Memoir of a NSH Patient Pt. 16

However I recall many things of interest to us,  such as the building of the reservoir,  pipe-lines,  the power house,  sewer system and the beginning of the main building.  There were no roads about the grounds then, and the superintendent made his trips here and there on horseback.  The first light and water pumping plant was located just to the left of the east end of the bridge by the root house.  This particular tract was wooded with great spruce,  fir and some maple trees,  and furnished excellent cover for game such as blue grouse,  native pheasant and quail.
End of part 16.

Memoir of a NSH Patient Pt. 15

Additions to the old Tyler place were made to accommodate cows,  horses,  and pigs, so real farming began on this small tract and has gradually increased as fast as land could be cleared and put in condition for cultivation. 
It is now 25 years since we began work here and in trying to relate the progress made I find my memory does not seem so keen and many events have become so hazy that many important happenings may be entirely overlooked and forgotten.  
End of part 15.

Memoir of a NSH Patient Pt. 14

The mistake was soon discovered by the Board of Control,  and he was removed after a few months of service.  During the years 1910-11 and 12 considerable land was cleared,  ward buildings constructed for housing patients and temporary quarters erected for employees,  one being known as the “dog-house”.  These temporary buildings were located where the farm buildings now set.
End of part 14.

Memoir of a NSH Patient Pt. 13

In my haste I have neglected to mention our Superintendent,  A. H. McLeish,  who was appointed to superintend the work of development,  and who served until the first building was almost completed and occupied.  Then a change in the State administration brought about a change in the management here, and a man ably qualified to superintend the work at hand and experienced in mental hospital work was removed for political reasons, and his successor, who had no experience in mental hospital work,  and knew nothing of the work to be done,  was appointed.
End of part 13.

Memoir of a NSH Patient Pt.12

Mr. Johnson,  the boss cook, was a fine man and I liked it there.  I worked there until the new contract was let for four buildings when I was sent out to help clear the grounds that was piled with stumps and logs,  to prepare for excavation.  There was a big stump pile where Ward Five is now, and while we were excavating for the first building,  we had to burn and remove the chunks that did not burn up on the site.  That was a big job and was hard work; lots of logs to saw; but we had a fine filer to help us and his saws  were always sharp and well set. We did not have to work to hard or too long,  but we usually got enough exercise to give us a good appetite for beef stews, baked beans and other food furnished.
End of part 12.

Memoir of a NSH Patient Pt.11

One among the number was not particularly friendly to me before I came away and I noticed that he had not forgotten me.  One day while I was working about the grounds close to the building doing some grading for lawns,  I heard him shout, “What is that scab doing here? Why did they send us up here with that wop?” To get out of his way I asked for something else to do and was given work about the kitchen for awhile.
End of part 11.

Memoir of a NSH Patient Pt.10

At any rate it was easy to see that they were highly delighted with what had been accomplished.  The work on the building continued until it was completed and soon after that a number of patients were transfered from another hospital by train.  Among them were women to help take care of the place and to work in the laundry,  while the men were sent to develop the farm.
End of part 10.
(Normally I don’t put my thoughts into these journal entries,  but this time I felt compelled to.  I’m not sure if anyone besides me is noticing a pattern here,  Eric never mentions any sort of therapy besides occupational, his writings though great,  seem to describe mental institutions as more work farms than places to treat mental illness.  Just an observation on my part.)

Memoir of a NSH Patient Pt.9

At any rate it was some occasion.  Great crowds came from the country about here in wagons and by horseback,  as there were no roads about here then and all seemed to enjoy the speeches made by State officials.  Later in the afternoon I saw some of the visitors strolling about the covered walks and grounds like a scene at a county fair or circus,  after imbibing freely on red lemonade or pop.
End of part 9.

Memoir of a NSH Patient Pt.8

Finally when the building was about half finished or a little more, arrangements were made to dedicate it.   It was built but the walls were not plastered or the inside ready for patients. I could never figure out why they were in such a hurry for these ceremonies, unless they feared an election might deprive them of the opportunity.
End of part 8.

Memoir of a NSH Patient Pt.7

I was transferred to the building crew,  clearing the site for the Administration building.  It was started late in the season and work was slow and expensive.  I never learned how the contractor came out,  but if he made any money he was an unusual manager,  as he had to comply with the direction and supervision of a young,  fresh building inspector by the name of Warbuck or Walburg,  who had frequent spats about the work and materials.
End of part 7.