Creation of
Western State
Overcrowding at Eastern Lunatic Asylum in Williamsburg, Virginia, led the Virginia Legistlature to sign an act creating a second mental institute for Virginia: Western Lunatic Asylum (original name of Western State), which would be located in Staunton, Virginia. The asylum received its first two patients on July 24, 1828 under the care of Superintendent Dr. Francis T. Stribling.
DeJarnette
Sanitarium
Dr. Joseph DeJarnette founded the DeJarnette Sanitarium in 1932 while he was serving as Superintendent at Western State. The Sanitarium offered a resort-like atmosphere for patients who could privately afford their care. A golf-course along with horses were provided for the patients for entertainment. DeJarnette continued to be in charge here even after he retired at Western State in 1943. He officially left the Sanitarium in 1947. Since the 1990s these buildings have been abandoned but they are currently contracted to be demolished for the creation of a shopping mall.
Patients'
Responsibilites
Patients had many responsibilities placed upon them during their time at the institution. When Western Lunatic first opened, they practiced under moral treatment. A significant aspect of this treatment was giving patients jobs around the asylum in order to keep their mind occupied. These pictures below show the cows, chickens, and fields that the men took care of. Their labor and work with the livestock along with the women's work with laundry, cooking, cleaning, and sewing, diretly benefited the asylum. Because of the patient's work, outside help was not necessary.