Probably the most interesting and emotional thing I have found in inventorying historic materials at the Oregon State Hospital was a box of index cards. The orange box didn’t look like much, but the cards inside were a time capsule highlighting a very personal side of institutional commitment. These property cards list patient’s personal possessions that were confiscated upon commitment to the hospital for safe keeping. Below is a sampling of some of the materials listed on the patient property cards:
- 40 year lodge pin
- Liquor permit
- 2 selective service cards
- Class ring
- Bankbook
- Hamilton pocket watch, 2 keys, 7 – 3 cent stamps
- 1 wedding band
- Timex wrist watch, 1 old piece of currency, Louisiana chauffeur’s license, Waltham wristwatch face, 5 earings, 4 cents in coins
- Gold colored initial ring, silver-colored initial ring
- 1 billfold, 1 tie clasp
- 1 billfold, 1 pocket knife, 1 mechanical pencil, 1 key in keycase
- Coin purse, pouch, sunglasses, comb, ballpoint pen, tie clasp, Westclox pocket watch, Ingersoll wristwatch
- Rosary beads
