There are practically no precautions against fire, and there would be a serious danger to the inmates were one to get a start. The buildings were in general clean, although the bed ding in the old building was found to be ragged and unfit for use, and the clothing of the inmates very poor. The food, however, was abundant and well cooked. ULSTER COUNTY ALMSHOUSE. New Paltz, N. Y. ABRAM SAMMONS, Superintendent. (Visited by the Commissioner September 12, 1900.) This almshouse consists of two principal buildings, one the former asylum for the insane, and the other the almshouse proper. They are situated about three miles from the village of New Paltz. The main building is three stories high, has a basement, and contains the administration offices, together with the quarters for the superintendent and keeper, and has accom modation for 24 male inmates beside. The old almshouse is two stories high, with a cellar, and contains quarters for both men and women. It has in it also the kitchen, the laundry and the dining-room. A one-story building is used for tramps, and a two-story frame for isolating patients suffering from infectious diseases. The buildings, at the time of inspection, were found in good repair. There have been no improvements recently, although, as indicated, the repairs are kept up. The institution is lighted by kerosene oil lamps, which are a constant menace to the general safety. The laundry equipment is inadequate, and everything has to be done by hand. In the matter of the care of the sick, there is no special hospital except the small structure used for isolating infectious cases. The patients suffering from non-infectious diseases are cared for in their own rooms, although the women have what is called a hospital ward, separated from the main dormitory. In this there are beds for six patients and one attendant. The isolation building has accommodations for six patients, with a large day room for each sex. A number of times in previous reports it has been stated that it is an unwise practice to permit any of the male inmates to sleep in the cellar of the almshouse. During the year this has been continued, however, as some of the men seem to prefer such gloomy quarters to the more comfortable dormitories above. It is for the general safety of the institution that this practice should be discontinued. The food seemed to be sufficient, and the inmates had no complaints to make as to their treatment. |