The Philadelphia State Hospital at Byberry: A History of Misery and Medicine

John Paul Webster

May 2013 · Arcadia Publishing

About this ebook

This account of the infamous asylum is “an excellent record of greed and corruption, but it is also a powerful testimonial to compassion and kindness” (Hidden City).

The Quaker City and its hospitals were pioneers in the field of mental health. Yet by the end of the nineteenth century, its institutions were crowded and patients lived in shocking conditions. The mentally ill were quartered with the dangerously criminal. By 1906, the city had purchased a vast acreage of farmland incorporated into the city, and the Philadelphia Hospital dubbed its new venture Byberry City Farms. From the start, its history was riddled with corruption and committees, investigations and inquests, appropriations and abuse. Yet it is also a story of reform and redemption, of heroes and human dignity—many dedicated staff members did their best to help patients whose mental illnesses were little understood and were stigmatized by society.

“The closed hospital’s almost forgotten story intrigued him immediately and then became his passion . . . Webster tells the hospital’s 100-year story in a brisk, easy-to-read style, and the book is illustrated with 75 photographs from the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Temple University Urban Archives, the Pennsylvania State Archives, the Athenaeum of Philadelphia, PhillyHistory.org and friends.” —Northeast Times



“Webster . . . wrote his book because of his fascination with an abandoned building he discovered in 2002. He wanted to tell the story of Byberry, one he believes many people do not fully understand.” —Philadelphia Neighborhoods

Ratings and reviews

I at first didn't know if I was going to like it. But I kept going and then couldn't stop. As a nurse I am horrified to read about how Mental Health was handled and treated. It's heart breaking to see that people were more concerned about lining their pockets than actually providing care to patients. Unfortunately some things don't change, but I am glad to see that mental health treatment isn't what it used to be. Anyone that is interested in reading about Medical History needs to read this.

Wow, what a fantastic read! I remember driving by Byberry frequently when I was going to Delaware Valley College around 1993. I recall it giving me a haunting feeling as I admired the beauty of the buildings even in their deterioration. I remember my mom telling me that my Great Aunt Mary had been in Byberry. I never met my Aunt Mary that I know of or remember, but I wish I had. It's just jarring knowing how truly corrupt the hospital was from its inception. So terribly sad for the patients who suffered at the hands of government greed and neglect. It truly is a gut-wrenching story. I will say a prayer tonight for all of those affected by Byberry during its years of operation, staff and patients alike. Thank you. This was truly a great book.

Excellent and thoroughly researched read. Truly eye-opening. Loved it.

About the author

J.P. Webster is an avid Philadelphia historian, amateur photographer and urban explorer. His photos have been published in the Northeast Times, City Paper, Philadelphia Inquirer, and the Germantown Crier. John is a member of the Northeast Philadelphia and Frankford Historical Societies.