1917 West Michigan Health Fair

1917 West Michigan Health Fair

This enclosed case features a large photograph background of tables with items for sale on each table.  On the tables are blankets, baskets, canned goods and mattresses that were made by the patients of the hospital.

1917 West Michigan Health Fair held in Grand Rapids. During the early years of the Occupational Therapy program at the Kalamazoo State Hospital, patients were encouraged to keep busy as a means of diverting their attention from their ailments. Female patients were engaged in various crafts, such as basket making, blanket weaving, sewing and gardening. Male patients would harvest fruits and vegetables that were canned, and they also made mattresses for use at the hospital as well as for sale to community members. Employees would attend events such as the health fair and sell the items made by patients. Money earned from the sales was used to purchase goods that would enrich the lives of the patients, such as a new organ for use in the Female Department or uniforms for the men’s baseball team.