Syracuse State School Population Census

Chronological by month.

The series consists of monthly census summaries enumerating the population of the Syracuse State School and its outlying colonies and cottages, by gender, during the period 1918-1949 (no data for July 1929 - June 1936). Aggregate numbers, not names of individuals, are provided. Data document the expansion of the institution's colony system, as well as how regular admissions, discharges, elopements, and the policy of paroling residents affect total institutional population at a given time.

The earliest volume (census from September 1918 - June 1929) is a "Summary Record" in a format distinct from later ones. Numbers are presented monthly in a quarterly summary group recording the date, number of boys, number of girls, total, number of vacancies ("vac."), totals and averages in all categories. Beginning in May 1925 through June 1929, this format changes. The count is of the number of boys and girls in the earliest colonies (Fairmount, Munro, Snyder, Belle Isle, Camillus, James St.) and at the main school ("Syracuse"), as well as the numbers of boys and girls in the resident population and on parole. About August 1928, the separate boys and girls colonies are listed separately.

Volume two (census for fiscal year beginning July 1936 - June 1940) shows the population for the expanded colony system, and includes status of admission and discharge, as well as total males and females admitted, discharged, and paroled, the total males and females of all colonies and the main school, numbers of males and females in the resident population, and the total enrollment. Volume three (census for fiscal year beginning July 1940 - March 1946) shows the same data, with enumeration of new Cottages A-E.

The final volume (census April 1946 - March 1949) shows the numbers of males and females in categories of discharges, admissions, elopements, on convalescent status, colonies (all), home visits, institution, resident, and total enrollment. This is followed by numbers for girls colonies, boys colonies, the total number of males, total number of females, and total population.

B1641Series B1641, Daily Census and Activity Registers, provides related census information that pre-dates some of these records.

Volume list is available at the repository.

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