Syracuse Developmental Center Logbooks of Residents and Visitors

Chronological by date of visit.

The series consists of a group of logbooks that record visits to/from various institutional sites by residents, employees, state officials, and private citizens over a span of many years. The exact place for which visitation is monitored is not always specified.

The logbook with the earliest initial visitation date records institutional visits occurring from March 1913 - July 1975, typically by the Board of Visitors, state officials, and various local academics or professionals, as well as (apparently) some private citizens. The sign-in log shows date, visitor's name (signature), and residence (city). Visits may be related to inspections, although the purpose is not stated.

The next log in sequence is the most location-specific. It records times that resident officers and employees living in the "Boys' Building" ("B.B.") entered and exited that building from February 1915 - July 1916. The log shows date, name (signature), time out, and time in. Missing pages at the end indicate that this is a partial volume.

The logbook next in sequence records visits occurring during from January 1941 - February 1944, at a variety of Syracuse State School sites. Places visited (tab headings) include "The Hospital," "Boys' Building," Main Building, "Girls' Building," and various colonies (Amos, Antrim, Belle Isle, Camillus, Edwards, Munro, Colony A, Colony B, Colony C, Colony D, and Colony E). All entries show visitor name (signature) and date visited (also with an "a.m." or "p.m." designation).

The logbook next in sequence records visits by "institutional department heads" occurring from April 1947 - April 1973. The log shows date, name (signature), time, and title of visitor.

The logbook with the most current visitation date records visits at the Syracuse State School occurring from January 1962 - June 1965 (by month) by "the director, assistant director, business officer" and others. The log shows date, place visited, and the name (signature) or initials of visitor. These visits may relate to inspection or supervision, although the purpose is not stated.

Volume list is available at the repository.

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