New York State Lunatic Asylum "The Opal" Patient Newsletter

Statement on Language

Some content in this finding aid may contain offensive terminology. For more information on why this language is occasionally retained, see: New York State Archives Statement on Harmful Language in Descriptive Resources.

Overview of the Records

Repository
New York State Archives
222 Madison Avenue
Albany, NY 12230
Summary
This series consists of bound copies of "The Opal," a monthly literary newsletter edited by patients at the State Lunatic Asylum at Utica. The newsletter contains poems, essays, news articles, correspondence, and editorials on national and local events and subjects. Subjects and themes are mostly social, literary, religious, and political.
Title
"The Opal" patient newsletter
Quantity
2 cubic feet; 10 volume(s); 21 editions
Inclusive Dates
Series Number
B1480
Creator
Arrangement

Chronological.

Scope and Content Note

This series consists of bound copies of "The Opal," a monthly literary newsletter edited by the patients at the State Lunatic Asylum at Utica. The newsletter contains poems, essays, news articles, correspondence, and editorials on national and local events and subjects. Subjects and themes are mostly social, literary, religious, and political. Some topics are covered in a humorous or satirical manner. Some material includes information on currently held theories and attitudes concerning mental illness.

Volume One contains a few pieces of original art work.

Alternate Formats Available

Samples of artwork from the newsletter have been digitized and are available in State Archives Digital Collections.

B1540 Issues of "Marcy News," Marcy Psychiatric Center newsletter, 1968-1976

B1922 Middletown Psychiatric Center Newsletters, 1935-2002

B1585 Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center Newsletters, 1957-1994

B1453 Willard State Hospital Newsletter, 1957-1980

Other Finding Aids

Alphabetical title index at fore of each volume.

Custodial History

These records were transferred to the State Archives on September 16, 1996 from Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center under RDA 19266.

Access Restrictions

There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of this material.

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