An Inspection of Public Facilities 1922

This inspection of the Switzerland county poor farm and jail was typical of reports issued by the Indiana Board of State Charities. While Switzerland County did not rank high, it wasn't out of the ordinary and almost no county had a worse jail than its neighbor, Jefferson County,

The Indiana Bulletin. March 131, December 1922 Published quarterly by the Board of State Charities of Indiana, Room 404 State House.

SWITZERLAND COUNTY County Poor Asylum, Vevay, R. R. Visited August 15, 1922.

The poor asylum is located four and one-half miles southwest of Vevay. Brown Wakefield, superintendent.

Farm. The farm contains 160 acres of poor land. There are 7 head of cattle, 4 cows, 2 horses, 11 swine and 140 poultry. There are four acres in garden. The orchard is old and run down and there are no small fruits. The products are used in the institution. The farm buildings are old. and in poor condition. The fences are fairly good and the door yards present a fair appearance.

Buildings and Equipment. This is an old stone building, lacking all conveniences. The institution is clean. It is lighted by kerosene and heated by stoves. The ventilation comes from the windows. The water is supplied by means of a hand pump and there is also a cistern. There is no fire protection. One bath tub is located in the wash house. The closets are out of doors. The furniture consists of beds, chairs, stands, pictures. The bedding is clean.

Management. The superintendent receives $500 per year and the matron $200 per year. A physician comes on call. Supplies are not purchased by competitive bids. The records are satisfactory. There are no rules. Inmates are received on a written order from the township trustee. The commissioners visit the poor asylum occasionally.

Inmates. Population: 3 men, 3 women. There is good sex separation. The inmates are clean. They bathe once a week and change their clothing weekly. The general health is good. Three meals a day are served, prepared by the matron with the assistance of the inmates. Religious services are not held.

Recent Improvements. A new tin roof has been put on, a horse and eleven swine have been purchased.

Recommendations. The county should have a new poor asylum on good land.

County Jail, Vevay. Visited August 15, 1922.

The jail is located in the court house square, in Vevay. George Stewart, sheriff.

Building and Equipment. The jail is constructed of stone and is strong, but from the standpoint of health it is not safe. The ventilation comes from two small windows high up in the wall. There are four cells for men. Juveniles are not cared for in the jail. There are electric lights in an ante-room and the building is heated by stoves. City water is supplied. There are two closets. The flushing arrangement is unhandy. The jail is as clean as it is possible to make it, considering the type of building. The plumbing and sewerage are satisfactory. There are no bath tubs. Iron cots and bunks are used. The bedding consists of mattresses, blankets and pillows.

Management. The jail is managed by the sheriff, who inspects it daily. There are no rules for prisoners. The commissioners do not visit the jail quarterly. The sheriff makes a written report to the court. Tramps are received, also city prisoners upon arrest.

Inmates. Population: One man, awaiting trial. No occupation is provided except to keep the jail clean. There is no rule in regard to bathing or changing of clothing. Three meals a day are served and the food is the same as served the sheriff's family. Reading matter is furnished. Religious services are not held.

Needs. A new jail is needed.