Syracuse State School Logbooks of Packages, Letters, and Christmas Gifts Sent to Patients
Some content may contain outdated and offensive terminology. See: New York State Archives Statement on Language in Descriptive Resources
Overview of the Records
New York State Archives
New York State Education Department
Cultural Education Center
Albany, NY 12230
1 cubic foot
(34 volumes)
Arrangement
Arranged by type of record (packages, letters, or gifts), and therein roughly chronological.
Scope and Content Note
The series consists of logbooks that record the receipt of packages (19 volumes, 1927-1941), letters (2 volumes, 1932-1939), and Christmas gifts (13 volumes, 1925-1940, 1958-1970) by patients of the Syracuse State School.
Volumes listing packages sent to patients show the date of receipt, name of recipient, name and address of sender (with a penciled checkmark that may denote delivery of the package to the patient). There is typically no mention of the contents of the package (only very occasionally), and sometimes there is a note that the package remained "unopened."
Volumes listing letters sent to patients show the date the letter was received, name of recipient, and the name of sender, sometimes including (or abbreviated as) the relationship of the sender to the patient (e.g., mother, sister, cousin). There is no disclosure of contents.
Volumes listing Christmas gifts sent to patients typically show the date, name of recipient, and the gift item(s). The volume for 1958-1970 also shows name and address of the gift giver.
Access Restrictions
Restricted in accordance with Mental Hygiene Law, Section 33.13, relating to confidentiality of clinical records. Access is permitted under certain conditions upon approval by the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities.
Access Terms
Children with mental disabilities--Care--New York (State)
Intellectual disability facilities patients
People with mental disabilities--Institutional care--New York (State)