USA > Pennsylvania > Allegheny County > Allegheny in Allegheny County > Recollections of seventy years and historical gleanings of Allegheny, Pennsylvania > Part 12
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On the twentieth day of March, 1872, a further supplement to the Act of incorporation was enacted, changing the cor- porate title to the "Protestant Orphan Asylum of Pittsburg and Allegheny ;" and in accordance with the supplementary Act, the following ladies were constituted a board of managers : viz., -
MRS. ELIZABETH F. DENNY,
MARY WILKINS,
66 MARY J. HAYS,
LOIS J. . CAMPBELL,
66 H. B. LOGAN,
JAMES VERNER,
MARY H. BRUNOT,
E. FAWCETT,
66 J. E. CHILDS,
MISS M. H. SMITH,
66 H. W. HEATH,
H. S. LOTHROP,
LETITIA B. HOLMES,
E. P. ALBREE,
66 J. F. JENNINGS,
MRS. A. C. KAY,
WILLIAM VANKIRK,
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PITTSBURG AND ALLEGHENY ORPHAN ASYLUM. 149
And such other ladies as the board may from time to time elect to fill vacancies, so that the said board shall always consist of seventeen members, ten of which shall constitute a quorum.
Nearly fifty years, from its inception to the present year, 1880, have passed away; and all who have aided in the noble and unselfish enterprise, certainly deserve the earnest commenda- tion of the public for their labor of love and earnest work in the completion of an edifice that is an ornament to the city, and a monument to the memory of the friends of the orphan.
The revenue of the institution is steadily on the increase, and enjoys, as in the past, the confidence and esteem of every good and philanthropic citizen.
The number of orphan children cared for and trained up in the paths of rectitude have reached over two thousand, many of whom have been furnished with comfortable homes and prof- itable situations, who might have otherwise become inmates of reformatories and prisons.
The liberal donations and legacies received from time to time, would not in themselves have been adequate to complete the extensive improvements designed on the new location, if it had not been for the untiring zeal and indomitable energy of the late William Holmes, who by his timely advice, and liberal con- tributions of himself and friends, assured the early completion of the new buildings.
The late Thomas F. Dale, M.D., for many years before his death, with commendable zeal, added largely to the success of the institution, by contributing gratuitously his valuable services.
On the twelfth day of August, 1862, the much-esteemed and ever faithful secretary, Mrs. N. W. Campbell, died. From the earliest inception of the institution to the day of her death, she was its firm friend, and took an active and intelligent in- terest in all its movements. Her influence, energy, moral and intellectual powers, were freely and consistently exerted in its behalf. From 1835 to the day of her death she occupied the responsible position of secretary, and well did she perform the duties of the trust committed to her care. She was correct in her judgment, and an affectionate parent and friend : she leaves behind the proud record of a blameless life and a spotless name.
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150
HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY.
She has finished her work ; she has gone to her reward ; she died as she lived, a devout and humble Christian.
" Oh for the death of those Who slumber in the Lord ! Oh, be like theirs my last repose, Like theirs my last reward ! "
Mrs. Campbell, during her early womanhood, wrote an admi- rable little work, entitled, "Why I am a Christian," in which she treats her subject in a plain and logical manner, creditable alike to her Christian character and literary attainments.
Socially and religiously, good women in their lives exert an influence silent but powerful and all-pervading. The flower may wither and decay, but the fragrance is wafted onward. It is said by an eminent writer, that "the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world ;" and while we commemorate the virtues of men, both great and good, let us not forget how dear and hallowed is the name of woman. How seldom do we award the meed of praise to that gentle, thoughtful, and loving hand, so potent in forming the fabric of society, and shaping the destiny of man !
LIST OF MANAGERS, 1880.
PRESIDENT.
MRS. ELIZABETH D. MCKNIGHT .
. Western Avenue, Allegheny.
VICE-PRESIDENT.
MRS. ANNIE A. SPEER
.
12 Stockton Avenue, Allegheny.
TREASURER.
MRS. H. B. LOGAN
· Lincoln Avenue, Allegheny.
SECRETARY.
MRS. LOIS J. CAMPBELL . Parnassus, Penn.
PITTSBURG AND ALLEGHENY ORPHAN ASYLUM. 151
MANAGERS.
MRS. MARY J. HAYS.
66 J. E. CHILDS.
LETITIA HOLMES.
ELIZABETH VAN KIRK.
66 DALZELL.
66 MARY A. BRUNOT.
ANNA C. KAY.
MARY N. MURRAY.
MRS. E. G. KING.
J. E. HANNA.
MISS H. B. LOTHROP.
JANE HOLMES.
GARRISON.
AMELIA GREER.
66 ELIZA FORSYTHE.
COMMITTEES.
PURCHASING COMMITTEE.
MISS JANE HOLMES.
MRS. LETITIA HOLMES.
RECEIVING AND INDENTURE COMMITTEE FOR PITTSBURG.
MISS HOLMES
No. 109 Penn Avenue.
.
AMELIA GREER
.
.
No. 29 Fifth Street.
MRS. MARY N. MURRAY .
. No. 102 Penn Avenue.
RECEIVING AND INDENTURE COMMITTEE FOR ALLEGHENY.
MRS. R. S. HAYS
MISS S. GARRISON
66 H. B. LOTHROP
No. 6 Stockton Avenue.
. No. 218 Ridge Avenue.
. Western Avenue.
OFFICERS.
MRS. WEINEMAN, Matron. MISS E. HERVEY, Assistant Matron.
M. WALLACE, Principal Teacher. MRS. SNOWDEN, Primary Teacher. MISS MCMARLEN, Hospital Nurse. Physician, DR. O. L. MILLER, Montgomery Avenue. Consulting Physician, DR. R. B. MOWRY, Allegheny.
In 1874 the soldiers' orphans under the care of the State having decreased in number, it was deemed best by the author- ities to remove all those who were then inmates, and place them in the schools provided by the State for their maintenance and
152
HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY.
education, many of whom were inmates of the Pittsburg and Allegheny Protestant Orphans' Asylum for a number of years, and the managers regretted the necessity of the removal. The first ones were received in January, 1865, and at one time there were one hundred and fifty on the roll ; six have died; eight have remained until their discharge, at the age of six- teen ; the whole number received being two hundred and thirty. The amount realized for each has averaged $102.50; and the whole amount received from the State, during the time they were domiciled in the institution, from 1865 to 1874, reached the sum of $78,927.45.
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HOME FOR THE FRIENDLESS.
PITTSBURG AND ALLEGHENY HOME FOR THE FRIENDLESS.
THIS institution is located in the Fourth Ward, between Washington Street and Church Avenue. It was organized Feb. 26, 1861, by a few charitable ladies connected with the " Pittsburg and Allegheny Relief Society," who formed an association for the establishment of a home for destitute chil- dren who were excluded from admission into the "Orphan Asylum," and also to provide a temporary " home" for desti- tute women of reputable character. The latter feature they have ceased to carry out, and have concentrated their energies on the care of their more youthful charges.
From year to year, the managers have labored with becom- ing zeal and untiring energy, surmounting all the difficulties incident to an undertaking of this kind, and have now the proud satisfaction of knowing that their labors of love have not proved fruitless.
The institution is supported by aid derived from voluntary contribution, and revenue arising from an endowment fund established through the benefactions of the following charita- ble friends : viz., -
Morrison Underwood .
$5,000 00
Charles Brewer
3,000 00
James McAuley,1 50 shares People's National Bank
stock, par value .
5,000 00
I Twenty shares of this stock to be sold, and the proceeds to be used in the construc- tion of the contemplated buildings, the dividends arising from thirty shares for the support of the inmates.
154
HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY.
Richard Glyde
1,000 00
James Caldwell
1,000 00
Samuel Gordon .
800 00
Miss Helen Wilson
1,000 00
Lippincott & Bakewell
500 00
These liberal donations, with several others of less amount, have been safely invested, and, with the accrued interest on the same, make the endowment fund about eighteen thousand dollars.
The value of the buildings and grounds is estimated at forty thousand dollars, and has a frontage of about one hun- dred and fifty feet on Washington Street, extending in depth southerly to Church Avenue about three hundred and ten feet, comprising what was formerly the homesteads of Henry Forsyth and Samuel Baily, both deceased. It is eligibly located, having a capacity for the accommodation of from one hundred and twenty-five to one hundred and thirty chil- dren. It is clear of debt, and the managers have abundant cause to be proud of the good resulting from their truly philan- thropic work; and it is to be hoped that the noble undertaking, with its bright record of care for the unfortunate little ones, will stimulate the philanthropists to renewed efforts, in placing the institution upon a more substantial basis.
Leaving out of view the Christian and humanitarian aspect of the case, would not a more generous support and encourage- ment be a wise and economical measure? Many of these unfortunates, who have been brought within the happy in- fluence of the " Home," are now respected members of society, who otherwise might be the occupants of a criminal's cell or a pauper's grave.
There are no trusts committed to our care so important and responsible as the proper training of the young : it requires more wisdom, sagacity, and grace than all the pretentious and various worldly schemes which occupy the time and intellect of our Christian people.
In 1871 the following subscriptions were effected, in order to consummate the purchase of the adjoining property, belonging to Henry Forsyth : viz., -
I55
HOME FOR THE FRIENDLESS.
Mrs. E. F. Denny
$1,000 00 | D. M. Smith
$500 00
Alexander Nimick
1,000 00
James Laughlin
500 00
John Holmes
1,000 00
Spang, Chalfaut, & Co. 500 00
Richard Hays
1,000 00
Mrs. William A. Reed . 500 00
William Holmes
1,000 00
Hostetter & Smith
250 00
William Thaw
1,000 00
J. K. Moorhead 200 00
Charles Clark
1,000 00
James Irwin
100 00
A. Carnegie
1,000 00
William B. Holmes 100 00
Lyon Shorb & Co.
1,000 00
Jane Holmes
100 00
Estate F. G. Bailey
892. 50
James Park, jun.
100 00
John Jackson
500 00
William M. Hersh
100 00
Mrs. E. Mowry .
500 00
Robert Beer
100 00
James P. Hanna
500 00
Joseph Horne
100 00
John Moorhead .
500 00
Thomas M. Howe
100 00
George Black .
500 00
Thompson Bell
100 00
Isaac Jones
500 00
William P. Weyman
100 00
William Morrison
500 00
Rees, Graff, & Co.
100 00
Charles Arbuthnot .
500 00
William Walker
50 00
C. G. Hussey .
50 00
Samuel McKee
50 00
Jacob Painter
100 00
A. D. Smith
500 00
Total
$18,192 50
The nineteenth annual report, from June 1, 1879, to June I, 1880, verified by the following statement of Mrs. Belle D. Foster, treasurer, of the receipts and expenditures during the period, will exhibit the condition of the treasury : viz., -
DR.
To balance in treasury, including amount received from former treasurer .
To amount received for boarding .
1,691 82
66
66
ground-rent .
93 50
dividend bank-stock
300 00
66
66
guardians of the poor
156 00
fees and fines
29 75
66
66 proceeds of fair
760 81
66
66
66
interest on endowment fund
150 00
66
endowment fund to meet con-
646 83
$8,213 95
1
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1
1
66
¥
donations
$940 04
from collections
2,880 10
565 IO
66
tingencies .
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156
HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY.
CR.
By amount paid salaries
$1,607 42
milk .
. 1,071 60
66
66 bread .
.
1,IOI 70
66
66
groceries
546 31
repairs
588 II
66
66
gas and coal
237 23
66 shoes and mending
259 92
66
dry-goods .
430 88
66
66
marketing .
729 16
66
¥
insurance .
188 56
66
" . stationery .
27 84
miscellaneous
IOI 82
Balance in treasury -.
1,269 57
Total.
$8,213 95
OFFICERS AND MANAGERS.
OFFICERS.
Mrs. ROBERT MCKNIGHT, President.
H. P. SCHWARTZ, Vice-President.
66 BELLE D. FOSTER, Treasurer.
GEORGE A. KELLY, Secretary.
MANAGERS.
Mrs. C. J. AGNEW.
66 E. M. BYERS.
E. E. BREADING.
66 CHARLES COLE.
66 DR. DALE.
J. E. B. DALZELL.
WILLIAM H. EWING.
G. FOLLANSBEE.
66 RICHARD HAYS.
ALBERT HORNE.
Mrs. REV. JOSEPH KING.
JAMES LAUGHLIN.
JAMES B. MCFADDEN.
HENRY PHIPPS.
WILLIAM B. RHOADES.
C. B. SHEA.
Miss MARY NIMICK.
MARY McKEE.
¥ LYDIA HAYS.
MARY SCHWARTZ.
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St
66
drugs and medicines .
53 83
66
S
H
157
HOME FOR THE CARE OF THE POOR.
HOME FOR THE CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF THE POOR OF THE CITY OF ALLEGHENY.
IN pursuance of the provisions of a special Act of the Legis- lature approved April 9, 1844, John Morrison, Henry Hannen, Robert S. Cassatt, Thomas Barnett, L. O. Reynolds, E. W. Stephens, Thomas Farly, Thomas H. Stewart, and William Tate were appointed commissioners to select and purchase a site within ten miles of the city, for the purpose of erecting suitable buildings for the care and employment of the indigent of the city. On the 20th of September, 1844, the commis- sioners concluded to purchase the farm of John Sample, con- sisting of 166 acres, situated in the valley of Girty's Run in Shaler township; the distance from the Diamond Squares being a little over two miles. The contract for the erection of the building was awarded to Messrs. Moore & Walker : it was completed, and made ready for the reception of inmates, late in the winter of 1845. Cost of the farm, $12,000. Contract for the buildings, $4,500.
This location not proving suitable for the object contem- plated, a subsequent Act was passed by the Legislature, ap- proved April 12, 1867, authorizing the sale of the 166 acres in convenient sized building-lots, the proceeds of the sale to be appropriated to the purchase of another more suitable location, and the erection thereon of buildings better adapted for the object sought. In the following June, the farm was laid out in lots ; and the first public sale was held on the 4th of Septem- ber, 1867, and the second and last on the IIth August, 1875.
The total amount realized from these sales was $292,396.72, which was appropriated to the purchase of a new site, and erection of the necessary buildings.
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158
HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY.
On the tenth day of March, 1871, the present location at Claremont in O'Hara township, containing ninety-six (96) acres, was purchased from James T. Beatty at $600 per acre, payable, twenty-five per cent in cash, and the balance in city bonds having twenty years to run.
Peter Beard, Thomas Barnett, and Thomas H. Stewart, the first Board of Directors, were elected Jan. 14, 1845. As will be observed, the board consisted of three members elected triennially, until the passage of the Act of Assembly approved April 16, 1870, in which the number was changed, to consist of one member from each ward of the city, to be chosen for a term of two years, by the citizens at the general city election. It was ordered that the persons elected meet for organization on the first Monday of February ensuing the election, and hold their regular monthly sessions at their office in Municipal Hall on the first Friday of each month.
The work of laying the foundations of the new buildings at Claremont was commenced in June, 1871, and was entirely completed in December, 1873. It was, however, occupied July 29, 1873, although but partially finished. The building, when completed, together with the amount paid for the land, cost in round numbers $230,000. The main structure is 286 feet in front, by 46 feet in depth, with a corridor 10 feet wide, extending the whole length of the building. The east and west wings each extend back from the main building 150 feet in depth by 50 feet wide, the whole being three stories high. The steward's department is connected with the centre of the main building, and is 52 feet in depth by 35 feet wide, and is supplied with corridors in each story 12 feet wide, and pro- vided with separate stairways leading to each. In this depart- ment, there are twelve commodious rooms, each 16 by 20 feet. In the main building, in the department assigned to females, there are three sitting-rooms, each 15 by 20 feet ; thirty-nine dormitories, 8 feet by 15 feet. The wing connected with this department has also thirty-one family-rooms, each 15 by 21 feet ; twelve large dormitories with all the necessary modern improvements, such as wash-rooms, bath-rooms, water-closets, ventilators, etc. The other wing, which is assigned to the
159
HOME FOR THE CARE OF THE POOR.
males, is substantially the same, except the sitting-rooms, which are larger. The two rooms occupied by the medical director are 15 feet by 18 feet, adjoining each other, and reached from the outside of the main building by a hall.
The attic over the front building is finished throughout, and lighted by the ordinary dormer-windows. In the central build- ing, there is a dining-room with two pantries, and a hall leading into the culinary department between them.
The chapel is situated over the dining-room, the laundry and bake-house in the rear of the kitchen. The department for the insane is situated over the laundry and bake-house, in the rear of the chapel, and is approached by a hall seven feet wide. All these apartments are spacious, and finished in the most approved manner. The insane-department contains twenty- six rooms, with separate water-closets, bath-rooms, and dining- rooms for each sex, and elevators leading from the kitchen to each. The entire building is heated with steam by direct and indirect radiation : it is also supplied with pure water forced from the Allegheny River to an elevation in the rear of the buildings. It is also lighted throughout with gas made on the ground. The heights of the several stories, commencing with the first floor, are respectively 13, 12, and II feet, and each floor is reached by seven separate stairways, affording an excellent mode of egress in case of fires.
This large, well-planned, and magnificent structure is located on an elevated plateau on the north bank of the Allegheny River, about two hundred feet from the Western Pennsylvania Railroad, overlooking the river, and commanding a beautiful view of the surrounding country. It is generally conceded that there are but few, if any, of this class of institutions that equal the Allegheny Home, in point of beauty of location, design, and appointments. It is intended to accommodate from six to eight hundred inmates.
The total expenditure in 1879 for maintenance was net $35,696.01. Out of this sum, $8,671.96 were expended for outside relief.
160
HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY.
A LIST OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF THE ALLEGHENY POOR-BOARD,
FROM ITS FIRST ORGANIZATION IN 1844 TO 1880, CAREFULLY COMPILED FROM THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD, AND AR- RANGED IN THE ORDER OF SUCCESSION.
DIRECTORS ELECTED BY GENERAL TICKET.
THOMAS H. STEWART.
JAMES L. GRAHAM.
JAMES SLOSS.
PETER BEARD.
THOMAS FARLY.
J. V. HOAG.
THOMAS BARNETT.
D. BOISOL.
JOHN N. BARR.
HENRY HANNEN, M.D.
ANDREW DAVIDSON.
GEORGE GERST.
JACOB GEYER.
JAMES P. FLEMING.
E. GLEASON.
WILLIAM B. COPELAND.
J. G. COFFIN.
WILLIAM MURDOCK.
ROBERT DAVIS.
ROBERT ASHWORTH.
JOHN BROWN, JUN.
A. CAMERON.
In pursuance of the provisions of a supplementary Act, approved April 16, 1870, the number of directors was changed from three members to one member from each ward, to be chosen annually.
First Ward .- THOMAS SCANDRETT, J. F. NEELY, THOMAS PATTERSON, JOSEPH WASHINGTON.
Second Ward. - JOHN BROWN, JUN., GEORGE BOTHWELL, ABRAHAM DICKSON, JAMES E. STRICKLER.
Third Ward. - GEORGE GERST, WILLIAM WALKER.
Fourth Ward. - JOHN DEAN, LEONARD WALTER, SEN., JOSEPH LAUTNER.
Fifth Ward. - GEORGE PARKINS, ISAAC A. REED, W. W. SPEER, JAMES R. REED, J. B. JOHNSTON, M.D.
Sixth Ward. - JOHN SPEER, JAMES LOWRIE, HENRY FAULKNER, WILLIAM F. TRIMBLE.
Seventh Ward. - MARTIN LEY, VALENTINE BAKER.
Eighth Ward. - ERNEST EGGERS, JOHN H. MORRISON, DAVID F. JACKSON, ALONZO M. YOUNG.
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF THE POOR-BOARD. 161
Ninth Ward. - E. N. RIGGS, M.D., CYRUS HUTCHISON, GEORGE WITTMER, DAVID H. MCCARTHY.
Tenth Ward. - T. F. GRUBBS, JOHN Q. WORKMAN, CHARLES B. WELTE.
Eleventh Ward. - THOMAS B. KERR, HENRY H. PHILLIPS.
Twelfth Ward. - HENRY SNAMAN, PETER MEINNINGER.
Thirteenth Ward. - This ward elects no member. It is represented by the chair- man of the farm committee of councils, as provided for by law.
PRESIDENTS OF THE BOARD.
JACOB GEYER. A. DAVIDSON.
J. H. MORRISON.
H. H. PHILLIPS.
JAMES SLOSS.
J. F. NEELY.
SECRETARIES OF THE BOARD.
JAMES P. FLEMING. E. N. RIGGS, M.D.
ROBERT ASHWORTH. A. DICKSON.
JOHN DEAN. J. B. JOHNSTON, M.D.
STEWARDS.
ANDREW BARCLAY.
D. T. JOHNSTON.
JOHN S. GOULD.
T. F. GRUBBS.
AGENT OF OUT-DOOR RELIEF.
JOHN H. STEWART.
CLERKS.
CHARLES KELLY.
M. MCGONNIGLE.
R. D. MCGONNIGLE.
CHAPLAINS.
Rev. Mr. CLEVELAND.
Rev. A. WILLIAMS.
Rev. WILLIAM COLLIER.
MEDICAL DIRECTORS.
Dr. R. B. MOWRY.
Dr. T. H. ELLIOTT.
Dr. JAMES B. HERRON. Dr. M. M. KNOX.
Dr. JAMES SCROGGS.
Dr. JOHN HAMILTON.
Dr. B. B. SMITH.
Dr. R. H. GILLIFORD.
Dr. W. V. MARCUS.
Dr. C. H. VOIGHT.
INSANE-DEPARTMENT.
SUPERINTENDENTS.
J. B. GRAHAM. R. CRANE.
R. WHITTAKER. R. B. CRAWFORD.
WM. B. COPELAND. HENRY HANNEN, M.D. A. CAMERON. JAMES L. GRAHAM.
A. MONTGOMERY. WILLIAM MARTIN. JOHN SILLIMAN.
GEORGE GERST. A. DICKSON.
Dr. A. PERCHMENT.
Dr. H. F. CAMPBELL.
162
HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY.
MATRONS,
Mrs. E. J. KARNS. Mrs. M. J. KELLOGG.
SOLICITORS.
STEPHEN GEYER and WILLIAM B. RODGERS.
TREASURER.
DAVID MACFERRON.
CHAIRMEN OF FARM COMMITTEE OF COUNCILS.
Hon. HUGH MCNEIL. ROBERT WILSON. JOHN A. BECK.
PETER WALTER, JUN. JOHN SEILING.
These gentlemen, as members of common council by virtue of their appointment as chairmen of the farm committee. are also members of the board.
PENNSYLVANIA REFORM SCHOOL. 163
PENNSYLVANIA REFORM SCHOOL.
THE necessity for the removal of this institution (its re-organ. ization and the causes which led to it), from its location in the Ninth Ward of the city of Allegheny, to its present location in Washington County, Penn., may be better comprehended in the following brief history of the project, from its incipiency to its final consummation, in purchase of a farm in Cecil township, Washington County, and the adoption of what is termed the family system.
The steadily increasing number of the inmates rendered it absolutely necessary that some provision should be speedily adopted for their accommodation.
The building was originally intended to accommodate less than two hundred children, yet the number had increased to over three hundred.
As early as 1870 the attention of the Board of Managers was particularly directed to the matter, and it was from that time forward the subject of frequent and anxious discussion.
The original plan of the building did not admit of extension ; and it was obvious, that, even with expensive alterations, it would be insufficient for the males, while a new building would have to be erected for the accommodation of the females.
A careful estimation of the cost of the necessary alterations and the construction of new building exceeded the sum of two hundred thousand dollars.
During the time of the consideration of the subject, the loca- tion of the institution was included in the corporate limits of the city of Allegheny.
The constantly increasing population, and consequent erec-
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164
HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY.
tion of dwellings, rolling-mills, and other factories in close prox- imity to the institution, rendered it an unsuitable site for a reformatory.
In this new view of the question, the Board of Managers hesitated to ask for a large appropriation from the State, for the erection of new buildings, notwithstanding the crowded condi- tion of the institution was seriously retarding its usefulness.
General attention in the mean time having been directed to the subject, the public sentiment clearly sanctioned the removal of the institution to a county site.
Successive grand juries recommended it because of the unsuitable nature of its location and buildings, the extensive alterations and additions that would be necessary to adapt them to the requirement of the institution, and its unfavorable posi- tion in the midst of a thronged neighborhood and close proxim- ity to rolling-mills, etc.
The public press also pointed triumphantly to the success attending county schools in other States, especially to the Ohio State Reform School, as conclusive evidence of the superiority of the family over the congregate system, and the advantage of a farm-life for the class of children usually received in reforma- tories.
The counties also urged it as an effective means of lessening expenses ; and philanthropists, and friends of the institution gen- erally, advocated it as in all respects calculated to promote the moral welfare and physical health of the inmates, and render more effective the efforts for their reformation.
There was no definite action taken by the Board of Managers, until a special committee of the Senate visited the institution, who, in their report to the Legislature, recommended its removal to a farm site.
It was not till then, with the approval of the Board of Public Charities, and in pursuance of an Act of the Legislature, the first tangible steps were taken, which resulted in the purchase of the farm of five hundred and two acres in Cecil township, Washington County, and subsequent erection of new buildings suitable for the farm and family organization.
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