Rare 1853 Double-Sided Itemized Bill & Receipt – New Jersey State Lunatic Asylum (Trenton)Up for sale/sale is a fascinating, completely original mid-19th-century handwritten document tracking the maintenance fees and personal expenses of a patient, Maria G. Kean, institutionalized at theNew Jersey State Lunatic Asylum at Trenton. Dated between May and November of 1853.Historical Significance:
This piece features a prominent historical connection to early American psychiatric reform. The front credits a payment received fromDr. H. A. Buttolph(Dr. Horace A. Buttolph), the legendary first Superintendent of the Trenton Asylum. Handpicked by Dorothea Dix, Buttolph was a pioneer of the "moral treatment" philosophy, emphasizing cleanliness, proper clothing, and dignified care over chains and physical restraints.Fascinating Social History Details:
The document offers a rare, highly itemized look at the everyday life and material costs of a female asylum resident in the 1850s. Expenses include:
- Six months of basic room and board/maintenance ($78.00)
- "1 Calico Dress" ($1.90) and the cost for "making Dress" ($0.75)
- "1 Lawn Dress" ($2.12)
- Personal attire and grooming items: "Caps" and "Pairs Hose"
- Everyday upkeep: "Mending," a personal "Bowl," and outgoing "Postage" charges.
The Reverse Side:
The back of the document features a matching, signed receipt dated November 18, 1853, marking the balance of the account paid "in full." It is boldly signed byCaleb Sager, who served as the facility's official Board Steward. A crisp, circular embossed paper watermark is also visible on the bottom edge of the reverse side.Condition:
Excellent vintage condition for a 170+ year-old paper manuscript. Crisp ink handwriting remains completely legible. Standard folds from historical storage, with minimal edge wear. No major tears, deep stains, or text loss. Please review the high-resolution images carefully to inspect the exact physical condition.A spectacular, display-worthy addition to any collection specializing in medical history, psychology, 19th-century ephemera, or New Jersey state history.
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