USA > Wisconsin > Winnebago County > History of Winnebago County, Wisconsin, and early history of the Northwest > Part 48
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Mr. Ryf emigrated from Switzerland to Rome, New York, in 1853, and from the latter place to this county in 1860, when he settled on his farm in this town, which he has con- verted into one of the best dairying farms in the county, and is now enjoying a substantial prosperity. He has a fine little vineyard which he cultivates very successfully, and from the product of which he makes an excellent wine for home consumption. The farm is a very handsome one, with excellent soil and good buildings, and is a place where the visi- tor is received with the heartiest welcome, and
the most generous hospitality. Mr. Ryf is highly esteemed by a large circle of friends, as a generous-hearted man, a kind neighbor, and useful citizen.
GEORGE M. WAKEFIELD.
One of the early settlers of this county is George M. Wakefield, whose parents moved to the now Town of Nepeuskun in the fall of 1849, and were among the early residents of that section, and also among the most highly respected and influential.
In 1866, Mr. George M. Wakefield embarked in business in Eureka, where he had a wheat elevator and a store - dry goods and mixed merchandise. He conducted those branches of business until 1869, when he moved to the City of Oshkosh and purchased the flouring mill on the site of the present Wakefield Mills. This was destroyed by fire in May, 1870, and shortly after this occur- rence he erected the fine large brick mill on the same site, now known as the Wakefield, and engaged largely in the manufacture of flour. Having subsequently purchased a large quantity of pine and mineral lands, among others a large tract on the Ontonagon, he engaged on a large scale in the manufacture of lumber, and in dealing in pine lands; and had an extensive milling interest in Ontonagon. This so much occupied his attention that he sold out his flouring mill in Oshkosh. In addition to his lumbering and pine land busi- ness, he entered largely into mineral land oper- ations, and became possessed of many valua- ble tracts. The late business revulsion depre- ciated the value of mineral, and pine and hard wood lands, to such an extent that it involved him in serious losses; but with a most com- mendable energy and courage, that deserves the highest success, he has struggled manfully against the tide, and bids fair to recover his lost ground.
No man is more highly respected where known, than George Wakefield, for his integ- rity and all those qualities that constitute true manhood.
His beautiful residence, a view of which is here given, is situated in the Town of Oshkosh, ยท a short distance from the city limits, and is one of the many handsome places on the outskirts of the city.
NORTHERN HOSPITAL FOR THE INSANE.
This mammoth pile of buildings is situated on the lakeshore, in the Town of Oshkosh, four miles north of the city, on a handsonie tract of land belonging to it, and which con- tains three hundred and eighty acres. The frontage of the buildings, on a straight line
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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY, WISCONSIN
[1879.
measurement, is one thousand feet; and the total cost of the land, buildings, improvements, furniture, apparatus and fixtures of all kinds, is $658,300.
The trustees and officers are as follows:
Trustees -T. D. Grimmer, Oshkosh, term expires November, 1878; D. W. Maxon, Cedar Creek, term expires November, 1879; Peter Rupp, Fond du Lac, term expires Novem- ber, 1880; W. P. Rounds, Menasha, term expires November, 1881; N. A. Gray, M. D., Milwaukee, term expires November, 1882.
President, D. W. Maxon; Secretary, N. A. Gray, M. D .; Treasurer, Thomas D. Grim- mer; Medical Superintendent, Walter Kemp- ster, M. D .; First Assistant Physician, Wil- liam H. Hancker, M. D .; Second Assistant Physician, John R. Thomson, M. D .; Stew- ard, Joseph Butler; Matron, Mrs. L. A. Butler.
The following reports give the history and description of its construction:
OFFICE OF TRUSTEES, NORTHERN HOSPITAL FOR THE INSANE, Oshkosh, Wis., October 19, 1876.
To His Excellency, Harrison Ludington, Governor of the State of Wisconsin :
SIR - The trustees of the Northern Hospital for the Insane have the honor to present their fourth annual report.
This hospital is situated about four miles north of the City of Oshkosh, on a farm embracing about three hundred and sixty- seven acres, bounded on the east and south by Lake Winne- bago, and extending westward near to the track of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad.
The bill which authorized the location and commencement of the work, was approved March 10, 1870; it appropriated $125,000, but provided that not more than $40,000 should be expended during that year.
Subsequent appropriations were made to complete and fur- nish the hospital, gas-works, water supply, sewerage, barns, and out-buildings, which, including the first appropriation, amount in the aggregate to $571,700.
On the twenty fifth day of November, 1870, the site for the hospital was fixed on the most accessible and highest point on the farm, being one thousand seven hundred feet west, and twenty-one feet above Lake Winnebago. It is constructed on the most approved plan, consisting of a series of transverse and longitudinal wings on both sides of a center building, the latter being connected with rear buildings by a brick corridor, eighty-seven feet in length; the wings and center building extending north and south en echalon about eight hundred feet, cover one and three quarters acres of land. The basement is constructed of quarry stone ; the superstructure and partition walls of brick; the water-table, belt-course, door and window- sills, caps and quoins of Cleveland sand-stone, an iron veran- dah, galvanized iron cornice, and a slate and tin roof.
It is well lighted with coal gas, has an ample supply of water, a perfect system of heating and ventilation, which is now being imitated in public buildings in our own and other States.
It has been constructed with the highest regard for econ- omy, health, convenience, and safety from fire.
It was completed and accepted on the eleventh day of Jan- uary, 1875, within the amount appropriated therefor, and has a capacity for the care and treatment of five hundred and fifty patients.
The construction of the hospital has cost the State $495,484.80 ; for farm, outbuildings, and furnishing $129,- 765.20. Total cost, $625,250.
The apparent small cost compared with the magnitude of the work. has been the subject of common remark by those who have examined it, with a view to building similar institutions in other States. This has been achieved by extensively adver- tising for proposals, awarding contracts to the lowest bidder, in all cases requiring adequate security, and, above all, ignoring materials controlled by monopolies, and by arranging and pub- lisbing specifications, so as to admit the greatest freedom in the purchase of materials consistent with the character of the work. For boldness of design, workmanship, economy of con- struction, strength and durability, this institution is second to none ; for those more unfortunate than others it provides a safe and often times curative home, of which every citizen in the State has reason to be proud.
During the brief period the hospital has been in operation, its progress in usefulness has been most gratifying. Under the treatment of the present skillful superintendent, a large per- centage of the patients have been sent to their homes restored to reason.
The whole number of admissions up to the date of this report is seven hundred and fifty-seven, of which number seventy have been discharged fully recovered ; sixty-six dis- charged so that in many instances their recovery bas been com- pleted at home.
Its usefulness in the future depends upon the generous sup- port of a competent superintendent. The school for investigating the cause and treatment of insanity, now conducted by the medical superintendent of the hospital, gives assurance that it will yield important results so long as it has a competent head to guide its progress and direct its course.
After the completion of the south wing, the governor and the presidents of the boards of trustees of the two hospitals, met in the executive office, on the twenty-fourth day of November, 1875, and changed the bounds of the districts.
The list of counties assigned to the northern district, with the quota of patients, may be found in the accompanying report of the medical superintendent.
This hospital was constructed for the purpose of the treat- ment and cure of the more hopeful cases of insanity ; there are, however, a large number of chronic cases now in the hospital, which might be comfortably cared for by the erection of two additional wings as recommended in our last annual report ; the plans and estimates, therefore, may be found in the office of the Secretary of State.
Such wings would accommodate two hundred and thirty of this class, and the estimated cost of construction does not exceed $115,000.
We ask for an appropriation for this purpose, and earnestly recommend the subject to your favorable consid- eration.
Our charitable institutions are built from the wealth and capital of the State ; their doors should be open to all our unfor- tuuate, without discrimination. The insane ought to be treated as the wards of the State. The people are able and willing to care for all the unfortunates. No complaint has been made
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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY, WISCONSIN.
1879.]
against the economical expenditure of money for public charity ; on the contrary, we have heard of no instance where counties have charged patients or their relatives with the main- tainance authorized by law; we therefore recommend the abolition of the law which authorizes the State to charge counties with a portion of the maintainance of patients, and recommend that the insane be supported at the expense of the State, without discrimination.
We especially call your attention to the elaborate and inter- esting report of Dr. Walter Kempster, medical superintendent of the hospital. The advanced rank which this hospital holds among other similar institutions, is largely attributed to his eminent services.
As an instance of the wise policy of the State in fostering the scientific investigation inaugurated by him, we call your attention to the fact, that the work which he has accomplished in the laboratory of this hospital, was made the subject of an address, prepared at the request of the Centennial Medical Commission, and delivered before the International Medical Congress, held in the City of Philadelphia in September last, which address was published in the transactions of that body.
It shows that the work thus begun is fully appreciated by the highest medical authorities, and should be regarded as a direct compliment to the people of the State, and is worthy of their continued support.
Accompanying this report are the reports of the secretary, and treasurer, showing the receipts and disbursements of the hospital during the year, and also the reports of the committees of the board.
The following is an estimate for current expenses and appro- priations asked, for the commencement March 1, 1877 :
Money on band end subject to order of trustees to March 1, 1877. .$ 84,103.86 It will require to pey for completion of the purposes for which speciat appropriationa were made .... $ 3,050.00
There will be an average of 540 patiente to be sup-
ported from October 1, 1876. until March 1,
1877 52,418.57
55,468.57
Leaving balance on hand March 1, 1877. .
$ 28,635.29
Cost of maintaining 550 patienta from March 1, 1877, to March
1, 1878, at $4.50 per week. .$129,054.00
Leaa balance on hand March 1 $28,635.29
Due from counties. 35,109.17
63,744.46
Leaving to be appropriated for current expenses. $ 65,309 54
For purchase of land between hospital and railroad depot .... $ 300.00 For additional wings for chronic insane, aa recommended in reporta of 1874 and 1875 115,000.00
For changing water-closets of the north wing to correspond with those of the south wing .. 1,000.00
For additional material for changing heating apparatna of north wing.
2,500,00
For Boilera.
8,000.00
For improvements on grounda and for farm purposes. 2,500.00
For building pier and tramway, which is necessary aa pro- tection against exhorbitant freight ratea. 3,500.00
For laboratory 500.00 For lamp-posta 250.00
Experience has demonstrated to us that the lead-safes placed under the water-tanks afford no protection from the drip caused by the condensation from the atmosphere, the drip being the same from the safe as it is from the tanks. It will be neces- sary to have this remedied, as the water destroys all plastering
through which it passes. Therefore, for this purpose we ask $600. Total appropriation asked, $199,549.54.
Respectfully submitted.
D. W. MAXON, PETER RUPP, N. A. GRAY, THOS. D. GRIMMER.
The following extracts are copied from Superintendent Kempster's report:
The hospital proper consists of a central building with wings on each side. The central building is one hundred and six feet long, and sixty feet wide, and is four stories high. The building is used for administrative purposes and contains the business offices and apothecary shop, the living-rooms of the house-staff, and rooms for subordinates; it also contains a room fifty-seven by thirty-six feet which is used as a chapel and lecture-room. In the attic of this building there is an iron tank of three hundred barrels capacity, into which water is pumped to supply this building and some of the adjoining wings, and from which there is a pipe having outlets on the several floors for hose connections.
The wings on each side of the center building are so nearly alike that the description of one will suffice for both. Adjoining the center building is a section of the wing, one hundred and seventeen feet long by fifty-two feet wide ; each story contain- ing fourteen single rooms and two associate sleeping-rooms. The single rooms are twelve feet high, nine feet wide, and eleven feet six inches deep. Each room contains one or more windows, seven feet six inches high, by three feet wide. At one end of this section there are rooms for visitors to see friends in, and at the other end a sitting-room, twenty-two by twenty- five feet. At right angles to this section, and connected with it, is another section one hundred and eighteen feet long and forty feet wide, which contains dining rooms, twelve by thirty feet ; bath-rooms nine by thirteen feet; and water-closets, rooms for clothing, and the attendant's room. Connecting with this building, and running parallel to the first section, is another building sixty-five feet long by forty-two feet wide, which contains eleven single sleeping-rooms and two associate dormitories, the single rooms being all the same size as those above described. The next section runs at right angles again, and is eighty-eight feet long by thirty-six feet wide and con- tains dining-rooms, bath-rooms and water-closets. Then comes another section parallel to the first, sixty-six feet long and thirty feet wide. This has six single rooms and an associate dormitory. Then comes another section, again at right angles, which is seventy-two feet by thirty-six, containing eight single rooms and one associate room, also containing bath-rooms and water-closet. All the longitudinal wings are three stories high; two transverse wings are four stories and one transverse three stories high. The fourth stories of the transverse wings have been arranged to accommodate patients and are as light and cheerful and comfortable as any part of the building. In each of the bath-rooms there is a full-length bathtub, hand wash-bowls, and in appropriate places sitz baths, and a needle-bath, all being arranged for hot and cold water.
Near the bath-rooms are situated the water-closets, so arranged that each hopper is connected with an independent waste-pipe, this iron pipe, five inches in diameter, is connected without bends or elbows directly with the sewer-pipe, where it is properly trapped to prevent the return of gases; the same five-inch pipe is continued directly upwards into the foul-air
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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY, WISCONSIN.
[1879.
flue, where it has free opening to discharge all foul odors into the foul-air duct, which empties itself out of doors. There is but one hopper on each pipe, so that there is no possibility of bad air finding an exit on some other floor ; the only opening into the pipe from sewer to foul-air duct is the one where the hopper opens into it ; the pipe is trapped at the bottom in the catch-basin, by bending it upon itself so that there is always three inches of water standing in the pipe, and in addition to this the opening of the pipe is underneath two inches of water in the catch-basin. Into the hopper-pipe all the water used in the bath-rooms, wash basins, etc., discharges, and each hopper has in addition its own flushing-pipe so that a great quantity of water constantly passes through the hopper-pipe, thoroughly cleansing it. The branch sewers into which the catch-basin empties, are also trapped before they enter the main sewer ; all traps are provided with hand holes so that they can be cleansed readily without the necessity of tearing away masonry or digging up the ground.
Water-closets are sometimes great sources of discomfort, and even diseases in hospitals, and no pains or expense should be spared to make them sweet, and prevent the noxious gases likely to arise from them, from entering the wards and sleeping rooms.
Recent researches demonstrate conclusively that emanations from sewage are prime factors in the causation of a class of malignant diseases embraced in the term Typhoid. It is, therefore, absolutely necessary to procure entire exemption from this evil, if we want a healthy hospital. In the arrangement above described it is believed that we have provided thoroughly against sources of contamination from this direction. Each water-closet has its own independent system of ventilation, both upwards and downwards, without aid from the system of forced ventilation, to be described hereafter.
Each ward has its own dining-room thirty-one feet long by twelve feet wide, accomodating all the patients on that particular ward.
In each dining-room there is a closet to keep crockery and table-ware in; there is also hot and cold water, and an iron steam-table three feet long by twenty-two inches wide, which has a hollow bottom, into which steam may be turned from the steam pipe, so that the meat, vegetables, etc., which are cooked in the kitchen, can be kept as hot during the meal as when it left the range. Underneath the hot table there is a small shelf, made out of one-half inch steam pipe, on which all plates, dishes, etc., can be warmed, and in which extra dict for the sick can be kept hot during the day, as well as to give additional warmth to the dining room.
This little contrivance, which is inexpensive, adds materially to the comfort of all concerned. A person is on better terms, with himself and everybody else after a hot meal, served well, in a warm room, and it tends to allay irritability among the insane, no less than among the sane.
The dining room tables are furnished in all respects the same as the tables of any well-regulated household, knives and forks being made use of as freely here aselsewhere. There are but very few patients who cannot use knife and fork, and these are so insane as not to be intrusted with anything. These dishes are the white ware in use in all families. It is the aim to make the table cheerful and comfortable. * * *
Connecting with each floor of the hospital there are two pairs of iron stairs, with doors opening into the landings from two sides, so as to facilitate escape from the building, should we ever be obliged to pass through the terrible ordeal of fire. On
each ward, or in fourteen places in the new south wing, there is a three inch pipe devoted especially to fire purposes. The pipe is connected with a pump directly in the engine room, which is especially adapted for use in case of fire. The supply of water to this pipe is controlled by a valve in the basement, so that any part of the building may be flooded in a few moments. At least one hundred feet of hose should be attached to each hose con- nection on the different floors, thus providing every safeguard with which to fight fire, should it ever befall us. This matter I would particularly urge as one of the greatest importance. Nothing more dreadful can well be conceived than a fire in an institution devoted to the care of the insane.
The rooms occupied by the patients are all warmed by warm air registers, and well venti- lated.
A hall is devoted to amusements, in which concert and dramatic exhibitions are fre- quently given, for the entertainment of patients, and these diversions are attended with the most beneficial results.
The law provides that the wards of the hospital shall be carefully inspected each month, by a competent physician, accompan- ied by one of the trustees. The reports of those physicians who have visited the insti- tution for the purpose of inspection, invariably declare that they find every evidence of the most skillful and faithful management; and the trustees in their report of 1868, say :
The report of the medical superintendent, Dr. Walker Kempster, is full of instruction. It speaks for itself. He needs no eulogy from the board of trustees, for his success as super- intendent is demonstrated by the high rank this hospital holds among other similar insti- tutions. Reports of his scientific investiga- tions instituted in the laboratory of this hos pital are not confined to the limits of this country. They have been made the subject of discussion by the International Medical Congress, and their utility conceded by men holding the highest rank in the medical pro- fession. "
The number of patients in the hospital on November 1, 1879, was five hundred and sixty-one, and the number of employes, including officers, average one hundred and twenty. A large piece of land is cultivated, on which is raised field crops; and twenty acres is cultivated as a vegetable garden. Large crops are produced, as the result of skillful tillage. Among the productions for the year 1878 were: Two thousand five hundred and fifty-one bushels of beets; ninety- four bushels of green beans; seven hundred and fifty bushels of dry corn; three hundred and thirty-nine bushels of green corn; one thous- and nine hundred and twenty-one bushels of carrots; one thousand four hundred and eighty-
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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY, WISCONSIN.
1879.]
two heads of cabbage; one thousand seven hundred and eighty-eight heads of celery; three thousand seven hundred and twenty- seven bunches of onions; five hundred and fifteen bushels of dry onions; one thousand three hundred bushels of oats; one thousand one hundred bushels of potatoes and twelve tons of winter squash. These, with other productions, furnish the chief portion of the vegetable used in the establishment.
There was raised and slaughtered on the place in 1878, 17,839 pounds of pork.
Among the animals kept on the place are, forty-seven milch cows; two hundred swine, large and small, and three hundred fowls.
Those of the inmates who are able and willing to assist in any of the departments of the farm, garden, kitchen or laundry, etc., are permitted to do so, care being taken that only a limited amount of work is permitted.
From the Superintendent's report it appears, that there are, on an average, more than sixty male patients who come in and go out as they choose, without being accompanied by attend- ants, and as many more who are permitted to go in and out a part of each day, without attendants accompanying them. The grounds about the institution, especially along the lakeshore, are admirably adapted for pur- poses of recreation, and the advantages thus enjoyed by the patients are fully appreciated. Nearly all summer long, the woods on the premises are filled with wild flowers, and the wards, dining-room tables, and sick rooms, contain ample evidences of floral beauties, gathered by our patients in their daily rambles. Much taste is often displayed in the decor- ation of the walls with autumn leaves, varie- gated grasses and ferns, abounding hereabout, furnishing tasteful and agreeable enjoyment for many hands that would otherwise be idle, perhaps destructive. In the autumn and winter months, the humble structures, which have been dignified with the name of green- houses, have afforded great enjoyment to a majority of the household. The most dis- turbed among them enjoy a visit to the "green- house, " and rarely have they even touched a flower. One of the structures furnishes let- tuce, etc., in the winter for those who are unable to leave their beds, and the daily visit of the gardener with the relishes supplied, and a flowering plant for a sick room, are hailed with delight by many who hardly ex- press an emotion at any other time."
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