Laconia State School- Laconia New Hampshire

The movie "Lost in Laconia" was very helpful in learning about the history of mental institutions in New Hampshire.  I have attached the link at the bottom of this post. 




This film did a great job of showing different aspects of societies beliefs. The interviews of staff members as well as patients were very moving.   The movie is an hour and six minutes, but I would highly recommend it as the producer Gordon DuBois, Executive Producer Dennis Powers and their team were able to capture the horrible treatment of individuals and explain the mindset of the community.  

In the beginning the institution open in 1903 with only 58 children. 



(These photos were found by googling Laconia State School.  There did not seem to be a reference to give the credit for photos.) 

As many other facilities, it grew and grew as the need was there.  People were place there because families could not afford to care for them or their was some disability that "experts" suggested they be placed there for community safety. 

 In 1970, there were 1,162 adults and children. 

There were so many personal accounts of the experience.  The following quotes all came from the movie-

Samantha Chamberlain, former resident explained how she was "afraid for her life:  She continued to say "I don't want to remember those things, It was tough"  She did add that there would be "40 women running around naked, jumping in your bed".  She explained having to showering with 4 other woman and no privacy.  She explained it as "your dignity, your rights were pulled away from you"   I could not imagine the horror. 

James Cry, former resident stated in the movie, "It's hard to escape from there and I can't forgive my mother for putting me there.  I can't even go out on my own because I'm living a nightmare down her behind these four walls"

Freda Smith, a parent explained it as a "dungeon" 

There were 40 children and just one staff member, Allyse Jewell explained the method of feeding them.  "You had to tie them down to feed them. She explained.  "If they were roaming around you new they had been fed."

There were many accounts of abuse and neglect.

"400 sterilizations until 1958 when the practice was discontinued" 

Change started to happen in 1952 when Richard Hungerford, the superintendent encouraged the parents to get involved.  Parents banded together, created a documentary, and pushed for reform. The films name was "Help Wanted".  The parents also worked with the NH Council for Retarted Children.  This movie made the public aware of the treatment.  But as "Hidden in Laconia" movie stated, the general public was not excited about removing these individuals into the community as they didn't think it was safe or there was just a stigma of disability. 

Things did get better towards the end of the school.  Rich Crocker, new superintenant, began to focus on training staff and help patients with career guidance. 

This was not a short road.  Patients began to be placed in the community and in 1990 the movie reported that there were only 100 residents. It wasn't until Jan. 1991 when the doors of Laconia closed for the last time. 

There is no way I would want to be treated in this institution.  I wouldn't want to work there.  Allyse Jewell, staff mentioned that she loved the patients and got teary eyed talking about them.  It was clear in the video that she loved them. 

I would want to be treated with dignity and have privacy.   I would want to be part of the community and be with my family.  I would want to be involved in activities, learning, and work. 

Reference:

DeBois, G (Producer) (2010). Lost in Laconia [motion picture]. USA: A1L Media Productions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UesOm2HTm2I