Trade Schools at the Craig Colony

Built on the site of a former Shaker community, the Craig Colony for Epileptics was envisioned as a self-supporting institution when it opened in 1896. Inmates worked in the Shakers' existing farms and blacksmith shops; these new buildings were constructed in that same spirit, structuring a day's activities in a predictable manner.

The reality, however, is that many inmates had physical and mental conditions that precluded work. The Colony relied upon hired employees both for its enterprises and attending inmates. Combined with overcrowding, conditions fell far short of the founders' optimistic plans.

Unknown

Photograph

14.8 x 20 cm