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Life At Asylumia

Creator: n/a
Date: November 1855
Publication: The Opal
Publisher: State Lunatic Asylum, Utica, N.Y.
Source: New York State Library


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We are often favored, through the public journals of the day, with accounts of the life, amusements and description of hotels, &c, at the various places of resort, in our own state and others, which, to us, are interesting, although we are often led to think that a portion of the money lavishly spent at some of these places might better be expended in relieving human suffering, or some other charitable purpose, without detracting from the happiness of its possessors. The journalists usually speak in high terms of their hotels, host, bill of fare, &c., and as we are creatures of imitation, we will commence by saying our Hotel (which is a splendid, one) is located about a mile west of the city of Utica, and the reputation of which has long been established as having no superior in the state or United States.

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We have arrivals almost daily from different parts of this state, and frequently from others. Our boarders, with some few exceptions, are not what would be called fashionables, but are of another class, styled unfortunates. Their modes of arrival are various, but all of them come with more or less attendance. One of the regulations of the house is that no one shall leave until his bill is paid, and a regular receipt given by the Superintendent.

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We have both sexes as inmates, although we live rather upon the Shaker principles. Everything is conducted with great regularity and precision. At five in the morning our bell rings to awaken the sleepers, at seven we are summoned to our breakfast and when we get there we always find something to eat, whether we have money or not. We dine at half-past twelve and sup at six. At half-past eight we are reminded that it is bed-time. Thus it will be seen we keep good hours; and to prevent any leaving during the night without paying their bills, or for some other good reason, we are carefully locked into our several apartments. On the Sabbath some of us usually attend some of the various churches in the city in the forenoon, and in the afternoon we assemble in our own chapel to listen to a discourse from our chaplain.

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The monotony of our every-day life is broken by receiving company, and occasionally listening to musical entertainments given for our benefit by different celebrated musical companies who visit us; such as the Christys, Campbells, Euphonians, young Paul Julien, &c.; and frequently we trip on the light fantastic toe to the music of the violin and other instruments, performed by some of our number. Our amusements consist principally in playing the ordinary games of the day, with the exception of cards.

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At chapel, and occasionally upon other occasions, we get a sight of the ladies, God bless them! which affords us a kind of melancholy pleasure, as it reminds many of us of those from whom we are separated, and of the many happy hours spent in their society; and it also seems rather too much like placing a dainty morsel within sight of a hungry man, without his being able to reach it.

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Occasionally a young lady makes her debut in our circle -- not, however, with the hope of forming a lucrative matrimonial alliance, as is often the case at Saratoga, Newport and Sharon Springs; but they often create a "sensation," as it is called, but it is one of sympathy and sorrow for their affliction.

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Our larder is well supplied, but of course our bar is closed since the Maine Law took effect, for we are a law-abiding community.

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In short, we have a well-conducted house, the intention of which is the relief of human suffering. Testimonials might be obtained from hundreds who have partaken of its hospitalities. As our life is rather monotonous, perhaps nothing will occur that would interest sane people; but if at any time we feel we can interest the readers of the OPAL with our contributions, it will afford us pleasure.

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