Tag Archives: convicts as attendants for the insane

Changes at Last

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Collection of Dr. Alexander E. MacDonald's Papers, courtesy New York Academy of Medicine

Collection of Dr. Alexander E. MacDonald’s Papers, courtesy New York Academy of Medicine

In 1874 Dr. Alexander E. MacDonald accepted an appointment as superintendent for Ward’s Island’s insane asylum. Conditions there were dreadful (see last two posts) and MacDonald requested a new wing to the main building in 1878 to relieve some of the chronic overcrowding. Both patients and convicts worked on the new construction–not necessarily unusual for the period.

Cheapness had prevailed since day one, and professionals believed that many of the asylum’s cases became chronic because they had not been helped adequately from the start. Even meals were excessively frugal: “Dry bread was a staple article of diet, few accompaniments were permitted and much was diverted by the so-called “cook,” who was selected from the workhouse prisoners,” wrote one of the doctors compiling a history of New York asylums. His assessment is underscored by the fact that when an additional five cents was added to the dietary allowance, along with an improvement in cooking, more patients recovered.

A Supper of Bread, Butter, and Tea on Blackwell's Island, from an 1866 Illustration in Harper's Weekly

A Supper of Bread, Butter, and Tea on Blackwell’s Island, from an 1866 Illustration in Harper’s Weekly

Dr. MacDonald also improved patients’ clothing, bedding, and ward furniture and he fought for a “more liberal” amusement fund to help divert patients’ minds from their problems and give them some enjoyment during their stay. He also fought for attendants, saying that “$20 a month with board was too small compensation for 15 hours [a day] spent in the companionship of the insane.” He called for a whopping 50% increase in pay to $30 a month. Along with this, MacDonald protested using convicts as attendants and managed to get at least the female ones withdrawn. By 1880 he had stopped the use of restraints like manacles, wristlets, and seclusion.

Nellie Bly Posed as an Insane Woman for Her Expose

Nellie Bly Posed as an Insane Woman for Her Exposé

Though MacDonald tried with probably the best will in the world, the four institutions in the Manhattan region were often investigated for a variety of failures. Nellie Bly’s exposé in 1887 is probably the best-known, though many other scandals made it into public knowledge.

Could Anyone Be Cured Here?

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New York City Asylum for the Insane, Men, Ward's Island

New York City Asylum for the Insane, Men, Ward’s Island

Conditions for newly-arrived immigrants judged to be insane (see last post) were dismal. The emigrant hospital on Ward’s Island was completely inadequate, and it was discontinued after only a few years. New York’s insane population (immigrants included) continued to be housed on these islands, however, and even the most oblivious visitor must have seen that it would be nearly impossible to cure any patient under the conditions there.

“The overcrowding on Blackwell’s Island, even after 400 male patients had been transferred to Ward’s Island, was unbelievable,” says one writer (either a Dr. Parson or Dr. Rowe, who both contributed to a history of New York’s insane asylums). “Not less than 400 beds were made up nightly on the floor.”

Women Eating at Bellvue Hospital, Blackwell's Island, circa 1896, courtesy Museum of the City of New York. 93.1.1.4918

Women Eating at Bellevue Hospital, Blackwell’s Island, circa 1896, courtesy Museum of the City of New York. 93.1.1.4918

Ward’s Island sounds even worse. There were too few attendants, too little food and clothing, inadequate seating–and so few common necessities that patients often had to eat with their fingers. “Nights were hideous with noises and profanity,” the doctor continues. “Patients were locked in their rooms . . . straw-filled ticks, reeking and filthy, lay heaped about. Nurses were unknown and the attendants were coarse and inexperienced.”

The litany of failures went on and on. Of course, no one who could get a better job wanted to work there, and the city was forced to hire convicts as attendants. One can only imagine how these employees “managed” their patients. Finally, a new superintendent in charge worked energetically on the patients’ behalf, and conditions began to change.

Crowded Dining on Blackwell's Island, circa 1896, courtesy Viewing NYC.com

Crowded Dining on Blackwell’s Island, circa 1896, courtesy Viewing NYC.com

My final post on this topic will detail some of the new superintendent’s work.