Report of the Board of Commissioners of the Northern Asylum for the Insane, at Traverse City, Michigan, for the fiscal year, 1882.

Report of the Board of Commissioners of the Northern Asylum for the Insane, at Traverse City, Michigan, for the fiscal year, 1882.

Asylums--Michigan--Traverse City--History.

Psychiatric hospitals.

Report published by the State of Michigan and addressed to David H. Jerome, then Governor of the State of Michigan, covering the acts of the Board from its organization to the close of the fiscal year, September 30, 1882.

Board of Commissioners of the Northern Asylum for the Insane, at Traverse City, Michigan.

Original document held by Traverse Area District Library.

Lansing: W.S. George & Co., State Printers and Binders.

30 September 1882

State of Michigan.

This document is in the public domain.

See other reports from the Board of Trustees in the "Traverse City State Hospital" Digital Collection.

PDF.

English.

Document.

TCSH0003

Traverse City, Grand Traverse County, Michigan.

REPORT

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

NORTHERN ASYLUM FOR THE INSANE,
T R A V E R S E CITY. M I C H I G A N ,

1SS3.

BY A U T H O R I T Y .

LANSING, MICH.:
W. S. GEORGE & CO., STATE PRINTERS AND BINDERS.
1882.

REPORT.

To the Hon. DAVID H. JEROME, Governor of the State of Michigan:
SIR,—The Board of Commissioners appointed under the provisions of Act
No. 225, of the Session laws of 1881, to "locate, establish, and organize an additional asylum for the insane," respectfully submits the following report covering
the acts of the Board from its organization to the close of the fiscal year,
September 30, 1882:
The Board, beginning its labors with the year 1882, has devoted its attention
mainly to the work of inception and preparation. This work comprised in
brief, the selection from several distinct varieties or types of hospital structures, of a building fully adapted in all its relations to the classification, the
daily life, the administrative care, and the special requirements of the class of
patients it was intended to receive; the determination of the size or capacity
of the buildings, and its general character as to stability, durability, and ornamentation, alias modified by the limits of the appropriation; the consideration of the architectural, hygienic, and economic features to be incorporated
in the asylum, and th6 preparation of plans and specifications embodying these
in all their details, for the use of contractors.
In determining the general character of the asylum to be constructed, the
Board took into consideration the language and tenor of the Act making the
appropriation. This Act in its provisions and wording is nearly identical with
the Act of 1873 appropriating $400,000 for the erection of the Eastern
Asylum at Pontiac, and the amount appropriated is the same. In the absence
of limitation or instruction to the Board, it was inferred that a building of the
substantial character, capacity, and general design as to the comforts, facilities for treatment, and number of classifications of that constructed at Pontiac under a similar Act, and for the same sum, was intended.
This enabled the Board to draw a further conclusion as to the limitation of
cost, almost with certainty; that is, that the amount appropriated was intended to cover the construction of the asylum buildings with all fixtures complete,
but with the expectation, as in the case of the asylum at Pontiac, that the
warming and ventilating apparatus, the plumbing and furnishing, would be
provided for by subsequent appropriations. To interpret otherwise would be to
ask the Board to furnish for $400,000 what, at Pontiac, cost $467,000, with
prices ruling materially higher.

4

REPOKT OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE

The site of the asylum at Traverse City was visited early in the year by the
Board, together with the architect and superintendent, and carefully studied
in its varied relations to the proposed buildings. Levels taken over the building plateau showed that an asylum structure of moderate dimensions placed
thereon could not afterwards be extended by wings to increase its capacity, as
is so frequently done, but that ample and favorable ground would be available
for detached buildings or "cottages," in the event of additional accommodation being required. These detached buildings can be erected at less cost per
capita than the main portions of the asylum, and have met with considerable
favor. They accommodate satisfactorily certain limited classes of patients,
selected from the large numbers of a populous asylum, for instance those who
are able to work on the farm or in the kitchen,—quiet, demented patients, or
those to whom a larger degree of freedom can be safely extended. But these
cottages are always subordinate to the main structure, an outgrowth or extension of classification merely, in no sense independent, and either with or without them, the central asylum building with its administrative and economic
departments must be complete. The Board therefore determined to proceed
with the preparation of plans for a hospital building complete in itself, of the
same general character as the asylums already erected by the State, but adaptable as a center for detached buildings, should their erection in the future be
determined upon.
The next important consideration related to the size or capacity of the
proposed asylum as limited by the appropriation, or, in other words, with the
general plan decided upon and the character of the provision for patients
determined, both of which were much the same as at the asylum at Pontiac,
for how many can the proposed asylum be made to provide, the cost of building having materially advanced since the erection of that institution. To add
section to section upon the plans until the estimated cost of construction
approximated the sum available, would, in the case of some structures, be an
easy solution of the problem, but in an institution for the insane is impracticable by reason of the peculiar necessities of its administration. To make the
central structure meet the requirements of a completed asylum, necessitates
for each of the sexes a number of distinct classifications or wards, each possessing for its exclusive use certain auxiliary and special apartments and
arrangements. These divisions are based upon the known requirements, mental and physical, of the patients, and are most important factors in the treatment of the insane. Experience has determined that the ground floor of each
wing should be divided into not less than three classifications or wards, beginning at the administration building,—a convalescent, an intermediate, and
a disturbed or extreme ward. Experience again has determined the maximum,
number of patients best adapted for each classification, the convalescent being
the larger and the disturbed the smaller wards. These considerations seemed
to limit the ground plan of the wings, and to forbid the omission of a ward
from either wing, or any reduction in the size of the wards.
Neither was it thought wise to reduce the capacity of the accommodations
for the administrative and working departments below the prospective requirements of a fully completed and extended institution. To do so would prevent
further enlargement or the erection of detached buildings, except at a greatly
increased proportionate cost; or place its management at a serious disadvantage by compelling the use of buildings cramped in room, or illy modified and
enlarged from the original design.

NORTHERN ASYLUM FOR THE INSANE.

5

It was obvious, therefore, that the wings should each consist of three distinct divisions for wards, each ward so designed as to fully meet definite
requirements; and that the administration building and the working department should be constructed with reference to possible prospective demands
upon their capacities. Should the building thus planned be likely to exceed
in cost the amount at the disposal of the Board, the only alternative would be
the omission of a story. The pecuniary disadvantage to the State of such a step
was very manifest, the cost of the foundations and roofs remaining nearly the
same whether the building be two or three stories in height. This omission
therefore, the Board was unwilling to make, and it was hoped that by cutting
down expenditure in every possible direction, the necessity might be avoided,
notwithstanding the gradually increasing cost of construction through existing
labor strikes and accompanying complications.
As the building plateau commands a fine view of the beautiful bay on
which Traverse City is located, it was deemed very desirable to secure the full
influence of this very attractive feature in the landscape by so arranging the
several wards as to give to the occupants of each a full view of the bay. This
was satisfactorily accomplished by fronting the asylum a few degrees north of
east, and by making a break in the axis of each wing near the middle, the
effect of which is to advance the extreme portions more to the front. This
break or bend in the axis of the front proved advantageous also in better
adapting the building to the levels of the site, and materially reducing the
amount of grading necessary.
Back of the building plateau the ground again rises, and is heavily wooded.
Thus in viewing the asylum its background will be the timber of these woods,
against which the outlines of the buildings will be projected. In considering
this feature of the site the Board felt that a building thus placed would need
less architectural adornment than one so situated as to form its own distinctive
outlines, and that it would modify the character of the ornamentation; this
point the architect in the preparation, of the elevation has kept in view.
The spring and early summer opened with high and unsettled prices.
Labor strikes disturbed the markets of the country and the trouble promised
to become more serious. Contractors hesitated in naming prices for either
labor or material, and were forced to estimate with large contingent margins.
The prospect of letting a contract within the appropriation seemed very remote,
and careful estimates, based on the ruling prices, and for like work, pointed to
the same conclusion.
Another obstacle to immediately pressing the work presented itself. The
Board on examining the law found that the sum of $50,000 only was available
prior to the year 1883, and of that sum $19,611.83 had already been expended
by the Locating Board. The Board could, therefore, make payments during
the season of 1882 for only a very limited amount of work. Moreover, all
the money available under the act up to the year 1884 could be advantageously
expended in the single year 1883. Under these circumstances the Board concluded not to urge the immediate completion of the plans and their submission
to contractors for examination and propositions, but instead to at once make

6

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE

minor contracts for the building material which would first be required, and to
accumulate an ample supply for efficient use at the proper time. It was hoped
that at the approach of autumn, lower prices would prevail through a settlement of the labor troubles, and a return of stability and confidence to the
business of the country. This policy, it was thought, would enable the contractor to press the work with great vigor during the year 1883, and thus use
nearly or quite all the money available from the appropriation, while definite
prices and a settled labor market it was hoped might largely reduce the estimate for the work and possibly permit the construction of buildings satisfactory in classification and design, not too small for economy to the State, and
substantial in character, with the money placed in the hands of the Board.
PKOPOSALS FOR BEIOK AND STONE.

In the pursuance of this policy the Board on June '22, 1883, after duly
advertising, opened proposals for furnishing the brick needed for the construction of the asylum, and for the rubble and footing stone of the foundations.
The prices named in the proposals proved advantageous and a contract was
entered into with Messrs. Farr, Avery & Co., the lowest bidders, for making
9,000,000 common brick and 400,000 face brick at $6 per thousand for common and $10 per thousand for stock faca brick, or $15 per thousand for pressed face brick, at the option of the Board. These bids will be found in detail
on page 11. Under this contract about a million of brick of an excellent
quality have thus far been made.
The Board contracted with Messrs. Wing, Morgan & Harford, the lowest
bidders, for the delivery of 234 cords of rubble stone and 125 cords of No. 1
stone for footings, all from quarries on Washington Island, Wisconsin, at $12
and $16 per cord respectively, and about half of the stone has already been
delivered.
The satisfactory prices at which these contracts were let led the Board to
hope that the main contract might then be advantageously awarded. Proposals were consequently solicited, to be opened October 25, 1882, for the general
and completed construction of the asylum, except for the brick and stone,
already under contract, and builders are now examining the plans and specifications in the preparation of their proposals.
SPECIAL LEGISLATION.

The Board of Commissioners, appointed for the purpose of locating an additional asylum for the insane, and selecting and purchasing a site therefor,
•was unable, through statutory prohibition to fully complete its work by the
purchase of the entire tract selected. A very essential portion is owned by the
firm of Hannah, Lay & Co., one member of which firm, Mr. Perry Hannah,
was at the time a member of the Locating Eoard. By general statutory enactment a purchase under these circumstances would have been null and void.
The law prohibiting such purchase was passed by the Legislature of 1873, and
is as follows:
ACT NO. 107, LAWS OF 1S73.

"SECTION 1. The People of the State of Michigan enact, That no trustee,
inspector, regent, superintendent, agent, officer, or member of any Board having control or charge of any educational, charitable, penal, pauper, or reformatory public institution of this State, or of any county thereof, shall be personally, directly or indirectly, interested in any contract, purchase, or sale

NORTHERN ASYLUM FOR THE INSANE.

7

made for, or on account, or in behalf of any such institution, and all such
contracts, purchases, or sales shall be held null and void."
Accompanying this report, as well as in the report of the Locating Board,
will be found a map of the asylum grounds, showing the tracts of land in
question. The Locating Commission, after speaking of the desire of the
Board to purchase this very necessary portion of the site, its legal inability to
do so, and the great importance of isolating, so far as possible, the asylum and
its recreation grounds from the built-up portions of the city, says:
"The larger portion, 45.40 acres,—shown by a green tint on the map—
forms a corner of the tract nearest the town, and lies within forty rods of the
buildings, directly in front of and between them and the city. Dwelling houses
erected upon it, aside from obstructing the view, would almost wholly destroy
the value of the other portions of the tract immediately in front of the buildings, as recreation and pleasure grounds, for which it is especially desirable.
The Board, therefore, recommends the passage of an Act authorizing its purchase, from the funds already appropriated for the purpose, at the price
originally fixed upon, $50 per acre. Also the purchase of the smaller portion,
11.25 acres, at $30 per acre, the price originally fixed. This is also shown
upon the map in a green tint, and its possession by the State is desirable to
give the asylum control of the land through to the JSfewaygo and Northport
State road, an important thoroughfare."
As the larger portion is absolutely essential to the purposes of the institution,
this recommendation of the Locating Commissioners is fully indorsed, and the
Board respectfully urges that the legal disability prohibiting its purchase may
be removed.
SUBMISSION OF THE PLANS TO THE STATE BOAED OP HEALTH AND TO THE
BOARD OS COEEECTIONS AND CHAEITIES.

At the last session of the Legislature a law was enacted requiring that all
plans for State institutions prior to being adopted by the Board in authority
shall be submitted to the State Boards of Health and of Corrections and Charities, and that the next subsequent report of the Board so submitting plans,
shall show to what extent the plans thus examined were approved.
The following is the text of the law:
ACT NO. 206, LAWS OF 1881.

"SECTION 7. That before the Board of any charitable, penal, or reformatory institution shall determine on the plan of any building for school purposes,
living rooms, work rooms, or sleeping rooms for inmates, or on any system of
sewerage, ventilation, or heating, which have been authorized by the Legislature to be constructed, such plans shall be submitted to the Board of Corrections and Charities and the State Board of Health for examination and
opinion thereon; and the Board so submitting such plans shall, in its biennial
report show to what extent they were approved by the Boards so examining
them."
In compliance with this law the Board of Corrections and Charities and the
Board of Health were invited to meet with this Board in Detroit, August 15,
1882, for the purpose of examining the plans and specifications for the contemplated asylum buildings within the meaning and intent of the act of appropriation, these plans providing for the expenditure of all the money at the
disposal of the Board.

8

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE

At this meeting the Board of Health was represented by Hon. Le Eoy
Parker, Rev. D. G. Jacokes, D. D., Henry F. Lyster, M. D., John H. Kellogg,
M. D., John Avery, M. D., and Henry B. Baker, M. D. A quorum of the
Board of Corrections and Charities, however, failed to meet. Unfortunately
also, although nearly all the members of the Board of Health were present,
the attendance at any one time was not full, several of the members corning
quite late, and others being compelled to go away early. The examination of
the plans was, therefore, hurried and unsatisfactory, and left no time either
for the interchange of opinion or the preparation of a report. Under these
circumstances a committee of the Board of Health was appointed and authorized to meet at the Eastern Asylum at Pontiac and prepare the report of the
Board. This committee, however, was not able to meet. Two subsequent
meetings were appointed at Pontiac, which meetings, by invitation of the committee, the Superintendent attended with the plans, but on both occasions a
majority of the committee was unable to be present.
On August 24 the Board of Corrections and Charities met with this Board at
Traverse City, and devoted the day to a careful examination of the plans and
specifications, after visiting the site of the asylum. There were present of the
Board of Corrections and Charities Rt. Rev. Geo. D. Gillespie, E. H. Van
Deusen, M. D., Hon. John J. Wheeler, and Witter J Baxter, the Secretary.
The action taken is shown by the following communication to the Board of
Commissioners:
Traverse City, August 24,1882.
HON. PERRY HANNAH,
Chairman Board for Construction of Northern Asylum for the Insane:
DEAR SIR,—The State Board of Corrections and Charities have carefully examined
the plans and specifications of the proposed asylum submitted by your Board, and
have personally inspected the site selected, and have by a unanimous vote directed
me to communicate to your Board their approval of the entire plans and specifications so far as perfected and submitted. They regard the building, when erected
according to plans and specifications submitted, as admirably adapted to the purpose
for which they are designed, and in entire harmony with the site chosen.
A more full report will be prepared and sent you at an early day.
By order of the Board,
WITTER J. BAXTER,
Secretary.

The Board thereupon adopted the following resolution :
WHEREAS, The plans and specifications prepared by Gordon W.Lloyd, architect,
for the Northern Asylum for the Insane, have been submitted to the State Board of
Health and the State Board of Corrections and Charities, in accordance with the
requirements of Act No. 206, Session Laws of 1881, therefore
Resolved, That the plans and specifications be officially adopted by this Board, and
that the Superintendent be instructed to solicit proposals for the construction of the
buildings by advertisement in the following newspapers, viz.: Detroit Post and
Tribune, Detroit Free Press, Grand Rapids -Eagle, Grand Rapids Democrat, Grand
Traverse Herald, Traverse Bay Eagle, and American Architect.

As promised by the Board of Corrections and Charities in its report of
August 24, to this Board relative to the plans submitted, a subsequent and full
report was received as follows:
STATE OF MICHIGAN,

)

SECRETARY'S OFFICE, BOARD OF CORRECTIONS AND CHARITIES, >
Lansing, September 26, 1882.
)
To HON. PERRY HANNAH,
Chairman of Board of Construction of the Northern Asylum for Insane:
SIR,—The site selected for the Northern Asylum impresses this Board favorably.

NORTHERN ASYLUM FOR THE INSANE.
It is sufficiently isolated for asylum purposes, and is, at the same time, easily reached
from the city.
An examination of the plans submitted shows a successful embodiment, in an inexpensive exterior, of the approved characteristic features of similar institutions in
this country. Everything deemed essential by the profession in the arrangement of
the halls or wards seems to have been incorporated, while the special devices for
isolation, and for extending the classification of inmates, will be found very serviceable
in an institution which like those of this State must receive for treatment patients of
very diverse tastes, habits, pursuits, and social relations.
The architectural precautions against danger from fire are perhaps as good as can
be secured without incurring the greatly increased cost of an absolutely fire-proof
construction. The galvanized iron cornices shown, with the extension of brick division walls to the roof, will doubtless prove an effective barrier to the communication
of fire from one section to another.
The arrangement of the several divisions of the building with the special design
of securing to the inmates of every ward an abundance of sunlight, with an unobstructed view of the bay and the most attractive surroundings of the city, is a most
commendable feature of the plans. This is too frequently sacrificed to meet the
requirements of mere architectural effect.
Recent experience seems to show that provision for certain classes of the incurably
insane, and for patients laboring under some forms of disease, may be economically
and satisfactorily secured by the erection of detached buildings or ''cottages," as
they are sometimes called, in connection with a central hospital structure. Should
this sjstem of provision be found as successful in operation as it promises, the acquisition by your Board of so large a tract of land will prove a wise forethought.
If the spring brook running through the tract continues as full as at present, all
sewage matter from the asylum building and its adjuncts can be so speedily and
completely removed as to entirely relieve you of solicitude on that point.
The plans submitted provide for the adoption of a system of" forced ventilation," or
in other words, for the supply of air forced by the action of a "fan" into a large central chamber whence it passes over radiating surfaces, warmed by steam when necessary,
to the corridors of the halls above, eventually to make its exit through flues starting
at the floor of each dormitory and other apartments, and thence by means of ventilating trunks out into the open air above the building. As regards the efficiency of
this system, we can only say that it has proved satisfactoiy, and is deemed specially
adapted to institutions for the insane, from the peculiarities of their construction
and their subdivision into numerous small dormitories.
Experience and inventive skill have suggested from time to time marked changes
and improvements in the steam boilers and radiating surfaces employed in elevating
the temperature of the air supply. As, however, these with the motive power,
warm and cold water distribution, baths, lavatories, water-closets, etc., are included
in the furnishing of the asylum, and hereafter to be provided for and determined,
reference thereto is not now deemed advisable.
By direction of the State Board of Corrections and Charities,
WITTER J. BAXTER,
Secretary.

In the execution of the work thus far done, the preparation of plans and
specifications, and the necessary executive work, the Board has had the services of Gordon W. Lloyd as Architect, and 0. M. Wells as Superintendent.
Mr. Lloyd stands high as an architect of character and professional acquirements, and his selection as architect has proved most fortunate. Mr. Wells
had charge of the erection of the Eastern Asylum at Pontiac, in a similar
capacity,, and his experience renders his services extremely valuable.
Respectfully submitted,
PEKRY HANISiAH,
E. H. VAN DEUSESr,
M. H. BUTLER,
H. H. RILEY,
ALEX. CHAPOTON, SR.,
Commissioners.
OFFICE OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, )
Traverse City, September 30,1882.
)

TREASURER'S REPORT.

OFFICE OF TREASURER,
)
NORTHERN ASYLUM FOR THE INSANE, V
Ootober 2, 1882.
\o the BO
The following report of the receipts and disbursements of this office for the
fiscal year ending September 30, 1883, is respectfully submitted:
Received from State Treasurer
Eeceived from Asylum Farm

$5,395 00
147 66
$5,542 66

No disbursements.
Amount of jb'uuds on Hand October 1,

5,542 66

EEUBEN HATCH,
Treasurer.
EXPENDITURES OP BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF NORTHERN ASYLUM FOR INSANE
TO SEPTEMBER 30, 1882.

Foundation Stone, on contract of Wing, Morgan & Harford,
Out-buildings, moving and repairing Dwelling House,
Farm Labor, etc.,
Architect,
Incidentals, Rent of Office, Printing, Acc't Books, Advertising, etc.,..
Salary of Superintendent and Secretary at $2,500 per annum
Total,

$880 00
575 00
93 24
151 SO
513 24
1,187 50
$3,400 78

RECEIPTS.

From Farm Products sold, and Pasture,

$147 66

PROPOSALS FOR BRICK AND STONE.

OPENED JUNE 23,

1883.

PROPOSALS FOR BRICK.

Farr, Avery & Co.,
400.000 Stock Brick @ $10,
9.000.000 Machine Brick @ $6,
J. W. Markham,
400.000 Stock Brick,
9,000,000 Machine Brick @ $6.25,
Arthur E. Keifer & Co.,
400.000 Stock Brick @ $20 20,
9,000 000 Machine Brick @ $5.95,
Waterman, Hovey & Curry,
400.000 Stock Brick (white) @ $10
9,000,000 Machine Brick @ $0.25,
Brown, Clark & Co.,
41)0.000 StMck Brick,
9,000,000 Machine Brick @ $9,

$4.000 00
64,000 00 $58,000 00

,
•_..

. (nobicl.)
56,250 00
8.08000
53,550 00

61,630 00

4.000 00
56,250 00

60,250 00

(no bid.)
81,000 00

Awarded June 23, 1882, to Farr, Avery & Co., the lowest bidders.
PROPOSALS FOR STONE.

Wing, Morgan & Jffarford,
]25 cords No. 1 Stone @ $16,
234 cords Hubble Stone @ $12,
Farr, Avery & Co.,
325 cords No. 1 Stone @ $24,...,.
234 cords Hubble Stone @ $13,
The Wortliington & Lake Huron Slone Co.,
125cortls No. 1 Stone @ $33,
234 curds Hubble Stoue @ f 11.50,

$2.000 00
2,808 00

$4,808 00

3.000 00
3,042 00

6,042 00

4.125 00
2,691 00

6,816 00

Awarded to Wing, Morgan & Harford, the lowest bidders, Jane 22, 1882.

INVENTORY.

AS EEQUIRED BY SECTION 3 OF ACT 206, LAWS OF 1881.
339.90 acres of Land including one Dwelling House, value $1,200, and one
Barn, value $800,
_
$19,326 00
9 Account Books, general and special,
39 25
2 Boxes of Pens,
1 50
1 Bowl for Copy Brush,
12
1 Copy Brush,
50
1 Cylinder Desk,
28 00
60 cords of Rubble Stone @ $12,
720 00
10 cords of No. 1 Stone @ $16,
1GO 00
1 Inkstand,
50
1 Knife Eraser,
60
1 Letter File,
2 00
1 Letter Press,
6 00
1 Pen Rack,
-25
1 Ruler,
35
1 Rubber,
15
1 Record of Board of Commissioners,
7 50

IPail,
1 Waste Paper Basket,
1 Watering Pail and Rose,

10
75
50

$20,594 07

SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT BY THE COMMISSIONERS.

To the HOJT. DAVID H. JEROME, Governor of the Slate of Michigan:
SIR:—At the date of the preceding report builders were engaged in preparing their estimates and proposals for the construction of the asylum. As
therein stated, and for reasons given, the plans and specifications, as regard
the extent and arrangement", of the buildings, the material to be used, and the
character of work required, had been curtailed until a point was reached
beyond which any farther reduction would have been at the sacrifice of ends
deemed indispensable. Notwithstanding this, the increase in the cost of construction since the asylum at Pontiac was erected caused the Hoard to look
forward to the opening of the bids with much solicitude. The result has been
as favorable as could possibly have been anticipated ; and as it is an important
event in the history of the institution, it is deemed best to make it the subject
of a brief supplemental report.
Proposals were opened in accordance with the advertisements, and in compliance with the requirements of the act, October 25, 188«, in the presence of
the bidders and other parties interested, and a contract was entered into for
the general construction of the buildings with Messrs. BenUeys & Nowlan, of
Milwaukee, Wis., for the sum of $272,16!).07. Messrs. 13. & N. are responsible
contractors of large experience in public works, having erected the extensions
of the capitol at Madison, the south wing of the asylum at Oshkosh, and other
structures of similar magnitude.
The expenditure of the sum named in this contract, with the payments
already made or to be provided for under the existing contracts for brick and
stone and others required by the act, will, even with the most rigid economy,
entirely exhaust the appropriation.
The following is a list of the proposals received :
Gearing & Co., Detroit
$3G5,380 00
Bentleys & Nowlan, Milwaukee, Wis
272,1(59 67
I. K. Cramer & (Jo., Toledo, Ohio
276,183 00
Farr, A very & Co., Detroit and Grand Rapids
312.296 00
Collins & Jeyr.cs, Detroit
332,713 00
Hugh Hichard & Lewis A. Dan by, Jackson
338,910 72
J. A. Moross&Co., Detroit
357,409 00
After a full and careful consideration, the Board, on October 26, unani
mously adopted the following resolution of award :
WHEREAS, By the general instructions to contractors it is provided, among
other things, that each bidder " s u b m i t with his tender an itemized schedule

14

NORTHEJRN MICHIGAN ASYLUM FOE THE INSANE.

of prices and quantities of the several kinds of materials and labor to be used
iu the construction of the asylum ;" and
WHEREAS, It appears from the examination of the schedule submitted by
Gearing & Co., Collins & Jeynes, and J. A. Moross & Co., of Detroit, Mich.,
with their proposals, that their schedules do not comply with said instructions,
and
WHEKEAS, Said instructions provided that " no proposals will be considered
or accepted unless accompanied by a full itemized schedule;" therefore,
Resolved, That the contract for work and materials advertised in the proposals of the Board for building the Northern Asylum for the Insane at
Traverse City, Michigan, be awarded to Bentleys & Nowlan. of Milwaukee,
Wis., a firm composed of John Bentley, Thomas R. Bentley, and Oscar F.
Nowlan, whose written proposition is the lowest regular bid made in conformity with said specifications, and whose schedules are full and satisfactory,
upon condition that said Bentleys & Nowlan, within ten days from this date,
enter into a contract for the performance of said work and furnishing such
materials as are required by this Board, and shall also furnish a bond in the
sum of thirty thousand dollars for the faithful performance of said work and
furnishing such materials, with two sureties, to be approved by this Board,
both of whom shall be residents of Michigan.
PERKY HANNAH,
ALEXANDER CHAPOTON, SB.,
H E N R Y H. KILEY,
MILTON II. BUTLER,
E. H. VAN DEUSEN,
Traverse City, Nov. 1, 1882.
Commissioners.



Paper booklet.

Text embedded in record from PDF Extractor.