Administrative Records, 1906-1978
- Abstract Or Scope
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Includes records pertaining to the transfer of ownership to Duke University, as well as the day-to-day operation and expansion of the hospital. Records include agreements, annual reports, architectural plans, appraisals, audits, brochures, budgets, clippings, correspondence, data on lawsuits resulting from fire and accidents, deeds, fiscal reports, historical essays, insurance papers, maps, minutes, monthly statements, newsletters, photographs, programs, publications, reports, as well as sale and lease papers. The files, among other things, include a glimpse of the perception of mental disorders and approaches to psychiatric treatment in mid-twentieth century America and the trials of running a small, ever expanding hospital. The records do not contain information on particular patients unless they died at the hospital and that information does not include patient records or notes. Topics include the 1948 fire, staffing issues, local real estate, mid-century modern furniture, and institutional kitchens. The record dates range from 1906-1978. The majority of the records are from 1939-1957.
- Collection Context