Chapter 2: 1898-1904, The poorhouse

The Union County infirmary was an imposing and handsome red brick building. There were three upper stories (including the attic) with a full basement beneath the whole. The middle of the structure was dominated by a tower with a round window that Caleb Haines always thought to have the appearance of an all-seeing eye. This edifice was surrounded by one hundred fifty acres of farmland on the outskirts of Marysville Ohio which was used to help support the inmates.

2 Some folks still called it “The Poorhouse,” but it had also been designed to house the county’s physically and mentally ill residents. In short, the infirmary was the centerpiece of the state’s efforts to help the disadvantaged living within its borders. Most people thought of it as a place of last resort – the place for folks who had no other means of support.

3 However, it was never regarded by the people who were charged with running it as a free ride or permanent home for most of its residents. Indeed, those who were able-bodied were expected to work in the home and the fields which surrounded it.

4 Caleb Haines had served on the Board of Directors in 1894, and he had seen many changes over the last four years. Even so, 1898 was shaping up to be a momentous year for the infirmary. The Ohio state legislature had decided to end the confinement of “lunatics” and epileptics. Moreover, the board had decided to purchase an additional fifty acres for the farm.

5 “Thank you, Mr. Westlake. I can assure you that this land will be put to good use,” Caleb told him. “If it will help these poor and unfortunate people, I am happy to sell you the land,” Henry responded. The two men shook hands and agreed to get together for dinner with their wives the following week.

6 With two hundred acres under cultivation, Caleb hoped that the home would move closer to its goal of self-sufficiency. Although they were currently producing hundreds of bushels of wheat, corn and potatoes, Caleb and the other directors were convinced that they could do better. He especially looked forward to an increase in the farm’s hog production and the area under cultivation for garden vegetables.

7 Over the next year and a half, the directors worked with the infirmary superintendent, John Southard, to make sure that happened. “My health is not going to permit me to finish this project, Caleb,” John had announced one day. “I’m sorry to hear that, John,” Caleb answered in genuine surprise.

8 “I’m going to recommend to the board that you replace me,” he continued. “I don’t know what to say,” Caleb responded.

9 Of course, everyone thought that John’s suggestion was a good one. Who else was more familiar with the day-to-day operation of the infirmary, and what they had been attempting to do with the expansion of the farm’s operation? Thus, Caleb assumed the office of superintendent without much disruption to the daily operation of the facility.

10 “We’re all glad that you took over from Mr. Southard,” Mrs. Gray told him the following day. She and her adult daughters had been inmates of the infirmary for the last three months.

11 “I hope I’ll do as good a job for all of you as he did,” Caleb smiled. “God bless you in that effort, Mr. Haines!” she returned.

12 The years that followed were not easy, but Caleb worked hard to do right by the infirmary’s inmates. And he earned not only the respect and admiration of his wards, but that of his employees, colleagues and other county officials as well.

13 Margaret was proud of her husband too. They had endured the worst thing that could happen to any couple – the loss of two children. They had survived and thrived, and now they were one of the most respected families in the county.

14 “Milton is going to work for Congressman Cole,” Margaret announced one evening. “I thought he was working in Sen. Foraker’s office?” Caleb said as he looked up from his plate. “He’ll be going to Washington,” she finished.

15 “Well, maybe it will do him some good,” Caleb finally said after a moment of contemplation. “Anyway, I’m not going to have much time to worry about that. The infirmary will keep me busy!”