new zoo revue (13. 928)

The recursively named Louisiana Hospital for the Insane of Louisiana, established in 1906 on the grounds of a formerly segregated facility “to accommodate the insane of both races” and to provide relief for the overburdened state prison system, still in operation today, is exemplary of a shift in in-patient care that informed the craft and occupational therapy associated with mental institutions of the era, spanning from Victorian attitudes of enlightenment and outreach to Mid-Century Modern journaling. Via Messy Nessy’s Cabinet, we are directed toward a weekly newsletter published by inmates, Hospital Banner—containing news, observations and various submissions from patients with light editorial control from staff.