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Description and Holding Information
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Commissioners to Erect a Lunatic Hospital. Report, 1832
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SEE ALSO 52213 Report of the Committee appointed under a resolve of the Legislature of Massachusetts to superintend the erection of a lunatic
hospital at Worcester and to report the system of discipline and governance for the same. Boston : Dutton & Wentworth, printers to the State, 1832. Senate
No. 2 The report was sent to the Governor on January 4, 1832. The hospital was supposed to house a Superintendent and 120 "insane or mad persons."
The building was all but completed, with grounds, outbuildings, and furnishings awaiting completion. There were special issues because of the
patients, e.g., no fireplaces because the patients could not be trusted with fire. The brick building, with a slate roof, had a central core and two wings
with a full basement. There was central heating and an arrangement for air movement in the summer. Water was piped from a rooftop reservoir. There
had been a $30,000 appropriation, but the construction came in at $24,000. The Commissioners were very complimentary of the construction crew. At the
next legislative session, they would provide the rules of governance. There were several pages devoted to the heart-rending conditions for the
insane at the time and what to expect for their care in the new facility. The Commissioners recommended a Board of Visitors to manage the set-up of the
facility, especially the selection of a Superintendent, who should be a full time physician. After that, the Board would visit often and make an annual
report to the Governor and the Legislature. The issue of a yearly appropriation was not really addressed. The last page announced a legacy to pay
for trees and shrubs and walkways at the facility. (Digitized from a microfilm copy of title originally held by the Massachusetts State Library).
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Title:
Report of Commissioners appointed under a resolve of the legislature of Massachusetts to superintend the erection of a lunatic hospital at Worcester and to report a system of discipline and government for the same.
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OCLC Number:
697711581
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Available Volumes
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| Name | Fiche Count | Online | Paper Backup |
| Vol. 1 | | Yes | No |
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