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Featured Article Of The Week
Northampton State Hospital
The Lunatic Hospital at Northampton was authorized in 1855 to relieve overcrowding in the Commonwealth's existing asylums at Worcester and Taunton, and especially to serve the population of the state's four western counties. It was planned for 250 patients, a population that was not expected to be reached for some time. Prior to improvement of the originally purchased 185 acres overlooking the town of Northampton one mile to the east. Built in 1856, the Northampton Lunatic Hospital was the fourth Kirkbride building to be constructed; it originally consisted of a single three story brick building, designed in a Gothic Revival style, and had the capacity for 250 patients. Following the Kirkbride design, the central administration floors were flanked by two patient wings, one for male and one for female. After many different expansions and additions to attempt to relieve overcrowding, the building seems to have become a confusing maze of rooms and hallways.
In 1864, Dr. Price was succeeded as superintendent by Pliny Earle, who served until 1886. Earle was recommended by noted advocate Dorothea Dix, who had made several personal visits to Northampton. While at Northampton, Earle attempted to apply the rehabilitative tenets of Moral Treatment despite the institution's ever increasing size. Earle, who was a great national voice for humane treatment of the insane. Amusement was another essential component of Moral Treatment. Together, work and amusement provided structure and a sense of normalcy by allowing patients to engage in everyday activities they might have participated in at home. Earle arranged for extensive programs of religious and secular readings, music, lectures, and dancing as part of the patients' treatment. other recreational activities included strolling through the grounds, bowling, games, and library privileges. Click here for more...
