USA > Ohio > Montgomery County > Dayton > History of the city of Dayton and Montgomery County, Ohio, Volume I > Part 63
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VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS OF THE POSTOFFICE DURING TEN YEARS,
JUNE 30, 1899 TO JUNE 30, 1909.
RECEIPTS.
1899
. $213.390.14
1909
508,015.96
Percentage of increase 138.
MONEY ORDER DIVISION.
Issued.
Paid.
1899
$22,654
$118.330
1909
46,819
217,482
Percentage of increase, 105.
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DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY
REGISTRY DIVISION.
1899-letters, etc., registered 7,148
1909 -- letters, etc., registered 44,727
Percentage of increase 525.
MAILING DIVISION.
1899-First class and other classes 15,728,858
1909-First class and other classes 34,519,088
Percentage of increase 119.
1899-Second class matter 833,328 pounds
1909-Second class matter 1,738,218 pounds Percentage of increase 108.
1899 -- Number of clerks 26
1909 -- Number of clerks .66
1899-Number of carriers 4I
1909 -- Number of carriers 75
Percentage of increase 117.
Seventy clerks are now employed in the several departments of the office. As before stated, the postoffice was opened in 1804 in Postmaster Van Cleve's residence at the southeast corner of First and St. Clair streets. It remained in this unpretentious structure till Mr. Van Cleve's death in 1821. No one ap- pears to have been appointed immediately to succeed Mr. Van Cleve as post- master, but the business of the office was carried on by Mr. Van Cleve's former assistant till the following year, when William M. Smith became postmaster. In 1823 Mr. George S. Houston was appointed postmaster. During his administra- tion which continued until his death in 1831, the office was located in Mr. Hous- ton's residence, a brick house, still standing on the north side of Second street, east of Ludlow.
From there it was removed, by Postmaster Houston's successor, David Cath- cart, to a building on the courthouse grounds facing Main street. Later, it was moved to the south side of Third street, between Main and Jefferson. Next, it went to the Winters building, one square east, between Jefferson and St. Clair streets. The older citizens of Dayton will readily recall its appearance at this location, for they visited it very often to receive or deposit mail. The postoffice occupied the west half of the building, which had a corridor running through the center of it. The stamp window, delivery boxes, letter drops and general de- livery window were ranged along the west side of the corridor. The postmaster and a few clerks were able to transact all the business.
When Mr. William F. Comly became postmaster, in 1861, he fitted up for his office the rooms in the Beckel House Building, at the northwest corner of Third and Jefferson streets, now occupied by the American Express Company. New furniture and plenty of light gave the postoffice at this location a bright. cheerful look, and the amount of business transacted had increased to such pro- portions as to create the impression that the establishment was a metropolitan
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institution. It soon outgrew these quarters, however, and more commodious rooms became a necessity.
In 1869 Postmaster William M. Green removed the office to the southwest corner of Fourth and Jefferson streets, where it occupied the lower floor of the United Presbyterian Church building. To make this structure suitable for the accommodation of the postoffice it was lifted off its foundation and raised six or eight feet. New brick walls were then run up from the foundation to con- nect with the old ones, the effect being to convert the basement of the old church into rooms with high ceilings and to place the floor, which had previously been below the surrounding surface, on an elevation slightly above the sidewalk. This was an interesting operation to the inhabitants of Dayton, for it was the first time that a brick building in this city had been raised in that manner, and it attracted attention because of its novelty. The building, greatly altered in appearance, and no longer used as a place of worship still stands.
The next move of the office was made by Postmaster A. D. Wilt in 1884. This time it went into what is known as the Barney Building, northeast corner of Main and Fifth streets, which had been erected by Mr. Josiah Gebhart especially for its accommodation. In January, 1892, the postoffice was installed in a permanent home at the southwest corner of Main and Fifth streets. This site had been pur- chased a few years before by the United States government, which then pro- ceeded to construct the stately building which now stands there, the whole cost- ing the sum of one hundred sixty-one thousand two hundred dollars.
The United States congress has appropriated three hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars for the enlargement of the present postoffice building. Whether this money will be thus used or go toward the building of an entirely new struc- ture is yet an open question. A new million-dollar building is what some of our citizens desire.
PORT OF ENTRY.
July 1, 1904, the office of the Dayton Port of Entry was opened. In 1909, Edward L. McConnaughey succeeded Oscar I. Robbins as surveyor. The latter had served as surveyor from the opening of the port. The receipts of the local office for the year ending June 30, 1909, were one hundred thirty-six thousand, six hundred four dollars and seventy-eight cents. The cost of maintaining the office was about three per cent of the total receipts. Dayton has the advantage of having a first-class bonded warehouse where goods may be held for later delivery. Goods on which forty thousand dollars in duties are payable were stored in the warehouse in November, 1909. Among the ports of the state of Ohio the Dayton port holds a place next to those of Cleveland and Cincinnati.
DAYTON STATE HOSPITAL.
In 1851, the asylum at Columbus was the only one in the state and was known as the Ohio Lunatic Asylum. Its capacity was three hundred patients. The super- intendent of the asylum at that time, Prof. S. M. Smith, estimated the insane in the state that year at two thousand.
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DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY
As a result of the recommendations of Dr. Smith and others, the following winter the legislature passed an act dated April 30, 1852, entitled: "An act to provide for the erection of two additional lunatic asylums." Prof. H. A. Ackley, E. B. Fee, D. B. Woods, Charles Cist and Edwin Smith, composed the board ap- pointed under the act. The legislature made an appropriation of one hundred and forty thousand dollars, for the purpose of building the two asylums.
On the 7th of July, 1852, the board met in Cincinnati and on the 8th at Day- ton and agreed not to locate either of the two asylums at any point, unless fifty acres of land were donated for the purpose. On the 9th of July, it was voted to locate one at Newburgh, now a part of Cleveland and the next day Dayton was selected as the other site. September Ist, a site was selected at the foot of Wayne avenue and September 6th the county commissioners appropriated five hundred dollars toward paying for the land, the balance of the purchase money being donated by the citizens.
The original contract was let for sixty-seven thousand, three hundred fifty dollars and fifty cents. Besides the money expended in payment of architects, superintendents, et cetera, the entire cost amounted to about one hundred and ten thousand dollars.
June 22, 1854, Joseph Clements, M. D., was appointed superintendent, the in- stitution opening September, 1855. In his first report, he says: "Very little has been done toward grading the grounds ; no library, eight iron bedsteads, no smoke house or ice house." The current expenses were four thousand, nine hundred dollars and fifty-two cents, and the number of patients fifty-nine. In April, 1856, the institution was re-organized and Dr. J. J. McIlheney was appointed superintendent. The number of patients at one time in the institution was one hundred and thirty-three. For several years, the roll gradually increased. By 1865, it reached one hundred and seventy-one. The following year an appropria- tion of forty thousand dollars was made for new wings. Additional money was later added, making a total of two hundred and ninety thousand dollars and in 1869, the additions to the building were occupied. By 1872, the daily average of patients was six hundred and nine.
Other additions have since been made and all portions equipped in first-class manner.
The names under which the institution has operated are as follows: 1855, Southern Ohio Lunatic Asylum; 1875, Western Ohio Hospital for the Insane ; 1877, Dayton Hospital for the Insane; 1878, Dayton Asylum for the Insane; 1894, Dayton State Hospital.
The staff in control is most efficient and has been ably directed by Dr. A. F. Shepherd for nearly eight years.
The location is most excellent being in the extreme southeastern portion of the city. The hospital has a frontage of nine hundred and forty feet.
The institution proper stands in a beautiful grove broken and varied with well- kept lawns, three lakes and flower plots. The view of the surrounding country from the high land on which the institution is located cannot be surpassed by any location in Dayton and vicinity.
Many improvements have been made during the term of the present superin- tendent. The hospital has an excellent water supply furnished by water works,
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ROBERT BOULEVARD, DAYTON
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DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY
connected with the institution. The water is brought from wells dug about a mile from the main building.
A number of recent buildings include a power house, electrical plant, new horse barn, dairy barn and laundry.
Outside of the main building a number of cottages have been built, including an infirm cottage for men and another for women, each having two wings, a con- valescent cottage for women, and a cottage for working men.
On November 2, 1909, five hundred and ninety-five women and six hundred and four men were registered inmates of the hospital. Four assistants, three male and one female and about eighty attendants comprise the staff which with the superintendents, look after the interests of the inmates.
Mr. E. M. Garrett, the steward, has the general financial management of the institution.
The grounds immediately connected with the hospital amount to one hundred ninety and one-half acres. In 1909, additional lands amounting to five hundred seventy-six and one-half acres were purchased, the same being a part of the Shaker farm and being situated east of the hospital buildings, about three miles lying immediately west of the Greene county line, the purchase price being eighty thousand dollars.
For the present this land will be largely used for farming purposes. It will later be made to serve other purposes connected with the hospital, but the build- ings and improvements on the present site will be used as heretofore.
The superintendents and their time of appointment are as follows: Dr. Joseph Clements, 1854; Dr. J. J. McIlhenny, 1856; Dr. Richard Gundry, 1862; Dr. S. I. F. Miller, 1872; Dr. Rutter (acting superintendent), 1873; Dr. Clark, 1874 ; Dr. L. R. Landfear, 1876; Dr. D. A. Morse, 1878; Dr. H. A. Tobey, 1881 ; Dr. C. W. King, 1884; Dr. Calvin Pollock, 1888; Dr. C. W. King, 1891; J. A. Rompert, 1892; Dr. J. M. Ratliff, 1894; Dr. A. F. Shepherd, 1902.
THE ASSOCIATED CHARITIES.
The Associated Charities of Dayton was organized at a meeting of repre- sentative citizens, held in the Grand Opera House, on December 20, 1896. Two thousand men were out of employment and scores of families were in actual want. It was imperative that something be done for their immediate relief.
The Honorable Lewis B. Gunckel was made chairman. Many prominent citizens took active part in the meeting, and much enthusiasm was manifested. A constitution was drawn up and formally adopted.
A clipping from the Dayton Journal of December 21, 1896, referring to this meeting reads : "The event and its accomplishment mark a new era in the work of the benevolent. the Christian and humane efforts of the generous-minded citi- zens of the community in the continuous work of helping their less fortunate fellowman. The Union Organization of Charities was formed, a large member- ship was at once attained, a council of fifteen citizens was selected and the work aimed at, will begin today."
During these years, four thousand six hundred and one families have been
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registered because they asked for assistance, and thirteen thousand eight hun- dred and forty applications for relief were made since June, 1900.
At the organization of the council, Mr. Gunckel was elected president; Mr. W. B. Sullivan, secretary, and Mr. Albert Thresher, treasurer. But four mem- bers of the original council of fifteen are still serving in that capacity. They are: Dr. J. M. Weaver, Rev. W. J. Shuey, Mr. Adam Lessner and Mr. Albert Thresher.
The giving of material relief was not all that was expected of the new society ; for the constitution specifies the objects for which it was created as follows :
I. To see that deserving cases of destitution are properly relieved.
2. To encourage thrift, self-dependence, and industry, through friendly intercourse, advice and sympathy and to help the poor to help themselves.
3. To protect the community from imposture, prevent begging and diminish pauperism.
4. To prevent indiscriminate and duplicate giving.
5. To prevent children from growing up as paupers.
In order to accomplish these ends :
I. The society shall thoroughly investigate by a system of visiting and in- quiry, every application for relief.
2. A record of such investigation shall be kept, and shall, under proper limi- tations, be placed at the disposal of the public officers having charge of the poor, all churches and charitable societies, and reputable persons interested in benevo- lent work.
3. The society shall aim to bring into harmonious co-operation the various charitable agencies of the city, thus effectually checking the evils of overlap- ping of relief, caused by simultaneous, but independent action.
4. Employment, whenever possible, shall be the basis of relief, and all relief shall look to improvement."
The "Pingree Potato Patch Plan" which was adopted by the Dayton Asso- ciated Charities in 1897, was operated successfully for nine years, when the labor conditions being very much better the plan was discontinued. The idea of this "plan" was to give work rather than alms, to the old, the feeble, or disabled, thus helping them to be self-respecting and self-supporting. Their children, too, in helping the parents in the garden, were kept off the streets and trained to habits of industry and providence.
The women's work room and laundry have been abandoned, since work can be obtained for those seeking it. Recognizing the improvidence and shiftless- ness of many of the poor people who applied for help, means were introduced to correct these bad habits and to encourage the saving of some part of the weekly earnings for a rainy day. This led to the introduction of the Penny Provident Fund eleven years ago. Thirteen hundred and eighteen books have been issued to depositors with savings to the amount of eight hundred thirty-seven dollars and eighteen cents, and though the deposits have usually been very small, they have proven a substantial help in the fall and winter of each year.
The school savings bank was introduced into the Dayton schools in Nov- ember, 1900. At the end of the first month three thousand two hundred and fifty- four depositors had saved one thousand four hundred and twenty-two dollars and twelve cents. By the close of the school year in June, 1901, there were
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DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY
four thousand, seven hundred and thirty-three depositors, who had saved nine thousand, eight hundred and fifty-eight dollars and eighty-five cents, much of which was bearing interest in building and loan associations of our city. The Associated Charities demonstrated what could be done, and gave the people an object lesson that every one could appreciate. The board of education being appealed to, favored assuming the responsibility, and instructed the principals and teachers to carry on the work as it had been done, under the supervision of the superintendent of schools.
December Ist, 1898, the present building at 231 South Jefferson street, was leased and a comfortable lodging room or friendly inn established for the tempor- ary comfort of transients or men without a home. The large wood yard in con- nection with it has proved a good work test and has been the means of lessening greatly the number of tramps in our city and has helped to keep the self-respect and independence of the man with a family dependent on him for support, when he could not find work elsewhere. Twelve thousand, five hundred and nine appli- cants have received twelve thousand, one hundred and twenty-one lodgings and twenty-eight thousand, two hundred and five meals during the past eleven years, and in most cases, these have been paid for in work when the applicants were able to do so.
The success of the associated charities for the first seven years of its ex- istence was largely due to the energy and efficiency of its first president, the Hon. L. B. Gunckel. He was the chairman of the council of fifteen from the time of its organization, until his death, and devoted much of his time and ex- traordinary abilities to the extension of the cause he loved. He labored judici- ously, faithfully and persistently for its welfare and financial support.
Since the annual meeting in December, 1908, the associated charities has sus- tained a great loss in the death of Mr. J. C. Reber, vice-president of the society. A man of sterling character, a trusted advisor, a ready and sympathetic helper.
The present officers and board of directors of the society, are : President, Dr. J. M. Weaver; Treasurer, Albert Thresher; Secretary, Charles A. Allen; Rev. W. J. Shuey, Hon. W. G. Frizell, E. C. Harley. A. Cappel, L. D. Reynolds, Adam Lessner, H. R. Groneweg, Frank Wuichet, F. J. McCormick, Jr., John F. Baker. A. W. Drury, Rev. H. Whitmore.
WIDOWS' HOME.
When the Woman's Christian Association was organized in 1870, it was in- corporated under the name "The Woman's Christian Association of Dayton, Ohio, for the support of widows and destitute women" in order that it might re- ceive the property of the old Dayton Female Orphan Asylum on Magnolia street, which by an act of the legislature was tranferable to any institution providing for the care of destitute women. This transfer was made in 1872, and after repairs, the house was open for the reception of inmates, February 8, 1875. Mrs. A. L. Connelly was the first matron of the home. For the past twenty years the matron has been Miss H. S. Nease.
The hill on which the Magnolia street home was located has borne the name of "Charity Hill." The firt city hospital was located here and the city in-
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firmary had a location adjacent. On this hill at the present time is located the magnificent Miami Valley Hospital.
The Widows' Home, now located on Findlay street, is under the superintend- ence of a committee appointed by the board of managers of the Woman's Chris- tian Association. A two-thirds vote of the committee is required for admittance to the home.
Any widow or destitute woman of good moral character over sixty years of age who has resided in Dayton five years can become a permanent inmate by the payment of one hundred dollars to the endowment fund, furnishing her own room and clothing, and paying fifty dollars for funeral expenses.
The home receives additional support through gifts of money and donations from the various churches and an annual harvest home donation from the people of Dayton.
The twenty-four old ladies residing in the home are faithfully cared for through the services of the matron, a physician and nurse.
ST. JOSEPH ORPHANAGE.
The organization of St. Joseph Orphanage dates back to the time of the cholera plague in 1849, when many children, belonging to the poorer population were orphaned. In September of that year, a number of Catholic gentlemen founded the home on a small scale with the intention that it should meet only temporary conditions. In 1891, it was placed under the direction of the Sisters of the Precious Blood. In 1899, the increasing number of children necessitated the addition of an east wing and a chapel to their home, located on the east side of St. Paul avenue, between Xenia avenue and Wyoming street. In 1904, the establishment was enlarged to the present large and commodious structure. In 1908, a hospital for the treatment of contagious diseases among the children was erected. There are ninety-two boys and girls in the home. The moral, religious and industrial training of the children is carefully managed, with Sister M. Electra as the superior. The society which fosters the home has a membership of eight hundred. Frank J. Hegman is the president. Rev. Peter Schirack is the chaplain.
THE FLOWER AND FRUIT MISSION.
In the spring of 1898, representatives from eight of the Protestant churches commenced taking turns distributing flowers among the inmates of the Miami Valley and St. Elizabeth hospitals, each week: thus in this modest manner the work of the flower and fruit mission began.
At this time an organization was effected through the instrumentality of Miss Grace Rogers, Miss Emily Stewart, and Mrs. Joel Shoup. Miss Stewart was made its first president and Mrs. Robert Hughes its first treasurer.
In 1904, district nursing was taken as the work of the mission. The diet kitchen, where delicacies are prepared which are so often necessary for the con- valescent invalid, is a very important factor of the work.
There are three trained nurses employed by the mission, who go wherever needed, devoting their time and training to restore health, and to bring comfort and a better home life to the sick poor of our city.
ENTRANCE TO WOODLAND CEMETERY
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For the sake of poor, tired and sick mothers, and children, who need the pure air of the country, as well as the good substantial care of such a home with nourishing food, a fresh air branch of the mission was added three years ago. A farm near the village of Bellbrook, was recently purchased and a new dormitory with the capacity of thirty beds, was built at a cost of thirty-three hundred dollars.
The number of churches that cooperate with the officers and directors of the mission, is fourteen. The officers are : Honorary President, Miss Emily Stewart ; President, Mrs. G. Harries Gorman; First Vice-President, Mrs. Harry G. Car- nell; Second Vice-President, Mrs. Allen E. Thomas; Third Vice-President, Miss Minnie B. Conover; Secretary and Treasurer, Miss Florence D. Evans.
THE DOOR OF HOPE.
The Door of Hope was founded about the year 1903 by a number of Christian women who had felt, for some time, the need of an institution in the city for the aiding of unfortunate and needy girls. A location was secured at 148 Oxford avenue and several women donated the furniture for the home. Of these, Mrs. Mary Truax is worthy of special mention, because of her untiring interest and gifts through a number of years. Mrs. Margaret Brown was the first matron.
In February, 1907, Mrs. Amelia R. Clark, who for fifteen years had been engaged in work for girls in New York and Boston, assumed charge of the home as matron, continuing in this position up to the present time.
About the same time the institution was moved into its present quarters at 542 South St. Joseph street. The property was purchased for six thousand . dollars.
In July, 1908 an organization was effected, known as the Door of Hope Asso- ciation. The board of managers consists of nine gentlemen, known as trustees, and nine ladies. The work is looked after by committees and monthly business meetings are held.
The home is supported by voluntary contributions and by appropriations by the city. The city appropriation varies at different times, being in 1909, five thousand dollars.
The home has facilities for accommodating twenty inmates, which is about the average number in the home at any one time.
Any needy girls are received and cared for until they can secure employ- ment. They are taught housekeeping and sometimes reading and writing. Gos- pel services are also held and everything is done to create a Christian home at- mosphere.
In addition to the matron the home has the entire services of a nurse and the voluntary services of five physicians.
CEMETERIES.
WOODLAND CEMETERY. The first "graveyard" of Dayton was located at the northeast corner of Main and Third streets. Mr. D. C. Cooper, the proprietor of the town, gave the lots one hundred and thirty-three and one hundred and
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thirty-four on his plat to the Presbyterian church, and as it was the custom in that day to connect the graveyard with the church, the ground was also used for burial purposes. It was soon manifest that these lots would be encroached on by the town, and, in 1805, Mr. Cooper donated to the Presbyterian and Metho- dist churches and to the town, as a burying place for strangers, four acres of ground on the south side of Fifth street, between Ludlow and Perry streets, each to have equal parts.
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