USA > Ohio > Allen County > History of Allen County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part One > Part 38
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The reader will be interested in many of the statements made in reference to location and tuition :
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Location, &c.
This Institution is located in Lima, an incor- porated village, of about 2,000 inhabitants; on the Ohio & Indiana Rail Road, about midway between Crest- line and Fort Wayne. Lima is a desirable location on many accounts. It is easy of access, there being three different Rail Roads passing through the place, either completed or in process of completion.
There are societies of Methodists, Associate Re- formed, Old and New School Presbyterians, and Lutherans, which are well attended on the Sabbath. The health of the place is good.
Tuition.
Primary Branches per term. $2.50 Common English Branches. 3.00
Higher English Branches, (each extra) .. .50
Latin and Greek. 1.00
German and French 2.00
Drawing. 2.00
Music, Instrumental. 8.00
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Students will be expected to be present at the commencement of the term. No deduction will be made for absence, except in cases of protracted ill- ness. A daily record will be kept of the deportment and recitation of each student, and no one will be retained in the school who does not maintain a respect- able standing. Pupils will be graded according to their advancement, so as to secure all the superior advan- tages of a thoroughly classified school.
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CHAPTER XVI
PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS
The Allen County Infirmary-The Allen County Children's Home - The Lima Hospital- The Lima Public Library-The Carnegie Gift and the New Library Building - The Lima Water Works-The Postoffice and Postmasters of Lima-The Federal Building -Federal Officers-The Allen County Fair-Sale of Fair Grounds to Lima Driving Park Association - The Proposed New State Hospital for the Insane.
The institutions under the direct control of a State are always an index to the character of the citizenship of the State. It is greatly to the advantage of the people to have the strong arm of the government, State and National, control those institutions, which so widely af- fect the body politic. It is a trite saying that whatever the State does, is well done. Ohio has always stoutly maintained the principle of Algernon Sidney that the governor obtains his power only by consent of the governed. Hence the people's will has been the only guide, and the people have asked for a strong institutions of a public nature, supported by the public, for the good of all concerned. This idea found firm footing in Allen County, and the result is a large number of public institutions, amply equipped and ably managed. The county, at public expense, cares for the indigent and the homeless ; clothes and educates the orphan, and administers to the sick-in fact acts as a broad- minded, public-spirited benefactor of the peo- ple, whose child it is.
THE ALLEN COUNTY INFIRMARY
Allen County is not remiss in the mainte -. nance of charitable institutions. The buildings known as the County Infirmary were erected in 1857-58 on the County Poor Farm, which is
located in Bath township about four miles from the Court House, and occupies the southwest quarter of section 22, the northwest half of the northwest quarter of section 27, and the north- cast half of the northeast quarter of section 28 of said township.
The first infirmary building was built by John P. Haller. The contract was let to him in February 5, 1857, for the sum of $3,975. The building was accepted June 8, 1859, and forms the rear part of the present structure. In 1874 a three-story addition was built at a cost of $12,461 and about 15 years later an- other addition of two stories was constructed, which completed the building as it now stands. A view of the infirmary is shown elsewhere in this work. The first board of directors elected in 1858 was comprised as follows. John B. Reeder, David Bryte and James Chenoweth. Previous to the election, however, Curtis Bax- ter, Shelby Taylor and David Bryte were ap- poined directors. The following have been superintendents : John W. Waters, Daniel Ste- vick, J. N. Shane, Martin V. Blair, Joshua L. Dunlevy, Amos Young, David Baxter and Frank Fraunfelter, the present incumbent.
The last annual report gave the number of inmates as 93, and the expenses of the institu- tion for the year ending September, 1905, as $15.119.62. The sanitary condition of the in-
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stitution is perfect and every comfort is pro- vided for the county's infirm. It is under the supervision of the Infirmary Directors, consist- ing of David Stepleton, Christian H. Mosier, and J. E. Eversole.
THE ALLEN COUNTY CHILDREN'S HOME.
On September 4, 1891, at a special meeting of the Board of County Commissioners, com- posed of William Bice, John Amstutz and John Akerman and C. D. Crites as clerk of the board, 80 bonds of $500 each were signed and delivered to the highest bidder, the proceeds of which were to be expended in the erection of a Children's Home for Allen County.
On September 15, 1891, the plans and spec- ifications of Architect J. A. Chapin, with some modifications recommended by the State Board of Charities, were adopted by the board. On June 8, 1892, additional bonds for the sum of $10,000 were sold, being the second and final issue of bonds for the site and erection thereon of a Children's Home for Allen County.
The Children's Home originally had 871/2 acres, but now the farm contains 1521/2 acres of as fine farm land as can be found in Shaw- nee township. There is a fine spring near the roadside, which refreshes many a weary traveler.
On December 10, 1892, the commissioners appointed the following directors: Alexander Shenk, William M. Melville and John Berry- man. The present directors are: D. H. Sulli- van, David E. Hover and Owen Francis. The president is Alexander Shenk, of Delphos, Ohio. The former superintendent and matron were Mr. and Mrs. F. Blair. The present in- cumbents are Mr. and Mrs. David W. Higby. The governesses are Mrs. Jennie Erwin, and Ella Hickman. J. F. Garner is teacher of the home school.
The children's Home is one of the best managed institutions of the State, maintained as a liome for orphan children. The home, a view of which appears on another page of this book, consists of three large buildings including a school and workshop. The children are given the care of trained nurses. This institution is free to residents of Allen County when unable
to pay and open to residents of other counties for boarding.
Number of children from Allen County in the home, 50; number of children from other counties in the home, 30; number of pupils in the home school, 60.
THE LIMA HOSPITAL.
As Lima struggled from a village into a city and its energetic citizens had demonstrated that its permanency and growth were assured, the less fortunate began to increase in numbers, and a feeling began to grow among many of the people that something ought to be done to give the unfortunate sick and suffering, scien- tific and humane care and nursing. In 1894 a movement was started to build a hospital and a play was given, but the city was not yet large enough to stand the cost of establishing a home for the sick, and the proceeds of this play were saved and with accrued interest amounted to $372.82 when turned over to the present hospital.
From time to time charitable and public- spirited citizens agitated the question, and so the hospital germ was kept alive until October, 1897, when the Pastors' Union of the city earnestly took up the necessity for a hospital and determined that they would neglect no ef- fort to stir the hearts of charitable people, that a place might be provided where the unfortu- nate sick should have proper nursing and treat- ment. It was most proper that the pastors should head this movement, for they are the agents of the Great Master of Charity.
The Pastors' Union appointed a committee to confer with the Allen County Medical So- ciety, and the physicians, who best know the value of a comfortable home for the sick with proper care and nursing, heartily joined hands with the pastors in the project for a Hospital.
A joint committee of the Pastors' Union and the Allen County Medical Society called a meeting at one of the churches for Sunday evening, November 7, 1897. This meeting was largely attended and manifested its entire sympathy with the movement. A hospital society was organized at this meeting and com- mittees on by-laws and subscriptions were ap- pointed.
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On November 15, 1897, a meeting was held and the name "Lima City Hospital Society," with a constitution and by-laws, was adopted, and a committee was appointed to nominate 12 trustees. On November 22, 1897, this commit- tee reported the names for trustees and they were elected. On November 26, 1897, the trustees organized and elected officers.
Committees were appointed to push the work of obtaining subscriptions by dividing the city into districts and appointing sub-com- mittees. An invitation was extended to the Lima Lodge of Elks to give an entertainment for the benefit of the Hospital fund.
At the next meeting of the trustees the Elks reported that the invitation had been accepted by their lodge by a unanimous rising vote and said: "We feel the great necessity for a place where the halt, the lame, and the blind, without regard to creed or nationality, can be taken in and their burdens lightened. There is nothing that could command our more hearty support. We thank you for the honor you have con- ferred upon us.
"Yours in charity, justice, brotherly love and fidelity."
Right nobly did the Elks show their charity, do justice, work out brotherly love, and prove their fidelity in preparing and giving this en- tertainment, which delighted and entertained all the good people of Lima, and many from the neighboring towns, and netted for the hospital fund, $816.30.
On October 30, 1898, the trustees met to consider the securing of a site for a hospital, as sufficient funds were on hand and subscribed to encourage the trustees to take up this ques- tion, and, although a large amount was still needed, the trustees resolved that the only way to have a hospital was to get one, and they felt that the charitable people of Lima were in earn- est and would supply the funds when they saw the hospital.
Various committees were appointed to care- fully look over every part of the city for the most desirable hospital site.
For many weeks the trustees met nearly every Sunday afternoon, and the work of solic- iting subscriptions and finding a hospital loca- tion was vigorously prosecuted.
On November 27, 1898, the trustees decid- ed to purchase the Overmyer property on East Market street, if sold at the judicial sale at a satisfactory price, and a committee of three was appointed to attend the sale and bid on the property. The committee bid off the property for $3,635, and the title was taken in the name of Dr. S. B. Hiner, as trustee for the Lima City Hospital Society, as the society was not incorporated. The purchase of this property gave the hospital project new and greater im- petus. The property had a frontage on East Market street of 100 feet and a depth of 216. feet on Scott street and had a large substantial two-story brick house. The lot is underlaid with gravel and it was a most desirable loca- tion, being central, yet removed from noise, and was worth much more than the price paid, for hospital purposes.
Committees were appointed and at once commenced to make necessary alterations and repairs to adapt the building for a hospital.
On January 15, 1899, the trustees ap- pointed a board of 20 lady managers. No band of women ever worked more earnestly and effectively "for sweet charity's sake." No work was too laborious, no discouragement too great, to disturb their earnest co-operation and patient devotion to this noble work. They made a warm place for the hospital in the hearts of the people, and too much credit and honor cannot be given to them for the modern, well-equipped hospital in which all our citizens feel a pride.
On January 29, 1899, the trustees decided to incorporate the hospital under the name "Lima Hospital Society," and a committee was appointed to have this done.
On February 1, 1899, the incorporation was completed and filed in the office of the Secretary of State. Dr. S. B. Hiner, as trustee, conveyed the hospital property to the Lima Hospital Society and from that date the incorporated society had full control of the hospital and all of its interests.
The Knights of Pythias, Knights of St. John, Lima Club, German Citizens Concert, True Blues, Woman's Veteran Relief Union, Barbers' Union, and Dorcas Society gave en- tertainments or raised funds in some manner
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for the hospital, and the benevolent orders as- sisted by donations; the by-laws provided for life memberships upon the payment of $50 and many became life members.
The good people of Lima at last saw a com- pleted hospital and on April 1, 1899, came the opening. The board of lady managers took charge of this and thus insured a success. Hun- dreds of people came and were surprised and gratified with the arrangement of the hospital and the completeness of all its furnishings and equipment.
From the opening the hospital has been run on strictly non-sectarian lines and any inmate can have the spiritual adviser desired. Charity is broader than any sect, and every creed and belief in the city has given the hospital earnest and continued support.
The hospital was so well conducted that it commanded the confidence of the physicians and brought many pay-patients from other places, and soon the demand was greater than the capacity, and the trustees were confronted with the necessity of enlarging it.
The physicians of the city formed a medi- cal staff and have promptly and faithfully treated all charity patients, without any charge.
In the spring of 1899, the Council made a levy for the hospital and have continued this each year, and the hospital receives and cares for the unfortunate sick of the city, and mem- bers of the police force and fire department, when sick, or injured in the line of their duty.
With this help from the city and earnings from pay-patients, a small fund had been ac- cumulated, and the trustees felt justified in en- larging the hospital.
On March 8, 1901, the building committee was instructed to have plans and specifications prepared for a new building, and it was re- solved to establish a building fund.
The board of lady managers again showed their earnest cooperation by starting this fund with $700, which they had made and saved from their work and entertainments. The new building was built north of and adjoining the former building. It is 42 feet by 48 feet, two stories high, with a good basement and attic and was ready for use in September, 1901.
The hospital, as now fully completed and furnished, is steam heated throughout; has a first-class operating room; bath rooms, and ac- commodations for 35 patients; it is modern in every respect and one of the best of its size in the State.
The construction and equipment of the ad- dition created a debt which, on April 1, 1902, amounted to $3,700 and accrued interest.
In connection with the hospital, a training school for nurses was opened January 1, 1902. The class in March, 1902, numbered five, who were under the immediate supervision of the chief nurse, Alice Henderson. The course cov- ers a period of two years in study and training. A course of lectures has been arranged which provides for two lectures per week by different members of the hospital staff. This is ex- pected to result in great benefit to the hospital, as well as affording worthy young women an opportunity to fit themselves for a profitable and worthy occupation.
At the annual meeting of the Lima Hos- pital Society held January 15, 1906, the fol- lowing trustees and officers were elected : Trustees-S. S. Wheeler, Walter B. Richie, W. K. Boone, C. H. Cory, E. Christen, F. E. Baxter, Henry Deisel, Dr. Thomas K. Jacobs, R. W. Argue, J. D. S. Neely, Dr. F. G. Stue- ber and Dr. S. B. Hiner ; officers-Dr. S. B. Hiner, president; W. K. Boone, vice-president ; and A. E. Scheithe, secretary and treasurer.
During the course of the meeting Dr. Hiner submitted his annual report, which showed that the total receipts for 1905 were $8,937.44, with total expenditures amounting to $9,209.39. The total deficit in current ex- penses including the deficits for 1904 and 1905, amounted to $518.39. The receipts were clas- sified as coming from four sources, namely : Pay-patients, $5,557.42; City of Lima, $2,- 993.98; life memberships, $185 ; and donations. etc., $201.04. During 1905, 395 patients were admitted, of which number 270 were pay pa- tients.
The purchase of the home for the nurses added $3.000 to the indebtedness of the society, which also owed $1.000 for building account and $31.50 accrued interest. making, with the
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deficit in current expenses, a total indebtedness of $4,549.89. The hospital property is valued at $25,000. The removal of the nurses to their home increase the hospital capacity by six beds, making it possible at the present time to accommodate 37 patients. Nine nurses are now in training. During 1905 the medical staff cared for 132 charity patients.
The board of lady managers of the hospital submitted their report for the period from April 15 to December 31, 1905, which showed that the total realized from their efforts was $943.57 in cash. The board also replenished and left well stocked the linen closets of the hospital and did much work not only for the comfort of the patients but for the nurses as well. It furnished the new home for the nurses and expended $279.31 in furnishings, repairs and painting. It expended on the hos- pital proper $537.20, besides which a new range was placed in the hospital kitchen at a cost of $224. An unexpended balance of $127.06 was handed over to the board of trus- tees to be used as was deemed necessary.
Herewith is given a list of the life members of the Lima Hospital Society: Walter B. Richie, S. S. Wheeler, C. H. Cory, D. J. O'Day,* J. Goldsmith, J. W. VanDyke, Dr. S. B. Hiner, W. K. Boone, J. D. S. Neely, E. Christen, Dr. T. K. Jacobs, Dr. D. W. Steiner, Dr. F. G. Stueber, Dr. W. B. VanNote, Wil- liam Melville, H. F. Vortkamp, Mrs. Nancy Shotwell,* J. C. Linneman, Dr. S. A. Baxter, Herbert L. Brice, J. J. Ewing, Benjamin C. Faurot,* W. H. Harper,* J. H. Huntley, N. L. Michael, Albert Watson, Dr. T. R. Terwille- ger, W. E. Hover, G. E. Bluem, R. W. Argue, Robert Mehaffey, A. S. Rudy, Buckeye Pipe Line Company, Solar Refining Company, Ohio Oil Company, Lima Natural Gas Company, Manhattan Oil Company, C. H. & D. Railway Company, City Bank, Moore Brothers' Com- pany, Schultheis Brothers, Elk Lodge, Knights of Pythias, Knights of St. John, Rebekah Lodge, Lima Club, True Blues, German Citi- zen Concert Company, Humane Society and John Crumrine.
THE LIMA PUBLIC LIBRARY-J. (By Mrs. M. J. Ballard.)
Years ago, so many in fact, that it must be but a hazy memory to any but the oldest living residents of Lima, a Reading Club, composed of men and women, both young and middle- aged, was organized for the two-fold purpose of social intercourse and mutual improvement.
This club read in a desultory, but delight- ful, way, that which was held at the time to be "classic" in literature. Neither current topics, nor the new books were much discussed at these meetings of "auld lang syne," but many papers of unquestioned merit were read, and an occasional discussion was had of some subject of vital importance to the public. At such times, if Judge James Mackenzie and C. N. Lamison were present, nothing was want- ing to make the occasion memorable.
The public library movement, then in its infancy in this country, was the question of the hour at a never to be forgotten session held at the residence of Judge Thomas M. Robb.
Because of the forcible arguments for and against the proposition to establish a Public Library in the village of Lima, and the decision called forth by a vote taken on the issue, it proved to be a "red letter" event in the history of the club. Before adjourning an "attempt to establish a Public Library in Lima," as our president wisely put it, was authorized, and Judge James Mackenzie, Olivia Meily and Martha Richardson were appointed a commit- tee "to proceed in the matter as they saw fit and proper."
As one now recalls it, the demands made on the public for aid in the enterprise were very modest. No money was asked for and no new books purchased. In lieu of these, books and magazines were solicited from all interested citizens, especialy from those having compara- tively well-equipped libraries. It was a cred- itable showing of books thus gathered, and they were placed in Judge Mackenzie's office to be given out at his discretion.
The demand for reading matter was not so great then as it is to-day, but this little library proved a boon to the genuine book lov- ers of the town.
*Deceased.
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After the first generous contribution of lit- erature had served its purpose, the venture for many obvious reasons, languished. With his growing legal duties, the self-imposed task of librarian proved too onerous for Judge Mac- kenzie; no money was forthcoming for new books, and the library, as a whole, was transfer- red to the "Rosicrucians" club and made a part of their possessions.
Although not apropos to the subject under discussion in this article, one may be pardoned when he digresses to pay tribute to the memory of the many brilliant, forceful and ambitious young men who made up from time to time, the roster of the "Rosicrucians." This club, social and literary in its purpose, was an honor to Lima, and in the manly fiber of its membership has known no superior.
Of this coterie of long ago, but few are left. Among these are H. A. Holdridge, James Ir- vine, Dr. Cloyd Jacobs and Dr. S. A. Baxter. Numbered among those who "sleep to wake" are Capt. Mart Armstrong. Judge C. M. Hughes, Gen. L. M. Meily, James Anderson, and Calvin S. Brice. There were certain characteristics in most of these men which gives the writer of this article heartfelt pleasure to recall. There was a directness and vivid real- ity in their conversation; a gift for reaching their hearers at once, due to the self respect and self-reliance, which strength of purpose always creates.
Brief as was the history of the first public library movement in Lima, it cannot be said that its influence was wholly lost. It served, at least, as a stepping stone for a later and more effective organization.
Under the auspices of the Chautauqua movement, in the early '80's, the first regularly organized and systematic course of study was adopted by a club made up of the following Lima women : Mrs. C. M. Hughes, Mrs. An- gerona Thrift, Mrs. J. F. Brotherton, Mrs. J. R. Hughes, Mrs. James Irvine, Mrs. Margaret Rumple, Mrs. S. A. Baxter, Mrs. Frances Mitchell Baxter, Mrs. C. S. Brice, Mrs. Elizabeth Freeman, Mrs. Martha J. Bal- lard, Mrs. J. N. Harrington and Mrs. H. A. Holdridge. Out of the growing
demands for better literary facilities on the part of this club, and an ardent desire to pro- mote the best welfare of the town, came the next public library movement. It met with an immediate and enthusiastic approval from all good citizens. A library association was form- ed and I. S. Motter was made its president. An entertainment committee was appointed with Mrs. J. F. Brotherton as chairman. A "paper festival," given by the influential women of the town, proved a signal success. A paper, edited by John F. Brotherton and Mrs. John Harley, was published in the interest of the good cause. A detailed account of the amount accomplished by this band of faithful workers cannot be giv -- en here. Suffice it to say that through the many agencies employed a generous sum of money was realized.
Judge James Mackenzie, Goodrich Nichols. and Mrs. C. S. Brice were appointed a commit- tee to purchase books. The work was nobly done, and the library formed was one of un- usual excellence. In order that the general pub- lic might have easy access to the books a room was set apart in the Court House to that end.
This second Public Library failed, in a measure of realizing the fond hopes of its pro- moters. Lack of resources compelled the as- sociation to yield their cherished plans until a more propitious season, when a certain and as- sured revenue could be established and better methods found.
The library was placed under the manage- ment and care of the Y. M. C. A. until that hour should arrive.
The last public library movement in our city, and one that has come to stay, was inaugu- rated in the fall of 1900. With the many art music and literary clubs, with which our com- munity abounds, there was felt, as never before, the necessity for more reference books and sup- plementary helps along the lines of their varied work. Then, too, the expansion of the library movement in other towns of less population than ours aroused the civic pride of our pro- gressive women to such an extent that it would not "down." Several of the clubs at their first meeting in the year named urged vigorous and immediate action.
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