Series I., Subseries J. Newsletters, 1940-1996.

Scope and content:

Contains newsletters created by and for Western State Hospital employees, and to some extent, the patients as well. The newsletters contain information about hospital policies, activities, and governmental legislation. They also contain photographs of employee activities and events, notations about births, weddings, illnesses, new-hires, retirements, employee service recognitions and other pertinent information. Most of the newsletters include an introduction by the hospital director. The earliest newsletters also contain individual ward reports which document the activities and movements of patients. The newsletter underwent several name, format and publication changes over the years. The earliest newsletter was called "Who's and What's," (1940) and the next earliest newsletters were called "Valley Echoes," (1955-1966). The next name change occurred sometime after 1966, when the newsletter became the "Western State Hospital Bulletin." In 1974, the title was changed to the "Western State Monthly Messenger." Finally, the newsletter became "The Messenger" in 1979. Also included in this subseries are three newsletters printed in addition to the the series that became "The Messenger." These extras include the "Personnel Bulletin," which was issued periodically during the 1950s and 1960s, and the "Security Dispatch" and "Western Update," which were printed in the 1990s. The newsletters are part of accession 41404.

Arrangement:

Arranged chronologically, except for the "Personnel Bulletin," "Security Dispatch," and "Western Update," which are alphabetically arranged at the end.

Access and use

Contents