The rooms in the stone building are generally low and dark. There is a lack of sufficient available space for the dining-room, and probably it would be economy to reconstruct the stone building so as to secure sufficient space for dining-room purposes. To do this, however, will require the erection of a suitable building for administrative purposes, as there is no room to be spared from the dormitories. By using the space occupied as quarters by the superintendent and family, and providing for him in a new building, a dining-room could be constructed.. Some further improvement should also be made in the matter of fire protection. SCHUYLER COUNTY. J. H. SHULENBURG, Superintendent. Schuyler county continues to maintain its poor by arrangements with families as heretofore. There is neither town nor county almshouse, and as a consequence the poor maintained at public expense are scattered very widely. The county poor are supposed to be under the close and constant observation of the county superintendent, but owing to the fact that they are so widely distributed and cared for in so many different places, they are seen very seldom. This is apt to lead to neglect, for unless the persons who contract to board the poor are under observation and feel that they are likely to be visited frequently, their personal interest may lead them to save money at the expense of those placed under their care. The reasons for the establishment of a county almshouse have been set forth at length many times. There is a growing feeling in Schuyler county that there should be no further delay in the matter. The board of supervisors has talked about a county almshouse on a number of occasions, but up to the pres ent no official action has been taken. Perhaps the necessary steps will be taken in the year 1902. TIOGA COUNTY ALMSHOUSE, OWEGO, N. Y. DEWITT C. CRANCE, Keeper. This almshouse is composed of a group of separated buildings, all of which are not in actual service. They are in fair repair, and some improvements to them have been made lately. There is a small dairy in connection with the institution, and its products are given to the inmates. The general dietary is satisfactory, and the inmates were found at the time of inspection contented and well cared for. Among the inmates there are seven feeble-minded and idiotic persons. The general order and cleanliness of the almshouse is deserving of mention. The greatest need is in the matter of better drainage and a safer illuminant. TOMPKINS COUNTY ALMSHOUSE, ITHACA, N. Y. DAVID BOWER, Superintendent. The main building of the group composing the almshouse of Tompkins county is of brick, the superintendent's house being in front of it and the women's building in the rear. latter are frame structures. Both of the Recently a one-story building was erected for service as a morgue; an inmate did all the work upon this structure. A steam pump is greatly needed for this institution so as to furnish lifting power for the water. The hospital is in the brick building and contains accommodations for about 23 patients. There is a large and fertile farm connected with the almshouse, and most of the work upon it is done by the inmates. Great improvement was noted in the matter of cleanliness, but owing to the lack of sufficient help it is difficult to keep the institution in satisfactory condition. The board of supervisors does not allow a sufficient appropriation to pay for necessary help. |