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Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
Bureau
of Archives and History
Pennsylvania State Archives
Records of the DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WELFARE
Series Descriptions
The Western Pennsylvania Hospital was founded in Pittsburgh in 1848 as a general
hospital that treated all types of illnesses and became the first institution
in western Pennsylvania to offer treatment for the insane. When the Insane Department
of the Western Pennsylvania Hospital was moved to a new building in Kilbuck
Township outside of Pittsburgh in 1862 it was renamed the Western Pennsylvania
Hospital for the Insane at Dixmont to honor the memory of Dorothea Dix, an advocate
for reforming the treatment of mental patients. The Dixmont Hospital was legally
separated from the Western Pennsylvania Hospital in 1907 when it was individually
incorporated as the Dixmont Hospital for the Insane. Supported by private contributions
since 1852, it was primarily state appropriations that enabled the hospital
to expand its facilities and care for an increasing number of mentally ill persons
over the first nine decades of its existence. Despite receiving state appropriations,
it nonetheless continued to operate as a private corporation until 1945 when
it was taken over by the Department of Public Welfare. From that date, it operated
under the name Dixmont State Hospital until it closed in July 1984.
Accounts Receivable Papers,
1917-1918, 1938-1940.
(2 folders)
{series #23.49}
Arranged chronologically in reverse date order by month report was prepared.
These papers document the monetary balances that were due on boarding accounts.
The accounts were set up for both private and public patients and in the case
of private patients only the patient's names are listed. The Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania and county agencies funded the care for public patients. Information
given includes the name on the account; whether the balance was public or private,
any credit balance, the date of the report, the total amount collected from
public and private accounts, and the amount recorded in the general ledger.
**Unprocessed materials in this series include: accession #5345, 1917-1918 (1
folder)**
Address File (Includes a National Survey of Mental Hospitals),
1928, 1930-1932, 1936.
(1 folder)
{series #23.50}
Arranged chronologically.
A file containing a miscellany of materials including notices of annual and
quarterly meetings of the Board of Directors, a notice of proxy for an annual
meeting, two booklets entitled Information For Visitors and Schedule of Lectures
for the Training of Attendants, a transcript of an address delivered by H.A.
Hutchinson to the nursing staff, and notes compiled for a National Survey of
Mental Hospitals by Paul O. Komora of the National Committee for Mental Hygiene.
Admission Books,
1883-1944.
(3 volumes)
{series #23.51} [RESTRICTED]
Arranged chronologically by date of admission.
Admission books for Dixmont State Hospital and its predecessor hospitals. Information
given includes the patient's name, age, race, gender, social class, place of
birth, marital status, place of residence, any previous register number, and
the dates of the current and any previous admission, discharge and/or death
where applicable. Entries also identify the person who ordered the commitment,
give the reason for discharge, describe the form and duration of the mental
disorder and the number of attacks, the age at first attack, the patient's condition
at time of discharge, and any other pertinent remarks.
Annual and Biennial Reports,
1848-1972.
(185 volumes, 2 folders)
{series #23.52}
Arranged chronologically by date of report.
Annual and biennial reports documenting the financial status and activities
of the hospital. Information provided includes reports prepared by the superintendent,
treasurer, farmer, storekeeper, and head housekeeper, among others. The reports
include statistical tables documenting the patient population, hospital expenditures,
and production of the farm. In addition, for each year in operation between
1897 and 1934 there is a listing of nurses who graduated from the Dixmont Hospital
Training School.
**Unprocessed materials in this series include: accession #5345, 1871-1942 (86
volumes)**
Annual Supply Schedule Book,
1926-1927.
(1 volume)
{series #23.53}
Arranged by numerically item number.
Indexed internally, alphabetically by subject.
Annual Schedule of Supplies ordered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for
the fiscal year June 1, 1926 to May 31, 1927. Information given includes the
item number, the estimated yearly quantity required, a description of the requested
articles, the minimum order size, the maximum and net price per item, and the
name of the supplier to which the contract was awarded.
Applications for Parole and Leave of Absence,
1946-1947.
(1 folder)
{series #23.54}
Arranged chronologically by date parole or leave of absence was granted.
Application forms used for the granting of parole or leave of absence to male
and female patients at Dixmont State Hospital. Information given includes the
name of patient and the name of the person to whose custody the patient was
released, the length of the parole, the date parole was granted and the date
of the return to the hospital, and the guardian's address. Some forms still
retain the attachment that was to be carried by the patient while on parole.
Appropriation Files,
1927-1939.
(1 folder)
{series #23.55}
Unarranged.
Correspondence, cost estimates and copies of legislation put forth by the Pennsylvania
House of Representatives and the Senate regarding appropriations to the Department
of Welfare for operating the Dixmont Hospital. Information generally found includes
lists of items needed by the hospital, the quantity and cost of items, and the
date appropriations were approved by an act of the legislature.
Attendants' Daily Reports,
1940-1941.
(4 folders)
{series #23.56}
Arranged in reverse date order, and thereunder by ward number.
Daily reports covering the twenty-four hour period ending at 8 o'clock p.m.
each day that were prepared by ward attendants in the Male Department at the
Dixmont Hospital. Information provided about each ward includes the name of
the ward attendant, the capacity of the ward, both the current number of patients
and the number of new patients who were admitted, discharged, died, or escaped.
Also found are the number of patients involved in various types of activities,
the number patients employed and the locations where they were employed, notes
concerning complaints, and the names of patients who died or were received from
or transferred to another ward.
Attendants' Night Reports,
1940.
(2 folders)
{series #23.57} [RESTRICTED]
Arranged in reverse date order.
Reports prepared by ward attendants primarily for the 6th Ward, but also some
from other wards in the Male Department. Information provided includes the names
of the patients residing in the ward, the names of the night attendant and the
day nurse relieved, an hourly account of the nocturnal activity of patients
from 8 PM till 3 AM, and the number of patients listed on the ward census at
6 AM.
Autopsy Records,
1920-1939.
(1 folder)
{series #23.58} [RESTRICTED]
Arranged in reverse chronological order by date autopsy was performed.
Records of autopsies performed on both male and female patients at the Dixmont
Hospital. Information given about each patient includes name, age, gender and
race; the form of mental disorder from which they suffered; the dates of admission,
death and autopsy; the clinical diagnosis and cause of death; the name of the
physician who performed the autopsy; and specific details of the postmortem
examination.
Bank Deposit Books,
1941-1945.
(1 folder)
{series #23.59}
Arranged by type of account.
Bank deposit books documenting deposits and withdrawals for four accounts maintained
by the Dixmont Hospital. One book documents an account opened by J.L. Moore
of Dixmont with the Colonial Trust Company, Pittsburgh, the purpose of which
is unknown. Two books document accounts opened by Superintendent Henry A. Hutchinson
with the Commonwealth Trust Company of Pittsburgh. One of these books was used
as a live stock account 1941-1942, and the other was labeled only as account
#2, 1942. Account #2 contains two canceled checks that were deposited into this
account. The last book is for the Dixmont Hospital Christmas Fund account, 1943-1945.
Bank Statements and Canceled Checks,
1942-1945.
(1 folder)
{series #23.60}
Arranged by type of account and thereunder chronologically by date of statement.
Bank statements and canceled checks documenting payments made for goods and
services supplied to the Dixmont Hospital. The statements give the amounts of
deposits and withdrawals, the date accounts were debited or credited, and the
balance in the account. Information provided from canceled checks includes the
name of person receiving payment, the date of payment and the amount paid.
Bills,
1869, 1871.
(13 folders)
{series #23.61}
Arranged chronologically by date.
Bills providing an itemized list of goods, foods, and services purchased. Information
provided includes names of companies or persons billing the hospital, a description
of the items or the services provided, and the amount due. Examples of goods
purchased include coffins, a subscription to The Pittsburgh Gazette, stamps,
and medicine.
**Unprocessed materials in this series include: accession #5345, 1871 (1 folder)**
Blueprint of the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne and Chicago Railway
Through Western Pennsylvania Hospital Property,
1908.
(1 item)
{series #23.62}
Blueprint depicting property owned by the Western Pennsylvania Hospital and
other individuals through which that the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne and Chicago
Railway obtained a right of way. The blueprint also shows the location of the
railway's station house, roads and rivers, and the railway's tracks.
Cash Books,
1897-1930.
(12 volumes)
{series #23.63}
Arranged chronologically by date of entry.
Cash books documenting the cash flow through hospital accounts. Information
given includes date of entry; form and amount of payment received or disbursed;
and to whom or from whom the money was given or taken. In addition to the Dixmont
Hospital's Cash Books, special Cash Books are also included for the Dixmont
Hospital Alumnae Association, and the Superintendent's Petty Cash Fund.
Cash Receipt and Disbursement Books,
1924-1948.
(2 volumes)
{series #23.64}
Grouped by function and arranged thereunder chronologically by date.
Cash receipt and disbursement books for Dixmont State Hospital. Each volume
is separated into two parts with the first section containing information regarding
cash received and the second section documenting cash disbursements. Information
contained in the cash received section includes the names of private patients
or the counties and poor districts paying on accounts, state appropriations
provided for maintenance, the sale of farm produce, interest incurred, burial
expenses, and other special expenses. In order to balance at the end of the
month, the cash was debited to the treasurer's account and credited to accounts
receivable on the general ledger. Information contained in the cash disbursement
section includes the name on the account, the voucher number, the amount payable
and the total disbursements. In order to balance at the end of the month, accounts
payable were debited and the treasurer's account was credited on the general
ledger.
Checkbooks,
1917-1919, 1926-1945.
(4 folders)
{series #23.65}
Arranged in numeric succession chronologically by date of check.
Check registers documenting the expenditures for goods and services provided
to the Dixmont Hospital. Information provided includes the date the check was
written, the name of the person to whom paid, the purpose of the expenditure,
and a record of deposits, balances, and overdrafts. A check register for J.L.
Moore for the years 1931-1942 is also included in these records.
Confidential Report by the Board of Fire Underwriters,
1930.
(1 item)
{series #23.66}
Report prepared by the Board of Fire Underwriters of Allegheny County to assist
in the elimination of recognized fire hazards. The report contains information
relating to fire safety in existing buildings and new construction, occupancy
regulations, ventilating systems, fire exits, common and special hazards existing
in each department, and the underwriters' recommendations. Subjects discussed
include the need for an increased number of fire hydrants and fire drills, patient
overcrowding, and the need for fire doors and an automatic fire alarm system,
and improvements to faulty electrical wiring. Also present is a supplemental
report dated February 1935 that was prepared by the Allegheny Division of the
Middle Department Rating Association, formerly the Board of Fire Underwriters.
This is a follow-up report noting changes made by the hospital to comply with
the underwriters' recommendations.
Construction and Renovation Agreements,
1893.
(1 folder)
{series #23.67}
Unarranged.
Contracts for renovations to the barn and the erection of horse stalls for the
Western Pennsylvania Hospital for the Insane by the contracting firm of John
A. Trimble & Brother on July 15, 1893 according to plans prepared by architect
J.L. Osterling. Information given includes title and location of the project;
names of the owner, architect and builder; date entered, length, and conditions
of contract; and amount paid each project. Also included is a call for bids
on architectural specifications for a water closet extension to the hospital.
Construction Plans and Specifications,
1929.
(1 folder)
{series #23.68}
Loosely arranged chronologically by date.
Construction plans and specifications dated October 31, 1929 for the Pitt Construction
Company to construct a reinforced concrete reservoir, rising main and appurtenances
at the Dixmont Hospital according to designs prepared by J.N. Chester Engineering.
Information given includes title and location of the project; the names of the
person for whom the plans were prepared, the engineer and the contractor; the
date the contract was prepared and the length and other conditions of the contract;
and the amount to be paid to the contractor. Also includes initial Pitt Construction
Company estimates for the project, a bond statement prepared by the Hartford
Accident and Indemnity Company, the general specifications of the project and
the resolution by the Board of Directors granting approval for the project.
Daily Journals,
1859-1955.
(17 volumes)
{series #23.69} [RESTRICTED]
Arranged chronologically by date of entry.
Daily journal of persons admitted to or discharged from Dixmont State Hospital
and all its predecessor hospitals. Information given includes the name of patient,
the date of admission or discharge, by whose authority or request the patent
was committed, the name of the person to whom patient was released, the names
of the physicians who certified the commitment, and whether the care was paid
under a public or private arrangement.
Daily Registers of Patients,
1908-1972.
(2 volumes)
{series #23.70}
Arranged chronologically by date.
Registers providing daily patient population census information for The Dixmont
State Hospital and its predecessor hospitals. Entries are grouped by gender
give the total number of public and private patients and the number admitted
and discharged. A summary was provided at the end of the month giving for each
gender the number of admissions, the conditions of patients who were discharged,
the names of persons by whom patients were committed, and causes of any deaths
that occurred.
Day and Night Report Books,
1936-1937.
(6 volumes)
{series #23.71} [RESTRICTED]
Arranged chronologically by date of report.
Reports on the daily and nightly activities of female patients. Information
given includes names of patients who were transferred or admitted, names of
patients who had seizures or required special attention, the total number of
patients on the census, the names of attendants, and the date and time of day
covered by the report.
Death Cards,
1922-1936.
(1 folder)
{series #23.72} [RESTRICTED]
Arranged alphabetically by decedents' surname.
Death cards providing a partial record of patient deaths at the Dixmont Hospital.
Information given includes the patient's name, sex, and age at the time of death,
the patient's citizenship status the citizenship status of his or her family;
the number of prior attacks and hospital admissions, date and cause of death,
the duration of the patient's stay in the hospital, the county and city of residence
when admitted, the form of mental illness, and the name of the person who had
patient committed. Cards only include patients' surnames from Sa-Z.
Death Certificates,
1909-1912.
(1 folder)
{series #23.73} [RESTRICTED]
Arranged chronologically by date of death.
Certificates documenting deaths of patients at the Dixmont Hospital. Information
given includes decedent's name, sex, race, dates of birth and death, age at
time of death, marital status, occupation, names of parents, the places of birth
of both decedent and parents, cause of death, date and county of burial, and
the name of the undertaker and the attending physician.
Death Discharge Notices,
1897-1906.
(2 folders)
{series #23.74} [RESTRICTED]
Arranged chronologically by date of death or discharge.
Death and discharge notices given to the Committee on Lunacy by the Western
Pennsylvania Hospital for the Insane at Dixmont. Different portions of he same
notice form were used for both death and discharge. The patient's name and date
of admission is given for both deceased and discharged patients. For patients
who were released, the date of release is given and the name of the person by
whose authority the patient was discharged. In the case of death, the date of
death, the name of the attending physician, and the cause of death are given.
Discharge Books,
1883-1930.
(3 volumes)
{series #23.75} [RESTRICTED]
Arranged chronologically by date of discharge or death.
Discharge books listing names of patients released from the hospital by reason
of death or discharge. Information given includes the patient's name and register
number, the date of admission, discharge, or death, the age at time of discharge
or death, the patient's race, gender, and social class, the patient's condition
at time of discharge and results of treatment, the cause of death, and the name
of the institution to which a patient may have been transferred.
Discharge Cards,
1922-1943.
(8 folders)
{series #23.76} [RESTRICTED]
Arranged alphabetically by patient's surname.
A set of 5" by 8" cards that were prepared at the time of patients' discharge
from the Dixmont Hospital. Information generally found includes the nature of
the patient's of mental disorder, age at the time of discharge, the name of
the person by whose authority the patient was committed, the patient's citizenship
status as well as the citizenship status of the patient's family, county and
city of residence at time of admission, the number of previous attacks and admissions,
date of parole or discharge, and the name of the person into whose custody patient
was discharged.
Employees' Wage Books,
1880-1908.
(4 volumes)
{series #23.77}
Arranged chronologically by date wages were paid.
Wage books documenting employment in various positions including male and female
attendants, firemen, laundresses, cooks, chambermaids, and other miscellaneous
positions. Information about each employee is listed by month includes the employee's
name and rate paid, the amounts paid to each employee, the amount paid out in
wages per job classification and the total amount paid in wages.
Employees' Agreement Books,
1891-1939.
(6 volumes)
{series #23.78}
Arranged chronologically by date of agreement.
Record books of employee contractual agreements that had to be signed before
pay could be received hospital staff. The information provided includes employees'
name and title, date agreement was signed, and amount paid to employees per
month. These volumes primarily represent the agreements with the hospital and
male attendants. Only one volume, 1905-1908, represents the employment of females
and males in a wide variety of positions around the hospital.
Expenditure Books,
1879-1941.
(7 volumes)
{series #23.79}
Arranged chronologically by date of expenditure.
Record books providing a detailed listing of expenditures of the Dixmont Hospital
for household articles (including food and clothing supplies), furniture, medicine,
insurance, money refunded, amusements, sundry accounts, repairs, salaries and
wages, farm expenses, and miscellaneous. Information found in each account includes
the type of account, the quantity and cost of items purchased per month, the
quantity and cost brought forward per item, and the total amount expended.
Farm Account Order Book,
1893-1896.
(1 volume)
{series #23.80}
Arranged chronologically by date of requisition order.
A log of requisition orders on the farm account of the Western Pennsylvania
Hospital for the Insane, Dixmont, Pennsylvania. The entries list the order number,
the date the order was placed, and the items purchased. No prices are given.
Farm Record Book,
1910-1920.
(1 volume)
{series #23.81}
Arranged chronologically by date of expenditure or production entry.
A monthly record of expenditures for Dixmont Hospital Farm and a record of farm
and garden produce per month. The type of information found includes the type
of expense or the name of the farm product produced, the unit of measure, the
expended or produced quantity, the amount brought forward and the total, the
price per unit of measure, values assigned to items, the amount brought forward,
and the total, and the total amounts expended and generated during the month.
Farm Wage Book,
1894-1908.
(1 volume)
{series #23.82}
Arranged chronologically by date wages were paid.
A monthly record of wages paid to persons employed at the Farm at the Western
Pennsylvania Hospital for the Insane at Dixmont. Information found includes
the name of the employee and the job title, the rate of pay per month, the total
amount paid in wages to the employee, the number of days worked per month, and
the day of pay disbursement. Also present are the employees' signatures.
Female Patients' Clothing and Property Book,
1890-1908.
(3 volumes)
{series #23.83}
Arranged chronologically by date of admission.
Indexed internally, alphabetically by surname of patient.
A record of the belongings of female patients in the care of the Western Pennsylvania
Hospital for the Insane at Dixmont. Information provided regarding each patient's
property includes the name of the patient, the date of admission and the items
on their person at that time, dates and names of additional items that were
acquired, where the additional items were acquired, and where the property was
stored. Also present are receipts for items that were placed in the safe or
were transferred to another institution.
**Unprocessed materials in this series include: accession #5342, 1903-1908 (2
volumes)**
Financial Reports,
1929-1945.
(1 folder)
{series #23.84}
Arranged chronologically by date of report.
Audited financial reports prepared by Willison Audit & System Company, Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania. These reports were prepared on each May 31, which was the end
of the hospital's fiscal year. Each report contain's the auditor's comments,
exhibits and schedules for the following types of information: statement of
assets and liabilities, statement of operations, accounts receivable, and distribution
of expenses by departments. Additional information present is a Summary of Farm
Operations (1929) and Financial Statements (1933-1934).
Financial Statements,
1910-1923, 1935-1938.
(3 folders)
{series #23.85}
Arranged chronologically by date of statement.
Financial statements providing a record of earnings and expenditures at the
Dixmont Hospital. Information given includes the amount of earnings generated
from the Commonwealth, the counties, private patients, and other sources, and
expenditures for payroll, transportation, communication, and food supplies,
and a balance statement.
First Admission and Re-Admission Cards,
1891-1935.
(8 folders)
{series #23.86}
Arranged alphabetically by surname of patient.
Cards documenting both first admissions and re-admissions of male and female
patients to Dixmont Hospital. Information given included the patient's the name,
date of admission, nature of mental illness, age at admission, marital status
and number of children, occupation, race, religious affiliation, places of birth
both the patient and parents, the patient's county and city of residence at
time of admission, a brief family medical history, information concerning both
the present and any past attacks, and the name of the person by whose authority
the patient was committed.
General Correspondence,
1896-1933.
(30 folders)
{series #23.87} [RESTRICTED]
Organized in three distinct arrangements. Arranged chronologically by date of
correspondence. Arranged alphabetically by patients' surname. And lastly arranged
by topic for patients who were World War I veterans.
Correspondence includes letters written between the Superintendent of the hospital,
Dr. Henry A. Hutchinson, and the members of patients' families and other professionals.
Information contained includes inquiries into patients' condition; requests
for clothing and other articles for patients; inquiries as to whether persons
were patients at the hospital; as well as, administrative and financial activities.
Also contains correspondence between the Superintendent of Dixmont Hospital
for the Insane and various agencies with federal and state government in regard
to World War I veterans. This correspondence covers the years from 1919 to 1922
and covers a variety of topics from venereal disease to requests for payment.
General Correspondence,
1885-1940.
(56 folders)
{series #23.88} [RESTRICTED]
Arranged in two distinct groupings. The first group is arranged alphabetically
by subject or by surname of correspondent and the second is arranged chronologically
by date of correspondence.
General correspondence file that includes the correspondence of Hospital Superintendents
H.A. Hutchinson and Dr. Thomas M. Barrett, Hospital President David A. Reed,
and Music Director Miss Frances Weller. Correspondents include members of the
Pennsylvania House of Representatives, the Jones & Laughlin Steel Company, Bernstein
Manufacturing Company of Philadelphia, Henry Buhl Dry Goods of Pittsburgh, James
B. Clow and Sons, and the Department of Health. Subjects include applications
for employment, letters of recommendation, inquiries into the condition of patients
from families and county institutions, and the appropriation of state funds.
General Orientation File,
1915, 1967.
(1 folder)
{series #23.89}
Unarranged.
Orientation packet given to new employees and new student nurses and hospital
attendants. Topics covered include fire and safety regulations, personnel policies,
emergency measures, and outlines of the functions of various departments. Accompanying
the packets is a Report and Directory of the Training School for Nurses (1915),
Outline of Theoretical and Practical Training for Attendants (1915), and Rules
and Regulations of the Dixmont Hospital for the Insane (1915). These booklets
provide basic instruction and guidance for nurses and attendants, general background
information about the program, and a listing of scheduled courses for the year.
Hospital Record Books,
1856-1895.
(3 volumes)
{series #23.90} [RESTRICTED]
Arranged chronologically by date of admission.
A record of admissions to and discharges from the Western Pennsylvania Hospital
for the Insane. Information given includes the patient's name and register number,
age, race, gender, marital status, occupation, place of residence, duration
of illness before admission, presumed cause and nature of insanity, number of
attacks, name of the person by whom committed, the reason for discharge, the
length of time in the hospital, and dates of admission, discharge and death.
Hydro-Therapy Reports,
1913-1923.
(3 folders, 6 volumes)
{series #23.91} [RESTRICTED]
The reports contained in the volumes are arranged in chronologically by year
and thereunder alphabetically by patient's surname. Reports contained in folders
are loose papers arranged in reverse date order by date of treatment.
These records document hydro-therapeutic treatments performed at the Dixmont
Hospital. The volumes record treatments for female patients while the loose
folders record treatments for both the male and female wards. Information given
includes the patient's name, date of treatment, type and extent of treatment
given, and remarks noting how the patient responded to the treatment. Monthly
reports detail the type and number of treatments applied to patients.
In-Patient Record Cards for World War I,
1919-1920.
(1 folder)
{series #23.92} [RESTRICTED]
Arranged alphabetically by surname of patient.
These 5"x8" cards provide a record of World War I soldiers who were provided
mental treatment at Dixmont Hospital. Information given includes each patient's
name and address and the name and address of the nearest relativen, the patient's
veteran compensation number, rank, military organization, age at time of admission,
gender, race, religion, occupation, place of birth, clinical diagnosis, whether
patient was transferred or released and their condition at that time, and the
dates of admission, transfer or release.
Indigent Patient Cards,
1893-1916.
(5 folders)
{series #23.93}
Grouped alphabetically by name of agency.
Indigent Patient Cards provide the name of the agency that paid for the treatment
of indigent patients, the patient's name and the dates of admission, discharge
or death.
Insurance File,
1901, 1915.
(1 folder)
{series #23.94}
Arranged chronologically by date.
Records documenting the valuation of hospital buildings and their contents by
the Ogden M. Edwards Insurance Agency. Also included is correspondence from
the Board of Fire Underwriters containing recommendations for reducing potential
fire hazards.
Invoice Book,
1903-1908.
(1 volume)
{series #23.95}
Arranged chronologically by date invoice was received.
Invoice book for clothing, stationary, and hygienic supplies provided to the
Western Pennsylvania Hospital for the Insane at Dixmont. Information includes
type of account, the date the invoice was received, the type and quantity of
goods purchased, the unit price, and the total amount covered by the invoice.
Journals,
1852-1945.
(12 volumes)
{series #23.96}
Arranged chronologically by date of entry.
Journals of income and expenses for the Western Pennsylvania Hospital for the
Insane and The Dixmont Hospital providing an itemized listing of bith the expenses
for goods and services provided to the hospital and of income derived from services
provided by the hospital.
Ledgers,
1852-1945.
(6 folders, 15 volumes)
{series #23.97}
Each volume is arranged alphabetically the patient's name and thereunder chronologically
by date of entry.
Ledgers documenting the charges and credits made to patient's accounts at the
Dixmont Hospital and all its predecessor hospitals. For each account, a quarterly
bill documents the date payment was received and gives a brief explanation of
the charge, the number of the folio in which the charge was recorded, and the
form of payment used. A special ledger contains accounts for household supplies
and the relief fund.
Letter Press Books,
1917-1945.
(15 volumes)
{series #23.98} [RESTRICTED]
Arranged chronologically by date of letter.
Indexed internally.
Letter press books of correspondence sent by Dixmont Hospital Superintendent
H.A. Hutchinson concerning the physical and mental condition and patient histories
compiled by Dixmont and other institutions. Other topics discussed include placing
an advertisement in the American Medical Association's journal, letters of recommendation
for nurses, and orders placed for flowers, live chickens, and electroshock equipment.
Male Patients' Property and Clothing Books,
1895-1908.
(3 volumes)
{series #23.99}
Arranged chronologically by admission date.
Indexed internally, alphabetically by surname of the patient.
Record books of personal property belonging to patients in the care of the Western
Pennsylvania Hospital for the Insane at Dixmont. Information provided the patient's
name and race, date of admission and a list of the items in his or her possession,
the dates and a list of additional items acquired during the patient's stay,
and notes revealing from where the additional items were obtained and where
they were stored. Also included are receipts for items that were placed in the
safe or were transferred to another institution.
Medical Lecture Notebook of Dr. Hutchinson,
1875-1877.
(1 folder)
{series #23.100}
Arranged by date of lecture.
Lecture notes of Dr. H.A. Hutchinson, the Superintendent of the Western Pennsylvania
Hospital for the Insane at Dixmont. Information given includes the name of the
physician presenting the lecture, the date of the lecture, and notes citing
specific chemical experiments and surgical and medical procedures.
Meeting Notices and Notes,
1931-1941.
(1 folder)
{series #23.101}
Unarranged.
Records of various types of meetings such as the annual meetings, regular monthly
meetings of the Executive Committee, and the quarterly and special meetings
held by the Board of Directors. Meeting notices provide the dates, times and
places of the meetings, minutes provide summaries of the business conducted
the names of those present, and financial statements and bill vouchers provide
documentation of financial transactions.
Meeting Proceeding Books,
1878, 1910-1911, 1916.
(5 volumes)
{series #23.102}
Arranged chronologically by date of meeting.
An assortment of meeting proceedings books labeled as follows: Proceedings of
the Medical Society of the State of Pennsylvania in Relation to the Hospital
for the Insane at Dixmont (1878) and four volumes labeled Proceedings of the
Semi-Annual Meeting of the Association of Trustees and Medical Superintendents
of the State and Incorporate Hospitals for the Insane and Feeble-Minded of Pennsylvania
dated May 1910, June 1911, May 1916, and October 1916 respectively. Information
provided includes the names of association officers and transcripts of addresses
delivered.
Minute Book of the Building and Executive Committee,
1866-1870.
(1 volume)
{series #23.103}
Arranged chronologically.
Minutes of monthly and weekly meetings giving the names of committee member
present, the date and place where the committee met, and a summary of the business
conducted and of expenses authorized to be paid. Also included is a list of
expenses authorized by the committee to be paid. Some of the issues discussed
by the committee include improvements and renovations made to the hospital buildings
and the condition of individual patients either before or after transfer or
when their accounts became delinquent.
Minutes of the Executive Committee and Board of Directors,
1885-1945.
(1 volume, 9 folders)
{series #23.104}
Loosely arranged in chronological order by date of meeting.
The minutes of the Executive Committee and Board of Directors document administrative
decisions concerning the daily operations of the hospital. Information given
includes names of the members of the committee, the number of patients on the
census, expenses paid, and general discussions of hospital affairs. Of interest
to scholars studying women's history is a resolution in the 1885 volume stating
that "the number of diseases women is so few that the appointment of a female
physician ...is not needed; and when such cases do occur, the females would
prefer...a male physician, because they insist that they are more sympathetic
and, in their treatment, more considerate of their feelings, than female physicians."
Miscellaneous Account Books,
1857-1861, 1869-1907.
(5 volumes)
{series #23.105}
Arranged chronologically by date of entry.
An assortment of volumes containing different types of account information.
The volume labeled 1857-1861 lists all types of accounts for Western Pennsylvania
Hospital for the Insane, including improvement, expense, boarding, cash, and
individual accounts giving patients' names the names of companies. All of these
accounts include the name on the account, the dates of bills and payments, and
the balance on the accounts. The volume labeled 1869-1879 kept by the Executive
Committee includes information on salaries and wages, insurance, the amusement
fund, buildings, state appropriations, bills payable, and donations. Information
given includes the name on the account, the date a warrant was drawn, the warrant
number, and the amount of the warrant. The volume labeled 1898-1904 documents
the income generated by the hospital for any particular day in silver, currency,
and by check. The two volumes covering the period 1900-1907 contain documentation
on patient boarding accounts that were updated quarterly in February, May, August
and November. Information includes name of patient, date of admission, number
of weeks for which the county or poor district was billed, the quarterly charges
for room and board, and the total amount owed.
Miscellaneous Accounts,
1902, 1920, 1939-1940.
(1 folder)
{series #23.106}
Arranged chronologically by date of entry.
This is a miscellaneous grouping of documentation for various financial accounts.
Information found includes monetary charges to the counties and districts for
the support of patients, deductions from employee wages, patient account statements,
payroll data sheets from the Hospital Council of Allegheny County.
Miscellaneous Papers,
1857-1899, 1914-1916.
(1 folder)
{series #23.107}
Unarranged.
An assortment unrelated items including newspaper clippings and photographs
of Thomas C. Bell, a copy of a letter written by Dorothea Dix, miscellaneous
programs, laundry lists, requisition orders, a death certificate, and information
on Dixmont's contribution to the War Farms Gardening Committee.
Monthly Balance Sheet Books,
1882-1945.
(6 volumes, 1 folder)
{series #23.108}
Arranged chronologically.
Books containing monthly balances income and expenses on the general account
ledger, a record of credits due to the hospital and debits owed against the
hospital's accounts, an itemized list of operating expenses and earnings, and
the month account balance.
Monthly Record of Wards,
1912-1914.
(7 folders)
{series #23.109}
Arranged chronologically in reverse date order by monthly report and thereunder
randomly by ward.
A monthly record of activities of patients residing in the male and female wards
of the Dixmont Hospital for the Insane. Information given includes the patient's
name, a daily activity report for each patient, and the ward number. Activities
covered include work on and off the ward, whether sick in bed, whether fed by
a nurse, simply on the ward, whether restrained, any dirty habits such as wetting
or soiling the bed, and notations indicating the occurrence of any fits and
whether the patient was secluded or required a special diet. Also records transfers,
deaths and admissions into each ward.
Nurses' Lecture Roll Book,
1930-1933.
(1 folder)
{series #23.110}
Arranged by class title topics.
Rool book for student nursing classes conducted at Dixmont providing the class
title, the dates and length of lectures delivered, the laboratory period, and
recitation instructions. Also given are the names of the instructor and the
students attending each class, the topics covered by the lectures, the grades
scored on examinations and the final grade of each student, and a record of
student attendance.
>Order Book,
1936-1937.
(1 volume)
{series #23.111} [RESTRICTED]
Arranged chronologically by date prescription was ordered.
Order book for prescriptions ordered for female Ward 6 providing the name of
the patient, the name of the physician issuing the prescription, the date and
time when the medication was ordered, the type and amount of the medication,
and the name of the person by whom the medication was administered.
Patient History Books,
1859-1950.
(64 volumes)
{series #23.112} [RESTRICTED]
Arranged chronologically by date of admission.
Books documenting the medical history of patients and their families. Information
provided about each patient includes name, age, gender, race, religious affiliation,
occupation, place of birth, place of residence, marital status, number of children,
places of residence and of birth of parents, names of the physicians who certified
the commitment, the diagnosis of the mental disorder, any other personal characteristics,
the date of admission and the name of the agency or persons who committed the
patient.
Patient Population Statistical Tables,
1936-1946.
(3 folders)
{series #23.113}
Grouped by year.
Statistical tables documenting the patient population on an annual basis. The
information relates primarily to patients' first admissions and documents population
demographics by race, age, degree of education, economic condition, use of alcohol,
marital status, cause of death, age at time of death, total duration hospital
stay, country of birth, citizenship status, and financial information. Also
listed are the number and gender of officers and employees and a list of names
of private patients who became wards of the Commonwealth when the state assumed
responsibility for the hospital in 1945.
Payrolls,
1919-1946.
(11 folders)
{series #23.114}
Arranged chronologically.
Payroll records documenting salaries paid to employees at Retreat State Hospital.
These books also show salary and staffing changes over the years. They do not
include the salaries for the Superintendent or for physicians. Patient's names
were included on the payroll including the work performed and the wages paid.
Information may include the employee's name and position, the number of days
worked and amount paid per month, and the total amount spent on salaries for
the month.
Photographs,
1908-1940.
(1 folder)
{series #23.115}
Unarranged.
Includes thirty-four prints, mostly 8x10, of Dixmont facilities, the staff going
about their duties, and patients receiving treatment that were taken by various
local photographers. Typical examples are two views of Dixmont's Red Cross Nurses
participating in a parade with the Boy Scouts, ca. 1917.
Prints of the Western Pennsylvania Hospital for the Insane,
Dixmont, and the Western Pennsylvania Hospital, Twelfth Ward, Pittsburgh,
[undated]
(1 folder)
{series #23.116}
Arranged by subject of the prints.
A group of multiple prints taken of the exterior of the Western Pennsylvania
Hospital for the Insane at Dixmont. Ten of these produced by Armor, Feurhake
& Company, Pittsburgh, depicts a front view of the hospital showing a horse
and buggy and the railroad line. Four copies of a print of the Western Pennsylvania
Hospital's Twelfth Ward were produced by J.W. Kerr, Architect and shows people
walking around a prominent fountain in front of the building.
Proceeding Book of the Committee on the Ninth Ward Hospital,
1870-1871.
(1 volume)
{series #23.117}
Arranged chronologically by date of meeting.
Proceeding book of the Committee of the City General Hospital, Ninth Ward that
was organized on February 4, 1870 with the Bank of Pittsburgh. In addition to
the members from City General Hospital, the committee was made up of members
from the Executive Committee of the Hospital at Dixmont and members of the Board
of Managers of the Soldier's Home. According to the proceeding book, the committee
primarily discussed the issue of overcrowding in the hospitals and arranged
for the transfer of patients to other institutions to ensure better care.
Public Patients Boarding Accounts,
1938-1940.
(3 folders)
{series #23.118}
Arranged in reverse date order, thereunder alphabetically by patients' former
county of residence.
Accounts providing information on each county as to the agencies paying for
the care of the insane, the number of patients from each county, and the names
of the counties represented at the Dixmont Hospital. Accounts for patients supported
at Commonwealth expense are also listed. Information given about each patient
includes name, number of days at the hospital, amount charged to the agencies
per day, and the amount the agency owed to the hospital.
Record of Condition of Female Patients When Received,
1876-1904.
(16 volumes)
{series #23.119} [RESTRICTED]
Arranged chronologically by date patient was received.
Record of the physical condition and outward physical appearance of female patients
at the time of their arrival. Information found includes the patient's name,
the date they were received, the cleanliness of their clothing and hair, their
physical condition such as whether they had bruises or carried lice, and the
name of supervisors and assistants.
Record of Distribution of Expenditures,
1921-1945.
(1 folder, 2 volumes)
{series #23.120}
Unarranged.
Records of accounts for building materials, clothing and dry goods, salaries
and wages, farm production, food supplies, medical supplies, household supplies,
laundry supplies, and plumbing supplies. Each account reveals the nature of
the items or services provided, the unit price, and the amount spent.
Record of Patients on Parole and Furlough,
1939-1953.
(1 folder)
{series #23.121} [RESTRICTED]
Unarranged.
A record of patient paroles or furloughs. Information given includes the patient's
name, the date of parole, the date of return and expiration, the time limit
on the parole, and any conditions applying at the time of parole.
Record of Payment for Isolated Hospital Buildings,
1906.
(1 folder)
{series #23.122}
Unarranged.
This series contains correspondence, bills, and receipts pertaining to the construction
of an isolated building on the grounds of the Western Pennsylvania Hospital
for the Insane, Dixmont, Pennsylvania. The correspondence was exchanged between
Dr. Hutchinson, Mr. Townsend, and Rose & Fisher, Contractors and Builders who
constructed the facility at a total cost of $5279.86.
Record of People to be Notified,
1855-1952.
(8 volumes)
{series #23.123} [RESTRICTED]
Arranged chronologically, and thereunder alphabetically by surname of patient.
These volumes provide a record of contact persons or organizations in case of
death or emergency. Information provided includes the name and race of each
patient, the patient register number, the date of admission, how they came to
be committed, whether patient was transferred, escaped, paroled, or died, and
the name, address and relationship of nearest relative. If no relative was listed,
the agency that committed the patient was notified.
Record of Requisitions Directed to Purchasing Agent,
1893-1914.
(3 volumes)
{series #23.124}
Arranged chronologically by date of requisition order.
These volumes were compiled to log requisition orders for the Dixmont Hospital.
The entries list the order number, the date the order was placed, and the nature
of the items purchased. No prices are given. In addition to regular hospital
supplies, other items ordered include dynamite, beer, tennis balls, and hard
shelled clams.
Reports on the Cost of Indigent Insane,
1908, 1919-1926.
(13 folders)
{series #23.125}
Arranged chronologically by date report was filed, and thereunder alphabetically
by county.
Reports documenting the cost of care and treatment of the indigent insane at
the Dixmont Hospital. Information given includes the patient's name, the amount
charged per patient per day, and the respective amounts charged to the county
agencies, poor districts, and the Commonwealth.
Superintendent's Reports,
1911-1912, 1917-1918, 1921, 1928-1934, 1945.
(18 folders)
{series #23.126}
Arranged chronologically by date of report.
Monthly reports prepared for members of the Executive Committee by the Superintendent
detailing hospital activities. Information found includes tables showing admissions,
discharges and deaths; statistical data on the male and female departments;
and a breakdown of the productive output of the Arts and Crafts Department,
Farm and Garden Department, and Male Industrial Department.
**Unprocessed materials in this series include: accession #5345, 1911-1912,
1917-1918, 1921, 1930-1931, 1933-1934, 1945 (13 folders)**
Supervisor's Daily Reports,
1938-1940.
(5 folders)
{series #23.127}
Arranged chronologically in reverse date order.
Daily reports for the 24 hours ending at 8:30 p.m. which includes information
on all the male and female wards. Information provided about each ward includes
the number of patients, the number of patients employed and where they were
employed, the number of patients involved in other activities, and the number
of attendants and nurses.
Treasurer's Books,
1879-1940.
(4 volumes)
{series #23.128}
Arranged chronologically.
Records of daily financial transactions maintained by the treasurers of the
Western Pennsylvania Hospital and for Dixmont Hospital. Information found includes
name on the account, the account number, the amount owed or paid, and which
account on the general ledger was debited or credited. On September 30, 1933,
the keeping of treasurer's books were discontinued but the volume continued
to be used as a cash and voucher record.
Voucher Record Books,
1917-1922, 1898-1947.
(8 volumes)
{series #23.129}
Arranged chronologically by date of entry.
Records documenting that expense vouchers had been paid. Information provided
includes the name of person or company receiving payment, voucher and warrant
number, the amount credited to accounts payable, the type of account debited
(general expense, salaries, ordinary repairs, grounds, livestock, etc.), and
the date of payment.
**Unprocessed materials in this series include: accession #5342, 1917-1922 (1
volume)**
Ward Inventory Book,
1859-1968.
(1 folder)
{series #23.130}
Arranged chronologically by year inventory was conducted, and thereunder by
hospital ward.
Ward inventory book providing a detailed inventory of furniture and equipment
in each wards, the basement and the hospital kitchen. Information is given on
the cooking and food service operations, cleaning, laundering, patient bathing,
heating and lighting, furniture and carpeting, and bedding. Examples of specific
items mentioned are spittoons, a piano, and thermometers.
Warrant Books,
1867-1906.
((7 volumes)
{series #23.131}
Arranged chronologically by date of warrant.
Warrant book providing a record of authorized payments from accounts maintained
at the Bank of Pittsburgh. The warrants give the warrant number, date, amount
to be paid, to whom the warrant was issued, which account was to be debited,
and the reason for the warrant.
Will Book of Charles Brewer,
1860-1878.
(1 volume)
{series #23.132}
Arranged by type of material.
Charles Brewer was born in Taunton, Massachusetts, moved to Pittsburgh in 1814,
and died in Allegheny County in 1860 at the age of 76 years. Mr. Brewer bequeathed
over $6,000 to both the Western Pennsylvania Hospital and the Western Pennsylvania
Hospital for the Insane and the total amount of contributions Mr. Brewer gave
to various institutions over his lifetime totaled over $370,000. This volume
was compiled from the court records of Allegheny County by John B. McFadden,
one of the Managers of the Western Pennsylvania Hospital and a member of the
Committee of Managers for the Distribution of the Annual Income Accruing from
the Brewer Fuel Fund Amongst the Poor of the Cities of Pittsburgh and Allegheny.
It outlines assets, gives the names of the executors and of the persons or institutions
to which Mr. Brewer left bequests and the amount of the bequest per annum, a
summary of sums in several accounts, a recapitulation of amounts received and
dispersed by the executors, a summary of bequests and payments to institutions,
a listing of institutions in Allegheny County to which he bequeathed funds and
the total amount they received. Some of the other institutions he supported
included the Young Men's Bible Society, The Protestant Orphan Asylum of Pittsburgh
and Allegheny County, The Pennsylvania Colonization Society, the Seamen's Aid
Society, and the Association Mission of Minnesota Among the Indians.
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