Re: Looking for some information
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In reply to:
Looking for some information
Pat Pandya 7/07/13
This is interesting, for example. It comes from "REGISTER BOOK of THE FULTON COUNTY INDIANA POOR FARM ..." and is one of the Google hits. There are also listings of residents.
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Fourteen males and five females were present as inmates of this home on date of inspection. Among them, three females were classed by the superintendent as mental cases. One man and two women serve as paid employees, aiding in the general work of the institution.
No important structural changes were noted as having taken place since last previous inspection of July, 1941 . . . These improvements, added to the preceding ones in recent years, make housing quarters for the inmates safer, more sanitary and more cheerful.
Little change has taken place in farm conditions since last inspection. Practically the same acreage as heretofore on this 170 acre farm is devoted to the growing of needed farm crops, vegetables and fruits . . . The sale of surplus products each year from this farm adds to the county general revenue. Two buildings, namely the old garage building and old implement shed appeared to be in need of major changes . . . Dooryards about the plant and farm buildings were again noted as being kept in unusually good condition.
For the purpose of providing safe, clean and sanitary sleeping quarters on second floor of main building and custodial building, attention might well be given to such repairs and equipment installation as would be necessary to make these quarters suitable.
A portion of the food for the three meals per day is prepared in inmate kitchen and the rest is prepared in the residence kitchen . . . Though no meal was served during the inspector’s visit, comment among the inmates indicated that the quantity and quality of food served has been satisfactory. Both kitchens were found in clean and sanitary condition and adequately equipped. . .
The superintendent has the authority to call any physician at the county seat in event of illness. Each call is paid for as a separate trip . . . More systematic care of the sick, such as is possible through definite sick ward and practical nurse service, has not as yet become a definite need.
The superintendent reports that there are [religious services] now held every other Sunday. They are sponsored by two Christian Mission workers. The meetings are . . . . reported as fairly well attended and appreciated. There appears still to be a need for more concentrated effort and closer cooperation among the church organizations of the county, toward more definite and permanent plans for religious services.
The additional improvements listed above seemed to mark a turning point in the matter of closer cooperative attention to the needs of the institution. With expansion of this cooperative spirit among citizens of the county, with a careful, well balanced administration of the institution and with other physical improvements made as needed, this county home can render a better service to Fulton County.
It is recommended at this time:
That the heating system be made more efficient with installation of steam radiators to replace the antiquated water pipes throughout inmate quarters.
That the outer stairway at the north end of the custodial building be remodeled for strength, safety, and use.
That the old garage building and the implement shed by overhauled and repainted for further farm service.
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Judy