The Craig Colony

Posted May 29, 2013 at 7:00 pm

By David Mack-Hardiman, Contributor and Douglas Platt, Contributor
Nicholas DiGesare, Cemetery Photography

The Craig Colony for Epileptics was established in 1894 to meet the needs of New York’s indigent population who had epilepsy. The first patients were admitted in 1896. Craig Colony was constructed on over 1,900 acres using the “cottage plan,” a cluster of smaller buildings rather than one large structure. This institution also began to admit people with intellectual disabilities in 1935. Eventually known as Craig Developmental Center, it closed on December 6, 1988.

Craig Colony, named after Dr. Oscar Craig of Rochester, N.Y., was the second institution specifically for epileptics in the United States. At the time of the opening of Craig, it was believed that the inmates would be able to “sense” an oncoming seizure in the other patients, and would be able to prevent injuries due to falls. Craig, like the other institutions had a working farm, craft shops, school, and hospitals.

Trillium Cottage for Female Patients, Craig Colony, Sonyea, N.Y.

As explained in The Institutional Care of the Insane in the United States and Canada:

“The number of buildings at the colony is over 100, nearly 40 of which are occupied by colonists, the remainder being officers’ and employees’ cottages, barns, store rooms, shops, railroad station, etc. Male patients are largely employed on the farm, in the garden and brickyard and in the dairy, workshops, households and with the various mechanics. The female patients work in the various households occupied by their sex, in the sewing room and in the garden.” [1]

The White City, Women's Buildings, Craig Colony

The book further elaborates:

“There is a special building where over 150 of the younger colonists of both sexes attend school regularly during eleven months of each year. This work is presided over by five teachers. A resident Catholic chaplain, a Protestant chaplain and a visiting Jewish rabbi are attached to the colony. The funds for the Catholic chapel and rectory were donated by the Bishop of Rochester in 1901. The chapel was dedicated in April, 1902. The Protestant and Jewish services are held in the House of Elders, formerly used by the Shaker colony as a house of worship.” [2]

In a remote cemetery off of Moyer Road in Sonyea, some 2,165 residents of the Craig Colony and later the Craig Developmental Center are buried. Just as their religious services were held separately, there are three areas of the cemetery for Catholic, Jewish and Protestant burials. Unlike many institutional cemeteries, this one contains many individualized marble stones inscribed with the person’s name. Weather worn and in need of some care, some of the stones have toppled over.

May 2013 blog - The Craig Colony - 3

Some of the monuments bear floral tributes.

May 2013 blog - The Craig Colony - 4

Row upon row upon row, more than one million people are buried in institutional cemeteries in the United States.

May 2013 blog - The Craig Colony - 5

The Museum of disABILITY History was recently consulted by Tom Roffe, Town Historian of Leicester, and the Superintendent of the Groveland Correctional Facility (present owners of the property), to provide advice as to how the stones might be cleaned and restored. This is the fifth institutional cemetery in which employees of the Museum and People Inc. have been involved. Beginning in June, volunteers will begin individually caring for each of these monuments; gently brushing off the stains that age and neglect have inflicted. Other flat markers at the front of the cemetery will be edged. Additional volunteers from the Finger Lakes DDSO and the Groveland Correctional Facility will assist with the efforts. Special thanks to all who have volunteered to labor on these projects, and to the folks at People Inc.’s Park Place Day Hab in Silver Creek for their ongoing beautification efforts at the Southern Tier cemeteries.

Sources:

Henry Mills Hurd, et al., The Institutional Care of the Insane in the United States and Canada, vol. 3 (Baltimore, Maryland: The Johns Hopkins Press, 1916), 251-57.

Ibid.

Category: Museum of disABILITY History Blog
Tags: Cemetery Restoration | Craig Colony for Epileptics | Historical Preservation | Institutional Cemeteries

Comments

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Maria L Montoya

Posted May 5, 2019 at 12:00 am

My mother in law may have lived at this facility sometime between 1936 and 1939. How could I find out?

Thank you for helping me find out.

Thank you.

Alexandra Spatz

Posted January 23, 2019 at 12:00 am

Hello, I believe my uncle may have been a patient at this center in the 60's/70's. How could I find out? He was a small child and was "sent away". His family lived in Great Neck, NY. Thank you.

Susan Ball

Posted January 15, 2019 at 12:00 am

Hello, I believe my Great Uncle Thomas Ward was an inmate at the Craig Colony for Epileptics as stated on the 1940 census. How would I get more information on regarding his stay there?

Thank you.

admin

Posted December 10, 2018 at 12:00 am

For more information you can try the Finger Lakes DDSO, 620 Westfall Road, Rochester, N.Y. 14620 (585) 461-8500.

Diane Malvin

Posted December 10, 2018 at 12:00 am

I am looking for information regarding A line Johnson while at Craig Colony. This is my husband's grandmother and we were told she died there but we don't know anything else

Any info is helpful

Mary Clark

Posted November 28, 2018 at 12:00 am

I found my Great Aunt , Mary Froehlich , lived there until she died . They do have her last name spelled wrong. Would like to get medical records if possible.

Suzy

Posted October 26, 2018 at 12:00 am

My grandparents, Lincoln and Alice Milliman, worked at Craig Colony for many years. My brothers and I lived with them on and off during the 50s and 60s. I would like to find a list of other people who worked there, as I have many fond memories of wonderful people there. I would like to know where I could find photos of the Colony, and if anyone remembers my grandparents, please respond here. Thank you all.

Spence

Posted October 22, 2018 at 12:00 am

What would you like to know ? I was there for a year in 1961. I was released and later graduated from college. I worked as an engineer until retirement. I was put there by abusive parents. I didn't have epilepsy. I would really like to know how they pulled this off?

sandy sage

Posted September 11, 2018 at 12:00 am

I'm desperately looking for records re: Jennie Felicito who was a resident of Groveland in 1910 and died there in 1914. I think she gave birth to my fatheer there. Where can I find records?

Rosemary Gleason

Posted September 3, 2018 at 12:00 am

My aunt Alice Kennelly was a resident at the Criag Colony. I think she arrived about 1938

I visited her with my uncle.probably about 1941. I know Alice lived there until her death of which I'm uncertain the year. I'm planning a trip to Rochester and would be so grateful if I could visit Alice Kennelly's grave. Could you tell me where I might find it

Sincerely

Rosemary Gleason

Rosemary811@hotmail.com

Ron Tunison

Posted August 14, 2018 at 12:00 am

In the process of closure over the period of several years, most individuals who resided at Craig moved to group homes operated by what was then known as Craig DDSO. Those homes are located in Livingston, Steuben, Yates, Schuyler, and Chemung Counties, and operated by NYS OPWDD.

Wendy

Posted June 26, 2018 at 12:00 am

Mary Holland, Yes, I am interested in hearing about his memories

Denton Vaughan

Posted May 25, 2018 at 12:00 am

My grandfather's sister, Althea Denton was I believe a Craig Colony resident I would like to fine out the facts of her stay in Craig Colony.

Hopefully,

Denton Vaughan

Sherry Hennessy Scates

Posted February 9, 2018 at 12:00 am

I am interested in any information about my father's brother, Henry Hennessy, who was sent to Craig Colony as a teen, most likely between 1915-1920. He shows up on census records in 1940, but nothing after that. His date of birth is Jan. 21, 1901, born in Pittsfield, Mass, although his family lived in NY. Any information you can give us is greatly appreciated, as we would like to know more about Henry's life. Thank you.

barbara arlow

Posted February 5, 2018 at 12:00 am

My uncle's gravestone is incorrect. Is it possible for me to replace it with a new stone?

Gail Sargent

Posted August 2, 2017 at 12:00 am

Hi, my grand uncle, Charles Edwin Barber, was a resident there and died as a child there in 1918. I love the idea of planting forget-me-nots there among the graves. I am researching my family history and wonder if Charles is buried there.

I would love to know more, thank you for taking an interest in honoring this site. Sincerely, Gail Sargent, August 2, 2017.

Kathy Stanley

Posted June 26, 2017 at 12:00 am

I am reading my mother's birth certificate and find that her mother, Anna Bunshock, signed the certificate 9 months after my mothers birth. Anna listed her current address as Sonyea, NY.

My mother was raised as an orphan in Albany, NY. She was born in Rotterdam, NY. I think Anna may have been a resident at the colony. Is there a way to confirm this?

Fran Starkman

Posted May 8, 2017 at 12:00 am

Has anyone gotten a response to how to acquire records for a family member who lived and died and is buried in the cemetery of the Craig Colony?

thank you

J Barber

Posted May 6, 2017 at 12:00 am

Please, I had an uncle who was a patient at Sonyea Mental Hospital

until 1959 when he died. I am looking for information about where he might be buried and records.

Are the Craig Colony and the Sonyea Mental Hospial one in the same? Thank you.

David DeWeaver

Posted April 20, 2017 at 12:00 am

I believe that my Great Grandmother Lula Mae Hart was a patient there in 1920. My son and I are working on our family tree, I was wondering how we can find out information about the Lula Hart that was a patient there to confirm that she was my Great Grandmother ?

Cheryl Walker

Posted September 10, 2016 at 12:00 am

Were you ever given a response on how to go about obtaining records of patients at the Craig Colony? My family would also like to obtain any available information about a family member who lived and died there many years ago.

Brenda Goodell

Posted July 17, 2016 at 12:00 am

My mother worked there as a nurse or aid Madeline chatley1953 iwas looking for pictures maybe a group picture

Tim Donnelly

Posted May 22, 2016 at 12:00 am

I am seeking to discover if the Michael Donnelly I found listed on the 1930 census as a patient is my Grandfather's brother.

He was living in Cohoes, NY in 1925, per the NYS census that year.

Any help you might offer would be appreciated.

Ashley John

Posted April 12, 2016 at 12:00 am

I've been taking a small group of volunteers from the steuben county chapter of the arc every year to clean up and plant flowers. We are thinking of dropping seed bombs of forget me nots as well as other perennials in between the stones. Each year it's nice to give back and reflect on the history of the voices were of those whom are experiencing intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. We typically do this privately anytime between April to May. First year (2013) we did lots of red geraniums and stood up a lot of headstones in late June with the heat! Second year we attempted to do gaillardias which are drought resistent perennials. This year one person came up with planting forget me nots which seems appropriate. Looking to do this on April 16th

Ashley John

Posted April 12, 2016 at 12:00 am

How interesting! Gave me an idea for hiking in the woods near the cemetery for an upcoming volunteering day...thanks

Cynthia Hennessy

Posted March 8, 2016 at 12:00 am

Hello. My Father had epilepsy and was living at Craig Colony in about 1953-4-5. He was only 42 years old and died there - accidentally we were told. We were told he fell down some stairs. I believe he was there only for about three years. I was only 16 when he died, and was the one who received the news on the phone through the Red Cross. He was brought home and buried in his hometown of Johnstown, NY. I treasure his violin, which I now have, that he had with him while at the colony.

I have always wondered if there were records available about his time there and his accident.

Cynthia Hennessy

Mary Holland

Posted November 30, 2015 at 12:00 am

My brother lived at Craig and has vivid memories of the Institution. He was placed there in 1965 because of his epilepsy.

Are you interested in his memories?

He knoe lives in a group home.

Jane Chinn

Posted November 23, 2015 at 12:00 am

Hello Theresa,

I just found this website, and your request to talk to anyone with a family member who resided in CC. My grandmother was there in 1900. I can tell you more if you get this message since your request was made a year ago. Please email me at plainjane55@hotmail.com. Thanks! Jane

Jamy Rogers

Posted November 17, 2015 at 12:00 am

Dr William T Shanahan who was a resident DR there and Superindent as were all his children and wife were also resident at a cottage there were all my relatives. They were there. in 1930-40's. I was wondering if there were any pictures of them?

Diane Elam Deaton

Posted September 1, 2015 at 12:00 am

My grandmother, Lillian G. Elam worked at Craig Colony and retired from there before it closed. I believe she worked in one of the women's cottages.

Mary Finnerty

Posted August 13, 2015 at 12:00 am

I have tried for over a year to receive some records on my grandfather who died at Craig Colony in 1929. I have been blocked at all avenues with the Hipa law and Mental Hygiene Laws. Both of my parents are deceased and I found out last year that my grandfather was an "inmate" at Craig Colony by accident on family search.com. I know for a fact his records exist in the New York State Archives, but because I'm not his daughter, I'm denied information, even though it can assist in my diagnosis. Employees of OPWDD and NYS Archives can view them, but not his granddaughter. How sad!

Richard Nasca

Posted August 13, 2015 at 12:00 am

Hello,

My aunt, Gen Disparti, an Occupational Therapist was director of several programs at Craig Colony for several years. I would be most appreciative of any information you have about her during her tenure at Craig.

Many thanks,

Richard J. Nasca M.D.

Rebecca DeGroff

Posted May 15, 2015 at 12:00 am

I just learned about an aunt who lived most likely the last year of her life at the Colony. We believe she was Born in 1933 - she had CP and never walked or spoke. She died a 6 years of age. Her name was Nancy (Depew) or Towle . Her mother was Esther Towle from NH. Is there any way to find out about her. We know she was buried there.

Camilla VanderLinden

Posted May 12, 2015 at 12:00 am

My great grandfather was admitted there in 1904 and died after surgery in 1905. I have limited information and resistance from the narrow-minded state people saying HIPPA rules. He died 110 years ago, how is it covered by HIPPA? Anyway, I do have information. I would love to know what you may have.

LYNN WEAN

Posted April 21, 2015 at 12:00 am

I just discovered more info on my grandmother Luella May Bennett. Social Security death index indicated last residence 14556 Sonyea, Livington, New York died July 1979.

Kimberly Peckman

Posted April 13, 2015 at 12:00 am

I am looking for any information, other than that found on Find-A-Grave for Maria Letzeisen. She was a family member on my mother's side. (Letzeisen) of NY. I belueve she was related to William Letzeisen, who was also a resident if the Craig Colony. ANY help would be greatky appreciated.

Sevans

Posted March 1, 2015 at 12:00 am

How do I find medical info/the records of a young woman who died there at Craig Colony in 1934. I myself began having seizures at age 10. I was always told that no other family members ever had epilepsy before; so, my entire life I thought it was likely due to Child Abuse/Trauma. Now, in doing family history research, I've discovered that my dad had an aunt living there at the Colony. For my, & my children's/grandchildren's sakes, I will need those records-Any help???

Sevans

Posted March 1, 2015 at 12:00 am

I just read the previous note & have to wonder where the discrepancy/misinformation is coming from regarding residents burial at the Colony? Our family has a telegram dated June 1934, from Dr. William T. Shanahan, informing my Great-grandmother of her daughter's sudden death, & asking if they should bury her there at the Colony or send them $85 immediately for casket, embalming, and having her body "shipped" to her Mother's address. So, it seems to me that burials were taking place there in 1934...Had some bodies possibly been reinterred later at that other location the other commentator mentioned?

Bernadette Casella Broglio

Posted February 23, 2015 at 12:00 am

My sister was a patient . I believe that she was placed there between 1943 and 1945. her name was Angelina Casella. She passed away on July 28, 1963 . Her death certificate says the information was obtained from the Craig Colony Records, Sonyea, NY. I would like to know if I can get records of her stay there and exactly what her condition. as I was looking up your facility, it states that you dealt with patients who had epilepsy. I never knew that my sister had eizures. As far as I knew she did not walk or talk at all and all our pictures show she was in a wheelchair. Any information you can supply me with will be appreciated.

Ron Tunison

Posted February 2, 2015 at 12:00 am

The original cemetery for Craig Colony is located on what is now DEC property across the creek/ravine. It is in it's natural state now with some effort several years ago to remove fallen limbs and restore some of the markers to their original position. These are all cast iron numbered stakes, with no names. There is one headstone in the cemetery marking the gravesite of Charity Savage. Craig Colonists were buried there from 1896 (when Craig Colony was first established) until 1909. In 1909 the newer cemetery on Moyer Rd. was opened.

Theresa Kiely

Posted December 18, 2014 at 12:00 am

I am looking for people who worked/lived at Craig Colony. Please email me at the address listed above -- craigcolony@aol.com I am doing research for a book. Thank you. Theresa

Theresa Kiely

Posted December 18, 2014 at 12:00 am

I would also be interested in speaking to anyone who had family members who lived at Craig Colony.

Denton Vaughan

Posted July 7, 2014 at 12:00 am

My grandfathers little sister, Althea Denton, had epilepsy and was living at the Craig colony in 1908. She lived there until it closed and then was cared for in the community living with a woman in Ithaca NY until she passed away in 1980. I was very happy to find this web site and learn a little about the environment in which she lived. Could you tell me about what happened when the colony closed in about 1967. Where did the residents go at that point. Your web site is terrific.

Thanks and regards,

Denton Vaughan

Tom Stearns

Posted May 15, 2014 at 12:00 am

The Eleventh Annual Report of the Craig Colony for Epileptics was recently added to the Museum of disABILITY History's collection.

David Mack- Hardiman

Posted October 1, 2013 at 12:00 am

Hello Kathleen-

Follow this link and it has photos of his grave marker and dates of birth and death.

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=ward&GSiman=1&GScid=64291&GRid=19035776&

Best regards- Dave Mack- Hardiman

David Mack- Hardiman

Posted October 1, 2013 at 12:00 am

Hello Linda-

We are so glad that you were able to be reunited with your brother. We are working on a plan to fix the broken stones and folks at the Groveland Correctional Facility have already begun permanent repairs. One day soon it will look like new again.

Best regards-

Dave Mack- Hardiman

David Mack- Hardiman

Posted October 1, 2013 at 12:00 am

Hi Tami-

For more information you can try the Finger Lakes DDSO, 620 Westfall Road, Rochester, N.Y. 14620 (585) 461-8500.

Best regards-

Dave Mack-Hardiman

Kathleen Jacobs

Posted September 1, 2013 at 12:00 am

My uncle was in Craig Colony. I did not even know I had an uncle. His name was Gordon Turiff Ward. How do I find out any Info on him. He died in the sixties. Thank you, Kathleen louise ward Jacobs

linda gaspari

Posted August 29, 2013 at 12:00 am

My husband and I recently visited the cemetery to find my brothers grave marker, we were surprised on how well kept it is except for the broken markers which look like they were broken buy mowers. It was a very emotional day, we did find his grave.

Thanks to all who took care.

tami lesser

Posted July 7, 2013 at 12:00 am

thanks for the site. I have photos of my grandparents- who were both residents at Craig Colony in the 1920's- 1930.. The Woman's buildings on this blog look to be like the photo I have of my grandmother in front of the buildin.. I am in the process of trying to find their medical records from the time they spent there. Is there any information you have in regard to obtaining that.

linda gaspari

Posted July 1, 2013 at 12:00 am

How does someone get records of a patient that was once a resident, I believe I found the gravestone but would like more information. Who can I contact ?

Doug Farley

Posted June 7, 2013 at 12:00 am

Great job, as usual!

Linda S. Stuhler

Posted June 5, 2013 at 12:00 am

WONDERFUL!

Linda S. Stuhler

Posted June 5, 2013 at 12:00 am

How do I follow this blog? Thank you!

admin

Posted June 5, 2013 at 12:00 am

Hello! Thank you for your interest in the Blog for the Museum of disABILITY History! At this time, the “follow” feature for the blog is not available, but we will look into it. Please bookmark our Blog site as we try to update the Blog monthly: http://blog.museumofdisability.org/. Also, when an update to the Blog has been posted, an update is made on the Museum of disABILITY History Facebook page. Please “Like” it at www.facebook.com/museumofdisability. Check out the website: http://museumofdisability.org/. Thank you!

The Craig Colony

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