Out of the Shadows - The Legacy of Pineland Logo
2010s
History
Smaller Budgets and Bigger Waitlists

The second decade of the 21st century ushered in big changes to state government. An economic downturn and a new administration ushered in alongside others in an austerity-based, small government movement led to budget cuts and staffing freezes at the Department of Human Services. Over this decade, waitlists for services exploded, especially for Section 21 services, which serve those who need daily support to live full lives.

1996
Yellowed paper with staple holes and tape marks at top, titled "Client Rights" and listing the rights that clients have, including privacy, personal property, and access to advocates
History
Into the Community

The transition from institutional to community living and care was not easy for many Pineland residents, nor was it easy for those setting up and trying to operate housing and various services.

1961
Newspaper clipping from the Lewiston Daily Sun, February 16, 1961, page 1 – Headline: Pineland Is Aiding The State – Dr. Bowman Tells of Rehabilitation at Pownal Hospital – Needs More Help
History
Community Placement Calls for a Larger Institution?

New ideas were cropping up - it was beginning to be understood that services provided in the community were both more humane and less expensive. But even as a new infirmary to “house 134 totally dependent patients” was dedicated, Governor Reed called for more, saying, “the needs of this and other state hospitals continue to grow".

1933
Newspaper clipping from theLewiston Evening Journal, April 7, 1937 with the headline: "Act To Permit 240 To Enter Pownal School - Senate Bill Gives Health and Welfare Dep't Control of Admission""
History Policies
Expansion of the School

While changes were being made to the administrative structures of Maine’s institutions, the Pownal State School was undergoing an expansion as well. An increase in beds and buildings was championed by a new superintendent, Dr. Stephen E. Vosburgh, who was hired in 1919 and served for 18 years.

1914
History
A Big Problem

Just six years after the institution opened, a headline announced "Care of Feeble-Minded Big Problem for Maine." The facility already had 255 people receiving care, with 160 on a waiting list.

1910s
Policies
Organization & Establishment

Laws passed over this decade allowed judges to commit people to the School, placed power in a Board of Trustees, and criminalized any who tried to run away or those that helped "fugitives". The population of residents swelled during this time, fueled by calls to expand: "the state must plan to care for, altogether, at least 1500 persons of this class."

SCROLL DOWN