Sterilizer

The sterilizing plant was built in 1896 on a hillside near the infirmary for contagious diseases. The location was a natural choice, due to the disinfecting needs of the infirmary and its proximity to the power plant's steam pipes. The steam was used to sanitize bedding and instruments in a high-pressure autoclave. The building was briefly described in the school's 1896 annual report:

A small but very complete disinfecting plant has been built near the hospital, consisting of a brick building, 15 by 25 feet, containing a steam disinfecting drum, 4 feet in diameter and 7 feet long. With this apparatus a large quantity of infected bedding or clothing may be quickly and thoroughly subjected to live steam at a temperature of 250 or more degrees Fahrenheit, without damage to the fabric, insuring perfect disinfection.

The building became outdated once sterilization operations were moved into more centralized hospital structures. In 1954, it was converted into an electrical substation.

Architectural Description

The building is a single story, flat-roofed structure with copper flashing. Despite its utilitarian nature, decorative corbelling is present along the roof line. The foundation is field stone with a concrete floor. Windows and transoms have been replaced with steel vents or bricked over. The steam supply tunnel has also been sealed. The room is barren except for high voltage equipment, as it was used as an electrical substation in later years (Vault #14).