Byberry State Hospital

Hannah Karena Jones.
Author/Creator:
Jones, Hannah Karena
Resource Type:
Book
Publication:
Charleston, S.C. : Arcadia Pub., [2013]
Copyright Notice:
2013
Physical Description:
127 pages : chiefly illustrations, portraits ; 24 cm.

Availability

Charles Library - BookBot

Call Number Description Type Availability
RC445.P43 J65 2013

Special Collections Research Center - Reading Room

Call Number Description Type Availability
RC445.P43 J65 2013

Details

Series Title:
Images of America
Bibliography:
Includes bibliographical references.
Contents:
Farm and hospital -- The facilities -- The patients -- Life and conditions -- The staff -- Therapy and treatment -- Activities -- Hospital and community -- Closing and abandonment.
Summary:
Looming on the outskirts of Philadelphia County since 1906, the mental hospital most commonly known as "Byberry" stood abandoned for 16 years before being demolished in 2006. At its peak in the 1960s, Byberry was home to more than 6,000 patients and employer to more than 800. With its own self-sustaining farm, bowling alleys, barbershop, ice cream parlor, federal post office, and baseball team, Byberry was a micro-community. Throughout its history, the hospital served as an educational institution for Philadelphia's medical, nursing, and psychology students; was the site of a World War II Civilian Public Service conscientious objector unit; and a volunteering hot spot for local churches, schools, and Girl and Boy Scout troops. This book provides an unprecedented window into the good, the bad, the unusual, and the forgotten history of Byberry. Hannah Karena Jones holds dual bachelor's degrees in history and creative writing from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania and has presented her historical research at national Phi Alpha Theta and Collegiate Honors Council conferences. The images in this collection come from the Swarthmore College Peace Collection, Philadelphia City Archives, Pennsylvania State Archives, the Special Collections Research Center of the Temple University Libraries, the Library Company of Philadelphia, PhillyHistory.org, the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, and the personal collections of former staff members, among others. The Images of America series celebrates the history of neighborhoods, towns, and cities across the country. Using archival photographs, each title presents the distinctive stories from the past that shape the character of the community today. Arcadia is proud to play a part in the preservation of local heritage, making history available to all. Book jacket.
Subject:
Genre:
SCRC Collecting Area:
Urban Archives
ISBN:
  • 9780738599083
  • 0738599085
LC Classification:
RC445.P43 J65 2013
Catalog Record ID:
991000611819703811
Language:
English

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