The first party of patients sent to the colony, about 15, were
quiet, industrious men who were expected to be the nucleus of the
organization. After these became accustomed to their new surroundings,
others who were quiet and who had some remnant of mind left, but who
did little or no work were tried. These readily dropped into the ways
of those who preceded them and who set the pace. Further experiment
was made by sending those who seemed incurably demented, incapable by
reason of their weakened minds of doing any kind of work. Most of the
last mentioned had been residents of the hospital for years and years
in whom the last vestige of hope for any improvement had long vanished.
Strange as it may seem to you, as it did to us, acquainted with these
men and their disease, they immediately went to work and are to-day
profitably employed. They have gained in health and self-confidence,
they are happier because they feel there is yet something in life for
them.
[Illustration: SNAP SHOT--COLONY PATIENTS CULTIVATING STRAWBERRIES]
It may occur to some to ask why these men had not been sent out to work
before and given an opportunity. It has been the invariable custom
since the hospital opened to try to induce every one to engage in some
kind of employment and it had been tried repeatedly with these very men
with complete failure. To conjecture why they were willing to work in
one place and not in another might be profitless, it is sufficient to
know it is true.
[Illustration: RESTING AFTER THE DAY'S WORK]
After the work was well under way, it was strange to see the
development of the different fancies of the different men. Each one
was allowed, so far as possible, to follow his own inclination and to
select his own work. One fancied painting and whitewashing and building
fires under the heating apparatus. He studied economy in the use of
fuel as much as the average head of a family, and is as intelligent
in his work as could be expected of any ordinary man. Another patient
has become greatly interested in poultry and shows more than ordinary
intelligence in following his bent. He reads journals on poultry, and
not only builds coops, box nests, etc., but has actually invented
several useful contrivances. Another hauls wood to the kitchen in a
little wagon he made himself, and so on almost indefinitely.
[Illustration: PATIENT TENDING BRONZE TURKEYS]
A brief report of two cases will partly illustrate what has been done.
The following is quoted from a report to the Board last December: "A
boy, J. B., 13 years old, came to the hospital in June, 1895. He had
a form of insanity (Dementia praecox) which rarely improves; indeed,
its tendency is generally to deterioration. This boy was no exception
to the rule and he grew worse and worse until hope for any improvement
had been given up. Three months ago he was sent to the colony, but it
was considered a desperate chance. To the astonishment of everyone
he immediately began to improve, and this has steadily gone on until
to-day he is a strong, vigorous young fellow of 23, full of hope
and energy, whereas when he went there he was dull, indifferent and
listless; he never inquired of his home or home people and seemed to
care for nothing. Recently he has written home telling of his marvelous
improvement and of his joy in life. 'He testified as one risen from
the dead,' after ten years of mental darkness. It is not certain that
the improvement will continue; in fact, it is not expected, but even if
he improves no more, great good has been accomplished in relieving this
young fellow of such suffering as we shudder to think of." Six months
after this report was written this young man has gained but little and
it is probable he is as well as he will ever be. He enjoys life as much
as the average man, taking part and interest in baseball and other
amusements we are able to furnish our people. The second case is of a
man who was committed to the hospital in November, 1898, this being
his second admission. He complained of great discomfort in his head
which he described as being unbearable, so much so, that he begged to
be killed. His appetite was poor, he was anaemic and greatly run down
in health and evidently was a great sufferer. Every effort to relieve
him failed. We were sure if he could be induced to exercise he would
improve, but nothing we could do would cause him to take the slightest
interest in anything. He was finally forced to go out with the working
party, but he would lie on the ground complaining of his head. He was a
few months ago sent to the colony along with nine other men almost as
bad as he. To the amazement of us all, the man went to work, his health
improved, the pain and discomfort disappeared and his face is ruddy
and he gives every evidence of health and vigor. He works cheerfully,
seems perfectly satisfied, never complaining of any bad feeling and is
as comfortable as he can be. These two cases are only two of many as
unpromising, who have been greatly relieved and some few cured by the
colony treatment.
[Illustration: PATIENTS INTERESTED IN GRAPE GROWING]
[Illustration: BARNYARD AND POULTRY HOUSES AT COLONY]
[Illustration: CHICKEN RUNS]
All this seems so simple and is so obviously the right course that we
wonder why it had not long ago been tried.
Two ideas are prominent in this system, the first to find agreeable,
healthful employment for the patients and to give them a home.