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Administrative History
In response to accusations of inmate exploitation of the 1870s, the State Board of Charities investigated the operations of the New York House of Refuge and issued a report to the State Legislature in 1879. The Board's recommendation ultimately led to several reforms at the institution, including the elimination of contract labor (Chapter 470, Laws of 1884). In 1887, the institution adopted a system of industrial education modeled after the program employed by the State Industrial School (formerly Western House of Refuge). Boys were instructed in trades and crafts such as hosiery, printing, carpentry, painting, tailoring, horticulture, baking, and gas and steam fitting. Girls attended classes in washing, ironing, sewing, and other domestic work.
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