Antique Desk Built Pre-Civil War at The Brattleboro, Retreat, Vermont

  

This beautiful desk came from very humble beginnings. It was made by a patient/patients at the retreat. The legs came from Estey Organ Company. We had some restoration work done to it by Wind River Restoration in Chesterfield, NH. The top portion detaches from the base and is held in place with screws.

The missing knob is in the drawer. We do not have a key for it. It is 58" tall, 31" deep, and 45 wide. Please reach out with any questions.

We are happy to entertain offers. Born in 1769, Anna was the daughter of Jonathan Hunt, one of the first settlers in the 3-corner area that is now comprised of Northfield, MA, Hinsdale, NH, and Vernon, VT. Jonathan Hunt also served a term as Vermont's Lt. The Brattleboro Retreat was the first facility for the care of the mentally ill in Vermont, and one of the first ten private psychiatric hospitals in the United States. Each of these institutions, which included The McLean Asylum in Massachusetts, The Hartford Retreat in Connecticut, and The Friends Asylum in Pennsylvania, followed the example of the York Retreat in York, England, which based its philosophy on the humane treatment of people with mental illness.

The philosophy, known as moral treatment, was patterned on a Quaker concept that represented a daring departure in the care for the mentally ill and was introduced in the late 1700s by William Tuke. The basis of Moral treatment was founded on treating patients with dignity and respect in a caring, family-like environment that included meaningful work, cultural pursuits, wholesome nutrition and daily exercise. In support of this philosophy, and to emphasize the healthful benefits of physical and emotional well being, the Retreat pioneered an impressive list of hospital firsts. First attendant's training course.

Camping programs, swimming pools and bowling alley. This item is in the category "Antiques\Furniture\Desks & Secretaries". The seller is "kristinblueskye11" and is located in this country: US.

This item can be shipped to United States.

• Item Height: 58\
• Item Width: 31\
• Type: Secretary
• Antique: Yes
• Color: Brown
• Item Length: 45\
• Time Period Manufactured: 1800-1899