecile asylum only as a temporary matter, it having been sent there only because the State had an unoccupied building which could temporarily be devoted to that purpose. For several sessions of the legislature Cowley County has worked desperately to secure this asylum for Winfield. That part of the State has nothing in the way of a State institution and, like several other western sections, has felt that it ought to have a share of the State investments. As a result, the Cowley County members and their friends came to the legislature this time prepared to live or not let live. In view of this fact, the Douglas County representatives in the house, headed by Mr. Roberts, determined to follow the advice of their friends and make no bitter to prevent the removal of the asylum. This was the only wise course possible under the circumstances, and Douglas County ought to be proud of her members for having the good sense to follow it. The university now has nothing to divide with in the matter of geography, and it will always have the friendship instead of the enmity of one of the strongest and most prosperous sections of Kansas. The appropriation for the natural history building was the first fruit of this wise alliance and time will further show the wisdom of it. Topeka Capital.
LOCATING THE IMBECILE ASYLUM.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 2, 1885.
A committee has been appointed by the Winfield Enterprise Association, composed of W. G. Graham, A. H. Doane, F. S. Jennings, and Ed. P. Greer, to receive bids and look up a location for the Imbecile Asylum. Persons owning land within two miles of the city to dispose of for this purpose, should interview this committee. Forty acres is required.
OUR IMBECILE SCHOOL.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 9, 1885.
The appropriation for the erection of the asylum will not be available until after July 1st. In the meantime the site will be selected and the plans and specification passed upon. The State Board of Charities will visit Winfield in a short time for that purpose.
Excerpt...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 23, 1885.
PROCEEDINGS OF LAST NIGHT’S COUNCIL.
A committee of four, composed of the Mayor and Councilmen Hodges, Jennings, and Crippen, were appointed to receive the State Board of Charities on their arrival to locate the Imbecile Asylum. The council adjourned to Thursday evening next.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 23, 1885.
The Board of Charities took the train Tuesday before they had time for consideration on the matter of the site for the asylum. The feeling seemed to be in favor of a site northwest of the cemetery, on the old Jap Cochran place.
INSTITUTION FOR THE FEEBLE MINDED.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 14, 1885.
Perhaps in view of the fact that the Kansas State Asylum for idiotic and imbecile youth is located at Winfield, a brief history of efforts for the instruction of this unfortunate class may be interesting to at least some of your readers. In this sketch I shall only glance at the record of the different establishments in this country, reserving for another paper an account of some of the methods pursued and their results, should you desire such statement. Idiocy, which may be defined as an arrest of development of various degrees of completeness, produced by deficiency of nutrition—has existed in all ages and every country. Until very recently, however, an idiot was regarded only with aversion, and no effort was made to instruct—very little to care for him. The progress in the education of the deaf mutes and blind, and in the amelioration of the condition of the insane, which distinguished the first part of this century, led to endeavors to provide for the improvement of this—the most deplorably miserable of all the dependent classes. Dr. Edward Seguin, of Paris, organized the first school for this purpose in 1838. His enthusiasm and skill, together with a happy faculty of presenting his principles and methods, speedily introduced his work to favorable notice. From this humble beginning the policy of education for the idiot has progressed so remarkably in Europe that in Great Britain alone, there are twelve large institutions, besides several custodial establishments for profound cases. In the United States there are fourteen institutions, which I shall mention in order of organization. Besides these, provisions were made last winter for organizing asylums in California and Nebraska. There is also an asylum in the Province of Ontario. The oldest establishment in this country is at Barre, Massachusetts, founded in 1848. It is a private institution, located amid beautiful scenery, and every convenience and comfort is provided for its inmates. There are five schools, averaging nine pupi8ls each, besides special classes. Instructions from the most rudimentary up to algebra and languages. In the same year, 1848, Dr. S. G. Howe, well known as a successful trainer of the blind, and who deserves special remembrance as the teacher of Laura Bridgman, established a school for idiots at South Boston, which is now a state establishment. There are now 144 pupils. Expenditures for the first year: $24,604.08. In 1851 the New York legislature, impressed by the success of Dr. Howe, established an institution at Albany, afterwards removed to Syracuse. For years, under the able superintendency of Dr. H. B. Wilbur, it stood at the head of establishments of this kind in the country. It has now 318 pupils. Disbursements during the last year: $62,882.72. There are work shops and a farm connected with the asylum. Elwin, Pennsylvania, thirteen miles from Philadelphia, in the heart of picturesque Delaware County, is the seat of one of the most delightfully home-like institutions to be found anywhere. It is presided over by Dr. I. N. Kerlin, who is now the recognized head of the workers in this field. Founded in 1853, it maintains in all its varied departments, which form quite a village, 443 pupils, in addition to 225 who are inmates, not recognized as belonging to the schools and shops, but who are granted appropriate training in their own quarters. The current expenses of last year were $79,084.52. Within a short distance of the city of Columbus, stands the capacious buildings of the Ohio state institution for feeble-minded youth, upon ample grounds cultivated and ornamented to the utmost limit of beauty and profit. In all its appointments this institution leads all others in this work in this country and most in the world. It is under the superintendency of Dr. G. A. Doran, whose practical acquaintance with all matters involving the building, maintenance, and successful management of an institution, renders his services invaluable and indispensable. It has 548 pupils, 22 teachers, and 93 other employees. Current expenses: $105,232.82. Perhaps I shall hereafter speak of the employment of the pupils at this asylum as well as at others, and demonstrate that this class are capable, under proper conditions, of rendering valuable return for expenditures in their behalf. The institution was organized in 1857. In 1858 the late Dr. H. M. Knight established an asylum at Lakeville, Connecticut, under state patronage, which has at this time 92 inmates and is efficiently managed by Dr. Robert P. Knight, son of the previous superintendent. The expenditures of the year are $16,535.53. Overlooking the city of Frankfort, Kentucky, are the fine buildings and grounds of the feeble-minded asylum of that state, under the charge of Dr. J. Q. A. Stewart. It was opened in 1869, has 143 pupils, and expended last year $32,756.12. The grade of this institution is high and the progress in mechanical arts very marked. Of this I shall speak again. In 1869, Dr. C. T. Wilbur, brother of the renowned and recently deceased Dr. H. B. Wilbur, founded an asylum for feeble-minded at Jacksonville, Ill. In 1877 a removal was made to Lincoln, where it has since remained. The number of pupils is 317. Expenditures last year, $72,166.98. Dr. B. W. Fish is now the able superintendent. The Iowa Institution is located at Glenwood; organized in 1876. Recent appropriations have much improved and enlarged its buildings and grounds. There are 239 pupils. The expenditures of the last biennial period were $123,557.36. Dr. E. N. Powell is now in charge, and is “the right man in the right place.” The Indiana Asylum for feeble-minded has never been fairly tested. Associated until recent action dissevered the partnership with the soldier’s orphan home, it has never received the attention which it deserved. The management has also been subject to political influence, and a number of changes have occurred on this account. It was organized in 1880 at Knightstown, its present location. The last report of Dr. J. W. White, superintendent, showed 86 pupils, and an expense account of $20,282.00 for the last year.
At Faribault, Minn., are located the asylum for the deaf and dumb, the blind and the feeble-minded, under one management. Dr. Geo. H. Knight, son of the lamented Connecticut Superintendent, supervises the latter department. He has sixty pupils, and the annual cost is $27,000. Organized in 1880.
The Kansas institution was temporarily located at Lawrence in 1881, opening in September of that year. There are in attendance 30 pupils, and 58 applicants await entrance whenever sufficient accommodations are provided. Expenditures, $7,500 per annum, which includes payment of many improvements and repairs, and all needed articles of furniture. It will be removed to Winfield so soon as a building is erected. It is altogether probable that an appropriation of from $25,000 to $40,000 will be required from the next legislature to furnish sufficient room for the largely increasing demands for admittance.
The institution at Orillia, Ontario, is crowded, and apparently not well sustained. Two hundred and thirty-five inmates are present, and 151 applicants await room. No provision has been made for the employment of those able to work, and just complaint is made of this false economy. The expenditures for the year are $29,030.99.
Nebraska has voted $50,000 for the establishment of an institution at Beatrice, and California has begun to found one also. Dr. C. T. Wilbur has established a private institution on a beautiful place near Kalamazoo, Mich. There are also other private institutions in the country. Among them must not be forgotten the school in New York, maintained by Mrs. E. G. Seguin, the widow of the son of the great specialist who originated the work of education of the idiot.
Beginning with experiments prompted alike by keen philosophical insight and lofty humanitarian principles, the work has progress so as to embrace all who in the language of the act creating our own institution, “are incapable of receiving instructions in the common schools,” and thus restores to the state a large percentage of material, which, but for these institutions, would be despised as worthless and continue to be trodden under foot of men. What has been done, and what may reasonably be expected as capable of attainment, may form the subject of another communication.
H. M. GREENE,
Superintendent of State Institution for Imbecile and Idiotic Youth.
THE ASYLUM.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 28, 1885.
The location of the asylum has been decided upon by the Board of Charities. It is to be on the Jap. Cochran place northeast of town. Now quit your fighting and make up.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 25, 1885.
The state board of charities will erect $300,000 worth of new buildings and improvements during the biennial term, to-wit: Topeka insane asylum, $150,000; Topeka reform school, $36,000; Wyandotte blind asylum, $7,000; Olathe deaf and dumb asylum, $25,000; Osawatomie insane asylum, $30,000; Winfield imbecile school, $25,000; soldiers’ orphans’ home, to be located, $25,000.
Excerpts...
CITY “DADS.”
What Was Done at Their Meeting Monday Night.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 9, 1885.
Letter from the Attorney General regarding the Imbecile Asylum site was read.
An ordinance providing for the payment for site of the Imbecile Asylum was favored. An ordinance was ordered taking into the city all platted territory lying adjacent.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 9, 1885.
Mr. George Ropes, Architect of the Imbecile Asylum, was a caller this afternoon. He is here to stake off and overlook the grounds for the building.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 16, 1885.
The notice for bids on the erection of the Imbecile Asylum is now being published in THE DAILY COURIER and all who want to put in bids should observe the conditions.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 16, 1885.
Capt. Haight and his corps were surveying the site for the Imbecile Asylum Monday, making a profile of the grounds for architect Ropes. The plans indicate a very fine building.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 30, 1885.
The plans and specifications for the Imbecile Asylum were received Friday and are now open for inspection at the office of D. A. Cook, architect.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 30, 1885.
George Ropes, the Topeka architect who has the construction of the Imbecile Asylum, came in Tuesday to enter a bid to construct the M. E. college.
THE ASYLUM CONTRACT LET.
Cowley Has the Lowest Bid and Gets It.
The $25,000 All To Be Dropped Here.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 13, 1885.
The State Board of Charitable Institutions met in Topeka Wednesday to receive bids and let the contract for the erection of the asylum for idiotic and imbecile youth at Winfield. The first bids were all of larger amounts than the appropriation, $25,000; so these bids were all thrown out and the bidders, all of whom were present, were given notice to put in bids Thursday for constructing the main building and one wing of the asylum. John Q. Ashton, a contractor of Arkansas City, who built our Central school building, and J. E. Conklin, of Winfield, had the best bids and were awarded the contract. The Board appointed architect S. A. Cook, of our city, as superintendent of the work. Bids from contractors all over the State were among those considered, but the increased facilities in reach of our contractors enabled them to walk off with the cake. The amount of the contract just about equals the appropriation. The building will be finished and ready for occupancy about January fist. This means twenty-five thousand dollars to be immediately disbursed among the laborers of Cowley, which, in addition to the numerous other extensive improvements to at once begin, will place our laborers and people generally at high tide. The reliability of Messrs. Ashton and Conklin is widely established, and the rapid and first-class construction of the asylum is assured. The letting of the contract to these gentlemen is a meritorious feather in Cowley’s cap, in addition to the asylum itself. Foreign contractors would have spent much of the appropriation out of this county, and likely run in much foreign labor. From the Topeka Capital we get the bids as follows.
P. Martmean & Co.: $20,700; E. W. D. Drought, $24,500; John Q. Ashton, $19,600; E. P. Dexter, $23,075; Henry Bennett, $20,984; James Cuthbert, $21,654.
J. E. Conklin furnishes all the stone and brick while Ashton has the general contract, including all but furnishing and steam and gas piping, which will consume the remainder of the $25,000.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 20, 1885.
State Architect George Ropes and daughter, of Topeka, are at the Brettun. Mr. Ropes, as architect of the Imbecile Asylum, is here to look after it.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 27, 1885.
Capt. Haight and State Architect Ropes set the stakes for the Imbecile Asylum Thursday and the excavation commences Monday morning. Dave Dix is now digging the well. At twelve feet he had to begin to blast.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 3, 1885.
The excavation for the Imbecile Asylum is nearly finished and the walls will soon loom skyward.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 17, 1885.
A. H. McMaster & Co. have the contract of furnishing the lumber, lime, etc., for the Imbecile Asylum. It will fill one hundred and thirty-five cars, representing over six thousand dollars. This is the biggest lumber contract of the season.
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Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 24, 1885.
Among Winfield’s triumphs of the past year is the Imbecile Asylum, which is now in process of construction, and by January first, will be ready to receive the State’s imbecile and idiotic youth, with any in Cowley who may need rooms. The building’s construction, as now being erected, will distribute twenty-five thousand dollars among Cowley County laborers and contractors, while the asylum itself will be a continual financial benefit, employing thirty or more attendants and consuming large quantities of produce.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 24, 1885.
Dave Dix has finished the well at the Imbecile Asylum. He got twelve feet of water at fifty-three feet. Dave is a rattler on well business. This will have a water reservoir six feet in diameter.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 8, 1885.
George Ropes, State Architect, is at the Brettun, here, on business relating to the imbecile asylum.
SOME RAMBLING FABERISMS.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 22, 1885.
Chaperoned by Architect Ritchie, behind his bay flyer, our reporter enjoyed a spin to College Hill, the “Phool school,” and other places Wednesday. Paris & Harrod are throwing dirt lively from the college excavation and will have it done next week. Every time you visit this location, you are more forcibly imbued with the grandeur of its views. A prettier location for such an institution couldn’t be found in the land. Winfield, as it nestles in this lovely valley, embowered in leafy verdure and skirted by the meandering wood of the Walnut river and Timber creek, presents an entrancing sight. Then an ascension of the mound gives a grand view for miles and miles around. The excavation for the Imbecile Asylum is about done. The charm of this location is almost equal to that of College Hill. We were in good time yesterday to avoid the rush and get a choice room. The last big boulders are being lifted from the basement by the crane and crampoons. The excavation has been a gigantic job. It was a continual blast through the hardest of lime stone: almost as hard as flint. The whole grounds are strewn with the immense boulders that have been taken out. Much of the stone from the excavation is being worked up for window and door sills, the foundation, etc., though it is too hard to be used altogether. Contractor J. Q. Ashton says he can lay down, all worked up ready for use, the softer stone from the regular quarries for less than he can dress the hard stone from the excavation. The walls will begin to go up Monday morning. Much of the stone is prepared and waiting use. When the Imbecile Asylum and our magnificent college building are finished with a street car line, which will be inevitable, these places will be a popular resort for visitors and a big thing in spreading the fame of our city. Couple these with our numerous and valuable private improvements, and our splendid railroad prospects, and The Queen City’s future surely presents a roseate hue.
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Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 29, 1885.
The reporter mounting a steed sallied forth early Friday morning to take an inventory of the improvements and new buildings which have gone up since the season opened, and the ones under construction at the present time. Being rushed, we are satisfied many have been overlooked. The valuation given is below the market value rather than above.
Imbecile Asylum: $75,000
Winfield Courier, Thursday, November 5, 1885.
Dave Dix has sunk the Asylum well to 67 feet and is still going down, down. The water is not sufficient so far. At 62 feet rock was struck that bears all the indications of ore. Who knows but what we have struck a gold mine? A gold mine in Cowley. Whoop! hurrah!! A specimen of the ore can be seen at this office. Let’s organize a stock company and bore for “ile.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, November 19, 1885.
The foundation for the College is up to the surface and will be finished in a few weeks. It is as smooth, solid, and pretty as ever constructed. The fine proportions of the building are well indicated in the foundation. The Imbecile Asylum walls begin to loom up nicely, and by January first the building will be well along toward completion. These sites are visited daily by many sightseers. Nobody takes a drive around the city without taking in both Imbecile and College Hills. And who could find a better place to view our beautiful city and its immediate surroundings! With these splendid public buildings completed, with a street car line running to them, no stranger will ever come to our city without taking in the magnificent views from these locations. Our street car line will be a reality with the completion of these buildings—must be; we can’t do without it.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, November 19, 1885.
THE COURIER’S scenic description of Imbecile Hill drew hundreds of people to that place Sunday afternoon, to drink in the magnificent scenery. Before they had gone merely to see the asylum building—now they went specially for a thorough test of the scenes. All were enthusiastic and fully agree with us that it furnishes the finest views of any place they have seen in the west. It imbues the soul with a renewed appreciation of the beauties of nature, with the divinity that makes the earth breathe and bloom with the beauty and fragrance of a paradise. Many like the scenes from College Hill about as well. And they are lovely, but Imbecile Hill gives more expanse, and being a little farther off, lends additional enchantment to the Queen City as it nestles in this beautiful valley.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, November 19, 1885.
Messrs. Warner & McIntire, the contractors, have under contract sixteen residence and business buildings—over sixteen thousand dollars worth in carpentry, planing, and scroll work. Their planing mill is turning out the frame and fancy work for Eaton’s buildings, the business blocks of Short, Wallis, and Curns & Manser; the Imbecile Asylum and College buildings; Charley Fuller’s residence, and numerous others, with more to follow. Their mill is full of work, clear to the brim.
Sights From Imbecile Hill.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, November 19, 1885.
Did you ever drink in the magnificent views from the site of the Imbecile Asylum? If there is a spot in Kansas affording more lovely scenery, we would like to see it. Standing on this eminence on one of these bright, balmy days, the aesthetic soul is charmed. We stood there the other evening and drank in the views and bubbled over with appreciative enthusiasm. At your right stretches the undulating valley of Timber creek, miles and miles northeast, dotted with farm houses, hedges, and wheat fields of velvety green. Just below you gently slopes the landscape to the foliage of Timber creek, made all the lovelier by the golden tinge of autumn. As we looked, two long, winding trains were going out, one on the S. K. and the other on the K. C. & S. W., the curling smoke of their stacks floating off on the calm air in a continuous curl of half a mile. At your feet nestles the Queen City, seen in all her glory—its straight streets and avenues, skirted by golden foliage; its handsome residences, looming business buildings, and heavenly church spires, all enhanced by the gentle undulation to the meandering timber of the Walnut and Timber creeks, forming a beautiful and complete background. Looking over and above all this, you view the Arkansas and Walnut valleys stretching away in the distance. Casting your eye eastward another expanse of pretty country meets you. On every hand is something to complete the perfect picture. And here is where you realize the full extent of our grand little city—the ground it spreads thickly over, and the many points of its superior location and general beauty.
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RAMBLERS RAMBLING RAMBLES.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 7, 1886.
Our rambler was on his wild and wooly mustang last night. Of course our natural inclinations drifted us to the Imbecile Asylum, which now begins to show its splendid proportions. Thirty men are now at work and the walls are to the top of the third story. The outer walls are of pitched ashlar, lined with brick and the partition walls are all brick. It interior arrangement, as now indicated, with its beautiful exterior design will make one of the finest public buildings in the State. It is 75 x 120 feet, five stories high, including the ten foot basement and the mansard. It will have over forty-five thousand square feet of flooring. It is being built in the most substantial manner. As we have before remarked, its location, on an elevation overlooking the city and country, miles around, is simply charming. When finished, filled with the State’s imbecile and idiotic youth, the street car line leading to it will be a continual jam. Nobody will visit Winfield without viewing the asylum and Methodist college, two of the largest public institutions in the west.
A VEIN OF FIRST-CLASS COAL STRUCK ON IMBECILE HILL.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 14, 1886.
We have found coal. For years and years philosophers have argued that Winfield and surroundings were underlaid with coal. But nobody could be found who would sink money in a prospective hole. The state, unconsciously, has done it. David Dix, digging the well at the Imbecile Asylum, yesterday, struck a 6-inch vein of first-class hard coal—a solid strata. It is very similar to the Cannon City coal so popular here. It was tried and burns splendidly. The vein is just 145 feet below the surface at the foot of the Imbecile mound. Signs of coal have been noticed before on the road down. The indications are that this is only the first layer of a rich bed of coal. Prospectors and capitalists are considerably worked up and it will probably be an easy matter to organize a big stock company for further investigations. There is no doubt that we have plenty of coal under us. All we have to do is to dig for it.
MORE COAL!
Another Big Vein Struck in the Asylum Hill Well.
A Gold Mine Awaits Us.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 28, 1886.
Dig, is all we have to do to uproot the rich beds of coal, that all evidences prove to be underlying Winfield and vicinity. A few days ago David Dix, boring a six inch hole for the Imbecile Asylum well, struck a six inch vein of solid coal of good quality. Three feet farther were bored through flinty limestone without signs of coal, until a few days ago more coal began to come up, and continued for three feet, only slightly mixed with stone. It is just about a solid three feet vein. Samples were brought into THE COURIER office Monday evening. The quality is hard and sleek, very similar to the famous Canon City coal, and burns splendidly. The well is just at the foot of Asylum Hill and is now about 150 feet deep. This is certainly encouraging. Philosophers have always argued that coal was under us, rich beds of it. The time has come when capital couldn’t be spent in a better way, than to bore for coal. The best paying shafts at Leavenworth were put down six hundred feet before coal was struck and the shaft at the penitentiary is over a thousand feet deep. Winfield capitalists should form a stock company and begin to bore at once. There is risk in everything. Nothing is gained without venture. A rich find of coal here would be the biggest enterprise that ever struck Winfield and would be fortunes in the pockets of the discoverers. Great have been our achievements so far, but the securing of cheap and good fuel right at our doors would be a gold mine to every citizen. Let’s dig. Of course, the Asylum hole, being only six inches in circumference, is not sufficient test, but it is strong evidence of good results from an extensive prospect.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 28, 1886.
THE COURIER christens the site of the Imbecile Asylum, Asylum Hill. This will be appropriate with College Hill. The “Imbecile Hill,” a cognomen started by THE COURIER in jest, has a bad odor—is not in keeping with the superior intelligence and refinement of the Queen City. Asylum Hill is indicative and appropriate. Let’s take the cable street cars for College and Asylum Hills, sounds very nice you see.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 18, 1886.
Dave Dix has at last reached a plentiful supply of water at the Imbecile Asylum at a depth of 150 feet. A flow of three barrels per hour has been obtained, and the very best. Dave has stuck to it like a leech from the first and generally gets there in the well business, if he has to bore through to China.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 11, 1886.
State Architect, George Ropes, of Topeka, is at the Brettun. He was to have met Hon. Jacob Stotler, of Wellington, with another of the State Board of charities here today to inspect the State Imbecile Asylum, now getting well along toward completion. Mr. Stotler failed to get in today, but will likely come over this evening.
THE IMBECILE ASYLUM.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 11, 1886.
The Imbecile Asylum is rapidly nearing completion. The fourth story, a mansard, is now going on. It will probably be ready to receive the state’s imbecile and idiotic youth in six weeks or two months. Its interior arrangement is complete, with a view to large extensions, and has a capacity for one hundred and twenty-five inmates. The number now at Lawrence, awaiting removal, is forty, and the State Board of Charities already have application for a hundred and fifty more than can be accommodated by the asylum here. There are about three hundred youths in the state who want rooms in this institution. In 1887 the building will be extended to accommodate this number. It will require a force of twenty-five or more to care for the one hundred and twenty-five, this year, and the asylum will be no small source of revenue to Winfield and Cowley County. The building, on its towering Asylum Hill, has an imposing appearance and will be a great resort for sight-seers as soon as the street railway is completed, which will be in the near future.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 11, 1886.
Sunday afternoon at the S. K. depot, a boozy white nigger tried to bring a colored gentleman, who works on the Imbecile Asylum, into subjection as in antebellum days, and received a fine beauty spot above his right eye with a ten-inch coupling pin, for his trouble.
AN HONORED VISITOR.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 18, 1886.
Hon. Jacob Stotler, of the Wellington Press, and member of the State Board of Charities, dropped in on THE COURIER today. He was in the city for the purpose of examining, with State Architect George Ropes, the Imbecile Asylum, now nearing completion. Mr. Stotler has been wielding the quill in Kansas for the last twenty-five years and knows all about the history of this young giant State. Standing on Asylum Hill, and casting his optics on the panoramic view spread out before him, he caught a thrilling realization of the great Southwestern Metropolis and Future Great, Winfield. He finds the Asylum construction in perfect harmony with the contract of John Q. Ashton, a building first-class in every particular, with capacity for one hundred and twenty-five inmates with their attendants. The appropriation will not be exceeded and as this building is only a wing, it will be necessary to build the other wing immediately after the next session of the legislature in order to accommodate near all the pupils.
Mr. Stotler is one of the best and most valuable men of the state. Though now only in the prime of life, he is one of the early settlers, and has been prominent in the whole history of this state and in its territorial existence. He has been speaker of the House and has held other important positions, all of which he has filled with ability and honor, and has been of great service and value not only to the cities and counties of his residence, but to the state. He has richly earned honors and wealth, but he is of that unselfish turn of mind which helps others rather than himself, and men and communities have availed themselves of his valuable services in their aid without the thought that he should be compensated in any way. He has been all this time proprietor and editor of one or another of the most valuable and able newspapers in the state. Emporia owes her prosperity and opulence largely to his unselfish labors, and Wellington is now thriving under his invaluable services. Another and more grasping man who had done so much for his community and state would now be worth his scores or hundreds of thousands of dollars, but he is comparatively in moderate circumstances in the world’s goods. Though he is held in high honor and highly appreciated by the people, that appreciation is not well lined with greenbacks. We are for placing him where not only his ability will be utilized, but where it will pay.
