R E P O R T 
OF THE 
1 oar tl tnl e o minis si oners of; haritie7 
- f j 
OF THE 
STATE OF NEW YORK, 
RELATING TO THE INSANE AND THE CAPACITY AND COST OF 
THE SEVERAL STATE INSANE ASYLUMS. 
TUANSJ1ITTED TO THE LEGISLATURE MARCH 9, 1871. 
ALBANY: 
THE ARGUS COMPANY, PRINTERS. 
1871. REPORT 
OF THE 
| ani'd of Jiiate|ommA7ioiici'fj of; ]ublic|lt;trifieji 
OF THE 
STATE OF NEW YORK, 
RELATING TO THE INSANE AND THE CAPACITY AND COST OF 
THE SEVERAL STATE INSANE ASYLUMS. 
TRANSMITTED TO THE LEGISLATURE MARCH 9, 1871. 
"ALBANY : 
THE ARGUS COMPANY, PRINTERS. 
1871. STATE OF NEW YORK. 
No. 51. 
IN SENATE, 
March 9, 1871. 
REPORT 
OF THE BOARD OF STATE COMMISSIONERS OF PUBLIC 
CHARITIES, IN ANSWER TO THE RESOLUTION OF 
THE SENATE OF FEBRUARY 14th, 1871, RELATING 
TO THE INSANE AND THE CAPACITY AND COST 
OF THE SEVERAL STATE INSANE ASYLUMS. 
STATE OF NEW YORK: 
Office of the Commissioners of Public Charities, 
Albany, March 9th, 1871. 
To the Honorable the Senate : 
The Board of State Commissioners of Public Charities have 
received a copy of a resolution of the Senate, in the words fol- 
lowing : 
“State of New York, ) 
“In Senate,. Albany, February 14th, 1871. ) 
“ Resolved, That the Board of State Commissioners of Public 
Charities be requested to communicate to the Senate, at as early 
[Senate No. 51.] 4 
[Senate 
a day as practicable, the number of insane persons in custody 
in the various public institutions of the State, the cost of the 
buildings now in use for each of the State Insane Asylums, and 
the number of patients which each is able to properly accommo- 
date ; also the estimated cost of the State buildings for insane 
asylums now in process of erection, or for which appropriations 
have been made, and the number of persons each of these will 
accommodate when completed according to the several plans 
which have been adopted. 
“ By order. 
“HIRAM CALKINS, 
“Clerk 
In answer to which they respectfully 
REPORT: 
The returns on file in this office show that there were four 
thousand four hundred and eighty-four (4,484) insane persons 
in the several public institutions of the State, including the 
incorporated asylums receiving State aid, at the close of their 
respective statistical years in 1870. 
The following is a list of these institutions, and the number of 
insane in each, at the date named : 
New York State Lunatic Asylum, at Utica Nov. 30, 643 
Willard Asylum for the Insane, at Ovid Nov. 30, 282 
New York City Lunatic Asylum, New York city Nov. 30, 1,365 
Kings County Lunatic Asylum, Flatbush July 31, 602 
Monroe County Lunatic Asylum, Rochester Sept. 30, 88 
Marshall Infirmary, Troy Sept. 30, 109 
Providence Lunatic Asylum, Buffalo Sept. 30, 39 
County poor-houses Nov. 30, 1,326 
City asylums, other than in New York and Kings counties Nov. 30, 30 
Total 4,484 
The trustees of the Willard Asylum at Ovid report that there 
were four hundred and twenty-five (425) insane persons in that 
institution January 1, 1871; but, as the increase since its annual No. 51.] 
5 
returns, November 30, 1870, was due wholly to transfers from 
the county poor-houses and the State Asylum at Utica, subse- 
quent to that date, it does not effect the above total. 
There are several private asylums in the State, for the care 
and treatment of the insane. Provision is made for insane con- 
victs in the asylum connected with State prison at Auburn ; and 
it is believed that lunatics are occasionally confined in county 
jails. The powers of the board do not extend to any of these 
institutions ; therefore, no statement as to the number, or con- 
dition, of such persons, can be furnished. 
The following are the State asylums for the insane, referred 
to in the resolution of the Senate : 
The New York State Lunatic Asylum, at Utica. 
The Willard Asylum for the Insane, at Ovid. 
The Hudson lliver State Hospital for the Insane, at Pough- 
keepsie. 
The Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane, at Buffalo. 
The State Homoeopathic Asylum for the Insane, at Middle- 
town. 
A brief description of the plans and buildings of these several 
asylums, with statements and estimates as to their capacity and 
cost, herewith follows : 
The New York State Luxatic Asylum, at Utica. 
This asylum, the only State institution for the insane fully 
completed, was organized by the Legislature in 1842, and 
opened for patients in 1848. 
The buildings consist of a central edifice, two front and two 
rear wings, a cross wing, additional wings, and out-buildings. 
The front and centre are constructed of stone, and the other 
portions mainly of brick. The central building is four stories 
in height above the basement, and one hundred and twenty by 
seventy-six feet on the ground. The front wings are three 
stories high, and each has an area of two hundred and fifteen 6 
[Senate 
by thirty-five feet. The rear wings are of the same height, two 
hundred and fifty feet each in length and thirty feet in width. 
The cross-wing is two stories high, twenty-five feet wide and 
three hundred and fifty feet long. One of the additional wings 
is two, and the others are one story in height. The former has 
an area of eighty-five by twenty-five feet, and the latter one 
hundred and sixty-three by thirty-four feet. The entire edifice 
presents a front of five hundred and fifty, and the flanks a depth 
of two hundred and fifty feet. It is heated by steam, lighted 
by gas, and ventilated in the most approved manner. 
The out-buildings are a mortuary, bakery, coal house, work 
shops, boiler and engine house, containing also the fans for 
ventilation, and drying and ironing rooms ; wash house, farm 
buildings, carriage house, barns, ice house, etc., etc. 
The asylum as first erected, and until 1852, had room for 
only four hundred and fifty (450) patients. Since that date the 
original buildings have been remodeled, the additional wings 
erected and the cross-wing adapted to the insane ; by which the 
institution has been made to accommodate six hundred (600) 
patients. It also furnishes apartments for the resident officers 
and necessary attendants and employes. 
The following statement, furnished by the board of mana- 
gers, exhibits the several State appropriations made in behalf 
of the institution for the erection of the buildings, etc., during 
the periods named : No. 51.] 
7 
From its organization to 1852 : 
For the centre building, front and rear wings, cross- 
wing, barns and outbuildings, gas and water- 
works, heating apparatus, etc., etc $398,100 00 
For furniture, stock, books, medicines, etc., ad- 
vanced at the commencement 24,000 00 
From 1852 to 1871: 
For the additional wings, mortuary, bakery, coal 
house, work shops, boiler and engine house, 
bake house, farm building, carriage house, barns, 
ice house, remodeling the original buildings, 
introducing steam heating apparatus, etc., etc.. 238,965 58 
Total $661,065 §8 
The expenses for ordinary repairs to the buildings have been 
defrayed largely from the current receipts of the institution. 
Moderate appropriations from the State treasury, however, 
have been occasionally made for these purposes. 
The farm connected with- this asylum contains two hundred 
and fifty (250) acres. Most of this is under cultivation, and is 
said to be highly productive. The garden contains twenty (20) 
acres, yielding a supply of vegetables sufficient at all times for 
the needs of this institution. 
The buildings and grounds are in good condition, and the 
institution is furnished with all the means and appliances neces- 
sary to carry out its objects and aims. 
The Willard Asylum for the Insane, at Ovid. 
This institution, designed for the chronic pauper insane, here- 
tofore provided for in the county poor-houses, and for those who 
may be hereafter discharged from the State asylum at Utica, as 
incurable, was established by an act of the Legislature, passed 
April 5th, 1865. The site, known as the “ State Agricultural 
Farm,” contains four hundred and seventy-live (475) acres, near 8 
[Senate 
the village of Ovid, on the east shore of Seneca lake. The 
erection of the building was commenced in the spring of 
1866, and it was so far advanced as to be opened for 
patients in October, 1869. 
The main asylum building is situated near the lake. The 
plan of this edifice comprises a central building for the superin- 
tendent’ s residence and offices, and a north and a south wing, 
with extensions from the extremities of these to the rear, for 
patients. It is a plain, substantial three story brick structure, 
well planned and arranged, and furnished with the appliances 
and conveniences requisite for its purposes. 
• The centre building and wings are completed and occupied. 
The extension to the south wing is erected, inclosed, and 
partly plastered, and, by the statement of the trustees, is under 
contract to be finished by the first of May next. The boiler and 
engine house, general kitchen and gas house, situated at the 
rear of the central edifice, are built, and the sewerage and water 
supply are adequate for the present demands. 
In addition to the main asylum, there is the “Agricultural 
College building,” on the premises when acquired by the State, 
and now known as the “Branch.” This building, situated 
about one mile from the main edifice, was remodeled and fitted 
up the past year, and occupied by female patients in November 
last. It is a plain, substantial brick structure, in good pre- 
servation, and appears to be well adapted for the purposes to 
which it is applied. The trustees estimate it to be worth 
$150,000. 
The expenditures for the buildings now in use for the insane, 
according to the statement of these officers, have been as fol- 
lows : No. 51.] 
9 
For the centre building and wings, boiler and 
engine house, general kitchen, gas house, barns, 
sewerage, reservoirs, etc., etc $398,162 95 
For modification of the college building to adapt it 
to the care of the insane 24,395 14 
For furniture for the main asylum and branch, 
farm stock, implements, etc.,*etc 29,440 35 
Total $446,998 44 
These buildings furnish accommodations, in the main asylum, 
for two hundred and fifty (250) patients; in the “branch,” 
two hundred (200); total, four hundred and fifty (450). 
The expenditures for the extension to the south wing have 
been met from the appropriation of last year (chapter 492, 
Laws of 1870), and it is estimated by the trustees that this will 
be adequate for its completion. They propose to make a similar 
extension to the north wing during the coming summer, which 
will complete the main asylum, in accordance with the plans 
adopted. They also propose to erect a detached group of sub- 
stantial, less expensive buildings for two hundred (200) quiet 
male patients, corresponding to the “branch,” and ask the 
Legislature for an appropriation for these purposes. 
The cost of the buildings now in use for the insane, and the 
trustees estimated cost for the completion of those in process of 
erection, and proposed, is shown by the following statement: 
Cost of the main asylum and branch in use, inclu- 
ding furniture, outbuildings, etc., etc. (as stated 
above) $446,998 44 
For the completion of the south wing, including the 
amount already expended (estimated) 81,728 67 
For the extension to the north wing, erecting a sin- 
gle group of detached buildings, furniture, fences, 
further water supply, etc., etc. (estimated) 200,000 00 
Total $728,727 11 10 
[Senate 
The completion of the buildings, as proposed, will give accom- 
modations for the insane, as follows : In the main asylum, five 
hundred (500); the “branch,” two hundred (200) ; single group 
of cottages, two hundred (200); total, nine hundred (900) 
patients. 
The trustees of this asylum express the opinion that its 
capacity may be very properly extended by the erection of addi- 
tional groups of detached buildings, similar to the one proposed 
at different points on the farm, so as to include nearly, if not all 
the chronic pauper insane of the State, not suitably provided for 
otherwise. In the judgment of these officers this would prove 
economical, by lessening the cost of the buildings per capita, and 
utilizing the labor of the insane, and at the same time secure to 
them, under a single responsible direction and control, better 
treatment and care. This subject is one of such great public 
importance, not only as affecting the insane, but as to the cost of 
providing for their maintenance, that the board deems it proper 
to present it to the attention of the Legislature. 
The Hudson River State Hospital for the Insane 
Was established by the Legislature, March 16, 1867. The site 
previously selected by commissioners, appointed by the Gov- 
ernor, contains three hundred (300) acres. Its location is on 
the east bank of the Hudson river, two miles north of the 
city of Poughkeepsie. 
The plan of this hospital comprises a central edifice for admin- 
istrative purposes, and a north and a south wing, composed of 
four sections each for patients. It also includes a chapel, gene- 
ral kitchen, boiler and engine house, workshops, gas house, etc., 
etc., to be situated at the rear of the central structure. 
The erection of the building was commenced in September, 
1867. The three extreme sections of the south wing are nearly 
finished and partly furnished; and it is stated, if funds were No. 51.] 
11 
provided, could be soon ready for patients. The boiler and 
engine house are built, and two boilers set. The foundations 
for the four remaining boilers, required for the entire building, 
are laid. The gas house is erected, and gas introduced into 
the building. The great chimney, containing tines for the boil- 
ers, kitchen range, bake shop, gas retorts, and central venti- 
lating shaft, are also built. The underground air duct is made, 
and the main sewer laid from the building to the river. The 
reservoir for the full capacity of the hospital is two-thirds 
completed, and the arrangements for water are said to be ade- 
quate for its present purposes. 
The hospital is being constructed of North river brick, with 
a better quality for face work. The window heads are of Ohio 
stone, with blue stone introduced to increase the artistic effect. 
The centre building and a part of two sections of each wing will 
be three, and the residue two stories in height. The portions of 
the building erected will accommodate one hundred and twenty 
(120) patients ; and when the hospital is completed, according 
to the plans adopted, it will furnish room for four hundred (400). 
The expenditures, as stated by the managers, have been as 
follows: 
For the erection of three sections of the south wing 
(nearly finished) $409,028 57 
For dock, making roads, grading, draining, exercise 
yards, brick walls and fences, plans and engineer- 
ing, bridges, reservoir, water and sewage works, 
boiler and engine house, gas house, heating and 
gas apparatus, high chimney, underground air 
duct, temporary work shops and buildings, tem- 
porary water supply, power, machinery and tools, 
coal, hospital furnishing, and stone, brick and 
other materials on hand for another section of the 
building, etc., etc 232,815 48 
Total $641,844 05 12 
[Senate 
The medical superintendent reports, that the estimated cost 
of the building, when the plans were adopted, was $666,000 ; 
but in the event of the continuance of the inflated prices for 
materials and labor heretofore paid it will cost, when completed 
according to these plans, $1,200,000. It is stated, however, by 
this officer, that this estimate may be modified by the gradual 
decrease in prices now taking place, and the advantages to be 
derived from the increase of power from the boilers, in the use 
of the machinery, etc., but that no great reduction can be 
anticipated. 
The institution is designed for the treatment of cases of acute 
insanity, and the building is being constructed with the adapta- 
tions and appointments necessary to carry out its objects. 
The Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane 
Was organized under chapter 378, Laws of 1870. The site, 
previously selected by designated commissioners, consists of 
two hundred (200) acres, situated near Buffalo, and was pre- 
sented by that city to the State. 
The managers report that the ground plan of the building has 
been adopted, and that the plan of the elevation will probably 
be soon approved, and the work of erection commenced. 
The board had expected information as to the estimated cost 
of the building from the managers, but it has not been received. 
We learn that it is to be constructed of brick, with arrange- 
ments for the treatment of cases of acute insanity, and with 
capacity for the accommodation of five hundred (500) patients. 
The general estimate of superintendents of insane asylums for 
the erection of plain, substantial buildings of such character, 
and appropriately furnishing the same, at the present prices 
for materials and labor, is $1,600 per inmate. On this estimate 
it will cost, when completed, $800,000. Ho. 51.] 
13 
The State Homoeopathic Asylum for the Insane, at 
Middletown, Orange County, 
Was established by the Legislature, April 28th, 1870. 
The trustees report that a site of two hundred (200) acres has 
been procured, and the plan of the asylum adopted. This com- 
prises five separate buildings, arranged in echelon, the centre 
for administrative purposes, and the others for patients, the 
whole to be connected by tramways underground. The plan 
includes also a chapel, gymnasium, and a house for the resi- 
dent physician. 
The buildings are to be constructed of cement concrete, and, 
it is stated, will lie built plain and substantial. The centre 
building, and the two at the immediate right and left, will be 
three, and the others two stories in height. When completed, 
they will accommodate two hundred (200) patients. 
The cost of the asylum is estimated by the trustees as follows : 
For the buildings $300,000 00 
For improving grounds, water supply, heating 
apparatus, furnishing, etc., etc 60,000 00 
Total $360,000 00 
The act organizing the institution appropriated $150,000 
toward the erection of the buildings, conditioned, however, that 
a like sum should be raised by private subscriptions and applied 
to this purpose before any part of it is paid. It is reported by 
the trustees that a considerable portion of the required amount 
has been thus raised, and that the erection of the buildings will 
be soon commenced. 
The following statement shows the capacity and cost of the 
State asylums for the insane in use, and the estimated capacity 
and cost of those in process of erection, or for which appropria- 
tions have been made, when completed according to the several 
plans adopted, as hereinbefore referred to : 14 
[Senate 
Capacity. Cost of the buildings. 
The New York State Lunatic Asylum, at Utica 600 $661,065 58 
The Willard Asylum for the Insane, at Ovid 900 728,727 11 
The Hudson River State Hospital for the Insane, at 
Poughkeepsie 400 1,200,000 00 
The Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane, at Buffalo... 500 800,000 00 
The New York State Homoeopathic Asylum for the 
Insane, at Middleton 200 360,000 00 
Total 2,600 $3,749,792 69 
In conclusion, the board deems it proper to submit a general 
view of the present number of the insane in custody, of their 
condition in respect to recovery, of the present provision made 
for them, and the requirements for the future 
It will be observed that there were at the close of the past 
year four thousand four hundred and eighty-four (4,484) insane 
persons in public institutions. Of these nine hundred and 
twenty-five (925) were in the State asylums, and one hundred and 
forty-eight (148) in incorporated institutions receiving State aid. 
The counties of New York and Kings sustained one thousand 
nine hundred and sixty-seven (1,967) ; and there were in the 
county poor-houses and city and county asylums one thousand 
four hundred and forty-four (1,444). 
There is reason to suppose that the pauper insane of the coun- 
ties of New York and Kings will continue to be placed, as at 
present, under local control. In several other large and 
populous counties such as Erie, Jefferson, Monroe, Oneida and 
Onondaga, a desire is manifested to retain the chronic cases of 
this class under county management. To tills course, for the 
present at least, no valid objection can be made. On these sup- 
positions, the State would be relieved of the care of about two 
thousand five hundred (2,500) such persons. It would be neces- 
sary therefore to make suitable State provision for one thousand 
nine hundred and eighty-four (1,984) insane, of whom, it is sup- 
posed, not more than five hundred (500) are acute cases. On 
this estimate, the care of one thousand four hundred and No. 51.] 
15 
eighty-four (1,484) chronic insane persons would devolve upon 
the State. 
It remains to consider the provision already existing for the 
care of the insane. The present and proposed State asylums, 
when tinished, will provide accommodations for two thousand 
six hundred (2,600). This appears to be largely in excess of 
the present requirements. Moreover, considering the fact that 
very many of the chronic cases are undoubtedly incurable, and 
that such persons only need humane treatment and suitable 
food and shelter, it would appear that additional accommoda 
tions could be provided for them at a moderate expense. 
We desire to suggest that prudence and sound economical 
views dictate that there should be a careful revision of the 
whole subject of expenditure for the erection of buildings for 
our State charitable institutions. While making the inspections 
required of us by law, we have observed a tendency to an 
excess of expenditure in some directions. The public buildings 
of the State may properly admit of architectural display, as 
expressing the honor and dignity of the entire commonwealth ; 
but in these refuges of the infirm and distressed, the depend- 
ent classes in society, there seems to be no reason why any 
unnecessary expenditure should be allowed. Let them be neat, 
comfortable, and without extravagance or ornament, in perfect 
keeping with the condition and necessities of the classes for 
whom they were designed. While the people are swift to 
relieve every case of real distress, the expenses of a true charity 
should be so adjusted that they shall not assume the character 
of a heavy burden. 
We would respectfully recommend that no new asylums for 
the insaue be ordered without a report from this board showing 
the necessity of their erection, and giving estimates of the 
number to be provided tor, and the requisite expenditure, as 
dictated by a true economy. We hope soon to be able to 
determine the pending question, whether detached buildings 16 
[Senate No. 51.] 
for the chronic pauper insane cannot be constructed in con- 
nection with the present asylums? Should this be feasible, it 
would seem that the cost of construction and the expense of 
annual management might be largely diminished. In that 
case no new asylums might be needed for many years. 
The statements thus submitted, it is believed, fully meet the 
requirements of the resolution of the Senate. 
All which is respectfully submitted. 
JOHN Y. L. PRUYN, 
President. 
THEODORE W. DWIGHT, 
Vice-President. 
Charles S. Hoyt, 
Secretary.