Select Pages Taken from the "Annual Report of the Commission of Soldiers' Orphan Schools", Pennsylvania, 1902
Select Pages* Taken from the "Annual Report of the Commission of Soldiers' Orphan Schools of Pennsylvania" Pennsylvania, 1902
Annual Report of the Commission of Soldiers' Orphan Schools Off. Doc. No. 15
Dr. J.S. Waters, Superintendent of the Jumonville School (formerly
called the Uniontown school), succeeded in having full harmony and
cooperation of the teachers and all others in charge, which resulted
in a very successful school year. Captain George W. Skinner, Super-
intendent of the Industrial School with the support of his associates,
had a very successful year, graduating thirty (30) pupils, the largest
class since the organization of the school. The average of percentage
in the marks higher than any former year. Captain R.H. Holgate, a
member of the Commission, in fitting words, awarded the prizes for
scholarship at this school (Industrial) to Beatrice Haney, 96; and to
William Ashbridge, 95; the average of each for the year. The Industrial
Departments, including printing, tailoring, carpentering, machine,
laundry, shoe, bakery, telegraphy, typewriting, and stenography are in
charge of competent instructors, and are progressing in a very satis-
factory manner. The Industrial School News, issued twice a month by
the boys and girls of the schools, continues to be an interesting paper
to old soldiers and friends of the school. At the Jumonville school a
course in civil government was taught and a list hung upon the wall in
the chapel, headed "Current Events" where the children wrote important
events that they read from day to day. This is similar to the method
adopted last year at the Harford School, which proved very useful in
teaching the boys and girls National and State Government. Somewhat
similar methods are used at the other schools. The health of the
children during the past year has been very good. Owing to the vigi-
lance of the Commission in ordering that all the children and
others connected with the schools should be vaccinated, not
a single case of small pox occurred in any of the schools, a good
record during a year, when small pox was so prevalent.
Only three (3) deaths occurred, Katie Lewis died August 30, 1901;
William Rathburn died October 31, 1901; both at the Jumonville School.
Katie Lewis was buried in Washington, Pa., Dr. J.A. Waters, the
Superintendent, attending the funeral. William Rathburn was buried in
the lot set apart for that purpose near the school. Percy Andrews died
at Chester Springs School, December 27, 1901; his remains were taken in
charge by relatives. The children at all the schools have regularly
assembled twice a day for devotional services, and on Sunday there has
been service and sermon in the morning and Sunday school in the after-
noon. The comfortable homes at our schools are occupied during vacation
by the children who do not have homes to go to. During the vacation
period the children have plenty of time for recreation. They are only
required to keep the grounds in order, and to assist in preparing the
meals, etc. The Industrial Departments at the Scotland School were in
operation during the vacation of 1901, excepting two weeks when the
instructors were absent on their vacations. The total number present at
all the schools during vacation was 198 in July; and 202 at the end of
August. Excellent truck patches were cultivated at all the schools, and
fresh vegetables raised for the children. Examinations are held quarter-
ly and children reaching a required percentage are promoted. The
children have access to the libraries at all the schools, under certain
rules and regulations. Periodicals for young readers are supplied, and
interesting games are furnished to pass their leisure time advantageously.
The fire drill at all the schools is well established and in case of fire
the military instructors informed me from time to time, that the children
could be handled skillfully, and without excitement. There are fire
extinguishers and hose placed at points easy of access. This is good
evidence of the advantage of the fire drill.
Military drills, which are given regularly for the boys, and calisthenic
exercises for the girls have done much to promote their general health;
the girls and boys are detailed to work in the different departments of
the school, so far as age and strength make them capable. The girls are
employed in the laundry, kitchen, dining room, sewing room and dormi-
tories, and the boys in the truck patches, lawns, dormitories, kitchens,
laundries and the shoemaker's shop. Military training at the schools
develops the habit of attention, as the boy listens from habit, his
manners improve. On being spoken to by his teacher he stands on both
feet, and with head up and the "attention of a soldier," gives a
distinct answer. Care is given to personal appearance; shoes must be
blackened and polished, hands and nails cleaned, and clothes brushed.
It is not long before an awkward boy is changed into a frank, manly
fellow under this discipline and training. The military instructor
obtains from the officers and non-commissioned officers of the different
companies, quite a good deal of assistance in maintaining discipline
among the boys. Under the code of rules issued by the Commission last
year, the superintendents of the schools, have called the teachers and
other employees of the schools together frequently during the year, in
order that they might have a clear and harmonious understanding as to
their special departments. This new rule has proved very satisfactory
at all the schools.
MEDICAL DEPARTMENT
Capt. Geo. W. Skinner, Superintendent
Soldiers' Orphans' Industrial School
Scotland, Pa :
Sir:
I have the honor to herewith present to you the report of the medical
service rendered to the children at the Industrial School during the year
that has just closed. During vacation the health of the children who
remained at the school was good; only an occasional illness. The children
returned to the school after their summer vacation, with few exceptions,
in good health. When the school opened in September the new hospital was
not yet completed; so the former apartments in the farm house were used
as a hospital until the new building was ready to be occupied. Since we
have the new hospital my work has been more satisfactory to myself, and
more systematized. It is now equipped fairly well with medicines, instru-
ments and other hospital supplies. There are yet some supplies very
necessary and others that would be very convenient to have, which I hope
the Commission will see fit to get. Early in the fall, fearful of a
return of the epidemic of scarlet fever, which caused so much trouble
last year, a number of cases of tonsilitis were isolated until a positive
diagnosis was made. However, five cases of scarlet fever did develop
later; they were quarantined for the required length of time; all
recovered with no bad effects remaining. There were no other cases
during the year.
Two boys, Frank Basin and Lucius Lowery, were in the hospital quite a
while under treatment for general debility and lung trouble. Both
recovered, returned to their studies and trades, and were able to take
all the manual training exercises. They both returned to their homes at
vacation in good physical condition. Early in September one case of
chicken pox developed; it was isolated; no other cases during the year.
On February 25th, Louis Kifer was taken violently ill with purpura
rheumatica accompanied by nephritis. This proved to be the most trouble-
some and most serious case of illness that I have treated at the school
since I took charge. For weeks, he lay in such a critical condition that
recovery seemed almost impossible, and required constant attention from
the nurse. His recovery is undoubtedly largely due to the faithful
nursing which he received at the hands of Miss Sedenger. His convale-
scence was slow, but he finally regained strength sufficient to return to
school and take moderate exercise. He continued to improve until
vacation when he returned to his home apparently in a very healthy condi-
tion; only a slight trace of his kidney trouble remaining. Three cases
of malaria in boys whose homes are in malaria districts were treated.
One case of Psoriasis was treated and cured.
One girl with Tinea-Tonsurans was treated; she was very much improved
when she went to her home in vacation; medicine was sent with her and
instructions how to continue the treatment. There were a number of
accidents occurred during the year; broken fingers while playing ball,
sprained angles, elbows and wrists while skating, and probably an even
dozen of fractures of elbows and forearms; some of which were bad
fractures and troublesome. One fracture of collar bone in one of the
girls. One bad dislocation of elbow. All made good recoveries and
regained good use of the injured parts. The only other accident of any
importance was that of a colored boy, Harry Minney, while operating a
circular saw; he had his left hand injured so badly that it was necessary
for me to amputate his index and middle fingers. The accident occurred
on June 12th. I happened to at the school at the time and gave him
immediate attention. He went to his home June 27th, with member almost
well. It is gratifying to report that no cases were sent away from the
school for treatment, that no cases died during the year and when
vacation came all who had homes to go to, went away well.
In closing my report, I want to thank you, the members of the Commission
and all who helped to make my work pleasant and effectual.
Very respectfully,
W. F. SKINNER, M.D.
08-15-1902
The pages above are part of the 1902 Roster Donated by Marian Mallory and Transcribed by Carol Holmbeck March 2001 for The Orphans' Home Website