Research

Scope and Content Note

The series consists of "special accounts" that list costs of materials used in construction and maintenance projects conducted at the Syracuse State Institution for Feeble-Minded Children (1893-1918) and later the Syracuse State School for Mental Defectives (1919-1920), according to specific legislative appropriations. Typical projects are for improvements in plumbing or drainage systems, wiring or telephone installation, reconstruction of heating system and stokers, repairs and equipment expenditures, and costs for "developing, maintaining, and extending industries," especially farm colonies (seed, plants, etc.).

Entries are arranged according to project (sometimes name of contractor) and year, often with a citation to the authorizing legislation. Then follows the list of expenses, showing billing date (month and day), description of the material or item (number, type, cost) and the total amount due. Beginning in June 1902 (partly into volume 1), the date bills were paid is marked in red ink. The volumes are sequential, with some very slight overlap because of a few entries dated in the summer of 1908.