More beautiful photographs from the book Pictorial Album Of The Willard Asylum 1869 to 1886 by Wayne E. Morrison, Sr. These photographs feature “The Branch” which was later re-named “Grand View” in 1904.
The Branch, constructed in 1859, was the original site of the first state agricultural college in the United States founded by Ezra Cornell. It was in operation from 1860 to 1861. The Civil War began, the young men went off to war, and the building fell into disrepair. In 1865, New York State purchased the building and land to be the site of The Willard Asylum for the CHRONIC Insane. The first of its kind in the country. Mr. Cornell went on to found Cornell University. The Branch housed about 225 “mild, quiet” female inmates. In 1886, the top two floors were removed and it was made into the “female” infirmary, housing those who could not take care of themselves, the sick and old, and those who could not use the “toilet” facilities. The Branch was not the main hospital building.
24-The Branch From The West-Wayne E. Morrison, Sr. 1978
25-The Branch During Alterations-Wayne E. Morrison, Sr. 1978
26-Excavating For The Addition To The Branch-Wayne E. Morrison, Sr. 1978
31-Physician, Apothecary & Attendants, The Branch-Wayne E. Morrison, Sr. 1978
32-The Branch From The East-Wayne E. Morrison, Sr. 1978
33-The Branch From The North-Wayne E. Morrison, Sr. 1978
34-A Hall In The Branch-Wayne E. Morrison, Sr. 1978
35-A View From The Branch-Wayne E. Morrison, Sr. 1978
36-Horace G. Hopkins, M.D. & Anne Maycock Hopkins-Wayne E. Morrison, Sr. 1978
37-Parlor Of Dr. Horace G. Hopkins, The Branch-Wayne E. Morrison, Sr. 1978
38-A Hall In The Branch-Wayne E. Morrison, Sr. 1978
39-Physician’s Bed-Room, The Branch-Wayne E. Morrison, Sr. 1978
40-The Branch, &c., From The South-Wayne E. Morrison, Sr. 1978
42-The Branch During Alterations-Wayne E. Morrison, Sr. 1978
43-Third Floor Hall Of The Branch During Alterations-Wayne E. Morrison, Sr. 1978
44-The Branch During Alterations 2-Wayne E. Morrison, Sr. 1978
45-The Branch Following Alterations-Wayne E. Morrison, Sr. 1978
46-Parlor Of Dr. Myron D. Blaine-Wayne E. Morrison, Sr. 1978
47-Rooms Of Dr. Horace G. Hopkins, The Branch-Wayne E. Morrison, Sr. 1978
The Inmates of Willard 1870 to 1900 / A Genealogy Resource 
Does someone have a picture of the beam engine at the asylum? Thanks Jake
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Beautiful building. Ah, the stories it could tell… Thanks for sharing and shedding some overdue light.
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Thanks, Lea!
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Great old photos! Did he get these from old annual reports or hospital archives?
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I’m not sure. Mr. Morrison lived in Ovid, NY, for many years. He was also member of the Galen and Fairport Historical Societies and had many connections. Thank God he published this book so that people would be able to see the history.
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