Governor Luther Youngdahl setting fire to restraints at Anoka County Hospital, October 31, 1949. Photograph by Hi Paul. Published in the St. Paul Pioneer Press on November 1, 1949, with the article, “Halloween Fire Heralds Reform—Anoka State Hospital Burns Straitjackets.” Original caption: “A flaming pile of strait jackets, manacles, and straps marked the end of the use of restraints at the Anoka State Hospital Monday night. Gov. Youngdahl, the moving force behind Minnesota’s mental health program, is shown personally setting the torch to the devices.

Governor Luther Youngdahl setting fire to restraints at Anoka County Hospital, October 31, 1949. Photograph by Hi Paul. Published in the St. Paul Pioneer Press on November 1, 1949, with the article, “Halloween Fire Heralds Reform—Anoka State Hospital Burns Straitjackets.” Original caption: “A flaming pile of strait jackets, manacles, and straps marked the end of the use of restraints at the Anoka State Hospital Monday night. Gov. Youngdahl, the moving force behind Minnesota’s mental health program, is shown personally setting the torch to the devices.

Governor Luther Youngdahl setting fire to restraints at Anoka County Hospital, October 31, 1949. Photograph by Hi Paul. Published in the St. Paul Pioneer Press on November 1, 1949, with the article, “Halloween Fire Heralds Reform—Anoka State Hospital Burns Straitjackets.” Original caption: “A flaming pile of strait jackets, manacles, and straps marked the end of the use of restraints at the Anoka State Hospital Monday night. Gov. Youngdahl, the moving force behind Minnesota’s mental health program, is shown personally setting the torch to the devices.

Dancing in the auditorium of the Anoka State Hospital, ca. 1960.

Anoka State Hospital complex, ca. 1910.

Interior view of patien's dining room at the Anoka State Hospital, ca. 1910.

Interior view of a dormitory ward at the Anoka State Hospital, ca. 1910.

Buildings of the Anoka State Hospital, ca. 1910.

Aerial view of Anoka State Hospital, 1937.