Part Three
EARLY DRAINAGE, CONSTRUCTION PROBLEMS
In the early 1920's, a large fill more than eight feet deep occupied
the area west of Washington Cottage (Cottage 2). During the heavy rain seasons, water
would gather up to a depth of three to four feet and form a pond in the area northwest of
the location of the old laundry building, near Cottage 18. The outlet to this pond was
just north of Cottage 2 and continued east to the sewage disposal plant. In 1920 a wooden
sidewalk was constructed, going from Cottage 2 to the Superintendent's residence. This
walk had to be set up on posts from two and one half to three feet off the ground to allow
a stream of water to pass underneath. Often the water rose high enough to wash away parts
of the walk. Other times it caused the walk to raise to the point that southwesterly winds
would pick it up and tear it off the posts. Each time that this happened the walk would
have to be rebuilt. In order to approach and enter Cottage 2 during heavy storms another
walk was built on posts three feet off the ground at the north end of the building.
Due to the high costs of building materials the Board of Control did not let any
contracts for construction in 1919 - 1920, but did make provisions for a drainage system.
Since that time, over twenty five miles of drain pipe have been laid allowing the present
landscaping of the institution.
BUILDING EXPANSION
Early in 1922, the building program began to expand. Adams Cottage (Cottage 4),
Jefferson Cottage (Cottage 5), Madison Cottage (Cottage 6), a refectory (dining hall) and
a power plant were under construction at this time. These buildings were completed but not
occupied for quite some time due to the lack of heat, light and power. As a temporary
expedient two large boilers, one located east of Cottage 4 and one between Cottages 5 and
6, were installed outside. Tar paper shacks were built over the boilers to protect them
from the elements. These temporary boilers were connected to the heating equipment in the
new buildings, to supply heat to keep them from freezing and deteriorating until permanent
boilers and engines could be installed in the new power plant. By August 1924 the new
power plant was completed and heat, light and power was connected by steam conduit to the
new buildings, allowing occupancy. Wooden sidewalks were constructed and laid between the
new residential buildings and the refectory.
The power plant was initially operated by the Department of Engineering,
to allow for testing and adjustment of the new equipment by the men who installed it.
After testing was completed, the full operation of the plant was turned over to
institution personnel. Soon after the new power plant was put into operation, poles were
erected along the roads, electrical wires were strung, and lights were installed. The
south road from the institution to Union Grove, in a southwesterly direction, was
constructed. This road was only 16 feet wide from shoulder to shoulder, but heavily
gravelled and allowing a very good outlet. Improvements to all the roads, including
regrading and gravel surfacing, was also accomplished at this time.
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
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Part Nine
Last Revised: July 12, 2010
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