Lost Las Vegas 36 - NMHU

Insane Asylum Administration Building
Photo from Perrigo Collection
Courtesy of the Citiizens' Committee for Historic Preservation
43. Insane Asylum Administration Building N of town on Hot Springs Blvd. 1893-ca.1960
Before the establishment of this institution many emotionally and mentally challenged people were locked up in jail. Benigno Romero, Trail freighter, Plaza merchant, shoe and "wonder" drug salesman, found this situation unjust and invited many of these people to live in his home. Don Benigno at one time said to his friend and first doctor of this institution Francisco Marron y Alonzo that, "the doors to my house will always be wide open for all those that approach them, and with open heart. They that need refuge will be most welcome."* Benigno Romero was responsible for making strong appeals to the Territorial Council until money was finally appropriated for this institution in 1891.

W.G. Ward, previously involved in the saloon and opera house business on Railroad Ave., was superintendent of the Insane Asylum until his death. He believed in the usefulness of these needy people and envisioned a garden for them to work in. Nineteen acres of a barren grounds were developed by the patients into wonderfully terraced flower and vegetable gardens, which saved the Territory $3,378.69 in 1898. This and later buildings of the Insane Asylum were removed and rebuilt with modern structures.

*M. Callon, L.V. the Town that Wouldn't Gamble, pg.309

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