Psychiatric Aide Award winners with Acting Commissioner Dr. Arthur W. Pense are greeted by Governor Averell Harriman at the New York State Capitol in Albany. New York State Office of Mental Hygiene Annual Report 1955. Courtesy of Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) member, Paul Castellani.
One of Middletown's (New York) modern wards as seen through the window of adjoining nurse's office. A total of 580 patients will be housed in the newly dedicated continued treatment building. New York State Office of Mental Hygiene Annual Report 1955. Courtesy ofCivil Service Employees Association (CSEA) member, Paul Castellani.
Brain specimens are subjected to numerous chemical tests in the pathology laboratory of the (New York Sate) Psychiatric Institute. New York State Office of Mental Hygiene Annual Report 1955. Courtesy of Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) member, Paul Castellani.
Patients derive great benefit from dances and parties, which contribute to resocialization. Halloween, in accordance with universal custom is observed in costume. New York State Office of Mental Hygiene Annual Report 1950. Courtesy of Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) member, Paul Castellani.
Governor Dewey officially inaugurated the department's building program with formal ceremonies laying the cornerstone of an infirmary at Letchworth Village, New York. New York State Office of Mental Hygiene Annual Report 1950. Courtesy of Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) member, Paul Castellani.
New York State Governor Thomas E. Dewey signs a bill concerning sex offenders based on a study of 102 convicted offenders at Sing Sing Prison. The bill added a new section to the Mental Hygiene Law that directed that all psychiatric personnel in correctional institutions be under the control and supervision of the Commissioner of Mental Hygiene. It gave the Department of Mental Hygiene the direct duty of supplying psychiaric services to correctional institutions and removed control from the Department of Corrections. Representing the Department of Mental Hygiene are Deputy Commissioner Dr. Arthur W. Pense (extreme left) and Commissioner Dr. Frederick MacCurdy (behind Gov. Dewey). New York State Office of Mental Hygiene Annual Report 1950. Courtesy of Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) member, Paul Castellani.
Thousands of travelers passing through Grand Central Station in New York City visited the Guidepost Exhibit during the two months it was displayed on the balcony. New York State Office of Mental Hygiene Annual Report 1950. Courtesy of Civil Service Employees Association Paul Castellani.
Pre-clinical students watch a demonstration in the Nursing Arts Laboratory of the St. Lawrence (New York) State Hospital School of Nursing. New York State Office of Mental Hygiene Annual Report 1949. Courtesy of Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) member, Paul Castellani.
The Department of Mental Hygiene saw recreation as an important part of therapy for its patients and tried to provide as many recreational options for as many patients at possible. Outdoor activities were considered especially important in developing self-confidence and socialization. Here, mental health patients exhibit "snappy" form in a calisthenics drill presented at their Annual Field Day. New York State Office of Mental Hygiene Annual Report 1949. Courtesy of Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) member, Paul Castellani.
Several hospitals at the time, notably Pilgrim (New York) State Hospital, made use of neurosurgical procedures in the treatment of patients who manifested very disturbed behavior, or who had been hospitalized over prolonged periods. Here, a surgeon prepares to make his first incision in a lobotomy operation. New York State Office of Mental Hygiene Annual Report 1949. Courtesy of Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) member, Paul Castellani.