Library Collections: Document: Full Text

At first in our private school we realized little educational or happifying influence from out-door occupation, as mothers feared their sons would be over-taxed, or were unwilling to have them engage in any duty judged menial from their social position. Now that manual training has gained its rightful position on the scholastic schedule, partly through the writings of Seguin, and largely the proving its value in schools for defectives, it is no longer criticised, but the education of the hand before the brain receives the primal consideration as its rightful due.

In the summer of 1869 we received a visit of two weeks from Dr. Edouard Seguin. He came from Syracuse, where he had been observing the New York State Asylum for Idiots as a "public charity." Thence he came to Barre to study the School for Feeble Minded Children, as "private and self-supporting." "We greatly enjoyed his coming, having learned from previous meetings that he was a gifted conversationalist, and his highest interest was centered in the education of the Idiot from both points of view, psychological and physiological. After leaving us he wrote, the following year, an article published in Appleton's Journal, viewing these two establishments as "types of two classes of institutions of two systems of physiological training." Dr. Seguin portrays the individual architectural features of the buildings, and the attractive surroundings of broad landscapes, with an artist's eye. He also delineates the school methods, and training systems educed by the Superintendents from their personal observation and experience, with true appreciation, as a co-worker. Summing up at the close of this article, he says, "both have been opened for the same class of children, and treat them by the same method, applied in both by the choicest women. In this they are alike; in everything else they differ.

(a) "The State institution is but a school where idiots are received, if they can improve, and kept as long as they do improve,

(b) "In it, the physiological treatment is applied mostly to groups, the children, constantly in contact, being raised up from idiocy by the incessant action of the whole on each.

(c) "The sexes are completely separated in the dormitories and gymnasium, -- not always at recess. They take together their meals, lessons, walks, musical exercises, dancing, and other entertainments. On the other hand:

(a) "The private institution is a school for the young and improving child, and a lifelong retreat for the hopeless cases.

(b) "In it the physiological method is applied to a pupil by a teacher, who carries him (with exclusive regard to his individuality) from instructive to intellectual operations, through personal imitation, etc.

(c) "The inmates live in separate buildings; boys and girls have their grounds, schools, teachers, matrons, attendants, etc., apart. Some even eat, and are taught, in their own rooms; the best of them only take their meals with the Doctor's family, and enjoy evening games. To sum up, it is difficult to understand, unless by sight, how the same thing can be done so well, and yet so differently, as it is at Syracuse and Barre. It is a pleasure and a duty to bestow upon them both, in their present condition of efficiency, unreserved praise."

CATHARNE W. BROWN.

GEORGE M. BROWN.
Tributes.

-From the Worcester Spy of May 7, 1892.-

DR. GEORGE BROWN, a resident of Barre for more than forty years, and proprietor of the extensive private institution for Feeble Minded Youth, died in New York early yesterday morning. He went to New York in impaired health about two months ago, and from assurances given by the surgeon from day to day it was supposed that he would be restored to health. The community was greatly shocked at the receipt of a telegram announcing his death. He was 67 years of age. He had always been a very active and public-spirited citizen, respected by all, rich and poor alike, and his death is a great loss to the town. For more than forty years Dr. Brown has been a vital and commanding influence in Barre, an influence diversified by his many-sided personality. To a dignified and honorable town he gave a further dignity and honor. He was very public-spirited, and had a far-reaching interest in all progress. In his professional career, eulogy can hardly overstep itself, and his life work will ever remain a monument to him and to the cause to which it was dedicated.

The "Barre Institution" has more than national repute. There, from the first, great intelligence and ability, high ideals, large-hearted benevolence and unflagging energy have combined in establishing an earnest, sympathetic, religious atmosphere.

Dr. Brown was one of those eminently individual men who, having a high purpose in life, steadfastly, without noise or uproar, followed it to the end; and this, with his clear insight and executive ability, made him a man of prominence. But these characteristics did not in any degree obscure the refined, well-bred intellectuality or the sensitive urbanity which were the chief factors of his personal charm. His rigid avoidance of all ostentation served to conceal a strong undercurrent of beneficence and charity.