USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Monson > History of Monson, Massachusetts > Part 10
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With business steadily growing and with changes in the laws relative to the separa- tion of Savings and Commercial Banks, the incorporators of the Monson Savings Bank chose a building committee to furnish a suit-
HISTORY OF MONSON
Page 91
able building for banking and other pur- poses. On June 1, 1893, the new quarters at 142-144 Main Street were opened for busi- ness. The Monson National Bank moved into the north half of the new building.
On December 8, 1950, the Monson Na- tional Bank merged into the Springfield Safe Deposit and Trust Company which con- tinues to operate its Monson Branch from the same location. As a result of this merger, facilities heretofore unavailable in a small
town bank are now offered to the residents of Monson. The Advisory Board of the Mon- son Branch includes Joseph E. Avella, Bert P. Anderson, Sherwood L. Young, and the Manager, Normand A. Laflamme.
Present officers of the Monson Savings Bank include: President, William H. Ander- son ; Vice Presidents, John P. Moriarty and Carlos C. McCray; Clerk, Omer E. Brad- way; Treasurer, John D. Aldrich; Assistant Treasurers, Hazel B. Hey and Edward Kozi- kowski.
HISTORY OF MONSON
Early Businesses
Auctioneers- Bert Leach
Palmer Road
Bert P. Anderson
Main Street
Frank Chapman George L. Keeney
Main Street
Main Street
Fruit Stores-
Anthony Jacobs
Main Street
Alonzo Sieron
Main Street
Luigi DePace
Main Street
King's Fruit
Main Street
Furniture-
Salvatore Smiraglia
Cushman Street
Ralph F. Bradway
Bridge Street
Grocers-
King and Meacham
North Main Street
A. M. Mumford
A. H. Phillips
Harrison Ave. Main Street John Murphy and George Meacham, Managers
Ice Dealers-
Sam Closson
Margaret Street
Bert Smith
South Monson
Will Moulton
North Monson
Lloyd Moulton
North Monson
Judson Calkins
Upper Stafford Road
Jewelers-
Fred Marsden
Main Street
Robert Taylor Main Street
Frank Bills
Main Street
George E. Grout
Main Street
Laundries-
Chinese Laundry Main Street
Orcutt's Steam Laundry Harrison Ave. Whittemore's Across from Cemetery Arch White Star Laundry
Across from Cemetery Arch
Frank Sutcliffe
Herman Pinand State Street
Donald Dixon
State Street
Liveries-
Merrill Carew
South Main Street
George Cushman Harrison Ave.
Ralph Clifford William Foley
North Main Street Main Street
Main Street Main Street
Druggists-
Barbers-
Wm. H. Anderson
Main Street
Elmer Belding
Main Street
John Crowley Tony Jacobs
Raymond Mumford
Main Street
Beauty Parlors-
Antoinette Pincince
Green Street Oak Street
Louise Pincince Dolly Senecal
Main Street
Blacksmiths-
George Aldrich
Peck Brothers
Joseph Chataneau
Bliss & Hampden Rd.
Carpenters-
James Duncan
Julius Graves Julius Stewart
Ely Road Pease Ave. Stewart Ave.
Carriage Makers-
C. H. Martin
Mechanic Street
Contractors-
W. Lloyd Moulton
Palmer Road
Creameries-
Monson Creamery Palmer Road Horace Moulton, William Moulton, and F. Q. Ball, Proprietors
Dairies-
Elmer Stebbins, Stebbins' Farms
John Carew
Margaret Street Stafford Road
Eugene Foskit, Monson Milk Co.
Belmont Ave.
Lester Stebbins
Reimers Road
Alva Walker
East Hill
Harry Sutcliffe
East Hill
Rufus Stebbins
East Hill
Dry Goods-
Todd's Neilson's A. R. Brown
Main Street
Alfred Norcross George Flynt
Cushman Street Century Hotel
Page 92
Main Street
Main Street
North Main Street Cedar Swamp
Page 93
HISTORY OF MONSON
EARLY BUSINESSES (Continued)
Masons-
Fred Anderson William Lewis C. A. Sweet Curt Rounds
Margaret Street Bethany Road State Street State Street
Meat Markets-
John Dalton Cor. Washington & Main Sts. Benjamin Maynard Norcross Block
Thomas Haley D. H. Barnes
Main Street
Main Street
Men's Clothing-
E. J. Lyons J. P. Herlihy
Noble Block
Main Street
Millinery- Misses Gavin Site of Brown's Drug Store Mary Roche Jette Formerly at site of Margaret's Shop
Monumental Works-
Orman L. Grindell
Moran Monumental
Green Street So. Main Street
Painters-
Ed Osborne
Main Street
Irving Crosby
East State Street
Elmer E. Thompson Elmer Pease
Green Street
Stafford Road
Frank Sutcliffe
State Street
Joe Hickey
Plumbing ---
John Thacker Cornelius Leary
Ray Aldrich Edmund Heneault
Main Street Main Street Belmont Ave. Cushman Street
Photographers -
Joe Chandler A. N. Gaouette
Main Street
Corner of Washington-State Street H. LeRoy Moffett Main Street
Restaurants-
Henry Johnson
Palmer Road
Steve Cireagis Hi-Neighbor
Main Street
Main Street
Tailors-
Matthew Connelly
Main Street
Main Street
Main Street
Tree Merchant- Black and White Tree Co. Carroll and Pierce, Prop.
Palmer Road
1960 Business Directory Automobile Dealers-
COLLETON'S FORD SALES, INC.
John V. Colleton, Jr., Prop.
1911
1960
O. C. McCray
C. C. McCray
McCRAY'S GARAGE
40 CUSHMAN ST. MONSON, MASS.
NEW
-
CARS
-
USED
"C" McCray for Chevrolet
SQUIER'S GARAGE, INC.
Chrysler Corporation Dealer for
Chrysler, Plymouth and Valiant Motor Cars
ESTABLISHED 1922 By Robert K. Squier Sold to James H. Rathbone 1950
WALKER MOTOR SALES, INC.
CHEVROLET
·
OLDSMOBILE
PALMER, MASS.
Michael Lynch Dominick Barrett
Page 94
HISTORY OF MONSON
Banks ---
Monson Savings Bank 146 Main St., Monson, Mass. Banking Hours Monday through Friday 9 to 3 AIR CONDITIONED FOR YOUR COMFORT INCORPORATED 1872 OFFICERS William H. Anderson, President John P. Moriarty and Carlos C. McCray Vice-Presidents Omer E. Bradway, Clerk John D. Aldrich, Treasurer Assistant Treasurers Hazel B. Hey and Edward A. Kozikowski
Monson Branch Springfield Safe Deposit and Trust Company MONSON, MASS.
Member Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Barber Shops ---
HARLEY'S BARBER SHOP ESTABLISHED 1932
1938 - 1960
FRANK'S BARBER SHOP
Frank Plescia, Prop. 28 Harrison Avenue
PETE'S BARBER SHOP 180 Main Street
Hair Cuts-Children 1.25, Adults 1.50 1956 Peter Swistak, Prop.
Beauty Shops-
ELEANOR'S BEAUTY SALON Mrs. John J. Lynch, Prop. 4 Green Street, Monson, Mass. Specializing in Permanent Waves-Hair Styling-Hair Cutting ESTABLISHED 1939
PAT'S BEAUTY SHOPPE 252 Main St., Monson, Mass. FIRST IN FASHION Pat Provost, Prop.
RITA'S BEAUTY SHOP Rita Davis & Theresa Pikul
Open Every Evening Except Saturday 5 Bliss Street, Monson 1959 - 1960
Page 95
HISTORY OF MONSON
Bowling Alley-
Compliments of the
MONSON BOWLING ALLEYS 64 Main Street, Monson, Mass.
Builders-
E. V. BRIDGES GENERAL CONTRACTOR
Monson, Mass.
COSTA BUILT HOMES H. P. Costa General Contractor
Monson, Mass.
HOWARD L. HATCH Builder
Painter
Wales Road, Monson, Mass.
Telephone Colonial 7-3286
Building
Remodelling
R. J. HUTCHINSON CUSTOM BUILDER
KITCHEN CABINETS
Monson, Mass.
1932
- 1960
MEURRISE BROTHERS Stafford Road BUILDING MATERIALS
SQUIER & CO., INC. ESTABLISHED 1874
COAL - LUMBER - HEATING OILS 5 Squier Ave., Monson, Mass.
Operated by Frank B. Haley
L. J. SKOMRO
Monson, Mass.
CONTRACTOR
· BUILDER
Page 96
HISTORY OF MONSON
Clubs-
MONSON LIONS CLUB
Devoted to Eye Research Conservation and Community Development Projects.
QUABOAG COUNTRY CLUB
MONSON ROTARY CLUB
Chartered 1939
Contractors-
ROBERT J. COOLONG EXCAVATING CONTRACTOR Excavating - Grading - Trenching Power Shovel - Winch Truck - Dump Trucks - Well Digging - Septic Tank Installation FULL INSURANCE COVERAGE
JAMES J. MORAN CONTRACTOR
Wales Road, Monson, Mass.
Dairies-
1926 East Hill
1960
Margaret St.
MILK - CREAM - BUTTER - EGGS KORAN BROTHERS DAIRY
ALL OTHER DAIRY PRODUCTS
Monson, Mass. For "Goodness Sake" Drink Milk
ESTABLISHED 1938
TWIN MAPLE DAIRY FARM
Hasenjager Brothers, Props.
Deliveries in Brimfield, Hampden, Monson, Palmer and Wilbraham.
VAILL'S DAIRY
Monson, Mass.
Tel. CH 5-7273
"Quality and Service"
Complete Line of Dairy Products & Fresh Eggs Refrigerated to Your Door
FORMERLY CARPENTER'S DAIRY
Dentist-
Compliments of
Erwin M. Eldridge, D.M.D.
235 Main Street
Page 97
HISTORY OF MONSON
Die Cutting-
D. B. WESSON CO., INC. Bethany Road Extension Daniel B. Wesson, Founder - 1948
Products: Ground Roll Threading Dies Contract Crush Form Grinding
Doctors-
Compliments
Benjamin Schneider, M.D.
115 Main Street, Monson, Mass.
Druggists-
YALE H. BROWN
128 Main Street, Monson, Mass.
Founded January 1, 1946
DRUGS BIOLOGICALS
PRESCRIPTIONS
TIRRELL PHARMACY
115 Main Street, Monson
Modern PRESCRIPTIONS give you longer life
Electrical-
ADOLPH S. JURCZYK
41 Pease Ave.
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
Engineering-
YAHN ENGINEERING & Sales Company, Inc. 293 South Main Street, Palmer, Mass. Telephone ATlas 3-8384
Tube Fittings and Hose Automation Components for Lubrication Hydraulic - Pneumatic Circuits
Excavating --
Phone CO 7-3454
Stafford Road. Monson ,Mass.
RALPH MOULTON, JR. EXCAVATING SERVICE
LANDSCAPING LAND CLEARING
BULLDOZING CELLAR DIGGING
Grains-
EASTERN STATES FARMER'S EXCHANGE, INC. Founded in 1918
Monson farmers were among the first members of this agricultural marketing and purchasing association.
Page 98
HISTORY OF MONSON
Filling Stations-
DAN'S MOBIL SERVICE WRECKER .. SERVICE
Tires - Batteries - Accessories A.L.A. 2 Main Street, Monson, Mass.
ERNIE'S GULF SERVICE
Tires, Accessories - General Repairs 141 Main Street, Monson
Compliments of
AL'S ESSO SERVICE
246 Main Street, Monson ALBERT COOLONG
LeROY'S ATLANTIC SERVICE STATION
Tires - Batteries - Accessories 122 Main Street Leroy Shorette, Jr., Prop. 1953 1960
MANZI'S SERVICE STATION
CHEVRON
STATION
Established 1944
Boston Road Monson
Florists-
MONSON FLOWER SHOP AND GREENHOUSE
32 Main Street Formerly William H. Pease, Florist (1903-1938) Serving the People of Monson and vicinity for a total of 57 years. Cut Flowers, Plants and Floral Designs Owned and Operated by Louise and Elmer Leab Since 1938
Fruits-
HOME OF
ECHO HILL ORCHARD Wilbraham Road
Alexander and Janice Mushenko and Sons
APPLES . PEACHES . PEARS . PLUMS CIDER MILL Established 1945
MORNINGBROOK PLANTATION
Cultivated Blueberry Plants and Berries Available Bessie B. Winter
Upper Hampden Road, Monson, Mass.
Fire Dept .-
Compliments of
MONSON FIRE DEPT.
IN AN EMERGENCY CALL Colonial 7-3160
Page 99
HISTORY OF MONSON
Funeral Homes-
LOMBARD FUNERAL HOME 3 Bridge Street, Monson, Massachusetts
FRANCIS W. LOMBARD Successor to Ralph F. Bradway in 1934
Owned and Operated by Mildred L. Lombard since 1945
SPLAINE FUNERAL HOME 103 Main Street, Monson, Mass.
Telephones MONSON-CO 7-3113 PALMER-AT 3-3171 1951
Sales-
FULLER BRUSH DEALER Norman F. Tworek
ATlas 3-3300
Palmer, Mass.
Gas-
THE HOME GAS CORP.
"The Better Bottled Gas Service"
AVAILABLE FROM LOCAL DISTRIBUTORS THROUGHOUT NEW ENGLAND Bulk Service Cylinder Service Hospital Rd.
North Monson
General Stores-
Compliments of
Your A&P Managers and Clerks
BRESSETTE'S SUPER MARKET AND PACKAGE STORE
"Where Friends and Neighbors Meet"
WELCOME .. TO .. MONSON
Stop in and see us at
CENTRAL MARKET 174 Main Street Gene Bragiel
McCLEARY'S GENERAL STORE COINS-STAMPS and ACCESSORIES
We Have a Limited Quantity of 1760-1960 Bicentennial Commemorative Medals at 1.00 each PLACE YOUR ORDER EARLY
1947
- 1960
Page 100
HISTORY OF MONSON
Monson Consumers Cooperative, Inc. Established 1945
III Main St.
Monson
VAL MONTE FARM COUNTRY STORE
Famous for our Bar-B-Que Chicken S. S. PIERCE FANCY GROCERIES FINE COLD CUTS, FANCY SALADS -GIFT BOXES AND BASKETS- Palmer Road
Monson
"YE OLDE CORNER STORE"
1922 1956 Joseph Sieron, Prop. 1956 1960 Leonard Sieron, Prop. 297 Main Street MEATS, VEGETABLES & GROCERIES
Hardware-
GIFTS
HARDWARE
PAINTS
HARRY THORIN CO. "The Store With the Clock" EST. 1940 176 Main St., Monson, Mass.
MILDE & SONS AUTO WRECKING
Corner Stafford Rd. & Oak St. USED AUTO PARTS EST. 1956
Insurance-
CARLOS H. BALL INSURANCE
214 Main St., Monson
An agency providing sound insurance continuously since 1821.
INSURANCE
ICH THE JOR
ROBERT
W. CURTIS
100 Main St ... Monson-Mass.
REAL ESTATE
Frederick J. Sullivan Insurance Agency ESTABLISHED 1931
All Forms of General Insurance
11 Green Street, Monson, Massachusetts Tel. Colonial 7-3791
Laundries-
1920
1960
PEERLESS LAUNDERERS DRY CLEANING CRAFTSMEN
"Let Our Telephone Line Be Your Clothesline" Warren Cresswell
Page 101
HISTORY OF MONSON
Lawyer-
William H. Anderson
Moderator and Corporation Counsel Since 1928
Monuments-
EZIO DE SANTIS
Granite, Marble and Bronze Memorials
Margaret Street, Monson, Mass. Quality Craftsmanship
Oil-
LEONARD OIL COMPANY
MOBILHEAT MOBILKEROSENE
FUEL OIL BUDGET PLAN POWER BURNER SERVICE
Specialty Shops-
It's always a pleasure to serve you at
MARGARET'S SHOP
225 Main St., Monson
SALES - SERVICE Washers - Dryers - Refrigerators Freezers - Ranges
NORCROSS APPLIANCE NORGE-EASY-PHILCO-BENDIX 36 Main Street, Monson, Mass. C. F. Norcross
Package Stores-
CROWLEY'S PACKAGE STORE
21 Main Street, Monson Colonial 7-9761
MONSON PACKAGE STORE, INC. Wines - Liquors - Beer LOW IN SPIRITS ?- CALL CO 7-5518 1 Cushman St., Monson, Mass.
Plastic Products-
CHURCH SEATS "The Best Seat in the House" C. F. Church Division American-Standard
MONSON, MASS.
HOLYOKE, MASS.
BRATTLEBORO, VERMONT
CONGRATULATIONS from one of Monson's new industries
SPRINGFIELD MOULDERS, INC. Established June 1947
Plumbing-
Heating-All Types
Plumbing
Electrical Appliances
T. O. ALIENGENA & SONS "Master Plumber" ESTABLISHED MAY 1930 140 Main St., Monson, Mass.
Page 102
HISTORY OF MONSON
WILLIAM J. MORSE PLUMBING & HEATING 68 Main St.
Master Lic. #6610
ESTABLISHED 1959
STANLEY PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICE OIL BURNER SALES & SERVICE
Stanley Kluceski, Proprietor 372 Main St.
MAR HEATING CO. 343 Main Street Palmer, Mass. SHEET METAL WORK
Printing-
BLATCHLEY'S PRINTING · MIMEOGRAPHING
Stafford Hollow Road Monson
PALMER REGISTER, INC. Publishers of MONSON REGISTER
QUALITY PRINTING Tel. ATlas 3-8393 and 3-8394
Railroads-
Compliments of the
CENTRAL VERMONT RAILWAY, INC.
Real Estate-
LAKE PARADISE Large Restricted Home Sites Summer and Winter Residents
GROVER C. EATON Monson, Massachusetts
1932
1960
Compliments of
THE STRUM REALTY SERVICE
Gertrude C. Strum Monson, Massachusetts Brimfield Road
Restaurants-
JOE'S DRIVE-IN
TASTY SNACKS OF ALL KINDS
TABLES AND BOOTHS ORDERS TO TAKE OUT
Boston Road North Wilbraham
Page 103
HISTORY OF MONSON
Compliments of
LAFOND BROS. STEAK HOUSE
Monson, Mass.
In keeping with the Traditions & Decor of BI-CENTENNIAL MONSON
THE SPINNING WHEEL RESTAURANT Austin Hills, Proprietor Centrally Located next to Post Office
PURVEYORS OF APPETIZING FOODS SERVED IN A FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE
Rest Home-
Compliments of
BUCKWELL REST HOME
Miss Mary H. Cantwell, Director 300 Main Street 1956 1960
Rope Splicing-
DANIEL O'CONNOR
Wire Rope - Splicing Long Endless Splicing Slings - Pressed Fittings Socketing 48 Bethany Road, Monson, Mass.
Sand & Gravel-
MONSON SAND & GRAVEL CORP.
Stafford Road, Monson Select Quality Washed Concrete & Mason Sand Washed, Screened & Crushed Gravel
Black Top Driveway - Parking Lot Sand - Gravel - Loam
CHARLES H. CHAFFEE
Rental - Graded -- Rollers - Dump Trucks 18 Mechanic Street Monson, Mass.
Schools ---
MONSON ACADEMY Founded 1804
Thorough college preparation for boys.
Grades 8-12.
Catalogue on request.
George E. Rogers, Headmaster
Television-
Compliments of Johnson's Television & Radio Sales & Service 250 Main St., Monson
Trucking-
ROBBINS TRUCKING, INC.
Monson, Mass.
Page 104
HISTORY OF MONSON
Utilities-
WORCESTER COUNTY ELECTRIC COMPANY New England Electric System
465 North Main Street Palmer, Mass.
New England Telephone and Telegraph Company
PALMER MOTOR COACH SERVICE, INC. "CHARTER BUSSES" Palmer, Mass.
Welding-
MONSON REPAIR SHOP Tom Smart, Prop.
WELDING
"FLYING A" GAS & OIL
Palmer Road, Monson, Mass.
Woolen Manufacturing
A. D. ELLIS MILLS, INC. Plants on Main and Bliss Streets
Auctioneer-
Robert E. Chaffee
"YOUR CHEERFUL AUCTIONEER"
PALMER ROAD MONSON
Contractor
William W. Jurczyk, Inc.
GENERAL CONTRACTOR
16 OAK STREET MONSON
Page 105
HISTORY OF MONSON
Monson State Hospital
Monson State Hospital, the ninth largest hospital in the state and the only Epileptic Hospital in New England, had a very hum- ble beginning.
The potato famine which began about 1847 in Europe was responsible to a great extent for large numbers of people migrat- ing to the United States. They brought little money and few worldly goods with them and soon were dependent upon charity for their daily existence. In 1851 about 10,267 people applied to the Commonwealth of Massachus- etts for aid at a cost to the state of $212,000.
The Legislature, becoming concerned with this situation, voted to establish three institutions within the state where, accord- ing to an 1852 edition of the Palmer Journal "all the paupers not having a settlement in the state shall be placed, to be clothed, sheltered, fed, tasked and disciplined in ac- cordance with rules and principles to be es- tablished by the authorities."
There was much rivalry among the towns, each endeavoring to have their town chosen for the location of the alms houses, and much interest was shown in this area when the Commissioners purchased the 155 acre farm of Gideon Merrick and 20 ad- joining acres from Mr. Fay for a cost of $6000. Work was begun immediately on the main building designed to house the Super- intendent's family in an apartment in the front, accomodations for 700 paupers, hos- pital, physicians room, chapel, school and work rooms with the cellars housing the kitchens, laundry and storage.
Dr. S. D. Brooks of South Hadley was appointed Superintendent at a salary of $1000 per year. He assumed his duties on April 1, 1854, and the first paupers arrived on May 1st.
The First Report of the Inspectors of the State Almhouse at Monson, December, 1854 discloses the following facts:
"Number admitted from May 1 to De- cember 1, 1854, was 723, (458 Males and 265 Females). 268 were natives of Ireland, 79 from England and Scotland, 19 from other foreign countries, 82 from other states of the union and 275 were natives of Massa- chusetts. The Physicians report notes that 310 were unhealthy at time of admission, 40 died during this period and there were 14 births.
A chaplain has been provided, viz., the Rev. Mr. Wright, who preaches and con- ducts the devotional exercises in the chapel each Sabbath, superintends Sabbath School in the afternoon and conducts the devotional exercises of the inmates every morning. Ample provision has been made for the instruction and education of those of suit- able age by a supply of school books, and the establishment of a school, which is reg- ularly kept twice a day, viz., in the morn- ing and in the afternoon. Mr. H. W. Stick- ney is the principal teacher and Mrs. Weston assistant. Number belonging to the school is 175, average number attending, about 150.
BILL OF FARE
Dinner: Monday and Thursday, beef soup and potatoes; Tuesday and Friday, fish, potatoes and gravy; Wednesday and Saturday, pork, beans, and potatoes; Sun- day (dinner and supper) cold pork and beans and tea.
Breakfast: bread and coffee and milk (meat hash or pork and beans for those who labor.)
Supper : bread and chocolate and milk.
Nursery Children: Breakfast, dinner and supper : bread and milk (meat or fish for older ones sometimes.)
Infants : milk and crackers.
Sick: rice, molasses, coffee, tea, gruel, beef tea, mutton, steak, chicken, cream toast.
Financial Statement :
Cash received from Common- wealth $29,512.17
Cash received from all other
sources 205.18
$29,717.35
Expenses :
Provisions
5,799.47
Groceries
1230.05
Clothing & dry goods
3,246.36
Medicine
736.20
Fuel & Oil
2,339.16
Furniture
1,409.17
Wages & Labor
2,829.56
Farm Stock & Impliments
3,083.12
Books & Stationary
362.12
Page 106
HISTORY OF MONSON
Expense (hay, grain, soap, sand, brooms, traveling expenses & sundries 3,120.49
Building (New building designed for a wood-house and for inmates of such character as should be kept apart from the rest. Also includes new barn-shed, yard, drains, privies, sinks, enclosing fence, other fixtures, wells, grading, blinds, bells, lightening rods, etc. 7,191.81
Total expenses
$29,547.51
Cash on hand 169.84
$29,717.35
Inventory on hand
$11,886.43
Cost of supporting institution from May 1 to December 1 (Expenses- less building and inventory of hand) 10,789.27
Average number of inmates 354
Cost per week 352.92
Cost of each inmate per week
$0.99 7/10
Inspectors: Josiah Hooker, Alvin Smith, Alonzo V. Blanchard
In 1855 the name was changed to the State Farm School. Gradually other changes took place. The adults were transferred to other institutions and Monson became the center for housing and educating the chil- dren who were wards of the state. During this period the name State Primary School was adopted. The Gazeteer of Massachusetts
Roy Rogers entertains at the Hospital. Left to right: Dale Evans, Roger Osterheld, M.D., Bernice Vennert, R.N.
lists 406 pupils and 30 teachers and assis- tants at the close of the year of 1872. The Legislative policy regarding children in the custody of the state was revised in 1887 when the system of placing such children in foster homes was adopted.
The State Legislature established the Massachusetts Hospital for Epileptics in 1898, utilizing the grounds and facilities of the State Primary School. The first Super- intendent, Dr. Owen Copp, was allowed $200,000 to build an administration building, a men's hospital and a woman's hospital. A quarry was opened on the hill nearby to get out stone for the foundation. All of
Carolyn Clark directs an occupational therapy class in sewing.
HISTORY OF MONSON
Page 107
these buildings are still in use. Dr. Copp, however, exceeded his appropriation: by $10- 000 and as a result was dismissed.
Only three men have held the office of superintendent since then : Dr. Everett Flood 1899-1924. Dr. Morgan B. Hodskins 1924- 1946; Dr. Roger G. Osterheld 1946 to the present time. These records speak highly of their administrative ability.
Monson State Hospital has forged steadily forward, both in physical size and in concept of caring for the patients. The five or six original buildings on 175 acres were designed to accommodate about 200 patients. The treatment was for the most part merely custodial with little attempt to educate or rehabilitate.
Presently 72 buildings on 662 acres, house and care for 1600 epileptic patients ranging from infants to the aged. The an- nual budget of $3,200,000 is expended by the Superintendent under the direction of the State Department of Mental Health and a board of seven trustees on which James Mc- Conchie of High Street is currently serving.
The Monson State Hospital operates as a virtually self-sustaining unit. A central power plant, converted in 1959 to oil, sup- plies heat and hot water to all buildings. A portion of the 200,000 gallons of water needed each day is supplied by the 27 driven wells on the property. A new building is in the process of construction to replace the outdated laundry. All the bread and pastry consumed is made in the up-to-date bakery
and the meals are prepared in two stainless steel kitchens and conveyed to the 17 dining rooms by truck. The farm group supplies fresh vegetables in summer, 2200 eggs per day, and raises about 50,000 pounds of pork per year.
Each dormitory, or cottage as they are called, is supplied with a television set and facilities for serving snacks. The hospital has its own beauty shop, laundry room for patients personal wash, occupational thera- py rooms, class rooms and library for use of the patients.
A new recreation building has just been constructed. Modern and complete in every detail, it provides seating capacity for 1250 in the main auditorium. The seats can be turned to face either the fully equipped stage or the chapel at the opposite end. Also housed in this building are a regulation size basketball court with bleacher space for 800 spectators, a bowling alley, ping- pong table and a recreation lounge fitted with comfortable chairs and television.
Those children able to attend school, live in a group of buildings set apart from the others. Here regular classrooms are pro- vided and school sessions follow the same regulations observed by public schools all over the state. Boy and Girl Scout activities and occasional theatrical performances help fill their after school hours.
The hospital is equipped to take care of any illness or surgical procedure. Besides the general operating room there is a smal-
A recent group of patients who have completed their hospital training course.
Page 108
HISTORY OF MONSON
ler surgical unit and six treatment rooms that are equipped to be turned into operat- ing rooms in case of disaster. About 200 could be transferred to the hospital for care following an attack by nuclear weapons. A complete hospital is held in storage at the Monson State Hospital by the Civil' Defense authorities to help care for the in- jured in an emergency. A new physiothera- py department with modern equipment has been recently opened to help give the 1,200 cerebral palsy patients all types of treat- ment in an effort to bring as much function to the paralyzed limbs as possible. The electroencephalogram suite (where brain waves are recorded on a moving chart) is equipped with two way glass; the operator can see the patient receiving the test, but can not be seen. The encephalogram is used to make tracings from various areas of the brain and to help locate brain damage, tu- mors and other abnormal conditions.
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