Caroline Bartlett Crane was interested in the idea of Penal farms for minor offenders in the penal system. She felt it would help build character and not hold as much of a stigma for the inmates. Dr. and Mrs. Upjohn of Kalamazoo offered several acres for the location of a penal farm as long as it was used only for that purpose. Mrs. Crane finally advised against the donation because the state did not show adequate interest or give any guarantees as to the use of the land.