Enter a captivating world where postcards become portals to forgotten institutions of the past. Explore a remarkable collection that reveals the hidden stories behind hospitals, insane asylums, reformatories, old ladies homes, soldiers' homes, tuberculosis sanatoria, almshouses, prisons, orphanages, and state schools.
Immerse yourself in the allure of postcards, handwritten and stamped, bearing the marks of journeys traveled and emotions conveyed. These cherished mementos capture the essence of longing, as heartfelt messages lament the desire to be elsewhere: "Am feeling fine. Wish I wasn't here. Send pictures of home."
Among the treasured postcards, three unveil the world-famous Templeton Colony in Massachusetts, an experimental institution that served as the foundation for the renowned Ladd School. Witness the evolution of institutional care through four postcards showcasing the Rhode Island state reformatory, prison, and almshouse. An extraordinary hand-colored postcard of Rhode Island's State Hospital portrays the fenced area known as the 'sheep pen,' creating a vivid visual narrative. Delve into the past with a strikingly aged postcard from Rhode Island's state tuberculosis hospital at Wallum Lake, transporting you to a bygone era. Experience the emotions that swelled at the rail station in Wickford Junction, where families would arrive, eager to embark on a journey to visit their loved ones at the Exeter School. Finally, encounter two exceedingly rare postcards from the early 1900s, when the institution was known as The Rhode Island School for the Feeble-Minded, showcasing Dr. Ladd's house and the boys' colony, emblematic of the institution's historical significance.
Join us as we unravel the tales captured within these postcards, each a window into the past, rich with untold stories and forgotten memories. Embark on a journey of discovery, where these remarkable artifacts shed light on the agricultural roots and eugenic purpose of the institution's early years. Prepare to be captivated by the power of these visual time capsules, bridging the gap between history and imagination.
:JRC
Twenty-five vintage and antique postcards from state and private institutions in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.
