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I:
Z9he RIGHT
to
LIVE .
"WITH rREEDCM THERE IS PEACE"
BLAKE HAMMOND
MANOR
�s/4
A
DEDICATION
to
Parents and Associates of
The Handicapped and Mentally Retarded
who cooperate, guide and assist in
THE RIGHT TO LIVE
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Q?
iii:£
�A Coeducational School and Home for Those Handicapped
and Mentally Retarded
BLAKE HAMMOND MANOR
Telephone DEerfield 6-5060
P. 0 . Box 374
BEN LOMOND
CALIFORNIA
THEODORE H. SMITH
Owner and Operator
�Aerial View of Blake Hammond Manor
Lower left Corner-The Administration Building.
Upper right corner-Beverly and Blake Cottages for girls
over 15. The V shaped building next to these is the Elizabeth
Ellen Smith Memo rial Building which houses the dining room,
school and dormatories for smaller boys.
Center-The Lowder Memorial Building which houses
g irls and boys in their respective w ings who require a great
deal of personal attention .
Re ctangular building-The Boys' Farm Unit for older
boys .
Upper left-Laundry, Milk House, Work Shop, Barns, etc.
BLAKE HAMMOND MANOR IS A COEDUCATIONAL SCHOOL AND HOME FOR THE
HANDICAPPED AND MENTALLY RETARDED
Blake Hammond Ma11or is situated in the Sa11ta
Cru7, Mountains at Ben Lomond, California. It is
beautifully located among stately redwoods and shady
pines, which lend an atmosphere of peacefulness and
refinement for the guidance of the unde rprivilcdged
and handicapped.
The most perfect climatic conditions exist for
healthful living and recreation; with every effort expended to advantageously exploit it for the benefit of
the occupants.
This school is composed of several indi vidual
units-the Administration Building; the E li7-abeth
Ellen Smith Memorial Group, which includes Blake
and Beverly Cottages; the Lowder Memoria l Building
and the Boys' Farm Unit, together with thei r group
of associated buildings.
E ach unit is specifically organized to derive the
utmost benefits for those children they are to house.
All units ar e strictly supervised by trained personnel
and a competent staff is in constant attendance for
instruction and guidance and to maintain a homelikt
a tmosphere among those they are trying to help.
Page 2
�Location
Environment
Blake Hammond Manor is located on State Highway No. 9 one mile north of Ben Lomond, California.
It nestles in the bowl of a horseshoe shaped ridge of
hills of the Santa Cruz mountains and is surrounded
by some of California's finest redwoods. The tree
lined San Lorenzo River cascades past the open end
of this horseshoe dividing the original site of the
school from the new site on which all future buildings
will be located.
Blake Hammond Manor is 70 miles south of San
Francisco at the base of the Santa Cruz peninsula.
From San Francisco one has a choice of three hard
surfaced all-weather highways, namely scenic Skyline
Boulevard which leads directly to our school, the attractive and more populated State Highway No. 101
which passes through Palo Alto and the faster, but
bu~inesslike Bay Shore Highway, both of which meet
Highway No. 17 at Sunnyvale. From Sunnyvale you
pass through Saratoga and Los Gatos, then continue
to Camp Evers where you turn right to Felton, then
again turn right on San Lorenzo River Drive four
miles to our entrance. 'vVe are 380 miles north of Los
1\ngelcs. Y uu may take either the coast road to l\llontcrcy and Santa Cruz or the inland route to Sa11ta Cruz
Yia Salinas. From Sana Cruz you proceed North
t\\-cl ve miles to ou1· gate.
Climate
quoia Sempervi rens) kno·wn to mankind. Each year
this park and the small pocket edition, Santa Cruz
Big Trees which lies four miles to the South of us,
is visited by many thousands of tourists from all over
the world. Santa Cruz, the Beach City on Monterey
Bay, widely known for its splendid surf bathing, fi shing and aquatic sports is just twelve miles away. In
fact we are in the heart of a wonderful vacation land
where thousands come annually to enjoy the excellent
scenery, extremely healthy, even climate and fo r a
vacation and rest.
'vVe are eleven miles South of the Califorpia State
Redwood Park locally known as Big Basin, which
park consists of several thousands of acres of some of
the finest, largest and oldest Giant Redwoods ( Se· Page 3
.
~ -'
.
Ji ¼o,;n~~<>I -
�The Elizabeth Ellen Smith Memorial Group
The E lizabeth E llen Smith Memorial Croup is
dedicated to the memory of Mr. Theodore H. Smith's
small boys, then there are two homelike units, Beverly
and Blake Cottages for g irls of 16 and ove r:
mother, who was a pioneer in the field for instruction,
T hese buildings are beau ti fully constructed and
guidance and assistance of the mentally retarded. This
group is divided into four units, the largest comprising
situated on one of the finest sites of the spacious
the dining hall, kitchen, employees quarters, three
grounds of Blake Hammond Manor. They are fire
proof structu1·es, of large p roportions and command
large school rooms and a dormatory for small boys.
outstanding views of the surrounding countryside, for
The second smallest unit is given over entirely for
which the community is noted.
Page 4
�School Rooms -
Department for Instruction and Guidance
The school rooms, photographs of which appear below, a re large commodious, rooms, adequately providing seating space for individual instruction and assistance for guidance in the well-supervised courses
of ferecl.
All work is planned, and all courses of procedure
a rc adapted to the abilities of the scholars a nd their
capacit ies. The accomplished results a re displayed and
encouragement is the keynote of every teacher's endeavor.
P leasant atmospheres prevail and the pupils enjoy
their companionship with the teachers, who are both
understanding and kindly, with a consideration of
their physical and mental retardation.
B O R D ERS O F B LACKB O AR D S , W O RK OF PUPI LS
ELIZABETH ELL EN SMITH MEMO R IAL HALL
DOMESTIC
D I NING ROOM AND SCHOOL
SCI E NCES
INS TRUCTION
SOC IAL S C IENCES
E LIZAB ETH E LLE N SMI T H M E MORIAL H A LL
C H ILDREN' S DINING RO OM
Page S
�BEYERLY AND BLAKE COTTAGE
Beverly and Blake Cottages
Beverly and Blake Cottages are identical in size,
Each has several private rooms with bath, some double
each housing 14 girls of 16 and over. They comprise
rooms with intercommunicating bath and a dormatory.
the living quarters for these girls and arc representa-
are homelike, friendly structures, with a conviviality
The rooms are equipped to adju st the child as
quickly as possible and provide a living atmosphere,
which brings a feeling of home life and eradicates any
strangeness, which could provoke the adjustment of
of comradship permeatnig the entire surroundings.
homesickness.
tive of the best to be maintained for this purpose in
the field of this type of institutional operation. They
GIRLS' LOUNGE -
GIRLS' COTTAGE -
BEVERLY COTTAGE
Page 6
LOUNGE
�The Boys' Farm Unit
The Boys' Farm Cottage is what the name typifies,
conform to the general plan and a personal super-
a genuine country home, with every a im exerted to
vision is the master stroke in utilizing all natural
give the boys a real abandon and the open air freedom,
resources and advantages.
which fresh air and surroundings provide. There are
This cottage is light, a iry and fireproof with tile
single rooms, double r ooms and two dormatories. T his
unit, together with the associated buildings, workshop,
garages, barn, etc., has a capacity for 28 boys.
Every roo111 in the building is strictly designed to
roof. It has a beautiful setting, overlooking quite an
extensive area of the San Lorenzo Valley. The surrounding land is ferti le, well-drained and adequate for
small farming, poultry raising or orcharcling.
Page 7
,.
�The Lowder Memorial Unit
The Lowder Memorial was named after George
Harland Lowder, Jr., one of our employees who gave
his Ii fe in the building of Blake Hammond Manor.
modius with red tile roof and built of reinforced concrete blocks.
The lounge and sleeping rooms of this memorial are
the epitome of a preconceived thought and theme of
perfection. They arc airy, clean, compact and com-
who require a great deal of personalized attention.
No item has been left undone to bring about a scheme
fo r the ideal situation for such a pur pose.
One wing is given over to boys, the other to girls
Page 8
�Recreational Areas -
Swimming
and Beauty Spots
Blake H ammond Manor is endowed with the rarest
of nature's gifts. The grounds are surrounded by the
winding San Lorenzo River, whose rippling pools and
eddying streams add an ever enchanting touch to the
surroundings. The charm added by the huge redwoods
and the spicy pines cannot be described in a few words.
The setting of this idyllic spot has been utilized to
give the underprivileged every advantage, which they
have missed, and expose them to the gifts, which the
great outdoors grants without reservation or tariff.
THE OLE SWIMMIN H O L E AT BLAKE HAMMO ND MANOR
'l'he setting has been adj usted to recreational and
physical developments. All playground equipment,
which is feasible for this type of inmate, is on the
specially designated plots and the use is strictly supervised.
Life at this lovely spot spells healthful living and
a happy, enjoyable experi ence.
A BEAUT Y SPOT NEAR THE OLE SWIMMIN HOLE
Page 9
�Method of Operation and Care of the Handicapped
Blake Hammond Manor, in lieu of my years of
expereince in this type of service, has worked out a
plan, whereby a system is organized, which serves as
a protection for parents and relatives of the handicapped individuals. The Banks, as conditions exist,
do not favor loans of considerable size to specialized
schools, since the conduct of these is primarily under
the supervision of a head officer. Therefore, banks
servicing mostly the mercantile trade and real estate
transactions, know very little or nothing of the operation of school work and especially that of the handicapped, and should the head officers of such institution pass away, the resale of such a specialized organization would be a real gamble. Then,too, to protect the
interests of depositors, very high rates are in order
and no school could afford them.
For special clinical care children are taken to San
Francisco where they have access to many specialists,
either at the University of California or those of Stanford at Stanford Lane Hospital. 'Wherever the family
have their own doctor or specialist we try to carry
out the orders of these as well as arrange to take the
child to these specialists whenever such a condition
arises. We have our own dental equipment so that a
local dentist may come out and examine any child
and carry out minor work not requiring an X-Ray.
The situation then becomes apparent, that the
school must borrow from parents of children attending
it, and this is possible through several different methods, namely:
T hose seeking the lower year 'round rate may
divide that rate into 12 equal installment if so desired.
No money will be deducted for time home on vacation
unless an extended sickness or emergency beyond the
control of both parties make such an extended leave
necessary. Where the child is a more or less pennanent resident and spends two or three months at home
every few years and his or her name has not been
removed from the books, then the tuition rate will
be halved during that time spent at home.
First-Building Certificates issued and amortized
over a twenty-five year period, the interest and principal of which can be applied toward the tuition and
care of their child. Parents, then, can purchase these
in any amount. Some may wish to take the full amount
and offset the cost of the child's care, others may
extend the plan over several years.
This procedure offers funds for the school at a
low interest rate and enables it to expand, provide better accomodations and more facilities for the
handicapped, since it not only effects their child, but
others who attend. Any remaining funds, at the
child's death, can be utilized in several ways, namely:
Establish a Memorial Fund, which could be used to assist some other child, or turn the income into the
estate, and divide it among the child's brothers and
sisters. Then, too, the Building Certificates may be
sold to other parents, seeking investments and living
from the money collected on the original payment.
Another method is Advance Payment for tuition,
with a low interest rate.
MEDICAL FACILITIES
There are several physicians within a radius of
three miles that can be reached by phone at a minute's
notice. These take care of acute cases that are unable
to travel any distance. Any operations that are to be
performed arc generally pcrfo1·med in Santa Cruz by
a physician of the families' choice wherever possible.
TUITION
Tuition varies with the child, its age, se:r, t~11pe, acco11n,noda.tions desired, anwunt of persona.l care demanded by the child and the specific demands of the
parent or giwrdian. This rate will include room. and
board as well as titition, biit no incidental e,-rpenses
whatsoever 1mless this is placed in writing and signed
by both parties.
The purpose of Blake Hammond Manoi· was to
establish an attractive, homelike, moderately priced
home and school for those handicapped, to be located
in a locality known for its beauty, health and recreational advantages; where the middle class family on
a more or less fixed or moderate income could provide sensible care, education adapted to the needs and
capabilities of their child; fresh mountain air and
ample, protected playground facilities where the child
can whoop and holler to his hearts content without
disturbing the neighbors; wholesome food and a
healthy homelike atmosphere on a reasonable, common sense basis.
There are many hand-icapped children in these
United States, who today could be trained to take thefr
place on a l·imited scale in Society and thit,s partially or
wholly d efray the-ir cost of ·m.a:intenance if Society
were willing to meet its obligations towards these
individuals, give the·m 24-hour supervision while at
work or play and provide specialized jobs adapted to
their particular needs. S ociet3•, in general, is not williny
lo accept these children on siich a basis at present or
make allowances for their condition or provide a place
for them in industry.
Until Society is willing to do this we must educate
and train the child not in accord with his capabilitie!'-,
but on a plane dictated by the Society in which that
child is compelled to live.
Page 10
�THEODORE H. SMITH
Page 11
�FOREWORD
'rheodore H. Smith, the owner, operator and manager of Blake Hammond Manor is well deserving of
the very highest commendation for his praiseworthy
efforts in the development of this dedicated monument for the improvement of the handicapped and
underprivileged.
Last, but surely not least, came the coveted ·appointment as manager and assistant superintendent of
Beverly Farm at Godfrey, Illinois, under the strict
supervision of his father, Dr. W. H . C. Smith. Remai_nin_g in this office, following the father's demise,
until ~meteen hundred and twenty-eight, at which time
he !-111g_rat:d to California to instigate and establish
an _mstitutton for mentally retarded and handicapped,
which, at the present date is embarking on its twehtvsixth year.
,
This type of endeavor embodies specialized standards, principles and qualifications. Mr. Smith possesses
such qualifications plus humane and scientific attitudes
besides a kindliness and consideration for the afflicted.
Every effort has been expended to substantiate the
methods employed in the directional guidance of this
institution and unlimited prepartion qualifies the
owner through education and travel observing all relative situations and circumstances which would have
direct or remote bearing on the subject.
The friends and patrons of Blake Hammond Manor have requested, for many years, that a digest be
written concerning the experiences with the handicapped and express opinions and views on their care,
management and adjustments.
Today, after fifty years of intensive and extensive
study in this field, which is the record of Mr. Smith,
he is undisputed, when expressing pertinent facts and
conclusions. This item alone should be adequate and
pr9ve a most valuable assistance and service to
parents anc.l understudies in this highly specialized
and humanitarian course of endeavor.
A thumbnail sketch is sufficient to ser ve as a background; introducing to the reader a few poignant facts,
qualifications and achievements.
The University of Illinois furnished the first stepping stone in pre-medic training, followed by more
of the same at Washington University Medical School
at _St. Louis, M issouri, where the service to patriotic
duty forced him to leave and join the Medical Corps
of the U nited States Navy. Then, on discharge, after
eleven months in France, he returned to graduate in
Social Economics from the Missouri School of Social
Economy. Now came further post-graduate study at
The P sychopathic Institute of Chicago, Illinois, which
launched him toward the final goal of a degree at
the 111inois State U niversity with majors in Sociology,
Psychology, Economics and Chemi stry.
It is pertinent and relevant to mention the rewarding experience spent with the Juvenile Courts of Chicago and St. Louis in social and case work among
juvenile delinquents, criminals, insane and indigents.
An additional period of three months was spent at the
Graham Taylor Social Settlements of Chicago, Illinoi;;.
An insatiable curiosity and the urge for authenticity and verification of the many hypothetical conclusions which are related to fundamental, existing
truths, and likewise those, which present themselves
many times in this type of service and daily contact,
f?rced Mr. Smith to directly observe that missing link,
first-handed, and make his own conclusions. Peoples
of foreign lands, customs, habits, modes and manners,
plus the very constituents of the population itself
furni shed this material.
'
A varied itinerary was necessarily planned and
followed. The boundaries of European countries, the
far reaches of South and Central America, which included a study of the Incas civilization of Peru, Cuzco,
and the many ruins of that territory; the distant
Orient, Ceylon, India, China and Japan, with their
Hindu, Buddist and Shinto Temples ; Egyptian lands
and the historical Pyramids, beautiful Luxor, Karnak
and T hebes; Guatamala and Yucatan's Mayan monuments of such puzzling antiquity, which attest a super
intelligence of the Pre-Columbian Era.
Facts and truths are in evidence on all lands of
habitation, and each should be weighed in a logical
sequence.
F irst--Every animate and inanimate object inhabiting the land has a part and place to fill with a
duty to perform in the orderly development and operation of the universe.
Second-The Handicapped and Mentally Retarded
Problem is world-wide, its prevalence exists in all
countries and nations, regardless of civilization. Much
can be attributed to ignorance, disease, filth, greed
and over-population, indifference by political forces,
also the refusal of the rank and file to overthrow
antiquated customs and injurious practices.
Third-The Handicapped and Mentally Deficient
will persist and always exist in ratio to population.
Fourth- To determine the Handicapped and Deficient and their prevalence in society is enti rely de-
Page 12
�pendent on the norms; standards and yardsticks of
comparison used to investigate and examine.
ditions and adjustments of time, which 1s never constant.
All persons, plants, animals, creatures and objects,
whether animate or inanimate, as was stated before,
have a part to play in the ultimate scheme of things.
Their function may not be apparent today, tomorrow
or at the forseeable future, but it is said : "There is
a plan for every man and the immortals whisper the
story."
Two percent of the population are unable to adjust
to the accelerated pace and become victims of thr
stress and strain placed upon them by this complex,
fast-moving modern world. This does not mean that
the status remains dormant for this percentage as
constant research should be in progress to improve
such circumstances and bring about rehabilitation
wherever possible.
Atoms, moulds, antibiotics, vitamins, plastics, space
missiles, all new at this t ime, but actually have existed
for centuries, only newly perceived and now are serving a specific purpose. Some are medicinal, others
provide foods and still others adorn the space about
us. A ll adjusted itself and themselves to life's cycle
and the ever changing service and demands of con-
This digest is prepared, bearing in mind these unfortunate situations, therefore, any 1·evenues received
from the distribution of this material will be earmarked
for the establishment of a Blake Hammond Manor .
Hospital and also a Gymnasium to assist in improving
the conditions under which these individuals are
forced to live.
Page 13
�ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
}
It is both sincere and appropriate that the assistance
and promotional aid of our friends should be recounted
in his booklet. Many difficult periods have been surmounted by their helping hands and gratefully we
name those who have sparked our incentives and
erased these obstacles.
DL W. H. C. Smith and Mrs. Elizabeth Ellen Blake
Smith, parents of the author, provided a great incentive for the establishing of Blake-Hammond Manor.
'l'hey pioneered this field, eighty-five years ago in
Pennsylvania and in Illinois institutional activity and
later located and promoted Beverly Farm at Godfrey,
Illinois.
Dr. Groves B. Smith, his brother, and Dr. vV. H . C.
Smith are past presidents of The American Association
for Mental Deficiency, and their examples have proven
most valuable, as Beverly Fann now numbers five
hundred students. Their assistance was greatly appreciated in obtaining the present site for our institution.
Other individuals to whom we are indebted and are
numbered among our friends are: Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Drucker, P rofessor Joseph S. Carroll, Mrs. Carrie McLean Eames, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Vaughn, Mrs.
Gay Reidel, Mr. and Mrs. Harry S . Baker, Mr. and
Mrs. Bruce Johnstone, Mrs. Mary Lee Carman, Mrs.
Paul F. O'Neil, Mrs. Butler ·ward, Mr. and l\'lrs.
Jacques Barr and Wm. Rice. Last, but surely not
least, it is with sincere gratitude, the wife of Mr.
Smith is named for her assistance, both financially
and physically, in the establishing of this institution.
The devoted employees are also enumerated in the
plaque of dedicated workers, who have proven that
the impossible can be accomplished if one has the "will
to do,': as many have been rehabilitated, through their
efforts, when they were considered hopeless.
Page 14
�The RIGHT to LIVE
l
PART ONE
Two dissimilar objects or organisms, uniting to aid
each other in existance, and in the final analysis, becoming dependent upon each other for survival is
known as the Law of Symbiosis.
The Pilot F ish will di1·ect a Shark to food, who, in
turn will feed and protect them for this benefact ion;
alligators protect little birds, who pick their teeth;
sources of infection on elephants and r hinoceros, from
ticks, is prevented by tick birds ; aphids are "veilnamed : "Ant Cows," as the ants devour the honey-dew
secreted by these insects.
In like correlation, this assumption could be applied
to the plant world; for example : an orchid living on
tree bark, and also, tree ferns suspended from leaf
masses. Likewise, Man, too, is adopting these traits
and tactics in utilizing dogs for guidance of the blind,
and in turn providing food and legal protection for all
canines.
Society, justly could absorb and apply Nature's
example as a protection for the Handicapped Individual. It has been within my own experience in several
ser ious cases of handicapped children, that a highly
developed Mother Instinct in a mentally retarded
woman was utilized in placing the children in her care
and the procedure proved far more efficient than the
same care and attention of two normal women.
By the same token ; many m entally retarded, but
physically f it, likewise could be r elegated into service
with those physically handicapped but possessing superior intelligence. Inmates of some institutions are
t rained to assist and care for custodial cases, accomplishing the tasks most satisfactor ily with slight supervision.
It is quite possible that such procedures could be
followed in private homes, which have these problems
existing. Individuals, to be so utilized should be scientif ically trained and schooled in institutions and also
properly steril ized for protection to themselves and
others and a lso placed in responsible families. T his
type of activity for such cases would produce positive
reactions in the retarded case, specifically, they woulcl
be both necessar y a nd useful, and likewise, r elease
much needed institutional beds for the more severe
cases.
The task is not too arduous to obser ve our surroundings a nd note tha t there is a niche to be filled by
every object in evidence, whether human or otherwise.
It is enough to observe, that often-times, the most
m inute a nd insignificant frequent ly sparks the incentive for some great event of production or discovery.
Let us bear in mind, some facts, as we discuss the
problems of the handicapped. T hese may be placed
under three classifications, namely: maimed in bodily
functions; second, mental with improper brain activity ; and third, a combination of both physical and
mental retardation.
CLASSIFICATION ONE
The Ph3,sically or Bodily Handicapped
Cases conside red under this heading a re the unfortunates who are victimized from accidents and afflicting diseases, which effect nerve centers and partially or completely destroy them. The corrective measures in these cases are: Therapy, Massage, Heat,
Mechanical devices or Su rgery. These measures can
be utilized to great advantage very frequently. These
patients may be placed at t imes in society's normal
cycle, where they can be both useful and valuable.
Steinmetz is convincing evidence of such a case.
Group 1. A. Some cases of seriously injured are so
great and complex that treatments, other than to alleviate pain and suffering is practically useless.
It is very possible that as Science learns more about
such case treatment, more rehabilitation may be instituted and early death prevented. There are instances,
relative to this situation, that demand honesty, and sincerity on the part of the attending specialist, for defeat
must, at times, be accepted, and the life's saving should
be preserved. There are so many cases, that the practitioner r ealizes and appreciates there is no hope and
he cannot deliver what the parents, well-intentioned,
wish so much to hear.
T he medical profession, it is true, would do humanity a sincere ser vice, and it should be the physician's
duty to inform the parents of the true facts. Also, if
a close relationship forbids this justi fiable act, then
a colleague should be appointed to advise the circumstances, truthfully and accurately.
CLASSIFICATION TWO
The Mentall3, Handicapped P ersons
These cases are enumerated under different subheadings and sim ilarly categoried and discussed accordingly: Sane and Insane.
Group 2. A. The sane usually a re mentally alert,
but physically incapacitated; for E. G. the hemiplegias
and paraplegias. In such instances, the upper or lower,
or r ight o r left half of the body may be paralyzed, or
either part, partially or completely. These may have
Page 15
�retarded and backward, but were we to be placed in
like surroundings, it is possible, we, ourselves would
revert to similar methods for survival. It is true, that
they do not read, write and perform many duties,
which we expect of children with a low intelligence
quotient. However, they do interpret signs, scribblings,
foot-prints, weather conditions and animal tracks with
uncanny accuracy and significance. These abilities far
exceed our abilities and those of many other nationalities. Therefore, many seemingly backward individuals
are bound by taboos, religious rites and dictates of
their tribes, and we are not justified, because of these
regimes to stamp them mentally deficient. Here, a
definitely different type of yardstick is <;:ssential.
full mental capabilities, be able to talk, sing or converse
and act normally. Then again, others may be afflicted
with speech defects, with paralysis of the vocal chords
or controlling muscles.
Group 2. B. The insane are usually the more unfortunate, with physically perfect bodies, but a fflictcd
with mental or emotional blocks, which prevent normal
performance. These cases, for the most part are born
normal, but some serious stress, strain or brain injury is the causative factor of the abnormal behavior.
These individuals may cause bodily harm to themselves or others and by all means should be placed in
~ome institution until recovery.
Group 2. B-1. Many mental aberrations arc enumerated under the headings of Paranoias, Schi zophrenics, Manic Depressed, etc. Many such cases are
treated by Psychiatry ;_nd react quite successfully,
thereby, receiving their "RIGHT TO LIVE."
CLASSIFICATION THREE
The M entail'), Deficient
Group 3. A. The Non-Insane, but Mentally Deficient: This group also can have a sub-heading, those,
who accept education and can be rehabilitated to an
extent and those, who do not accept any enlightenment nor adjustment. Such cases have long existed
through the ages. History records the murder and
starvation of the mentally and physically handicapped.
The Greek classical myth cites the case of " Romulus and Remus" left to die in the cave and mothered
by a ·wolf; these stories verify the existance of such
tragedies and the practices followed in real life at
that period. However, there were those, who at another
time accepted the babblings of such children as those
of supernatural beings and they were interpreted by
the savants. Still, at another date, these were committed to such poorly managed and conceived institutions, that they leave a blotch on history.
ST ANDARDS, NORMS, MEASU RES
A ND JUDGMENTS
There always will be mentally deficient individuals
in ratio to the population of the educated, intelligent
and literate. Were standards of education to be considered, which existed at the time of The French Revolution or before, and compared with standards or
norms of today, there is little doubt that a large percentage existed then that were classed as normal which
we ,vould consider mentally deficient now. Likewise,
the exact situation would be true if those of the
French Revolution period were compared ·with a
group existing One Thousand B. C. By this same reciprocal reasoning and measure such deductions could
be made of more remote historical eras.
Now, at last, the norm or measure or perhaps more
specific, the yanlstick one is using must be evaluated.
\,Vho and what determines whether we are normal or
otherwise? For a rgument's sake, let us consider th~
African Tribe that lives under most adverse conditions,
according to our standards of living. l'erhaps they may
be regarded heathens, uncivilized, uncleanly, mentally-
I NTELLIGENCE QUOTIENT
What-Why-For What Purpose
What is Intelligence Quotient or IQ, as it is commonly called? It is a term used in Psychology and
Psychiatry to denote the mental standing or progress
of an individual. This is determined by taking the
mental age of an individual and multiplying it by one
hundred, then dividing this number by the chronolog-ical age of the person who is being tested. How accurate is this? It is as accurate as the examnier making
the test. If this person is schooled and well-experienced, then it should be quite accurate and of a
definite value. There is much more to be considerccl
than just making the test and answering the few
questions. There are many factors, which must be
taken into consideration. It is the opinion of many educators that an IQ never changes, from year to year,
if properly taken, as the tests are chronologically assembled. Others belive it can be raised and changed
from year to year as the individual becomes more
educated and trained; whereas, if the person is left
to drift along and his education becomes lax, then
naturally it lowers.
This system of mentality measurment was <ll'vcloped by P sychologists formulating a series of questions and incidents, that an average individual should
know and recognize according to his chronological
order and traininl!. They were tested in varying groups
of age and mentality. To be sure younger persons
would be limited in their ability to answer, while the
more advanced in years would give somewhat more
adult replies and with more accuracy, and also apply
the trial and error methods, which they had acquired
with age.
Questions were added and subtracted until a series
were finally obtained, that reflected, to a somewhat
accurate degree, the intelligence of the largest number.
Then again these were tested against each other until
the tests were finally standardized. Various educato1·s
had their own types of tests, namely, Binet, Simon,
T erman, Wexchler and Thorndyke.
An explanation of such scales might prove interesting and a few excerpts will be explained at this
point. Individuals who were unable to 1·eacl were given
peg boards, blocks and pictures, while others were
given aptitude tests of various sorts for response to
commands, etc. There are, today, many types of tests.
Page 16
�Some are for Social Study, others are for business
acumen and agility in mechanical manipulation, while
still others are formulated to ascertain an individuals
inherent ability and capability to handle certain positions and situations. These standardization measures
are most useful in the public school sytems where
thousands attend. A cross section of the classes can
be determined quickly and to a fair degree of accuracy
by this method. The alert or slow scholar quickly
identifies himself and the instructors may act accord:
ingly.
A few instances of some specific cases will demonstrate why such standard tests are extremely valuable
if used at the proper times. A child can be made or
ruined in some cases.
A boy, in question, was not progressing in his
studies, took no interest and seemed to be mentally
lazy. It was disclosed that there was dissention between his parents, and divorce was planned. The child
was placed between two factions, fidelity to each of
the parents, and as a consequence, had lost his sense
of security. He, unfortunately had been assigned to
a class of very bright scholars, and he found himself unable to keep pace with them, and this resulted
in a state of fru stration. He felt inferior and tmwanted and also was ridiculed by the others. The solution to this problem was the removal of the boy and
replacing him in a group inferior to his abilities, where
he assumed some leadership and became necessary for
the group's progression. Later he was replaced in the
public school and adjusted beautifully on his own. The
parents actually were respons ible with their divorcement. Such occurances are every day routine in our
great complex society.
A nother case placed the child in several different
<schools, and invariably with children of superior rating. This youngster became belligerent, antagonistic,
detested his parents, and was absolutely anti-social.
Tt is very possible, had he been placed with less gifted
children, his reactions would have been entirely different.
S till another case of an epileptic, who was plac<:cl
with normal children. H e wished to be one o f them,
to be consulted in their plans and play their games.
Dut naturally was shunned, because of the affli ction.
He was at a disadvantage, and wished to please the
group, and as a consequence, was easy prey for the
t ricks played upon him. The unfortunate outcome of
the situation was that he was caught vvhen the others
went free· in some of the mischief, and received the
title of "Pecks Bad Boy," and finally was dismissed
from the school. T his boy was placed in a school of s11hnormals and became the acme of perfection in di scipline. H e regained his self-confidence, became less rebellious and was emotionally controlled. The seizur<:s
were less frequent, and he became a functioning- unit
in society as he was capable of adjusting himself proped y t o new situations when they presented themselves.
Much of the trouble with those, who are handicapped, physically, and mentally, results from misunderstanding by the parents and teachers. I t is reasonable to assume that their interactions are the results
from inner promptings. These may not appear intelligent, from an adult viewpoint, but a child reasons from
its own level. Their actions usually are the outcome
of a desire to appear superior, and assume the center of
the stage. There are many historical figures, who have
had serious handicaps to overcome, an~ against great
odds have made a name for themselves, at times, it has
not benefitted society too greatly. Napoleon Bonepark
was such a case.
As we refer to history, for an instant, we could
enumerate many rulers who served with the hand of
a despot, while others were kindly, benevolent and
exercised superior intellect. Whether they acted with
a credit to themselves and their country or with inhuman cruelty depended largely upon the degree o f
hazards and obstacles they had to overcome to climb
the ladder of success.
Different capabi\ities and qualities are the native,
inherent possessions of everyone. Each will fill a specific niche perfectly if the proper measure is applied in
appointment. Let us try to remember not to force the
individual with restricted capabilities into a position
with heavy responsibilities. The outcome of a mistaken
_iudt~ment in this respect can bring dire results of confusion, distress and abnormal behavior.
GROUP CLASSIFICATION, DISCUSSION
AND EXPLANATION
Let us return to the Mentally Deficient classi fication. These, like the Physically Handicapped, are
placed in two main groups, namely : those who are
capable of being educated, and those who are not. The
cause of the first group may be traced to environmental factors, causing mental stress, strain and emot ional blocks of varying degrees. If this block is serious
enough, the child may need special care and attention
during the crisis. This affliction may also arise from
disease, and injury to the young in fant after birth.
Some investigators state that injury and disease durin'.!
the first four months of foetal life can cause Mental
Deficiency. The extent to which a child can be ti-ained
and educated, depends greatly upon the seriousness
of the brain damage. Defective eye sight, hearing and
s imilar defects are many times undetected and cause
misjudgments ; these, fortunately, are now receiving
considerable public attention in all schools.
It would be a wise practice to screen all children
at an early age by competent doctors and psychologists.
Those who are naturally slow or borderline cases
should be segregated from the precocious and normal
classes.
'l'he slow group, then, should be studied very closely
and given every opportunity to advance and learn the
essentials, which society demands.
After intensive study and observation by the group
of specialists, it is apparent that the child still fa ib to
respond, then, placement :J1ould be made in di fferent
surroundings and environment, with special training
and guidance, not a vailable in the public schools.
Children, who are in this group, need a clefinik
course of procedure, not practiced in the public school
Page 17
�system. They should be taught to do things, useful to
themselves and others, but they cannot make their
adjustments unaided, as they need protection a nd expert understa nding and guidance. Perhaps, some, may
again, after a special training course fit into a special
spot in society and remain there for their lifetime.
P ublic school curriculum is not essential for these
children. They can work with their hands, take care
of their own bodily needs and be of assistance to those
less capable. It is utterly useless and absurd to expend
funds and energy to train such victims to desire and
demand things which society will not and can not
grant them.
These persons arc happy with a few of the simple
things of li fe when they are in happy surroundings,
well-attended, clean quarters, good food and trained to
be contented and satisfied. They a rc capable o f assisting with garden duties, milking cows, manual tasks,
enjoying music and television, bu.t to expose them to
normal d emands, social li fe and freedom, simply
means complications and difficulties for them and
everyone around them.
Perhaps this problem can be explained by citing
some speci fi e cases:
This time, a girl from a financially su ffiricnt
family. S he had severa l sisters and brothers who were
no rmal. She was between the older and younger
children. During the teenage period, there was little
trouble, since all played together and intermingled
with ne ighborhood children. How(•vc-r, when they
g rew older, went out on social appointments at nig ht,
movil·s, dances, etc., then the difficulty a rose. She
wished to know why she was denied the privilege- of
staying out in the evening, why she could not go to
movies unattended and do the things her younger
brothers and sister s were allowed. The situation is
pathetic, and can be easily managed, if parents will
place such a child in surroundings adapted to thei r
mental caliber and needs, where they can mingle with
others of their status and where they will be happy
and contented.
A case within my own close su per vision, was one
o f an epileptic whose attacks were well under control ,
wht:n the parents decided to remove him and g ive
him the same medication at home. They were ad vised
against this change for I knew that when he associated
with other boys his age, he would like all the freedom
and privileges they enjoyed, and hi s parents would
g ra nt them, thro ugh sympathy and affection.
A fter a year and a half o f this type of Ii ving, his
attacks returned and no medication seemed to aid. His
internaJ economy was in turmoil. He n·belled al everything that was done for him and refused to cooperate.
i\s a consequence, the seizures became more violent
and he finall y was committed to a state institution for
the rema inder of his life.
This presents the responsibilitil·~ of brothers and
sisters toward one who is handicapped, a lso, the duties
of parents toward each other.
The very greatest worry to these parents is what
will bt>come of the afflicted ones when they make their
demise.
Parents rear their children, as a rule, to care for a nd
res pect the one that is handicapped for they usually
love their brother or s ister, but as they grow older, resentment frequently developes, as parents seem to
favor the subnormal or afflicted child. It is also assumed that normal children will develop into adulthood and become self sufficient without too much assistance, but, the subno rmal one need s provision and
protection. T his may well be, to a certain degree, but,
it infinitely would be better reasoning if pa rents would
place the emphasis on equipping the normal children
to a higher earning level, and prepare them to be in
position to care for the handicapped brother or sister
after the parents had passed this plan~ of existance.
It is a mistake for parents to extract death bed promises from their children, relative to fu ture care of
handicapped brothers and siste rs . T hese no rmal children eventually will have homes of their own, and such
encumbrances would work dreadful hardship on the
general economy of the new household.
METHODS FOR PROVISION O F
H ANDICAPPED
There is a fairness for all concerned a nd parents
should bear this in mind, especially when consid erin"
the handicapped and incapacitated. If there ;re su r':
fic ient funds for all members of the family, then
parents have several cho ices:
First: C reate a TRUST F U ·n. Set aside enough
that the yearly inte rest and principal will care for the
child as lo ng as it li ves. Upon death, then the residue
can be equally di vided among the remaining members
of the family.
Second: Carry a Life l nsu rance Policy in an
amount, sufficient that, at thei r death, the income
will provide for the handicapped child, a s long as it
lives. Should the child preced e the parents, then,
should the po licy be an endowment, it can be cashed,
taking its value, or it can be allo \\'ed to reach maturity
and the resiuue be given to the other children of the
fami ly.
T hird: \Vhen there are no funds to create a Trust or
materially provide for the Handicapped Child, or
when the child cannot be properly attcndt:d in the
home, then it should be placed in a state institution
for such cases, o r if there arc funds, then it may he
placed in some private school. If, however, the other
children suffer from d eprivatio n, because of this procedure, then the child at an early a 6e should be placed
in a state institution, and g ive the norma l children
every advantage to better equip them to care for the
handicapped in later life from their earnings.
The re are institutions that accept children up,m
the paym ent of a lump sum. This is the very poorl'sl
method to manage the situation. :--Jo matkr whether
it is a state or private institution there a re pitfalls.
l f the sum of t wenty thousand d ollars is deposited for
the ca re, then economic conditions rende r the income
from the fund, unpredictable, considering flu ctuation.
1f inflation should occur in the later years, the income
from the deposit would not suffice for the ,·ery
mediocre care, which necessity would d emand. Should
Page 18
�the child make its demise, after it had lived in the
instiution but a short time, then, without doubt, there
,rnuld be a lawsuit for the recovery of a portion of
the trust. It would not be too difficult to find a
disgruntled employee, who had been dismissed from
the institution, to testify that the child had not been
properly attended and neglect was a contributing
factor in its death. Whether the case was won by the
parent or the institution, the publicity would be most
det rimental and forever a stigma upon it. Now, were
the child to reach the age o f seventy years, then the income from the trust would be so small, that the
poorest care could not be possible.
There a rc several different classifications of the
t-1 entally Deficient and a further di scussion should
prove enlightening to parents, who have this problem.
Generally, those used, arc based upon the Intelligence
Q uotient. T hes(' are: V cry P recocious, P recocious.
Normal and Borderline cases. The latter are commonlv
called Dullards. Then come the Morons, Imbeciles a nd
Idiots that are classed as mentally defi cient. T hese may
be further subdivided into high grade, medium and low
grade. All these a re rated, according to their Tntelligence Quotient. When there is the slightest possibility
that any child in any classification can be educated. no
matter how much or in what field, every possibility
to do so, should be exerted to help.
To he sure, when it is definitely established, from
the most extensive attempt s, that the child cannot
take his place in society, in some useful manner. then
the only course is to commit him to an institution for
retarded, who follow methods which direct their energies to some useful endeavor.
The::re is no accurate estimate for the total number
of mentally and physically handicapped in the United
States, as no reporting agency for this filing is compulsory. However, there is a safe estimate that the
number would exceed three million, of which, less
than forty percent are in institutions of any sort.
Also, there are many of this number, who if given an
opportunity, could be use ful to society. Many institutions and industries work together for the physically
handicapped, and likewise, there are many places,
ll'here the mentally retarded could be used if properly
supe r vised during the off hours. O ne of the greatest
problems, here, lies with the public attitude. Ma ny
routine jobs in industry require little training, where
a person, with medium intelligence can manipulate
levers and the machinery engineers the actual work.
This very type of work means destruction to a high
intellect indi vidual, for the monotony of the movement is responsible. H owever, to train borderline
indi viduals for such ll'ork is ideal. H ere also, must
be taken in consideration two forces: one, the unions.
who feel that such positi ons should be assigned to
men with families to support; and the other, workers
ll'ho are adjacent to the retarded individual and cons~quently, realizing this, ta ke unfair advantage of the
c1 rcumstance.
It is deplorable to cite the outcome of thi s procedurl·, holl'ever, it should be recognized and pointed
out. Either their earnings may be usurped or stolen,
or they may be abused sexually. To be sure both out-
comes can be eliminated. First, by strict supervision
and second by ste rilization of both sexes.
T here is yet anothe r factor that should be considered before these individuals a re turned loose in
industry, and that is the Social Security and Tnsurance
laws. Some modification o f these should be made to
protect not only these children, but those employers
who arc kind enough to give them work. If the government enforces a strict wage hour law for such cas<"s
employers ll'ill refuse to hire them. Many could bepartially if not wholly self supporting if given someaid and thus save their cost of maintenance by the
public. I t should therefor be the duty of the government to rewrite these laws so as to permit employers
to employ such cases without recriminations from
unions and other labor forces and the pressure that
these can exert. These individuals should also be protected by insurance and Social Security, but not on
the same level as a normal worker.
Furthermore, those schools a11d hospitals or homes
that have it as their dttty to care for, educate and train
mch individuals should also be exempt from .mch wage
hour laws, for y ou cannot give [1,ll protection to these
r hildren 0 11 a home-like basis and adhere to these laws
as the')' arc presently written and interpreted. These
laws will 11ot be chanyed wnless you demand siich a
change. So, get -in toiich with your legisla,tors now.
You can't run a home on an eight-hour basis and
these children should not have to live on a factory
basis or in a factory atmosphere.
The Handicapped can be trained for farm work;
routine types, as assista nts to carpenters, brick masons,
road workers, etc. \ Vomen can be utilized for housework, cleaning, ironing, washing, etc. Society must not
be exacting in these cases for they must be accepted
for what they are, and the proper safeguards taken for
their protection.
It is stimulating to note that much progress is being
instigated in the rehabilitation of the Insane, Cerebral
Palzied, Blind, and some heart cases. Others, who
should be given special attention are the Epileptics.
Some of these are ninety percent normal, the major
portion of the time, or completely so, ll'hen not suffering sei7l1rcs. But, since these are unpredictable, society
ostracizes them all the time. \ l\fere one to make inquiry
of fifty different neurologists, psychologists, or psychiatries, undoubtedly, there \\'Ould be fifty different 1·cplies, relative to the cause of the trouble and the treotment for it.
The physiology class instruction in our medical
school enumerated five, and only five di ffercnt ways
of bodily elimination for poisons. These were: respiration, perspiration, expectoration, (regttrgatation and
t limina tion from the mouth), discharge from the kidneys and intestines.
There is a question, which arises, '·\Vhy docs
Nature use all these methods in a Grand Mal attack?"
They ar<" in evidence and within a period of fi ve
minutes: and ,·cry poignantly shows us th.it the basi~
for the attack is the elimination o f some bodily poison.
It would not be correct to say, tha t Nature docs use all
Page 19
�of these methods in e,·ery attack, however it is safe to
assume there will be three or more in evidence.
The only treatment, upon which all agree is-correct elimination at all times, adequate rest and no
stress or emotional strain.
Another question arises. Why is it that you can
feed SO normal persons a well balanced meal for a
period of three months and there are no ill after-effects, yet if you feed SO epileptics the same meal, same
weights of food and keep the conditions as near as
possible the same, these epileptics will have convulsions, some quite violent? Is this an autoimmune
disease where the body is fighting to destroy itself,
such as in cases of some skin diseases, or that in
which the body tries to destroy its own thyroid gland?
Animals or plants of different species cannot be
bred or crossed because the body of that plant or
animal destroys the foreign intruder. In other words
is there something in the internal make-u p of an
epileptic that disturbs their metabolism causing tht·
body to secrete a chemical that attacks the food in such
a way as to break it down into ptomains rather than
carbon dioxide and water? A re these poisons, so
formed, the causes of the convulsions? We know that
violent convulsions can be produced in laboratory animals similar to those occuring in an epileptic seizurl",
when and as the stimulus from poisons, heat or pain
is sufficient to bring this about.
Grand Mal is convulsive attacks charac1'crized by
se,·ere spasms, twisting of the arms and legs, distortion
of facial features, intense breathing, perspiration,
mouth froth ing, and relaxation of one or both sphincters of the rectum and bladder. Barbitrates, narcotics,
bromides and anticonvulsants are used as treatment in
such cases. Many times the drugs arc as ba<l as the
attacks.
I t is a deplorable situation, for many times the
drug administered in the prescribed amounts and for
adequate control of the attacks, dulls the senses and
causes a detrimental effect on the nervous system.
Then, too, the system develops an immunity and as
a result, more and more potent dosages arc administered, and eventually reach a dangerous level, which
could cause fatality. These cases should be kept in
quiet, peaceful surroundings, free from any stress
and the bare minimum of drugs used as attack control.
There also is Petit Mal and Psychomotor seizures,
which may be functional, that is emotional, rather then
chemical; also the Jacksonian and St. Vitus Dance.
There arc those, who consider tics, obsessions, telephone doodling, peculiar internal urges, all manifestations of emotional energy, which is uncontrolled. Thesl'
are not classified as antisocial, and not epileptic, abnormal or too unusual.
M cntal deficiencies ha vc innumerable characteristics with specific diagnoses; namely Hydroccphalics,
M icroccphalics, Cretins, Mongoloids, etc. Occasionally,
a new diagnosis appears, with a full description by an
expert, who has made a thorough study from a medical
angle, such a one is phenylkctonuria.
The very greatest difficulty in the problem of
mtntal deficiency is public apathy, lack of training for
qualified pcrsonel, refusal or inability of the powers
that be to keep this field of endeavor from politicians,
whether local, state or federal.
A p~rsonal experience will explain this very important issue.
My father and mother were dismissed from Lincoln
State ~~hool, when I was very young, as an outcome
of poltt1cal change of governorship. Father had been
acting superintendent and mother was matron, havinoserved faithfully for a period of eighteen years. The;
then settled at Godfrey, I!Jinois, and establ ished Beverly :rarms. It is rather singular, but at this time, a
ccrtam Mr. Deneen came to teach at Bethany School
near our home. He became highly interested in the
work my father was doing.
Many years later this same gentleman became Governor of ~he ~ta!e of Illinois. Conditions, existing in
the state 111st1tut1ons were at a low level. H e asked
advice of my father and requeskd that he act as Chairman of a Board to clean up the unfortunate institu-·
tional situation.
. This appointment \\"as accepted under one condition; that the Governor would endorse completely whatever my father detailed or suggested for remedial
measures. This agreement was approved and father began his tasks. H e was well aware, wherein the trouble
would be found from his past experience.
There were two main sources; one the banks the
other the politicians. Considerable funds were a1;propriatcd ~ach year to operate the institutions, and they
were bemg used by the banks, without any interest or
protection. Men were elected into office who would
give these funds to the banks, for their use; that is.
lend it to the borrowers at a fair rate of interest and
keep it. They reckoned and figured on these daily
balances.
A hypothetical case explains the bank procedure.
The bank had a daily balance of over two hundred and
fifty thousand dollars, over a period of six months
(and it r::ircly dropped below this figure), they the1~
loaned this money at three to seven pcrrent for a six
months duration, and the difference made a fair sum
to place in the home coffers.
. l\Iy father was cognizant o f this nefarious prac~•ce and forced each bank to bid on the daily balance,
1£ they were carrying such funds. Therefore, the
bank declaring the highest percentage was given the
contract regardless of political affiliations, and naturally, this procedure met with great disapproval.
Many of the state politicians had close friends of the
opposite sex, whom they had placed in fair positions
at the institutions, with light duties, but available on
call at any time. The superintendents, quite understandably, disregarded this situation, and nothing was
ever reported.
This was another practice of "·hich father was
well a ware, and conscqu('ntly called tlw various staff
members together and formulated a definite new
clean law. There, absolutely, would exist no favorites
among any employees, all would have their duties to
Page 20
�perform and remain on a bona-fide payrole, elsewise be discharged.
nucleous for well-trained personnel, and eliminate
many self-styled specialists in this field.
This new regime was a rather disturbing item to
many senators and politicians, and it caused repercussions. They asked Governor Deneen for father's
release. The Governor promptly called for a full explanation of the dist urbance. It did not take too long
for father's full report of the bank's role in the case
and likewise the politicians, w hose names he produced in the malfeasance. As the governor had promised father, in the beginning, so he held to it, and
the house-cleaning began. They were given twentyfour hours to reorganize and reassemble their personel, and if there were any deceptions all names of
banks and politicians would be given to the papers
to publically advertise all over the state.
SECOND-Establish a clearing house. similar to
that existing in banks. There should be a central office,
and made compulsory for every man, woman and
child who is physically or mentally handicapped to
register. All names of parents; (whether living, dead
or divorced ), birth date. place of birth, type of affiliation and any diagnostic informatoin required, also
any other facts which would be pertinent in the
management of the case ; also present occupation, location, etc. The birth certificate should detern1ine who
is responsible for the continued care of that child or
individual. A n instance follows:
There are very few state, city or county institutions, who have existed ten years or more, who operate
w ith clean, ethical principles. Innumerable ones have
been used as political footballs at the whims of congressmen, senators and other polit icians. If a group of
well-intentioned citizens, today, were to carry out a
thorough investigation, their f indings would be mos1"
astonishing.
The public is attempting to e rase conditions, that
exist and have ex isted over a period of years, yet,
there still remains a long tedious path way, before
circumstances can be completely clea1·ed throughout
every state in our union and institutions and hospitals
removed, once and for all from poltical domination
of the greedy and unscrupulous. There are but a few
banks, where bids are required on the daily balances,
yet millions are on deposit and being used without
interest or adequate safety checks.
For a more clarified description of this procedure
let us assume the case was born in Westchester County,
New York State. The State, village or city would be
responsible for the care wherever this case was
located. The cost would be defrayed as follows: twenty
percent by the state, twenty percent by the county,
twenty percent by the village or city and for ty percent
by the parents or guardians if living, if not, then the
percentages should be increased to be equally distributed among the othe1·s. Such funds then, should be
paid into the clearing-house, which in turn would disperse it, wherever the case happened to reside. The
payments of one county to another would be offset
in many cases as in clearing houses in banking situations. Only extreme balances would be exchanged.
What effect would this procedure have on the public?
FIRST-It would place the responsibility on districts where such cases originated. If slums, poor
housing and poor health conditions existed that were
causative factors then those areas would, by virtue of
necessity, assume the problem. P ublic remonstrance
would demand a change.
O ne cannot help wishing for an Alladin and a
powerful lamp, to make changes for the retarded and
handicapped. If all, that is appropriated by the Federal, State and L ocal Governments, or in the guise of
charity, was channeled and expended in an intelligent,
economical method, there certainly would be su fficient funds to attend every single handicapped man,
woma n and child in these U nite<l States, who is completely or partially handicapped and give hospitalization a nd care for those that require it. A number of
recommendations are itemized in the following paragraphs :
SECOND-It would permit fami lies to move from
one state to another without stigma to the family,
and without recriminations and penalties for the advent of such a family into a community; as such would
not be a burden, when the cost would be assumed at
the birthplace and not the new residence. It is true,
one must realize that people are compelled to move,
at times. for health and business reasons.
FIRST-Neurologists, Psychiatrists and Doctors
be required by law to take internships from one to
two years before being allowed to practice in this
specialized field of the mentally ha ndicapped. R equire
such individuals to serve at least six months each in
institutions for the insane, and six months in those
for JV[entally Defective, preferably with three months
on specific ward duty. T here a re many who are capable,
theoretically, but who lack the basic understanding of
the proper management of the problem. There is
so much valuable in forma tion to be securl'd by actual
cont act with such pa tients, and it cannot be fo11nd in
boo\s or those on theory. Thi s would eliminate those
who cause great damage among young perplexed
parents. It is cer tain that it would form a much-needed
Perhaps the child is in a state institution where
he was born, having complied w ith all the necessary
requirements. vVithout warning, the family, suddenly
,vas removed for economic or health reasons across
the country to new surroundings. Many parents feel
that they can transfer their children to new institutions
without too much confusion, but on arrival in the
new location, it is soon learned that they are nonresidents, possess no vote, but must pay taxes regardless. It does take considerable time to unravel the
nece;;sary red-tape, clue to overcrowded conditions,
and they must await their turn. It may take yea rs for
this new enrollment unless they have some political influence or use some criminal manipulation to force
the issue.
Page 2 1
�Furthermore, each state and county surrounds itself with a protection to keep out such cases so as to
save the tax-payers. This means legal fees, duplicated
efforts, and thousands of man hours, yearly expenckd
in the attempt to keep out people, which if utilized
in a constructive way, would better conditions, and
help where it is most needed. T he cost of t his Central
Agency would be directly under the supervision of
the F ederal Government and part of their Departml·nt
of Census.
Such a procedure \\'Ould eliminate the possibility
of any graft or corruption in this operat ion and
would build a n "espr it de corp" among employees a nd
personnel which would be cnviable and since the institution would be located in small communities, the
officers and all attendants would ha ve character and
standing in their localities.
'I'll IRD- On the basis of fiftcrn million population per district, the numhl'r of epileptics, physically
handicapped o r mentally retarded per 100,000 populat io n would not va ry to any considerable extent in any
area of the United States. Therefore, the United States
should be divided into fifteen or twenty d istricts, regardless of state lines, preferably disregarding them.
Each district shou ld be a lloted a population of n ot to
exceed fifteen million. Establish a central pilot plant
in each, possessing a well supplied hospital, where
surgery, research, examinations, etc., could be assumed
by well-trained , physicians, neurologists, psychologists, psychiatrists and special nurses. Each child, u pon
entering, would be given a thorough examination and
be placed under observation for one month , or for
the period necessary to d iagnose a nd dispose of the
case.
FOURTH- It would be ach·i..ahlc for each district to appoint a board consistin:; of 01w m1111stcr,
0 11 (' psychologist, two physicians and one attornev.
' l_'lwsc individu;ils would be on a set salary, and fu ll t111H' consultants and advisors on sterilization.
'l'hcY
would haH' their own social workers and investigator;
and offer recommendations for sterilization, likewi~e
the refusal o( this procedure within their di:-trict. Tf
it were necessary for other hoards to manage cases.
tlwy would appoint them as required and these members would serve as honorary appointcl's without pay,
except for legitimate expenses. T hi s board should be
constituted on the same principle as the parent and
likewise, all their recommendations should be referred to it. Now, in event the findi ngs met with approva l of a ll the a uthorities, then an order should be issued for the sterilization. Vv'ith such an order, it
would be mandatory for any hospital to carry out the
p1·ocedure in an ethical, hygenic medical and legal
manner .
Establish institutions for custodial cases; boys,
girls, epileptics, physically h an dicapped, elderly men
and women, a ll, who arc capable of being trained in
any occupation, within a radius of one hundred milec;
from the pilot-plant. These institutions \\'Ould be constructed for the use of the special type of individ uals
to be housed and trained.
There could be no recriminat ions, no legal lawsuits
and the attend ing physicians would not be stigmatized
as "abortionists", an d the hospitals also not victimized.
T he system would be legally outlined and adhered to
as in many European Countries. There are very few
state institutions which have not been necessarily
forced to per form su ch oper ations.
It should be defin itely established that each should
have four hundred beds, as the greatest figure, tw0
hundred fi fty is p referable. A Medical Superintendent should supervise each, w ho with his necessary
staff, together with other superintendents would com bine with the pilot head staff and form a cabin et to
manage all cases within the district. W h ere existing
plants were suitable, to be incorporated within this
nucleus, such should be done. It is conceivable, that
gradually, these would be replaced for those more in
kcepi.ng with the requ ired work.
Many custodial cases ar e difficult to manage and
a hysterectomy would be the advisable answer to their
p roblems, for th e purpose of cleanliness and sexual
reasons. Some women ar e unable to bear children
and subjected to the process, possibly would produce
a deformed child. An operation in these cases would be
the most humane a nd sen sible cou rse to follow.
An exp ensive hospital or staff would not be necessary in t he outlying units. One could be a farm unit
su pplying da iry p roducts, a nother for garden products
and supplies. Still another should be used as a t raining center for custodial care. Those who were capable
of being educated could be trained for outside positions or fill responsible ones within t he district. Any
individual requiring surgical help could, within two
hours time, be transferred from the remotest unit to
the central unit, where adequate and well-trained help
and fac ilities exist. Ex tensive re:-earch should be
constantly in progress at this central unit. i\ thousand
acres of space is not essential for this operation, a s is
the case of many state institutions. Ko unit shou ld
have an enrollment to exceed four h undred heds. A
superintendent, if efficient should have an accurate
and absolute kno\\'ledge of each and every inmate in
the u nit.
Every condition should be itemized and legally
sh1died for the benefit of humanity.
EXCERPT FROM THE READER'S DIGEST
Tlic Rrader's Digest, Iu11c 1960, in 011 article
'Farts and Piction About Sex', 111akes the followiny
statc111e11t. "Reported illegiti111ate births in the U11ited
States have increased from 141,600 i11 1950 to over
200,000 in 1957. Ma11y more such births are not rerorded. Tt has been estimated that up to one 111 illion
abortions are pe1·for111ed ever·y year. Studies i11dicntc
that tire vast majority of . /111erica11 co11ples ra1111ot
protect themselves OfJai11st u11wa11ted prcyna11cirs."
" Afmt')' of these prey11a11ries could be averted and
a great deal of heartaclre and fear eliminated as we/!
witlr common sense Laws on sterilization and abortion.
Furthermore, injury c01tsed the 111,othcr bv ·in.adequate
protection d11ri11g those abortive pregnancies in manv
inst~11res. i~ irreparable, often ca11si11g death or per111e1ia11t 111vahd1sm lo the mother as well as criminal charges
Page 22
�avaiust the person pcrfor111i1tg the operation."
It is not universally known whether various institutions, private or otherwise, are used to the fullest
extent by the states. Many are uncongenial with the
states since they have received unkindly treatment by
the welfare and other state and county organizations
licensed by them. • o private institutions- catholic,
protestant, privately owned or otherwise-will accept
county or state dictation. They are doing an excellent humane service to the very best of their ability
and for the most part perform a duty in a country,
where.· the necessity is existing and facilities not adequate. These arc not supplied by the states and counties, and until some feasible plan is adopted as described on the preceding pages, they must try to fill the void.
/\ pri vatc institution must ser ve the emergency
many times when families cannot place their child
in the state institution for a considerable lapse of
time. They have been the pioneers in all fields of education. S tate Universities came into existance long
after the operation of the private schools. Also it was
private capital, initiative and manipulation which served the handicapped long before the establishment of
any state institutions. . ow that there are millions
allotted for this purpose, they should be used judicially and for a genuine purpose of humane service.
There are thousands of individuals who cannot
afford to pay high tuition rates for the care of their
retarded child in a private school, but possibly, could
meet a fee of perhaps fifty to seventy-five dolla rs for
an inde finite period. l'ri vale institutions are subject
to many expenses which do not exist for the state.
If the state requires added funds, an emergency appropriation comes to their rescue. As a rule there is 110
borrowing or high inter est rates. Where the rrivate
institution pays high taxes, the state and county arc
tax-free. Foods and supplies arc issued from government :--urpluscs, usually free or at a much -reduced
cost. The private institution must pay high license
fees for operation. These arc but few of the existing
inequalities.
1\nother inequality is the ex1st111g demand that
private institutions come under the management of
the Labor Board. This should not be. One r eason
,,·hy private institutions exist is that they try to give
a home atmosphere around the place and not herd
the children like in a factory. Employees arc given a
stipulated wage which is not tied to the Cost of ] ,i ving
Index. If the cost of food, light and other utilities
goes up 50 to JOO percent, the employees take-homl' pay
remains the same.
ot so in factories. Factory employees must pay their own costs for food and utilities.
Should the cost of such inc rease, it has a d irect bearing
on their income, but with the take-home pay a constant
factor in private homes and schools these places should
not he compelled to come under the existing wage-hour
laws. These children did not ask to come into this
world. Society relegates many of these to a permanent institutional Ii fe for Society's own protection,
therefore Society should not be exacting in its demands
and should give these children a break and as much
home life as is possible. Most of the employees that
go into this field of work do so because they do not
wish to keep up with the fast paces set up by industry.
Many are o ver SO and are seeking security and a
home and a chance to do some good in their declining
years. They are not after high wages a s such. They
want permanence of work, nice surroundings, a home
and companionshi p w hich such schools as Blake Hammoml Manor affords. They don't wish to have to
punch time clocks. You can't run a home or a farm
on an 8-hour basis. And you can't run such a home
as we have on that basis. If an employee has to get
up at night to assist a child and wishes to take I0
hours to do her work which can ordinarily be done in
8, then she should be permitted to do this. Neither she
nor the school should be penalized and certainly not
the children. Existing wage-hour laws should be
so changed or re-worded as to specifically exempt
such organizations as schools, hospitals and the like,
that give Room and Board to their employees who must
li ve on the grounds for the protection of those individuals that they must handle. This is only fair to
these children and to the families that have these
children to support. You, as a private citizen, should
write to your congressman or those making your state
laws and bring this m atter directly before them. If
a number of people do this, then the laws w ill be so
changed. Until then, these children must suffer from
such ill-advised legislation.
The per capita cost of handicapped varies in di f fcrent parts of the U nited S tates. This difference is
considerable, especially in the better built, more efficient facilities, etc. The cost of construction of a
new institution can vary from two thousand to fou r
thousand dollars per bed. For every bed that is filled
in a private institution o r school, somewhere, the taxpayer is being saved a minimum of seventy-five dollars
pe r mo1~th in maintainance and about three thousand
dollars per bed in con:-truction.
It is interesting to note that all private organization~
of this category arc strictly supervised by both state
and county in which it is located. M uch more than
the state and county- of the order in the areas. Many
arc controlled by threats of inspectors who kno w little
or nothing of the operation, or the innumerable problems to be surmounted. He usually speaks the governing law and details the various conditions which must
be adjusted.
'fhc alterations ad vised frequently arc costly, but
they must be affected within s ixty days o r the place
will be closed. Banks dislike such loans as they arc a
one-purpose business and the success or failure depends upon the ability and character o f the head superintendent. The demands made by the inspecto r frequently arc both assinine and ridiculous. The very
same conditions exist in state and county institutions
and they are allowed to exist until some group or
agency brings those defects to a newspaper. Tht>n
some effort is made to adjust them.
Poor m anagement is never to be condoned. It is
well and proper that all organizations of this typl'
should be investigated, licensed, and operated on an
equal or higher standard than sta te or county. But
investigations should be made by individuals who
Page 23
�know the business, its operation, its problems and
something about the clientele which supports it.
It is only fair practice to advise the head of the
institution of the nature of the complaints, so that they
accordingly can be corrected to the best of his ability.
It is unjust to send investigators to such institutions
unannounced, for that causes disturbance in the entire
organization. There are few institutions which would
not whole-heartedly endorse any suggestions that
would better conditions in management or operation.
Unqualified individuals, politically appointed, frequently make these calls, examining the private management quarters, those of the help, and then leave
non-committedly. It is for this precise circumstance-,
that animosities exist among the states, counties and
private enterprises.
A PLAN FOR OPERATION
There are corrections of these conditions which
exist that can eliminate much dissatisfaction and also
effect a great saving in taxes.
It is well understood that no private enterprise desires to be subsidized by the county or state in which
it exists. However, once every t wo years there should
be a report to the licensing board the per capita cost
of operation-that is the basic cost, no profits included.
Likewise, the cost of child placement in the state institution should be ascertained by the same board. Now
let us consider a specific case:
This placement costs the state one hundred dollars
per month and the cost of building a new institution
costs three thousand dollars per bed. If the per capita cost of operation in a private institution i s one hundred and fifty dollars per month, and let us assume
that this covers cost of construction, maintenance, etc.
we follow through now with the family that pays
seventy- five dollars per month for the child but can not reach the private organizational cost of one hunclred and fifty dollars per month. If this child were
sent to the state, the cost would be one hundred dollars
per month plus cost of constructing a new bed. Now,
why not ask the state and county wherein this child resides, to subsidize the fam ily seventy-five dollars pe1·
month for care. T hen this family can select the
school (private presumedly) where it should be placed.
.-\s long as they keep up their payments of seventyfive dollars per month and the school properly conducts its endeavors, then the state should continue to
subsidize them.
WHATARETHEPROSANDCONS
OF SUCH A PLAN?
FIRST- All private institutions would have an
incentive to keep high standards and even better than
the state and county. Their patronage would be increased. They would be leaders, and to compel them
to follow instructive correction would not be necc~sary.
SECOND- It would bring capital into the field
and many banks who now refuse loans for these
purposes of construction, would loan bonafide and
good risk monies for the cause, knowing that t here is
a demand and necessity for it- also that adequate
funds exist for its security as well as the construction.
The states would not be asked to spend for the development since it would be privately financed.
THI RD- The states also would be saving twentyf ive to fifty dollars per month on maintainance costs
per capita and would bring in many new beds thereby
rendering the availability of old beds for those families
who cannot afford to spend for their child.
FOURTH-This would engender a greater respect
and cooperation between private, county and state institutions besides developing a better comprehension of
the problems facing them.
The fruition of these recommendations would
cover a twenty-five year period and we would enter
an entirely new era of attitudes toward the retarded
and handicapped situation. Feasibly, every man,
woman and child so afflicted could have such care,
treatment and training while the taxes would not be
increased and the returns for funds expended would
be of a far superior quality.
There are innumerable individuals who are physically or mentally incapacitated who are presenting a
prodigious problem and also a painful struggle to survive, so we of normal status should put forth every
effort to encourage, assist and promote them m
"THE RIGHT TO LIVE."
Page 24
��'
�
Dublin Core
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Title
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Local News Index
Description
An account of the resource
An index to newspaper and periodical articles from a variety of Santa Cruz publications.
It is a collection of over 87,000 articles, primarily from the <em>Santa Cruz Sentinel</em>, that have been clipped and filed in subject folders. While these articles of local interest range in date from the early 1900's to the present, most of the collection and clipped articles are after roughly 1960. There is an ongoing project to scan the complete articles and include them in this collection.<br /><br />Also included are more than 350 full-text local newspaper articles on films and movie-making and on the Japanese-American internment.<br /><br /> In addition, this is an online index for births, deaths, and personal names from <em>The Mountain Echo.</em> The complete print index is available at the library. For more information see <a href="https://history.santacruzpl.org/omeka/items/show/134957#?c=0&m=0&s=0&cv=0">The Mountain Echo</a>.
Most of the indexed articles are available on microfilm in the Californiana Room or in the clipping files in the Local History Room at the Downtown branch. Copies of individual articles may be available by contacting the Reference Department - <a href="https://www.santacruzpl.org/contact/">Ask Us.<br /><br /></a>
<p></p>
While there is some overlap between this index and <a href="https://www.santacruzpl.org/historic_newspaper_index/">the Historic Newspaper Index</a><a> (approximately 1856-1960), they are different databases and are searched separately.</a>
Publisher
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Santa Cruz Public Libraries
Document
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Original Format
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PAPER
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Identifier
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CF-5909
Title
A name given to the resource
Blake Hammond Manor
Description
An account of the resource
Booklet describes the facilities, philosophy, and 'The Right to Live' manifesto of this residence and care facility for the mentally retarded
Creator
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Smith, Theodore H.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
0000-00-00
Subject
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Blake Hammond Manor
Ben Lomond
Schools-Ben Lomond
Coverage
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Undated
Publisher
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Santa Cruz Public Libraries
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Text
Language
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EN
Type
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NEWS
DOCUMENT
Clipping branch location: Downtown
Clipping filed under: Blake Hammond Manor