Scope and Content Note
This volume contains nine carbon typescript reports of inspections of the State Industrial School by a State Board of Charities inspector. The State Charities Law (1896) outlined the State Board of Charities' duties to inspect correctional facilities and reformatories. Inspections were not made at regular intervals, but institution officials were aware of the inspections in advance and usually had displays or activities (eg. fire drills) planned.
Each report provides date of report; date or dates on which inspection took place; names of institution superintendent and president of Board of Managers; and name of inspector.
Reports may contain general or detailed discussion of condition of buildings and grounds, and repairs and cleaning under way; sanitary conditions, general health of inmates, and cases of illness or injury; disciplinary measures, number of inmates in solitary confinement or "marching squad" punishment, number of "incorrigibles" sent to Elmira Reformatory, and success of the State Industrial School as a reformatory; recreation for male and female inmates; education of male and female inmates; religious services; budgetary constraints and shortages of necessary supplies; plans for advantages of, and transfer of inmates to the institution's new site at Industry; and number of male inmates, female inmates, and officers and employees at the institution.
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