153 Comments Posted by Kathy

As someone who works for a State Department of Mental Health within a hospital I can say that things have really changed from the time that Lord took these photographs. However, for the severely mentally ill person who is involuntarily committed the privations of the inpatient setting, no matter how nice it is, are severe in regards to loss of autonomy, loss of liberty, and basic loss of control over very mundane aspects of one's life (like when and what one eats, taking medication or not, etc.). I am glad these photos exist as a memorial bearing witness to how these people were treated then, but we have a long, long way to go. Thanks Motts--I love this website.

As Massachusetts plans to close Westboro State Hospital (200 patients living there) by April it is poignant to see these pics and remember the hayday of State Hospitals...a home to some and a prison to many. While I try not to romanticize their existence, the architecture was beautiful and the decaying legacy is captured wonderfully in your photos, Motts. Thanks for this new gallery.