[or-roots] Oregon Insane Asylums

[GerryCT at aol.com]

I had family members who worked at what was called the Oregon Insane  Asylum. 
 In the 1940's (and perhaps later) it was like a small city with  3,000 or 
more so-called patients.  Many of these patients were quite  self-sufficient - 
worked at the State farms, did crafts that they could sell,  etc.
 
Unfortunately, the asylum was kind of a "dumping" place for the  unwanted.  
And, then, again there were no alternatives available such as we  have today - 
care facilities etc.  Many were there because of dementia,  some were there 
for their behavior, some were there for criminal reasons, some  were "dumped" 
there because family was no longer willing to care for them.   Many sad 
situations existed.  I personally know of two case - two young men  - who got the 
attention of my grandparents.  They hired them (yes, while  they were still 
patients at the asylum) to do painting, carpenter work,  etc.  One of them was given 
money by my prandparents and sent to Newport  where he was gainfully employed 
and later became an owner of bowling  alley.  Another became so good at house 
painting, my grandfather took full  responsibility for him and set him up in 
his own paint business at which he did  very well.
 
Both of these men were a bit "quirkey", but very talented and had been  
"dumped" by their families.  So sad but both had good endings.
 
GT
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