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Home » Exhibit Area » Exhibit 1B Case View

Attics, Almshouses, and Asylums-Care for People with Mental Illnesses

In colonial America, mental illness was believed to be caused by demonic possession, witchcraft, or sinful behavior, and was considered something to be punished. The mentally ill were chained in attics, almshouses, and jails, or roamed the streets and survived as best they could. Living conditions were appalling, and medical care non-existent. [continue here]


Attics, Almshouses, and Asylums-Care for People with Mental Illnesses

Pedestal exhibits showing a mask, women's undergarments, an ECT machine, leather straps, and medication brochures.
Pedestal exhibits showing a mask, women's undergarments, an ECT machine, leather straps, and medication brochures. On loan from the Northcoast Behavioral Healthcare Center. View selected exhibits...

Top Shelf
Top shelf: Photographs, annual reports and patient diaries from Toledo State Hospital (the former Toledo Asylum for the Insane). On loan from the Northcoast Behavioral Healthcare Center and Center for Archival Collections at Bowling Green State University. View selected exhibits on this shelf...

Middle Shelf
Middle shelf: Photographs, postcards, and plat drawing of Toledo State Hospital; Hefner Family letters and monthly hospital dining room menus. On loan from Sharon Yaros. View selected exhibits on this shelf...

Bottom Shelf
Bottom shelf: Photographs of staff and residents at Toledo State Hospital. On loan from the Toledo Lucas County Public Library. For details related to images on this shelf, please visit and browse the "Images in Time" exhibit of the Toledo Lucas County Public Library.