Friday, September 21, 2012

2012-09-19_22-51-20_702.jpg
Click to enlarge

What you see above is an entry for a patient in a hospital ledger. But it's not from just any old hospital -- it's from a mental hospital.

The ledger entry is part of an album of materials and paperwork from the now-shuttered Central Islip Psychiatric Center on Long Island. The album is currently in the hands of a PermaRec reader, who took the photo you see above. The reader, who prefers to remain anonymous, is sending me the entire album so I can have a closer look at it. (The story of how he obtained it in the first place is interesting, but I'll save that for another time.)

I'm excited about being able to see the album, which I'm sure will be fascinating, but I'm also a bit uneasy about it. And I'm especially uneasy about the prospect of writing about it. I've wrestled with lots of privacy concerns -- some legal, some ethical -- while telling the stories of the Manhattan Trade School report cards (I addressed some of those concerns here), but medical records strike me as being a lot dicier than report cards. And psychiatric records seem diciest of all.

My general feeling is that old documents always have valuable things to teach us and compelling stories to tell. But if I end up telling those stories, I want to do so in a way that respects the dignity of the people and families involved. For now, as you may have noticed at the top of the page, I've dealt with this by blurring out the patient's surname in the ledger photo. What do you think of that -- was it the right thing to do? Should I have left the surname alone? Or should I not have posted this photo at all, in any form?

I'll have more to say about all of this once I receive the hospital album in the mail. For now, though, it's good food for thought.

Update: After many inquiries, I should specify here that the records in this binder are all for women. If you're searching for info about a male patient, I'm sorry to say I can't help you. — Paul

153 comments:

  1. Tough call. At some point the privacy issues should clearly no longer be of concern. For example, if psychiatric records from 1750 were found, I cannot imagine this being nearly as worrisome. For people who could potentially still be alive, and who could easily have children or grandchildren who remember them . . . hmm.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I went through precisely the same train of thought with the report cards. "Well," I thought, "if these were from, say, the 1870s, I wouldn't think twice about publishing them. But they're from the 1920s and ’30s, so...."

      As you know, I eventually decided to publish the report cards. I also got some legal advice to make sure I was on safe ground. (I was.)

      In the case of the psychiatric records, I'm told that they're all from the 1920s-50s, so the patients are likely deceased. But there's still the issue of their families.

      It's worth noting that the Census Bureau makes full census data available on roughly a six-decade delay. As you may have heard, for example, all the date from the 1940 census is now fully available and searchable. The census data from 1950 should be available 10 years from now, and so on. So that's one yardstick to use.

      But again, psychiatric records are a lot different than census records. Like I said in today's entry, all good food for thought.

      Delete
    2. US Census records are delayed 72 years. thus the 1940 cebsys was only available this year (2012). However, in other countries such as the UK, Census records are delayed 100 years

      Delete
  2. Paul, What if you blurred out the face as well as the last name? I realize seeing the faces is part of the impact of looking at the old records. By blurring it out maybe you can still publish and save some families potential embarrassment at the same time?

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  3. Agreed. Losing the faces does lose some impact, but definitely adds privacy. Maybe a black bar across the eyes? That would mask identity, but leave some facial expression.

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  4. What if you got in contact with the family members of the people in the album.
    As a psych student with a keen interest in abnormal psych I would love nothing more to read about what the patients went through ie treatment, conditions, etc.
    Naturally I have a bias, but if its such a moral/ethical issue maybe contacting the families would be the best bet. I realize that is a large task but it could be used as a learning tool or just a general insight as to how medical/psychiatric treatment has evolved (or not)

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  5. Darby Penny and Peter Stastny wrote _The Lives They Left Behind: Suitcases from a State Hospital Attic_ (Bellevue Literary Press, 2009). I've read the book and was fortunate to see the traveling exhibit upon which it's based. I don't remember which years the materials encompassed, but I do recall that one patient profiled in it died in 1973. Perhaps the authors can advise you on those sensitive matters of confidentiality.

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  6. I'm still trying to get the records of my family member, Martin Farrell, who died at Central Islip Hospital, December, 1904. I submitted every bit of info available beginning with Martin's birth in Co. Roscommon, 1839 to my birth...quite a large packet of info was submitted to Albany in 2014. I have yet to hear anything re the records...entry docs, diagnosis/treatment docs etc. I was under the impression that via state legislation, these records are now accessible to the public. Any help or direction would be much appreciated. Thank you.

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    1. Unfortunately, Martin is not listed in the ledger that I have, and I don't know what else to tell you regarding Albany. Sorry.

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  7. Thank you, Paul. Do you anticipate ever gaining possession of the records for that time period? Earlier on, I contacted Pilgrim hospital as I was told that they had the CIH records. They continued to tell me that Martin Farrell was not a patient at CIH which I took as "we're not interested in helping you" Lo and behold...it was shortly after that when I obtained the death cert from the vitals office in Islip and it confirmed Martin's death there in 1904. Thanks again. GB Jersey Shore

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    1. I have no plans or expectations regarding acquiring additional records. Sorry.

      Delete
  8. Psychiatric records are confidential forever. Federal law has adjusted the standards for Federal HIPAA policies but defers to the individual states for final say. If the State standard is more stringent than that is the rule to follow.
    As there is still so much stigma and exploitation of mental health conditions, there is no change slated for the near future. Even though the patient may be long past, the stigma can still effect the survivors, especially in small communities.
    Additionally with mental health conditions being viewed as character deficiencies and fodder for humor and entertainment by small minds and ignoramus's who are entertained by an others malities, the privacy should continue to be forever.
    We live in an unsettling, perverted and voyeuristic/exhibissionistic time, where too many of us need to disparage others to make our selves feel better about our own short comings or we overshare our own issues in an attempt to feel validated.
    Those who suffered and died after living with their traumas, malities and pain, should be left to rest in peace without having their most intimate selves exposed to the world to satisfy someone else's agenda or need to be entertained.

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  9. I'm looking for information on an aunt, entered CI around 1940, her name Myrtle Rorke. She died in 1993 and I am unsure if she was there in her final years. Any chance she's in your book?

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Unfortunately, the records I have are all from the 1920s. Sorry.

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  10. I'm looking for an aunt from the 1920s name is Anna Ostel born about 1889. Could you offer any help?

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    1. Her name does not appear in the ledger - sorry.

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  11. i am looking for my Aunt her name is Anna Gunther birth year is around 1908. I see on the 1940 census she is listed as being in Pilgrim State Hospital. I can find nothing on her after that. My siblings and I were never told of her until my mother was on her death bed and finally told us about her sister. She had so much guilt when she told us because she was never allowed to speak about her.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unfortunately, I do not have records for anyone by that name. I'm sorry.

      Delete
  12. Hi Paul, I'm looking for an aunt, Elsie Fisher, she appears in the 1930 census as an inmate at Central Islip. Any chance you have her in your ledger?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unfortunately, I do not have records for anyone by that name. I'm sorry.

      Delete
  13. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  14. Any record on a woman named Josephine Platzner?

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  15. Hi there Paul, I'm looking my great-grandmother's records, she was at Pilgrim State Hospital. She spent the final years of her life there. Her name is Katherine Innes/Ennis. May be listed as Katherine Bullard. Any chance she's listed? Thanks.

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    1. Hi, Danielle. Unfortunately, I don't have records for anyone by either of those names. Sorry.

      Delete
    2. Thanks for your reply. I enjoy your blog, it's very interesting. Take care!

      Delete
  16. Paul did you find anybody by the name of Bridget Hannigan born in Ireland 28 May 1868, She may have had TB as well as mental issues as her mother died from TB very young. I have no problem with yhe name being published as she was one of seven siblings who went to the US between 1886 and 1903. I have found the others and I think she was in Islip in 1920 and 1930. None of the seven rver got married. I am their great nice. I love to know Bridget's resting place
    Kind Regards
    Una Doyle

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  17. Don't have anyone by that name -- sorry.

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  18. Hi Paul, you sent me a reply from the wrong post. I am looking for Stella Aarons. She was my great Aunt and committed from 1921 to her death in 1971. I cannot find her grave, the town (who apparently has the death certificates) will not let me have it until 2021.The census from that time period places her there. I have run out of options to find her. Any suggestions? My email is bruce.oran@gmail.com.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. I don't have any records for anyone with that name. Sorry.

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  19. Do you have any records for James Kenny? I’m looking in particular for photos.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Unfortunately, I have nothing for anyone by that name. Sorry.

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  20. I am looking for information about Nancy W Newell. She was at Central Islip in the 1920 census, and she died in 1921.

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  21. Unfortunately, I don't have records for anyone by that name. Sorry.

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  22. I am looking for information on a Mary Abramowitz (or Abramovitz). She was at Central Islip in the late 20s and on the 1930 census. Any chance you have a record for her?

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    Replies
    1. Unfortunately, I don't have records for anyone by that name. Sorry.

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  23. Hi, do you happen to have John R Walker born in 1877?

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  24. Hi Paul, These entries are for the most part 40 years old.I for one would love to see more information. My great-aunt was institutionalized at Central Islip in 1921. My cousin, her grandaughter would especially love to find out the true nature of her "mental illness". She spent over 50 years there and died there. No information is available. New York State is mum. This greatly helps families.

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    Replies
    1. If you tell me your great-aunt's name, I'll be happy to tell you if I have any of her records.

      Delete
  25. WE have been in touch before. It is Stella Aarons. Her last address prior to her commitment was 524 East 5th Street, NYC. She was born in Austria on July 2, 1897 and died at Central Islip on June 15, 1971. In the NYS census of 1925 is the first listing of many for her as an inmate.
    There is definitely a story here and if you e-mail me at bruce.oran@gmail.com, I will share it with you. Definitely something an investigative reporter could sink their teeth into. Has all the elements, infidelity (on part of her husband), fame (one of her sons grew up to become well known in his day though now deceased) and more!

    Bruce

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  26. My Aunt Hazel Snyder was a patient at CI. She wrote a letter to her mother from the asylum dated August 25, 1944. In her mother's obituary from 1949 she is listed as Hazel Farevaag, New York City. In her father's obituary from 1963 her last name is spelled Fareweag, also New York, New York. In her 1944 letter she named a doctor, which I do not want to name publicly as it hints at reasons for her incarceration. Can you help me with her story?

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Unfortunately, I don't have records for anyone by that name. Sorry.

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  27. I am trying to find information on a relative who was listed as a patient at Central Islip State Hospital in the 1910 Federal Census. David Orr, age 23 as of 1910. Would you have any records on him? Thank you very much.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Unfortunately, I don't have records for anyone by that name (or for any male patients, period). Sorry.

      Delete
  28. My great grandmother was named Minnie Reidy born 1866. She was a patient there during the 30's and is on the 1940 census. Would you have any information on her? Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. I don't have any records for someone by that name. Sorry.

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  29. any record of Francesco ( frank ) giannotta. died pilgrim state 1974

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't have records for anyone by that name. Sorry.

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  30. Hello paul - So happy to have found this site. My name is Gail Gallucci and I am looking for my great grandmother who was a patient at Pilgrim hospital. Her name is Filomena Gallucci. 1930 census has her listed at Manhattan State Hospital Wards Island, NY. 1940 census has her at Pilgrim in Islip. Death records have her still at Pilgrim in 1954 with Islip NY death cert. #. Do you have any record of her? Thank you so much for any help you can give me. Would the death certificate have more information on where she was buried? I believe she is buried at Pilgrim.

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    1. Hi, Gail. I wish I could help you, but I have no records pertaining to your great-grandmother. I'm so sorry — good luck in your search.

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  31. Hi, Do you have record of Filomena Gallucci? She was there in the 20s - 1930 census shows her as patient. !940 does as well. Death certificate from 1954. Thanks for any info you may have. Gail Gallucci

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No, I don't have anything records for anyone by that name. Sorry.

      Delete
  32. Hey Paul,

    Wondering whether you have any records for a Charles Kean? or any individuals with the surname of Kean during this time. He was diagnosed and died at Pilgrim Psychiatric Center and his biological mother was also institutionalized at Pilgrim during an overlapping time, though, my siblings are not 100% of her first name. Any information you may have would be greatly appreciated.

    J. Kean

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't have anything for anyone by that name — sorry.

      Delete
  33. Hello Mr. Lucas,

    I happen to run across your article today while searching for a relative. Do you have a record for Nancy W. Newell? She was living at the facility during the period January 1920 until her death in June 1921. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't have any records for anyone by that name. Sorry.

      Delete
  34. Good Afternoon Mr. Lucas,

    I am looking for my great-grandmother. I know she was definitely in the Central Islip State Hospital around 1920 and I believe there for at least 5 years. Her name is Elita Dechalus/Phipps. Do you see anything on her?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unfortunately, I don't have any records for anyone by that name. Sorry.

      Delete
  35. Hello Mr. Lucas,

    I have traced my 2nd great grandmother to Central Islip State Hospital. Her name was Mary Hanlon. She appears on the 1910 census as a patient and died there in 1911. Taking a chance to see if you any information/records on her time there. Much appreciation.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't have anything for anyone by that name. Sorry.

      Delete
  36. I had an uncle named Patrick Mullen (my mother's brother) who was there at Islip from May 1933 to May 1934 and then deported back to Northern Ireland. He was born in 1904. Is he by chance in your file? And, by-the-way I strongly feel these and other such records should be available to the family members, if not the general public. And even the general public after 50 year of their passing. The one exception would be if the person had specificly stated in writing that they did not. Most people want to be REMEMBERED for who they are and what they have suffered through. The vast majority of people who take an interest in these file are relatives who are genuinely interested in there family member. In the few exceptions, where a person of some note, or from a family of note, a restriction to only family members may be in order. One additional reason these records are kept from, not only the general public, but family member, is that there may be things in the records that embarrass the institutions that were charged with the care of these people and creating these records. I believe that this was the prime reason the authorities that created these relative new HEPA laws were so restrictive. They simply used the pretext that it was to protect the privacy of the patient (Who, by-the-way, has been dead for 30, 40, 50 year or more). Stephen P. Lendoiro doorline.az@netzero.com

    ReplyDelete
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    1. I don't have records for anyone by that name — I'm sorry.

      Delete
  37. Thank You for your response Paul, but it's some what curious that this same response (I DON'T HAVE RECORDS FOR ANYONE BY THAT NAME) has been given to ever one of the people who have submitted a name to you. Do you actually have that "entire album" you spoke about getting? Stephen P. Lendoiro doorline.az@netzero.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, I have an entire album. But it represents a tiny fraction of the people who were at this facility. Believe me, I'm disappointed every time someone asks me about a name that I don't have records for -- I wish it were the other way around.

      If you find my responses "curious," so be it. I don't much appreciate your apparent casting of aspersions. Perhaps you'd prefer it if I hadn't responded to you at all?

      Delete
  38. Hi Paul, I am looking for my great grandmother Margaret Coogan who was a patient at Central Islip from 1925-1940. (source: Census Records). I am hoping you might have some information on her in the album. Thank you so much in advance.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Hello Paul, I am looking for medical records for my Father, George C. Bagg who died at either Central Islip or Pilgrim State in 1964. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unfortunately, I don't have records for anyone by that name. I'm sorry.

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    2. Thank you. Do you have all records for the above 2 hospitals or only partial records?

      Delete
  40. Hi Paul, I was hoping you could help me. My Grandfather Giovanni "John" Castaldo Born March, 19, 1903 died in this hospital the date was October, 26 1941. Could you provide me with any information ?

    Best Regards,
    Robert Castaldo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unfortunately, I don't have records for anyone by that name. Sorry.

      Delete
    2. Paul, I just researched and found his NYS death Record Index and they have his name spelled differently as JOHN COSTALDA March, 19, 1903 died in this hospital the date was October, 26 1941 Could you please check under this spelling. Thanks Robert

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  41. HI Paul just a shot in the dark. My great great grandfather was in Central Islip for 19 years. He went in 1901 and died there in 1919. Not sure what year your book starts. Henry Flynn

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't have records for anyone by that name. Sorry.

      Delete
  42. Hello Mr. Lukas,
    I know it’s very much a shot in the dark but I’m hoping you might have some info on Antonio (with 4 possible last names) DiMansey, DeMansey, DeMonsi or DeMasi. He was admitted to central Islip in 1912, and died there in 1959. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unfortunately, I don't have records for anyone by that name. Sorry

      Delete
  43. I'm looking for information on Julia McHugh. She is on the census records from 1920-1940 in Central Islip. I've hit a dead end on information. I'm hoping you might have info. Thank you.

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  44. Hello ... I'm looking for records regarding my Aunt named Muriel Regan. She was admitted to Pilgrim State on or about March 11, 1946 and died there on October 18, 1957. It would be incredible to know if there's any record with a picture of her as a patient there. She was admitted 45 days after her mother died in Jan 1946, thus the story I have learned is that she had a mental breakdown. Any help of information from the hospital would be tremendously appreciated. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Robert. Unfortunately, I don't have records for anyone by that name. I'm sorry.

      Delete
  45. Looking for records of John Francis Fleming admitted 1913-1915 and believed to have died September 1920 at Central Islip State Hospital (possibly buried there to). Frustrating that I can’t even get the State of NY to tell me where they buried him. If if was not for Census records 1915 & 1920 I would never have found him. Thank you for responding and being a Keeper of time!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Kathleen. Unfortunately, I don't have records for anyone by that name. Sorry.

      Delete
  46. Hello, I am looking for records of my cousin Martin (Mottel) BERGER b. 1904. I know he was in Central Islip Hospital in 1925. I'd be so grateful if you could see if you have anything on him. Thanks, Naomi

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unfortunately, I don't have records for anyone by that name. Sorry.

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  47. looking for information on my grandmother how I was told was at wards island in the 1960s. she died in 1965

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  48. Dear Mr. Lukas, A relative by the name of Abraham/Albert Bordow/Bordowitz was incarcerated as a teen at the House of Refuge on Randall Island, later married and fathered two children he was barred from visiting when they were placed in an orphanage, and then per the NY State Death Index died in Islip on April 5, 1934. His children spent their lives convinced he had abandoned them. If you happen to have any record of his presence at Central Islip State Hospital, the surviving family would be grateful.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't have records for anyone by that name. I'm sorry.

      Delete
  49. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  50. I am trying to find records for my Great Grandmother Elizabeth Herman who died at Central Islip in either 1935 or 1937. My grandmother was haunted by her mother's commitment there and just when she was told her mother was about to come home, she was informed that she died at the hospital.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unfortunately, I don't have records for anyone by that name. I'm sorry.

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    2. That's okay. Thank you for responding and bringing us all these important remnants of the past.

      Delete
  51. I am looking for records of Mary (Maria) Valentino, maiden name Filardi. She passed away at Pilgrim State in 1970, may have been admitted as early as 1928. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unfortunately, I don't have records for anyone by that name. I'm sorry.

      Delete
  52. Anything on my Grandmother Loretta (Shea) Armstrong ? Born June 24, 1894 passed away April 14, 1968. She spent 32 years before she passed in 1968, guess that would mean she went in around 1936. Thanks for your time, Ed

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unfortunately, I don't have records for anyone by that name. I'm sorry.

      Delete
  53. Hi,
    I'm looking for information on Grazia (Grace) Messina a patient in Central Islip State Hospital. She was committed in 1922 and died 7/22/1923 and is buried in Saint John of God Cemetery in Central Islip. Any help you can give would be appreciated!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unfortunately, I don't have records for anyone by that name. I'm sorry.

      Delete
  54. Hello! I'm sure you're tired of requests, but thought I'd give it a shot.
    Maria or Mary Maack
    Maiden name was Hubert or Huber, but she wasn't divorced at the time she died from what I know. She was committed in the mid 20s and died in the early 1930s- 12/14/1933. She was born around 1892 in Hungary. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unfortunately, I don't have records for anyone by that name. Sorry!

      Delete
  55. Hi there, I recently learned I have an ancestor that was in Central Islip Hospital. Thomas Hopley, born in England but immigrated to NY in the 1890's. I know he was there in 1925 and 1930 from NY censuses, and his WW1 draft card from 1918 was marked "insane" by the Central Islip State Hospital. His headstone with his wife says he died in 1935, but then I found him on the 1940 Pilgrim State Hospital census. It makes me think they may have told his family he died but actually moved him to another location. Please let me know if you find anything, I truly appreciate it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unfortunately, I don't have records for anyone by that name. Sorry.

      Delete
  56. I am the great granddaughter of Antone (Anthony, Antionios) Okrent. As I understand it, he suffered a head injury sometime between the 1915 and the 1920 census. He appeared to be deceased by the 1920 census as my great grandmother is listed as a widow. It has been reported to me that due to his injury he was put into an institution on Long Island, where he later died and was buried in Potters Field. I would appreciate it if you would let me know if you any information on him. Thank you for your efforts.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't have records for anyone by that name. I'm sorry.

      Delete
  57. Well, I know it's a long shot, but do you have anyone by the name of Hazel Joan Bailey or McGarrett? She was there from 1929-1931. She's Black.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't have records for anyone by that name. I'm sorry.

      Delete
  58. Hi,Abraham Peshkin on your list?

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  59. Hello, I am looking for a Leonardo (or Lionardo) Zinna, who was listed as an inmate at the Central Islip State Hospital in the 1920 and 1930 Census. His birthdate is around 1877 in Italy, possibly Jan 6 1877. Thank you.

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    Replies
    1. Unfortunately, I don't have records for anyone by that name. Sorry.

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  60. Do you have any females with the last name mullen

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  61. Hello Paul, I am looking for information on my father, Joseph Perfecto Carbonell or Perfecto Joseph Carbonell. He was institutionalized around 1952-1963. He was from the Bronx, NY.

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  62. Unfortunately, I don't have records for anyone by that name. Sorry.

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  63. Hi Paul. Wondering if you show an Anthony Joseph (that's his last name) in 1910 at Central Islip? I see him in the census but would appreciate any extra information you may have. He'd be my great-great uncle. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unfortunately, no — nothing for anyone by that name. Sorry.

      Delete
  64. Hello Paul, I'm looking for my pGM, who was reportedly a patient there. Margaret (aka Marge or Daisy) McKenna or Thompson or Bradshaw (married three times). Any help greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

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    Replies
    1. Hi, Kristi. Unfortunately, I don't have anything for anyone by that name. I'm sorry.

      Delete
  65. Paul, Do you have anything on a Nicola Dorando who died there in 1919?

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  66. I’m looking for my grandmother’s records again, after failing to get information in 2001-03. By any chance... Elizabeth Mayer of Brooklyn, maiden name Groh? Thank you so much!

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    Replies
    1. I don't have anything for that name -- I'm sorry.

      Delete
  67. By any chance do you have any information on Lena Mattei? She was in the Central Islip State Hospital in 1920. According to the Census, she had only been help.

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    Replies
    1. Unfortunately, I don't have records for anyone by that name. I'm sorry.

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    2. Thank you Paul for looking. I truly appreciate your time

      Delete
  68. I am looking for an "inmate", according to the 1940 census by the name of Bronislaw Barc. Estimated birth year 1882. He would have been 58 at the time of the census. Anything you might have about him would be greatly appeciated. Thank you in advance

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  69. Unfortunately, I don't have records for anyone by that name. Very sorry.

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  70. I am looking for records relating to Leocadia Griffin. She was admitted to Pilgrim State in the 1930s.

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    Replies
    1. Apologies for the delayed response (busy weekend!). Unfortunately, I do not have records for anyone by that name.

      Delete
  71. hi; my great-grandmother was a patient (inmate) there from 1910 until at least 1950. Her name was Josephine Koedl (or Koedel). Does she happen to be part of the record you have? I've been trying to go through the NY State Office of Mental Hygiene, but haven't received anything yet. Thanks.

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  72. Hi, my great aunt Florence Smith is on the 1915 NY census as a patient in Islip. Does she appear in your records ?

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  73. Shot in the dark here. Do you have any records for Margaret Keating, born around 1893 or 1894 in New York? She was apparently admitted some time between 1915-1920 and was resident until at least 1940. Thank you!

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  74. Good evening, I'm trying locate information on a Central Islip patient by the name of Elvry "Elvery" Hayes. She passed away on 8/24/1941 while there. I've made numerous contacts with the courts in Suffolk County and where her last residential address Queens, NY. No one has records of her except the Cemetary, all they have is a slip that the funeral home provided.
    Any help would be greatly appreciated. - Rose M.

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  75. Hi! Do you have any records for William Polchinski or Joseph Polchinski? He died in CI Hospital in 1919.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. As noted in the text, I do not have records for any male patients. Sorry.

      Delete
  76. Hi, do you have any records for a Florence Smith/Schmidt, b 1898 England but in Central Islip 1915?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Paul, any news on this inquiry? I've been searching for this person over 30 years, it would be good to close this avenue if its going nowhere. Thanks

      Delete
    2. Unfortunately, I have no records for anyone by those names.

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  77. Do you have any informant of my fathers brother who died at pilgrim state name John Abbate?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. As noted in the text, I have records only for women, not for me.

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  78. Hi Paul, I am looking for records on Elina Keto at Central Islip. Admitted March 29, 1923 to March 9, 1924. Also again in 1933.

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  79. Hi Paul, would you kindly let me know if you have my great-aunt in your album, Elisabeth "Elsie" Flor, middle names are Gudrun Adrienne? Born 29 Jun 1915, I can see she's an inmate at Central Islip in the 1940 and 1950 census records, looks like she died at Pilgrim Psychiatric Center in 1981.

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  80. Hi Paul. Can you let me know if you have a record of my great grandmother, Marie/Maria Siciliano. Her name was probably misspelled as Siciliana. She was in Central Islip around 1918, died at Pilgrim around 1940

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    1. Hi Paul. I also found out that she was probably in Central Islip from 1918 to at least 1925.

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  81. Hi Paul, I am looking for information on my grandmother, Pilar Landron. She was commited to Pilgrim State Hospital in Islip, NY probably in the early 1940's and was there until her death in Nov. of 1992. Have you seen the last name Landron in any of your findings?

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    1. Unfortunately, I don't have records for anyone by that name. I'm sorry.

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  82. I’m looking for information on my Great Grandfather who was committed to Central Islip and died there. It took me about 3yrs of research to even uncover his unmarked grave. He was committed during the Great Depression. His name would have been listed as Herny or Enrique Plaza (he was Puerto Rican, and went by a Spanish but sometimes English name). Any chance you have anything on him or good give any tips on how I could find additional records like these?

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    1. Unfortunaterly, I don't have records for anyone by that name. I'm sorry.

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