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.
Unidentified psychiatric hospital employees enjoy a summer dance in one of the large recreation halls, some of which contain bowling alleys and other facilities. New York State Office of Mental Hygiene Annual Report 1948. Courtesy of Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) member, Paul Castellani.
The new infirmary at Craig Colony State Hospital, seen here near completion, was the first building to be built in New York State after the inauguration of the postwar construction program in 1943. New York State Office of Mental Hygiene Annual Report 1948. Courtesy of Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) member, Paul Castellani.
Part of the installation for machine tabulation in the Albany office of the Department of Mental Hygiene. New York State Office of Mental Hygiene Annual Report 1947. Courtesy of Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) member, Paul Castellani.
New York State Governor Thomas E. Dewey (right), accompanied by Department of Mental Hygiene Commissioner Dr. Frederick MacCurdy, samples the food during an inspection tour at Rockland State Hospital. New York State Office of Mental Hygiene Annual Report 1947. Courtesy of Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) member, Paul Castellani.
A typical room in a 1947 New York State mental hospital. Caption reads: Clean, comfortable accommodations and complete medical care. New York State Office of Mental Hygiene Annual Report 1947. Courtesy of Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) member, Paul Castellani.