The Milwaukee Sentinel | Healing, Hell, and the History of American Insane Asylums

Most asylum superintendents, especially at the beginning of the asylum era, wanted to recreate a home atmosphere for patients. They often arranged outings, dances, and other activities that tried to normalize life for patients. Holidays, of course, can bring sadness to anyone remembering the past and asylum patients undoubtedly had an especially rough time during any festive season.

Photos 1923_0010 — Christmas at Morningside Hospital in Portland, Oregon

At Christmas, asylum staff and the surrounding communities tried to remember these forgotten people. Many civic organizations donated food and clothing to insane asylums, or sought to make the patients more comfortable. Churches, school bands, and choral groups would visit asylums to sing and entertain patients, and money was usually set aside in some way for improved meals. The Milwaukee Sentinel wrote on December 25, 1903 that:

“Inmates of the county insane asylum will enjoy rabbit stew, oysters, and plum pudding for dinner today. The Christmas tree entertainment was held last evening, and the program of music and recitations was followed by dancing and bags of candy and fruit were distributed.

Christmas Decorations in Ward of Bellevue Hospital, 1920

“The usual Christmas festival for the patients of the Milwaukee Hospital for Insane was given on last evening. A Christmas tree, illuminated by colored electric lamps and laden with presents, a concert by the hospital orchestra, and dancing, comprised the entertainment. Every patient received a present and refreshments were served. A special breakfast and dinner will be served today, and skating on the lake will be indulged in.”

Christmas Turkeys Displayed Outside Spencer State Hospital, formerly Second Hospital for the Insane, circa 1924, courtesy WVU Libraries

These and similar festivities elsewhere were aimed at patients, but very likely heartened the staff as well.

Christmas Tree in Wisconsin State Hospital, 1895

Asylum patients were often lonely and neglected by their families during the holidays, though a few superintendents, like Dr. E.H. Williams, the assistant physician at Matteawan State Hospital (1897), didn’t think the holidays mattered much to them. He believed that the insane couldn’t handle changes in routine and wouldn’t appreciate celebrations, anyway.

Most asylum superintendents didn’t believe this, and tried hard to make holidays like Christmas special. Public charities and organizations often helped them. They donated food and clothing, and churches brought groups to visit and sing. Usually, meals were also festive and special. The Milwaukee Sentinel described a dinner meal in 1903 that included rabbit stew, oysters, and plum pudding. The evening before, staff had distributed bags of candy and fruit as patients enjoyed music and danced. Festivities like these undoubtedly meant a great deal to patients burdened by the monotonous regimen that was such a large part of their treatment.

Christmas Turkeys Displayed Outside Spencer State Hospital, formerly Second Hospital for the Insane, circa 1924, courtesy WVU Libraries

Very often, asylums would decorate Christmas trees and their public areas; superintendents also made sure that every patient received a gift, using money that had been set aside for that purpose or relying on donations from charities.

Patients and Staff at Christmas Party at State Hospital, Jamestown, courtesy Historical Society of North Dakota

It was important that no one be forgotten, and all these efforts to provide a bit of cheer and comfort undoubtedly helped patients through an especially difficult time. Likewise, the staff enjoyed the break in routine, and received the psychic boost that comes from helping others.

Healing, Hell, and the History of American Insane Asylums

The History of Insane Asylums

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