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that time, being "far out in the country." A spur from the Erie Railroad was constructed, and the first train entered the grounds on July 6, 1871. This, Dr. Foote noted in his first annual report to the State Legislature, facilitated construction and the receiving of supplies. Ground for the first building was broken July 13, 1871, and construction begun. By September, the foundation was being laid.
Cornerstone laying ceremonies were held on the afternoon of Saturday, October 26, 1872. The rainy weather was blamed for keeping many away. Architect Carl Pfeiffer had arrived several days earlier and stayed at the brand new Grand Central Hotel on James Street (the Mitchell Inn was built on the site of this hotel). Mr. Pfeiffer spoke at the ceremony, assuring "the gathering that all expectations in regard to the appearance and construction of the building would be answered, if the answering of them were possible to human effort and care; that he would do all that lay in his power to do his duty to the great and good idea of providing a retreat for the unfortunate ones of our race." Dr. Joshua Draper, a trustee and member of the building committee, placed in the cornerstone box the plans and specifications of the buildings, a copy of the construction contract, inany newspapers, the asylums bylaws, the current Orange County Directory, an almanac, and the Bible.
As designed by Mr. Pfeiffer, the asylum complex would have three buildings. The main building, built first, was for "all the domestic and administrative offices, and seventy-five patients. Its architecture is of the Rhenish style, combining an appearance of strength with a certain lightness and cheerfulness of effect, which is in marked contrast to the sombre heaviness not infrequently observed in asylum buildings. The edifice is of the best brick; with Ohio stone dressings, and from its front a boldly projecting tower furnishes a porte cochere to the principal entrance, gives additional space to the elegant music room on the second floor, and the chapel on the third floor, and rises to a height of ninety feet from the ground." The pavilions, built later, were connected to the main building in such a way "as to give the appearance of three distinct villas... thus avoiding the prison-like styles generally followed in similar institutions." More importantly, it was noted, "Charming, however, as its exterior is to the eye, the interior arrangement is still more graceful and home-like; indeed, the home-like has been, and will be, a sine qua non in the planning of all the buildings of this asylum." (Five pavilions were planned.)
Cornelius J. Sloat of Middletown was the on-site architect for the construction. Lyons, Fellows, & Bunn were the contractors, and Jaines Willis was the landscape architect. Completed in April, 1874, the main building was opened for public inspection on April 17th and 18th. The first patient was adinitted shortly thereafter. The director's residence was completed in 1874. Pavilion One, the building to the right of