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The farm at the Harrisburg State
Hospital allowed for therapeutic labor for the patients, the work
was considered wholesome and was supposed to give the patients a
sense of purpose. It also helped to cut the cost of operating the
hospital. During the early years the majority of the food consumed
by the hospital was produced by the farm. Potatoes were a staple
food at the hospital. Besides potatoes, corn and wheat were the
other two primary crops produced by the farm. The farm also produced
enough hay to supply all the farm's needs. Not all crops produced by
the farm were consumed at the hospital, excess crops were sold to
the community. In 1903 farm expenses, including feed and livestock,
totaled $18,392.26, but the income was $21,862.00, a profit of
$3,469.74. Among the items sold in 1903 were 4,800 bushels of
potatoes, 1,139 bushels of corn, and 39,328 gallons of milk. The
farm also produced many other vegetables besides it's primary staple
of potatoes, corn, and wheat. Some of these vegetables were squash,
onions, lettuce, cucumbers, carrots, beans, cabbage, tomatoes, kale,
and mushrooms. The farm also produces grapes and raspberries, and
had a separate garden for herbs that provided most the kitchens
spice needs. At one time the farm produced over $250,000 worth of
produce to feed the hospital staff and patients. In 1973 the
elimination of peonage law passed, as a result, any patient that
worked at the hospital had to be paid. In 1976 farming was
discontinued at the hospital.
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