Part Two

The land for Southern Wisconsin Center was initially purchased in 1916. Construction of the first buildings for the institution, which by law was known as Southern Wisconsin Home for the Feebleminded and Epileptics, was begun in 1918.

With some help from prisoners, housed in barracks on the grounds, building construction was carried on with much difficulty. Due to the swampy conditions of the building site, roads were almost impassable, horses and equipment were mired, and the contractor was unable to obtain building materials. Quicksand, potholes, ravines and water all contributed to the difficulties and delays.

Finally on February 14, 1919, the institution was officially opened. The first buildings included Washington Cottage (later known as Cottage 2), a residential building for girls; Roosevelt Cottage (later known as Cottage 14), originally a building for employees; the superintendent's residence (now part of Southern Oaks School for Girls); Hoard Cottage, a farm cottage for boys; a barn, and two silos. These buildings formed the nucleus from which the institution began to operate.

Washington Cottage, in addition to housing the female patients, included the Administration offices, the laundry, the bakery, the sewing room, the hospital and the school. The institution power plant and water system were located in the farm cottage. Dr. H. C. Werner, the first Superintendent, lived in the residence until 1923 at which time he was succeeded by Dr. C. C. Atherton.

Dr. Atherton's notes provided the following vivid description of the institution grounds and surroundings at the time:

"I wish to state that all that has gone into the construction, growth, and development of this institution could be faced only by those who have the heart and courage of a frontiersman. I arrived in Union Grove on October 1, 1919, and we were transported to the institution from Union Grove via horse drawn surry. The sound of the horse's feet pulling out of the sticky clay left a lasting impression. Main Street of Union Grove was not then paved and there was much mud everywhere in various depths, from 3" up. Natives wore boots. Unsuspecting strangers lost their rubbers in the clay. Highway 45 was sparingly graveled, but all traces of this had vanished by spring and autumn rains. Highway C came as far west as 45. From there on a non-graveled road ran west, entering the grounds at our north and running southwest past the old farm house. In 1923 County Trunk C was extended on the section line from our north gate west and from Turnock's farm south to what is now Highway 11. The road through the grounds then became our own private driveway."

Sources:
The Story of Southern Colony...45 Years of Progress by Henry Klimowicz, 1963;
Colony Background notes by Dr. C. C. Atherton.

Part One | Part Two | Part Three | Part Four
Part Five | Part Six | Part Seven | Part Eight | Part Nine

 Last Revised:  July 12, 2010