USA > Ohio > Hamilton County > Cincinnati > Cincinnati, the Queen City, 1788-1912, Volume II > Part 39
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The social life forms a special feature of the Y. M. C. A. and diversions are carefully planned. Receptions, concerts, lectures, etc., are among the many attractions. There is a baseball club and athletic team; the annual camp usually comes in July, and special inducements are given to lead members to rest and recreation at lake and mountain.
There is a literary society which meets every Saturday evening; also a Banjo, Mandolin and Guitar Club, a Glee Club and Camera Club. On the first Thursday evening of each month there is a members reception. During the winter there is a star course of entertainments, presenting the best talent in special lines. A boarding house register is kept for the benefit of members and strangers. There is an employment department, organized especially to help members to employment; and while members of the association are first con- sidered, the committee aims to help all worthy young men, no differences being made because of nationality or creed.
In the law department there are usually more than one hundred enrolled. The tuition fee of $17.00 entitles the holder to all other privileges.
In the devotional department there is a Sunday afternoon musicale and lec- ture at three o'clock. Bible classes are held during the week. Evening prayers are conducted every night, except Sunday, beginning at 9:40. The boys' de- partment offers special inducements to boys of twelve to sixteen. What the Sunday School is to the church, the boys' department is to the general associa-
YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION
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tion. A special secretary is in charge, and every means is used to advance the welfare of the boys.
A restaurant is located on the fourth floor. It occupies three beautiful, light and airy rooms, reached by elevator. The cooking is done on the floor above, so that there are no odors of the kitchen in the dining rooms. The bill of fare is very reasonable in price. This restaurant is sought by business men because of its cleanliness and comfort.
The Y. M. C. A. railroad departments are at Third and Baymiller streets and the Union depot. The statistics of these branches for one month are interesting ; 34I visits to rooms per day; 61 baths taken; 32 letters received and written; 31 beds used in dormitory per day; I01 men attended religious meetings; 785 visits by secretary to men in round-houses, offices, yards, etc .; 8 visits by secretaries to sick and injured men.
A branch has been established at Northside. This is the first push into the suburbs. Sixty-two of the most prominent women of Cincinnati are enrolled in the Woman's Chapter of the Y. M. C. A. The object is to broaden the work of the association among young men, and to make the building as homelike as possible, in order to meet the needs of the great number of young men who are rooming and boarding in the city.
The half century anniversary of the association was celebrated more than ten years ago with appropriate exercises. The history of the Cincinnati associa- tion had always been one of success because it has had the staunchest of friends. Among the best of these was Mr. David Sinton, one of the city's wealthiest citizens. He first gave the lot and building at Sixth and Elm streets. Greater accommodations were needed and Mr. Sinton gave $20,000 in addition to the amount raised by the sale of the old property, and when another great call was made for public help he gave $14,000 more. When asked why he took such an active interest in the work of the Y. M. C. A. Mr. Sinton replied: "When I came to Cincinnati practically without friends or money, I found no place to welcome me. No place where I could spend my evenings among good com- panions or at evening studies. There was no place where a poor boy could spend his time among books, and I determined that if ever my position justified it I would lend my aid to the establishment and support of an institution that would supply the wants I so keenly felt when I was a young man."
Feeling the need of funds for special purposes, the Y. M. C. A. in the early part of December, 1910, started a ten days' whirlwind campaign to raise $75,000, by the famous big clock plan.
They were more than successful, obtaining $80,000. The money thus raised is being devoted to needed repairs on the Central Y. M. C. A. building; paying off a certain amount of indebtedness; assisting the state committee; refurnish- ing rooms of the railroad branch on West Fifth street, and maintaining the general work for the next two years.
Following the announcement of the offer made by Julius Rosenwald, head of a large commercial house in Chicago, to give to every city in the United States $25,000 for a negro Y. M. C. A., provided the citizens raise $75,000, a movement has been started in Cincinnati to procure the necessary money and to found such an institution here.
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ST. JOSEPH'S ORPHAN ASYLUM.
St. Joseph's Catholic Orphan Asylum fronts on Cherry street, north of Blue Rock street, in Cumminsville. The building and the grounds occupy about ten acres, the location is pleasant and healthful with ample sewerage facilities and abundance of fresh air. The structure is of modern build and presents quite an imposing appearance, a large new wing having been erected within late years at a cost of more than $12,000. The interior of the buildings combines con- venience, comfort and healthfulness, the rooms are large and commodious with abundance of light and air and are heated by steam. The spacious grounds of the asylum form a beautiful park where in fine weather after school hours the children have the opportunity to engage in healthful exercise, and this accounts for the general health of the inmates, which is most excellent. No contagious diseases, or in fact, disorders of any sort become prevalent. Here are main- tained in decency and comfort from three to four hundred poor orphan children of both sexes, ranging in age from three to fifteen years. The management of this institution is in the hands of the Sisters of Charity, and it is needless to say that love, kindness and tender care prevail where these good ladies are in control. The St. Joseph's Orphan Asylum is regarded as one of the model in- stitutions of this city. New class rooms have been established and the greatest attention is paid to the thorough education of the children according to the most modern methods, from the kindergarten to the higher studies. When the boys and girls have attained a proper age, situations are sought for them in families of respectability or in stores or offices and a sister from the asylum visits the children who are placed out, from time to time, to see how they are progressing and in what manner they are treated, thus exercising a parent's tender care over these fatherless ones until they have sufficiently matured as men and women. How many boys and girls are being saved to society in this manner who otherwise would have drifted into the slums, becoming outcasts and criminals.
As the children of today are to be the men and women of the next genera- tion, in whose hands will be placed the destinies of our great nation, what nobler work can engage the humanitarian or the patriot than to give a generous support to institutions such as this, where the children of the poor are reared and educated and the principles of virtue, morality and patriotism are instilled into their minds and hearts.
COLORED ORPHAN ASYLUM.
The Colored Orphan Asylum of Cincinnati was organized in 1844 by an association of ladies and gentlemen who were led in their efforts by Mrs. Lydia P. Mott, an aged member of the Society of Friends. Associated with her were Salmon P. Chase, John Woodson, Christian Donaldson and others.
The asylum was chartered in February, 1845, the act of incorporation having been drawn up by Salmon P. Chase, whose personal influence was brought to bear upon the members of the legislature to secure its passage.
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In 1845 the trustees contracted with Nicholas Longworth to purchase a building on Ninth street, between Elm and Plum, which building was occupied by the asylum until 1866. For many years after the purchase of the building on Ninth street, the asylum fell into a very low condition. Many times there was neither food, clothing nor persons to care for the children, nor money to hire or purchase. In this condition of affairs, in 1852-53 and 54, Levi Coffin and his wife went to the asylum and took charge as steward and matron. Through their influence the institution was kept alive and many friends were found for it.
In 1866 the trustees sold the Ninth street house and lot and with the funds purchased six acres of land in Avondale. From 1866 to 1896 the asylum was kept in an old dilapidated building on Shillito street. In the autumn of 1896 a new and beautiful building, the gift of Thomas Emery's sons, was erected on the Shiliito street lot. The colored people of this community can never forget Thomas Emery's sons, for they have been their greatest benefactors.
Now each year about a hundred children are cared for, at an expense of about $4,000, which includes food, clothing, help, care of the building and im- provements.
The endowment fund of the asylum represents $9,000, invested in first mort- gages. There are no debts. Voluntary contributions are generous but demands increase, and money is always needed. The trustees express gratitude to the churches and charitable people of the community for kindly remembering them in their donations, and they hope for a continuance of this friendly interest in a needy institution.
GERMAN PROTESTANT ORPHAN ASYLUM.
The German Protestant Orphan Asylum is one of the largest and most splen- didly equipped institutions of the kind. It has a superb location on Highland avenue. In the neighborhood of two hundred children are cared for each year, many of them orphans and many half-orphans. When dull times and continued enforced idleness of the laboring classes render a father or mother helpless to care for their little ones the children are received here. Sometimes these little ones are an obstacle to their father or mother in getting work, as they cannot leave them at home without some one to care for them, and the nature of such employment calls such parents away. It happens too that these parents often become ungrateful for the assistance afforded and are unwilling to pay the small sum required for support, even when well able to do so.
There is always a yearly spring festival given under the auspices of the Ladies' Society, and the means thus accrued help very materially in meeting the demands which are yearly becoming heavier. The anniversary of the nation's birthday is generally celebrated, when the children sing patriotic songs, play war games, and are treated to fireworks in the evening. Easter and Pentecost are also celebrated. For some years past there has been a mid-summer excur- sion on the Ohio river to Coney Island. The principal support comes from a General Society, of which there are about one hundred members. There is also a branch Covington Society.
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CINCINNATI ORPHAN ASYLUM.
The charter for this excellent charity was granted January 25, 1833. The inspiration thereto was awakened by the horrors of the terrible cholera season of 1832, when so many little children were left destitute and homeless. The good work was inaugurated by twelve heroic women, with only eight dollars in the treasury, under most disheartening circumstances, without any reliable source of revenue, oftentimes uncertain how to provide food day by day, this "foster child of the city" grew into the sympathies of the public.
The butchers of Cincinnati, after their market hours, gathered up the rem- nants of meat on their stalls to be sent to the orphans; the vegetable gardeners on their return to their farms deposited baskets of produce within the asylum gates ; the bakers found many spare loaves of bread for the hungry children ; and this was all done, not by continued importunity, but as a free-will offering.
From all business associations, choral societies, theaters, jurors fees, Masonic lodges, fire companies, Ohio volunteers, gate money from ball and billiard games, numerous fairs and festivals, these continuous offerings came in the hour of need.
The smallest donations ever received was six and a quarter cents (the old fip-penny bit) given by a very poor woman in 1835, a sincere heart offering like the widow's mite. The largest sum contributed was the handsome bequest of Charles Bodman in 1878, of $25,000.
For more than seventy-five years this work has been continued with the blessed assurance of great good accomplished. Many thousands of children have been sheltered, clothed, fed and educated until able to go out into the world and do battle for themselves.
Mr. Henry Probasco filled the position of president of the board of trustees for thirty-five years, the longest term served by any one member.
The continued prosperity attending the growth and development of this benev- olence is largely due to the admirable financial management controlled and judici- ously discharged by the various bodies of experienced business men composing the board of trustees.
The orphan children attend the public schools, receive religious instructions in the Sunday Schools and churches, are invited pupils of the Turnverein gym- nasium and are recipients of very many kindnesses.
Homes are found in country families mainly, and the numbers are no sooner reduced than the ranks are speedily filled. The average number remaining within the asylum is about one hundred.
OPHTHALMIC HOSPITAL.
This institution was founded in 1891 by Dr. Robert Sattler, and is located on West Twelfth street. Eye and ear treatment is here given to the poor and needy.
JEWISH HOSPITAL.
The Jewish Hospital, located at Burnet and Union avenues, Avondale, is a free general hospital, non-sectarian in character. It was organized in 1845 and was located in a two-story brick building on Betts street, near Cutter.
JEWISH HOME AND HOSPITAL BUILDINGS, AVONDALE, 1907
EPISCOPAL HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN, MOUNT AUBURN, 1906
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The first president was the late Abraham Aub, and the first physician in attendance, who gave his services free, was the venerable Dr. A. Bettmann. One of the first secretaries was Gustav Mosler, deceased, the father of Henry Mosler, the renowned artist. Mr. Harmon Mack, deceased, was the next presi- dent, and he was succeeded by Mr. James Lowman. Louis Kramer occupied the position of recording secretary and legal adviser of the board of directors for many years.
The institution was removed to Third and Baum streets, after several years of existence on Betts street, as its usefulness out-grew its surroundings. The beautiful institution is now located on the suburban hills.
Having established a Training School for Nurses, and the charity patients increasing, an annex was built. The fund for construction and furnishing was contributed by friends of the institution, a large part being given by Mrs. L. J. Workum, in memory of her deceased sons, Jephtha L. and Ezekiel L. Workum.
THE CINCINNATI HOSPITAL.
The Cincinnati Hospital was established in 1821, under the name of The Commercial Hospital and Lunatic Asylum for the State of Ohio, with a pro- vision for the admission of sick boatmen on the Ohio river who were residents of the state, and those of other states reciprocating by providing similar accom- modations for Ohio boatmen. Hence the name "Commercial" Hospital. This provision for sick boatmen anticipated by many years the establishment of the Marine Hospital by the government.
The first hospital was established largely through the efforts of Dr. Daniel Drake, distinguished pioneer, scientist and author, who personally drew the plans for the first buildings, for which service he was paid ten dollars by the town- ship authorities. The old hospital buildings were demolished in 1867, and the present buildings were occupied January 7, 1869. The administrative offices, forming the front of the institution, are on Twelfth street. There are six pa- vilions, three stories in height. Three of the pavilions are on the western and three on the eastern side of the block. Each pavilion contains three wards, one on each floor, those in the central pavilion containing thirty-six beds each, and the rest twenty-four each, allowing ample space for each bed. The pavilions contain also twenty-four private rooms.
In the central buildings at the rear fronting on Ann street are the Pathologi- cal museum, mortuary, etc. In the same building is the accident ward, convenient of access, and fully equipped for emergency at all hours of day or night.
The establishment is heated throughout by steam. Heat for the wards is supplied from coils of steampipe placed in chambers in the basement. From these chambers, pure air, warmed to the proper temperature, passes into the wards, while the halls and other rooms are heated by direct radiation from the steam coils placed therein. There are also open grate fires in the wards. Por- tions of the building are ventilated by a downward draught into a large air duct under the pavilions, which terminates in a large chimney of the boiler room.
The walls of the entire building are composed of brick, with freestone finish- ing around the angles, etc. The upper stories are finished in French style, with
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Mansard roof of slate. The wards of the hospital are divided into surgical, medical, obstetrical, ophthalmological, venereal, gynaecological, and childrens, and in attendance upon these are four surgeons, six physicians, four obstetri- cians, two ophthalmologists, two neurologists, two dermatologists, two pedia- trists, and two pathologists. One half this number is on duty at the same time.
Clinical lectures are delivered in the amphitheater two hours each working day, commencing October Ist and ending March 31st. In aid of the medical staff are twelve internes, who are graduates and are selected by a competitive examination.
The nursing in all wards, except three, is performed by nurses and pupil nurses of the Cincinnati Hospital Training School for Nurses. The course of training covers a period of two years.
Every part of the hospital is in direct communication by telegraph and tele- phone with the superintendent's office. The hospital is connected with all police stations by telephone. There are three ambulances, in addition to the ten police patrol wagons of the city, which insure prompt conveyance for sick and injured persons at all times. Strangers or other persons of means wishing to avail them- selves of the best appointments for proper care, can have private rooms and trained nurses, and they can choose their own medical attendants. They are not re- stricted to the medical staff.
During the year 1897, a branch hospital for contagious diseases was estab- lished one mile beyond the city limits. Consumptive patients especially are treated there. The premises include fifty-three acres, situated on a high plateau, and having every natural advantage of healthful location.
The city of Cincinnati is just now engaged in planning and constructing a new hospital on a large scale. The commissioners in charge of these plans for the new and greater institution have already completed the contagious group of buildings, which are now open. The buildings which have been completed in- clude an administration building, three pavilions or ward buildings, a building for private patients and unclassified charity cases, and the disinfecting station of the new general hospital, which, for the present, will be used as a temporary power plant. It is the little child that the trustees have first remembered. The three ward buildings are dedicated to the treatment of the three diseases that especially afflict children,-measles, diphtheria and scarlet fever. The city al- ready had branch hospitals for smallpox and consumption, but not until the present time has it had facilities for isolating and specially treating other con- tagious diseases.
The new buildings are situated on the tract of twenty-seven acres which fronts on Burnet avenue and overlooks the surrounding suburbs. They are con- structed of yellowish-brown mottled brick with sandstone trimmings and tile roofs. The administration building is a three-story structure. The first floor and basement contain offices, staff rooms, drug and store rooms, a central kitchen for the entire plant, and several dining rooms for the nurses, officers and attend- ants. The latter are so arranged that the attendants on the various diseases do not mingle with each other. Each pavilion is devoted to the treatment of one disease. The structure is largely of cement and tile, so that wards, room hall- ways and stairways may be flushed and cleaned in the modern sense of the word.
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There is also an elaborate vacuum cleaning system in all the buildings. At the southern end of each building is a solarium where the convalescent children may receive the beneficial effects of direct sunlight. The three pavilions are connected by a two-story, tile-floored porch, which affords ease of communica- tion and a "fresh air cut off" between the buildings, thus securing isolation to ยท the several diseases. Architecturally and in their surroundings the new build- ings are said to be without a peer among the hospitals of the world.
Dr. Holmes, the noted specialist, was sent abroad to make an investigation of the best hospitals of Europe and to suggest plans for Cincinnati's new hos- pital. The city authorized bonds to be issued to the amount of $2,300,000 to carry out these plans. There are to be eighteen buildings in the group when completed. When these plans are carried out, Cincinnati will have one of the best and most complete hospital systems in the world.
PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN.
The hospital of the Protestant Episcopal church in the diocese of Southern Ohio was incorporated in November, 1893. At that time there was no institu- tion in the diocese devoted especially to the alleviation of the suffering of help- less childhood. Hence the chief purpose of this act of incorporation was "to provide medical and surgical aid for sick, infirm and disabled children between the ages of one and fifteen years."
For four years the hospital occupied a rented house on Walnut Hills, with a receiving capacity of fifteen patients. The generous gift of Messrs. T. J. and J. J. Emery enabled the institution in November, 1897, to take possession of a new and permanent home on Locust street, Mount Auburn. Here, although outside the city proper, yet easily accessible with its receiving capacity increased to forty-eight, the hospital was enabled to treat annually nearly two hundred patients. By the establishment a few years ago of an out-door department, this number is now increased to over three hundred, while there is always a lengthy waiting list. During its twenty-five years of existence several thousands of children have been treated. A large proportion of these have been discharged as cured.
Although under the auspices of the Episcopal church, the tablet on the front of the institution furnishes the key to its broad humanity, "No patient excluded on account of creed, color or country." Consequently within its wards are to be found children black and white, of all nationalities, of every religion, and of no religion. The advantages of care and nursing are freely given, for the articles of incorporation read, "this corporation is not created for profit, but will rely for its maintenance upon voluntary gifts of the charitable and humane."
Frequently, however, the friends and relatives of patients have it within their power to make some small donation and these free will offerings are received, as it preserves the self-respect of the donors and makes them willing to receive that which pride prompts them to refuse. It is estimated that $10,000 is neces- sary for the yearly support of the hospital; $175.00 maintains a cot for one year, and to endow it in perpetuity, $3,000 is required. The total of the endowment fund is $80,826.
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The management of the institution is in the hands of a board of trustees and a board of managers. The Cooperative Society does the important work of soliciting subscriptions of money, and donations of supplies and material for the hospital support. A staff of eminent surgeons and physicians freely and faithfully give their services.
A deaconess superintends both the house and the wards. In these depart- ments she has the assistance of eight nurses and eight employes. The school room for the benefit of the convalescent children is in charge of a competent governess. The policy of maintaining this department in charitable institutions is approved by the most eminent authorities on the subject. A speaker before the National Assembly of Charities and 'Corrections, at a meeting held in New York, said: "Teaching is a necessary part of the treatment of crippled children, and such teaching will make them useful members of society in manhood and womanhood."
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