1/20
I never met my biological maternal grandparents. They died young, she was 31; He was 50
Their two children (my mom, 7 and her 5 yr old brother) were separated and adopted by two maternal Aunts.
This is my #ThreadChallenge #TrueStory
on #adoption #FamilySecrets #eugenics #Disabilities
Their two children (my mom, 7 and her 5 yr old brother) were separated and adopted by two maternal Aunts.
This is my #ThreadChallenge #TrueStory
on #adoption #FamilySecrets #eugenics #Disabilities
05:23 PM - May 29, 2023
2/20
The family didn’t talk about them. My mom’s story was simple. “Her mother had died young of “pneumonia” and her “no good” father had “ran off.” And her “Pa” (my great-grandfather) had never liked him.”
There were pictures
#ThreadChallenge
There were pictures
#ThreadChallenge
05:24 PM - May 29, 2023
4/20
I went down a rabbit hole learning about the history of each institution. I read how Eugenics, with roots in Nazism, influenced societies’ thinking. Institutions were designed to separate and house “lunatics” and “feeble-minded” people from society.
#eugenics #ThreadChallenge
#eugenics #ThreadChallenge
How Britain and America Inspired Nazi Eugenics - YouTube
After the defeat of the Nazis in 1945, the world was horrified to discover the terrible genocide perpetrated by fascism. But missing from much of our discuss...
05:27 PM - May 29, 2023
5/20
Conditions were often deplorable. Patients were abused and experimented on. Many were sterilized. In 1927, SCOTUS upheld the right of states to forcibly sterilize the feeble-minded.
A 1942 the court ruled that procreation was a fundamental right.
#humanrights #ThreadChallenge
A 1942 the court ruled that procreation was a fundamental right.
#humanrights #ThreadChallenge
05:29 PM - May 29, 2023
(Edited)
6/20
The institution my grandfather was a model in the US. It consisted of 72 buildings on 196 acres. At one time it housed 2,500 people/children.
It is infamous for a scandal involving Harvard and MIT conducting radiation experiments on children in late 40’s.
#FernaldSchool #ThreadChallenge
It is infamous for a scandal involving Harvard and MIT conducting radiation experiments on children in late 40’s.
#FernaldSchool #ThreadChallenge
Waltham's Hidden History: The Fernald School - YouTube
National History Day Competition 2018-2019
05:31 PM - May 29, 2023
7/20
I learned that I had a right to obtain medical records from these state Institutions. I gathered the necessary documents and partitioned the court to become Administrator of their Estates.
Once obtained I submitted my requests for their medical records.
and waited
#WorcesterStateHospital
Once obtained I submitted my requests for their medical records.
and waited
#WorcesterStateHospital
worcesterhistorical.com
The First Worcester State Hospital – Worcester Historical Museum Library and Archives
In 1829, the Massachusetts legislature ordered the formation of a committee to investigate the condition of its insane citizens in every city, town, and village in the state. The investigation uncovered deplorable scenes of lunatics “dressed in rags” in “dark dungeons,” with “no bed, filthy straw, n..
05:33 PM - May 29, 2023
8/20
In 1918, My grandfather was diagnosed as a “moron,” sectioned by the Courts, and committed to the “Massachusetts School for the Feeble-Minded” (aka The Fernald State School). He was 17.
He was “paroled” to work in the community in 1920, but not formally discharged until 1927.
They marry in 1931
He was “paroled” to work in the community in 1920, but not formally discharged until 1927.
They marry in 1931
05:34 PM - May 29, 2023
9/20
Their children are born in 1937 and 39
In 1944, my grandmother is sectioned by a doctor on a “10-day paper” to Worcester State Hospital.
She is dehydrated, manic, and has a 103 temperature. She is diagnosed with psychosis w/infectious disease. She dies 10 days later.
She was 31
In 1944, my grandmother is sectioned by a doctor on a “10-day paper” to Worcester State Hospital.
She is dehydrated, manic, and has a 103 temperature. She is diagnosed with psychosis w/infectious disease. She dies 10 days later.
She was 31
05:36 PM - May 29, 2023
10/20
Her father reported that she had been sick for 4-6 weeks before being hospitalized. It is unclear to me if there was a prior history of any mental illness.
The doctor reported that:
My #TrueStory #ThreadChallenge
The doctor reported that:
My #TrueStory #ThreadChallenge
05:39 PM - May 29, 2023
11/20
Her husband is not with her when she dies. The Department of Welfare, inquiring on behalf of his children, report that he was serving a sentence in NH.
I'm not sure when he left, but looked like they were together in 1940 and 41.
In 1943 he marries another woman. 🤨
I didn't find a divorce
I'm not sure when he left, but looked like they were together in 1940 and 41.
In 1943 he marries another woman. 🤨
I didn't find a divorce
05:44 PM - May 29, 2023
12/20
A genealogist said it appears that he committed bigamy. That he had changed his middle initial and checked off that it was his first marriage on the application.
I discovered he married for the 3rd time in 1945. And a different wife was listed on his death certificate in 1951.
#ThreadChallenge
I discovered he married for the 3rd time in 1945. And a different wife was listed on his death certificate in 1951.
#ThreadChallenge
05:45 PM - May 29, 2023
13/20
Four marriages. Wow
He was a known storyteller. A skilled mechanic and Carpenter. He drove and owned his own car. He loved to spend money. I can imagine that this had made him very appealing. I bet he was a real sweet talker.
But what about you know what?
He was a known storyteller. A skilled mechanic and Carpenter. He drove and owned his own car. He loved to spend money. I can imagine that this had made him very appealing. I bet he was a real sweet talker.
But what about you know what?
05:47 PM - May 29, 2023
14/20
There was a eugenics belief that some feeble-minded folks were capable of being taught how to work/function in society. This translated into kids working in the institution and/or on the grounds, in poor working conditions.
My grandfather was moved to “the farm” not long after he was admitted.
My grandfather was moved to “the farm” not long after he was admitted.
05:49 PM - May 29, 2023
15/20
Prior to his being institutionalized he had a demonstrated work history. He had quit school in the 5th grade to work to help his poor family.
It appears that stealing got him in some trouble and his mother was told to do something or the police would be called.
#ThreadChallenge #FamilySecrets
It appears that stealing got him in some trouble and his mother was told to do something or the police would be called.
#ThreadChallenge #FamilySecrets
05:51 PM - May 29, 2023
16/20
I think that the support from his mother combined with her being in regular contact with the institution changed the outcome of his experience there.
His ability to work and his age placed him working in the community rather than the institution for many years. He was a “high grade boy.“
His ability to work and his age placed him working in the community rather than the institution for many years. He was a “high grade boy.“
05:53 PM - May 29, 2023
17/20
I love this part of the story.
He quits his community “parole” job and joins the Army! He grows tired of life at Fort Strong and leaves.
I thought that this was a tale, but I have documents that verify his claim.
#storyteller #ThreadChallenge
He quits his community “parole” job and joins the Army! He grows tired of life at Fort Strong and leaves.
I thought that this was a tale, but I have documents that verify his claim.
#storyteller #ThreadChallenge
05:56 PM - May 29, 2023
18/20
When my mother and uncle were adopted their last name was changed to their adoptive parents name. Understandable, but changing a 5 yr old’s first name?🤔
This essentially removed my grandfather’s name from our family history.
#TrueStory #adoption
This essentially removed my grandfather’s name from our family history.
#TrueStory #adoption
05:59 PM - May 29, 2023
19/20
I qualified to obtain my mom’s pre-adoption birth certificate.
I was really excited about getting a document that shows her birth name. It was my way of honoring my grandparents. ✌
#ThreadChallenge #MeetTheGrandparents
I was really excited about getting a document that shows her birth name. It was my way of honoring my grandparents. ✌
#ThreadChallenge #MeetTheGrandparents
06:02 PM - May 29, 2023
20/20
missed attaching this to
https://disabilityjustice.org/right-to-self-determination-freedom-from-involuntary-sterilization/
https://disabilityjustice.org/right-to-self-determination-freedom-from-involuntary-sterilization/
06:09 PM - May 29, 2023
In response to Gee Cathy.
What an amazing and truly enlightening story, as well as an incredible journey! Your presentation and research are nothing short of impeccable. I could not put this down until the end.
Thank you for sharing your family story.
Thank you for sharing your family story.
03:55 PM - Jul 10, 2023
In response to Diana Lukasik.
your welcome and thank you for this response:)
04:02 PM - Jul 10, 2023
In response to Gee Cathy.
Incredible research on your part; well done! Thanks for sharing. I was able to find out the identity of my mother's father and tell her when she was 80 years old. I know what you feel like getting this kind of information!
11:00 PM - Jun 20, 2023
In response to Gee Cathy.
Thanks for sharing your family story. It must have been fascinating to do the detective work and find the answers. Your grandfather's situation sure sounds more like a case of learning differences (possibly dyslexia) and what a shame your grandmother wasn't treated early enough for pneumonia.
12:52 AM - Jun 20, 2023
In response to Gee Cathy.
Wow- thanks for spouting that story! You did a ton of research and were rewarded. Hope your mom loved it. Aside, my sister found that our great grandfather (1st gen to the US from Ireland) died in an "asylum"
09:33 PM - Jun 19, 2023
In response to Gee Cathy.
Your story is incredible. I am glad you have been able to fill in the gaps in your history. I believe that is so important. Thank you for sharing.
04:37 PM - Jun 19, 2023
In response to Gee Cathy.
Thank you for the thread.
I'm really into family trees and DNA research.
Have you done any DNA tests?
I'm really into family trees and DNA research.
Have you done any DNA tests?
04:16 PM - Jun 19, 2023
In response to Gee Cathy.
Great story! I was able to follow your story because you were so good at telling it concisely. Your family tree is wild! Nice job on the photos too.
02:53 PM - Jun 19, 2023
In response to Gee Cathy.
Thank you. Eugenics is an insidious notion that we must eradicate again. I fear it will come back. My sister was mentally disabled, but was fortunate that my father found a great living arrangement. It sounds as if your grands may have had learning differences. I hope you are at peace.
06:41 PM - May 29, 2023
