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In 1903, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania enacted the "Bullitt Bill", which required each county to build an maintain a facility exclusively for the care of the insane of the area. Private facilities, such as those at [[Friends Hospital]] and the [[Institute of the Pennsylvania Hospital]] had existed for some time. Regional state facilities, like [[Norristown State Hospital]], were active and standing, but were found to be overcrowded and unable to accommodate the growing need. In response to this, the City of Philadelphia purchased farmland in the northeast section of the county, in a rural district then known as Byberry. There, as a measure of expanding the public welfare, they established a city-funded, inmate run farm, known simply as "Byberry Farms". This facility was intended to supply food for other public institutions in the city, such as Eastern State Penitentiary and the [[Philadelphia Almshouse]] (then known as Old Blockley Almshouse). Shortly after the purchase of the land, six inmates from the overcrowded Blockley Almshouse in the city were chosen to work at the agricultural facility. This program was done in cooperation with the physicians at Blockley Almshouse, then headed by Dr. Jeffrey A. Jackson MD, and would thereafter become known as the "colony plan". The site of Byberry was originally intended for patients suffering from Consumption (Pulmonary Tuberculosis), who would be sent from Old Blockley, and thus free additional space for patients suffering from chronic and undifferentiated insanity. As it happens, this medical dogma coincides with the early 20th century perception that Consumption could be treated with "fresh air" and exercise.  
 
In 1903, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania enacted the "Bullitt Bill", which required each county to build an maintain a facility exclusively for the care of the insane of the area. Private facilities, such as those at [[Friends Hospital]] and the [[Institute of the Pennsylvania Hospital]] had existed for some time. Regional state facilities, like [[Norristown State Hospital]], were active and standing, but were found to be overcrowded and unable to accommodate the growing need. In response to this, the City of Philadelphia purchased farmland in the northeast section of the county, in a rural district then known as Byberry. There, as a measure of expanding the public welfare, they established a city-funded, inmate run farm, known simply as "Byberry Farms". This facility was intended to supply food for other public institutions in the city, such as Eastern State Penitentiary and the [[Philadelphia Almshouse]] (then known as Old Blockley Almshouse). Shortly after the purchase of the land, six inmates from the overcrowded Blockley Almshouse in the city were chosen to work at the agricultural facility. This program was done in cooperation with the physicians at Blockley Almshouse, then headed by Dr. Jeffrey A. Jackson MD, and would thereafter become known as the "colony plan". The site of Byberry was originally intended for patients suffering from Consumption (Pulmonary Tuberculosis), who would be sent from Old Blockley, and thus free additional space for patients suffering from chronic and undifferentiated insanity. As it happens, this medical dogma coincides with the early 20th century perception that Consumption could be treated with "fresh air" and exercise.  
  
By 1906, Byberry Farms had expanded through $261,000 in city grants, allocated by Philadelphia Mayor John Weaver and the administration of [[Philadelphia Almshouse]]. The site itself sat on 874-acres, and consisted of fifteen small wooden farmhouses serving as temporary dormitories, or "colony houses", for the growing patient population. The city was successful in purchasing a number of local farms, one by one, and incorporating them into the new civic facility. The Keigler, Mulligan, Kessler, Jenks (a relative of [[Thomas Story Kirkbride]]), Grub, Tomlinson, Osmund, Carver, Alburger, Updyke, Comly, and Carter families all had no qualms about the sale of their property to the city. Many of whom sought financial refuge from the increasing tax hikes of the consolidated county of Philadelphia. Additionally properties were obtained by the same means in 1911 and 1913. At this time, the site of the city farm housed approximately thirty patients, all of whom had been moved from the heavily overcrowded wards of Old Blockley, to the rural atmosphere of Northeast Philadelphia. The city and general public promoted this notion, of sending some of the local "undesirables" out of site into an agrarian atmosphere. Particularly, the administration of Philadelphia Mayor Samuel Ashbridge, who politically benefited from hiding the rising social iniquity in the city, by removing the neglected poor and insane out of the public's peripheral vision. After a visitation to the site, Dr. William Coplin, the first Director of the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare, said that Byberry:
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By 1906, Byberry Farms had expanded through $261,000 in city grants, allocated by Philadelphia Mayor John Weaver and the administation of [[Philadelphia Almshouse]]. The site itself sat on 874-acres, and consisted of fifteen small wooden farmhouses serving as temporary dormitories, or "colony houses", for the growing patient population. The city was successful in purchasing a number of local farms, one by one, and incorporating them into the new civic facility. The Keigler, Mulligan, Kessler, Jenks (a relative of [[Thomas Story Kirkbride]]), Grub, Tomlinson, Osmund, Carver, Alburger, Updyke, Comly, and Carter families all had no qualms about the sale of their property to the city. Many of whom sought financial refuge from the increasing tax hikes of the consolidated county of Philadelphia. Additioanlly properties were obtained by the same means in 1911 and 1913. At this time, the site of the city farm housed approximately thirty patients, all of whom had been moved from the heavily overcrowded wards of Old Blockley, to the rural atmosphere of Northeast Philadelphia. The city and general public promoted this notion, of sending some of the local "undesirables" out of site into an agrarian atmosphere. Particlarly, the administation of Philadelphia Mayor Samuel Ashbridge, who politically benefited from hiding the rising social iniquity in the city, by removing the neglected poor and insane out of the public's peripheral vision. After a visitation to the site, Dr. William Coplin, the first Director of the Pennsylvnaia Department of Public Welfare, said that Byberry:
  
 
''"...is splendidly located, well suited to farming and possesses a surface contour adapted to the erection of buildings for the reception of the insane at present crowded into the insufficient space afforded by antiquated buildings long out of date and no longer capable of alteration to meet modern requirements."''
 
''"...is splendidly located, well suited to farming and possesses a surface contour adapted to the erection of buildings for the reception of the insane at present crowded into the insufficient space afforded by antiquated buildings long out of date and no longer capable of alteration to meet modern requirements."''
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The children's unit was demolished and the children were transferred to the C4 and C5 buildings. With the rise of transportation the staff buildings were no longer needed and the south unit buildings were demolished by the 1970s. With a small amount of remaining staff who still chose the option to live on the grounds, W7 was re-designated, bricked off from the connecting tunnels, and turned into staff housing as well as staff offices and make-shift lounges.
 
The children's unit was demolished and the children were transferred to the C4 and C5 buildings. With the rise of transportation the staff buildings were no longer needed and the south unit buildings were demolished by the 1970s. With a small amount of remaining staff who still chose the option to live on the grounds, W7 was re-designated, bricked off from the connecting tunnels, and turned into staff housing as well as staff offices and make-shift lounges.
  
With the beginning of deinstitutionalization, Byberry began its downsizing process in 1962, releasing almost 2,000 patients to mental health centers, other hospitals and the streets between 1962 and 1972. The E buildings began transferring their patients to the north and west groups in 1954, and were completely closed off by 1964. Significantly dropping funds forced the hospital to stop accepting admissions and continue transferring patients to other facilities in the mid 1970s. In the early 1980s the C buildings became mostly vacant, and administration was moved to the W3 building. The last remaining forensic patients were housed in ‘N-8’ after it received a thorough interior makeover in 1985.
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With the beginning of de-institutionalization, Byberry began its downsizing process in 1962, releasing almost 2,000 patients to mental health centers, other hospitals and the streets between 1962 and 1972. The E buildings began transferring their patients to the north and west groups in 1954, and were completely closed off by 1964. Significantly dropping funds forced the hospital to stop accepting admissions and continue transferring patients to other facilities in the mid 1970s. In the early 1980s the C buildings became mostly vacant, and administration was moved to the W3 building. The last remaining forensic patients were housed in ‘N-8’ after it received a thorough interior makeover in 1985.
  
 
With the hospital being completely understaffed, many patients were neglected and abused. The lack of help had increasingly allowed many patients to escape, as well as to be raped, murdered and allowed to commit suicide. In 1987 Governor Bob Casey had the hospital thoroughly searched and observed. The conditions that he discovered made headlines around the country.  
 
With the hospital being completely understaffed, many patients were neglected and abused. The lack of help had increasingly allowed many patients to escape, as well as to be raped, murdered and allowed to commit suicide. In 1987 Governor Bob Casey had the hospital thoroughly searched and observed. The conditions that he discovered made headlines around the country.  
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In the fall of 1991, demolition started with the ‘E’ buildings. Most of their materials had been stripped away prior, and they were all shells of former aesthetic glory. One of the earlier 20th century buildings was salvaged and refurbished, Building ‘E-6’, which still stands today, and is visible from Southampton Road, housing an active outpatient drug rehabilitation clinic. The calculated removal and cleanup of the former state hospital campus amounted to somewhere between $13-16 million, not including the demolition of the physical structures. For the following decade of demolition, the commonwealth decided to leave a number of the more precarious buildings standing, and hired additional security to watch the grounds from potential vandals. In 1997, the warehouses were demolished, followed by ‘C-6’ and ‘C-12’ in 2000, and the laundry building in 2004.  
 
In the fall of 1991, demolition started with the ‘E’ buildings. Most of their materials had been stripped away prior, and they were all shells of former aesthetic glory. One of the earlier 20th century buildings was salvaged and refurbished, Building ‘E-6’, which still stands today, and is visible from Southampton Road, housing an active outpatient drug rehabilitation clinic. The calculated removal and cleanup of the former state hospital campus amounted to somewhere between $13-16 million, not including the demolition of the physical structures. For the following decade of demolition, the commonwealth decided to leave a number of the more precarious buildings standing, and hired additional security to watch the grounds from potential vandals. In 1997, the warehouses were demolished, followed by ‘C-6’ and ‘C-12’ in 2000, and the laundry building in 2004.  
  
By the late 1990’s the conditions at the former campus had shifted significantly, many of the buildings fell into terminal disrepair. Further, the grounds became an open agora for: building scrappers, the homeless, and angsty teenagers, who further damaged the property. Both local police and campus security were found to be ineffectual at handling the growing illegal traffic taking place on the property. This phenomenon was the exacerbated by the widespread exposure, largely through internet websites, often describing the ruins of the former state facility being "haunted". Consequently, a hoard of "ghost-hunters" and assorted types descended on the site for the sake of this asinine quest.
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By the late 1990’s the conditions at the former campus had shifted significantly, many of the buildings fell into terminal disrepair. Further, the grounds became an open agora for: building scrappers, the homeless, and angsty teenagers, who further damaged the property. Both local police and campus security were found to be ineffectual at handling the growing illegal traffic taking place on the property. This phenomenon was the exacerbated by the widespread exposore, largely through internet websites, often describing the ruins of the former state facility being "haunted". Consequently, a hoard of "ghost-hunters" and assorted types descended on the site for the sake of this asinine quest.
  
 
In March of 2006, the Westrum Development Corporation purchased the remaining 106-acre Byberry site. They were pressured from Somerton residents, as well as the city, to end the "Byberry problem". Westrum moved quickly. By June 7th, there was a chain link fence surrounding the tattered ruins of the property. A week later, truckloads of trees and other natural growth clinging to the buildings was removed, and discarded. On Wednesday, June 14th 2006, a celebration was held in front of ‘C-7’ Building. This was the long overdue ending and renovation of the familiar local "eyesore" that Byberry had become. The ceremony consisted of knocking over the overgrown Philadelphia State Hospital sign, a symbol of the sites former activity. In attendance were: Governor Edward Rendell, Mayor John Street, J. Westrum (CEO), and J. Sweeny, CEO of Brandywine Realty Trust, the developers of the new buildings to be built on site. <ref>http://www.opacity.us/site10_philadelphia_state_hospital_byberry.htm</ref>  <ref>http://theduke81.tripod.com/index.html</ref>
 
In March of 2006, the Westrum Development Corporation purchased the remaining 106-acre Byberry site. They were pressured from Somerton residents, as well as the city, to end the "Byberry problem". Westrum moved quickly. By June 7th, there was a chain link fence surrounding the tattered ruins of the property. A week later, truckloads of trees and other natural growth clinging to the buildings was removed, and discarded. On Wednesday, June 14th 2006, a celebration was held in front of ‘C-7’ Building. This was the long overdue ending and renovation of the familiar local "eyesore" that Byberry had become. The ceremony consisted of knocking over the overgrown Philadelphia State Hospital sign, a symbol of the sites former activity. In attendance were: Governor Edward Rendell, Mayor John Street, J. Westrum (CEO), and J. Sweeny, CEO of Brandywine Realty Trust, the developers of the new buildings to be built on site. <ref>http://www.opacity.us/site10_philadelphia_state_hospital_byberry.htm</ref>  <ref>http://theduke81.tripod.com/index.html</ref>
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[[File:PSHphoto8.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Superintendent's Home, circa 1938]]
 
[[File:PSHphoto8.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Superintendent's Home, circa 1938]]
  
There was no superintendent of Byberry City Farms prior to 1913. However, those superintendents appointed to their office by the city of Philadelphia are unknown. Additionally, following the national media scandal of Byberry in 1987, superintendent Charles Erb was forced to retire and was not replaced by state officials.  
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There was no superintendent of Byberry City Farms prior to 1913. However, those superintendants appointed to their office by the city of Philadelphia are unknown. Additionally, following the national media scandal of Byberry in 1987, superintendant Charles Erb was forced to retire and was not replaced by state officals.  
  
 
*'''Dr. James Sands''' 1932?
 
*'''Dr. James Sands''' 1932?
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== News Articles about PSH ==
 
== News Articles about PSH ==
 
*[http://www.asylumprojects.org/Byberry_By-line.pdf Philadelphia State Hospital in house magazine: April 1950]
 
*[http://www.asylumprojects.org/Byberry_By-line.pdf Philadelphia State Hospital in house magazine: April 1950]
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*[http://articles.philly.com/1987-05-26/news/26161303_1_patient-hospital-workers-restraints Alleged Horrors At Byberry]
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*[http://articles.philly.com/1986-04-03/news/26080295_1_criminal-patients-move-inmates-philadelphia-state-hospital State Repeats Offer To Move Inmates Out Of Byberry]
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*[http://articles.philly.com/2011-11-05/news/30364019_1_psychiatrist-iranian-community-tehran-university Mahmood Ghahramani, 84, psychiatrist]
 
*An Expose done on the hospital by The Oakland Tribune in the Sunday, November 10, 1968 Edition [http://www.asylumprojects.org/BSH%20Why%20is%20this%20woman%20tied%20up%20page%201.pdf Page 1], [http://www.asylumprojects.org/BSH%20Why%20is%20the%20woman%20tied%20up%20page%202.pdf Page 2], [http://www.asylumprojects.org/BSH%20Why%20is%20the%20woman%20tied%20up%20page%203.pdf Page 3], [http://www.asylumprojects.org/BSH%20Why%20is%20the%20woman%20tied%20up%20page%204.pdf Page 4]
 
*An Expose done on the hospital by The Oakland Tribune in the Sunday, November 10, 1968 Edition [http://www.asylumprojects.org/BSH%20Why%20is%20this%20woman%20tied%20up%20page%201.pdf Page 1], [http://www.asylumprojects.org/BSH%20Why%20is%20the%20woman%20tied%20up%20page%202.pdf Page 2], [http://www.asylumprojects.org/BSH%20Why%20is%20the%20woman%20tied%20up%20page%203.pdf Page 3], [http://www.asylumprojects.org/BSH%20Why%20is%20the%20woman%20tied%20up%20page%204.pdf Page 4]
*[[December 2009 News Archive|WWII Pacifists Exposed Mental Ward Horrors]], December 30, 2009n]
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*[http://articles.philly.com/1990-06-22/news/25914350_1_nursing-homes-patient-abuse-and-neglect-byberry Last 5 Patients Leave Byberry]
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*[http://articles.philly.com/1988-02-09/news/26243690_1_spangler-group-home-philadelphia-state-hospital Byberry Patient Said To Suffer Needlessly]
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*[http://articles.philly.com/1986-04-10/news/26079012_1_mentally-ill-inmates-philadelphia-state-hospital-forensic-unit Bill Would Bar Some Inmates From Byberry]
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*[http://articles.philly.com/1989-08-31/news/26148637_1_tyrone-gainey-joseph-gutgesell-philadelphia-state-hospital Byberry Closing Halted After 2 Ex-patients Die]
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*[http://www.asylumprojects.org/PSH%20closing.jpg An article on the closure of this hospital by the The Daily Intelligencer in their Tuesday, December 08, 1987]
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*[http://articles.philly.com/1989-06-21/news/26107200_1_philadelphia-state-hospital-mental-hospital-byberry Still Too Soon? Unanswered Questions About Byberry Closing]
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*[http://articles.philly.com/1998-12-03/news/25720588_1_mental-health-system-mental-illnesses-children-with-emotional-disorders The Failures Of Our Mental-health System Too Many People Are Overlooked]
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*[http://articles.philly.com/1988-12-08/news/26228526_1_philadelphia-state-hospital-byberry-community-mental-health-system A Call For Wider Care After Byberry]
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*[[December 2009 News Archive|WWII Pacifists Exposed Mental Ward Horrors]], December 30, 2009
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*[http://articles.philly.com/1990-01-08/news/25909404_1_psychiatric-patients-patient-deaths-philadelphia-state-hospital Area Hospitals Are Asked To Care For Byberry Patients]
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*[http://articles.philly.com/1989-08-27/news/26148538_1_hazardous-materials-hospital-campus-philadelphia-state-hospital State: Byberry Staff Not To Blame For Dumping]
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*[http://articles.philly.com/1987-05-07/news/26163384_1_mental-hospital-mental-hospital-patient-philadelphia-state-hospital N.e. Mental Hospital To Be Examined]
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*[http://articles.philly.com/1988-11-19/news/26247644_1_bidder-byberry-philadelphia-state-hospital Phila. Firm Chosen To Make A Plan For Byberry Site]
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*[http://articles.philly.com/1987-12-08/news/26206204_1_patient-abuse-mental-patient-mental-hospitals State Decides To Shut Down Byberry]
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*[http://articles.philly.com/1988-03-27/news/26277020_1_philadelphia-state-hospital-long-term-care-unit-byberry Her Sad Life, Lonely Death At Byberry]
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*[http://articles.philly.com/1988-04-14/news/26251738_1_philadelphia-state-hospital-byberry-mental-health Byberry Patient Seeks Treatment In Community]
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*[http://articles.philly.com/1988-04-01/news/26250919_1_lawsuit-hospital-infirmary-civil-rights Escapee's Kin Sues Hospital Over Death]
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*[http://articles.philly.com/1989-01-19/news/26124486_1_mental-health-advocates-philadelphia-state-hospital-byberry Hopes High For Byberry Release Plan]
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*[http://articles.philly.com/1989-11-15/news/26140718_1_gauge-community-response-plans-byberry 6 Plans For Byberry Presented Tonight]
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*[http://articles.philly.com/1990-04-11/news/25919288_1_philadelphia-state-hospital-byberry-mental-health-activists Accord Guarantees Care To Discharged Byberry Patients]
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*[http://articles.philly.com/1989-03-01/news/26131072_1_long-term-patients-philadelphia-state-hospital-byberry Mental-health Advocates Decry Casey's Budget Plan]
 
*[http://www.npr.org/2009/12/30/122058404/a-mental-ward-exposed A Mental Ward Exposed- NPR]
 
*[http://www.npr.org/2009/12/30/122058404/a-mental-ward-exposed A Mental Ward Exposed- NPR]
  
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*[http://www.historicaerials.com/?poi=9065 See Philadelphia State Hospital at HistoricAerials.com]
 
*[http://www.historicaerials.com/?poi=9065 See Philadelphia State Hospital at HistoricAerials.com]
 
*[http://theduke81.tripod.com/ The Story of Byberry Hospital- Defunct]
 
*[http://theduke81.tripod.com/ The Story of Byberry Hospital- Defunct]
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*[http://pabook.libraries.psu.edu/palitmap/Byberry.html With the Best of Intentions: Byberry Asylum]
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*[http://selfhelpmovement.org/about/history/ Self-Help Movement- at Byberry Hospital]
 
*[http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=4fzPAAAAMAAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PA8&dq=byberry+city+farms&ots=BDew5C5j1e&sig=i1tHLdQsUeDX5NIB-DPTHzmeyOE#v=onepage&q&f=false The Philadelphia Almshouse 1854-1908- contains section on Byberry]
 
*[http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=4fzPAAAAMAAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PA8&dq=byberry+city+farms&ots=BDew5C5j1e&sig=i1tHLdQsUeDX5NIB-DPTHzmeyOE#v=onepage&q&f=false The Philadelphia Almshouse 1854-1908- contains section on Byberry]
 
*[https://archon.klnpa.org/psa/?p=collections/classifications&id=588 Philadelphia State Hospital records available at the Pennsylvania State Archives]
 
*[https://archon.klnpa.org/psa/?p=collections/classifications&id=588 Philadelphia State Hospital records available at the Pennsylvania State Archives]
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[[Category:Pennsylvania]]
 
[[Category:Pennsylvania]]
 
[[Category:Cottage Plan]]
 
[[Category:Cottage Plan]]
[[Category:Demolished Institution]]
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[[Category:Closed Institution]]
 
[[Category:Asylum Books]]
 
[[Category:Asylum Books]]
 
[[Category:Articles With Videos]]
 
[[Category:Articles With Videos]]
 
[[Category:Past Featured Article Of The Week]]
 
[[Category:Past Featured Article Of The Week]]
 
[[Category:Asylum Books]]
 
[[Category:Asylum Books]]

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