A Look at Lawton Hall

Wednesday, September 08 2004 @ 03:48 PM EDT

In the autumn of 1931, "with interest," a publication of the Vermont -People's National Bank of Brattleboro, did a profile on the Brattleboro Retreat, one of its customers. They included a short history of the institution that mentions some interesting trivia, such as "the total financial operations of the Rereat for a year now hover around $400,000 of income and outgo," and that the corner of High and Main Street was considered as a possible site for the Retreat in the 1830's though the idea was "fortunately rejected."

Here is what they had to say about one of the newer buildings at the time, Lawton Hall:

A Thoroughly Modern Building --
Lawton Hall, a memorial to the late Dr. Shailor E. Lawton, is the temporary home of those seeking recuperation from taut or tired nerves.


Reception Room at Lawton Hall --
In a number of the Retreat reception rooms, as here, there are fireplaces whuch are not mere show pieces but hearths of flaming or glowing cheer.


Front Porch at Lawton Hall --
The Lawton Hall "family" finds this porch fronting on the 3-acre lawn a fine place for reading, sewing and conversation.


Ready for Dinner Bell --
Attractive dining room in Lawton Hall, seating 85. Mrs. Louise M. Rublee is hostess at Lawton Hall.


Recreation Room in Lawton Hall --
Billiards, cards and other games are available for both nurses and patients.


Fine Gymnasium in Lawton Hall --
In addition to providing every facility for physical exercise, this gymnasium is the scene of many special functions such as dances and dinners. The members of the New England Society of Psychiatry dine here during their convention in Brattleboro this month.

Lawton Hall also has a "Sanitary Swimming Pool" , ping pong tables, bowling lanes, tennis courts, and a hill top 6 hole golf course in Retreat Park "overlooking beautiful West River Valley hills," part of the 32 acre park laid out in 1881.

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