The quest for change began in earnest in 1946 when parent activists found a ready ally in Governor Luther Youngdahl.
Just beginning his first of three terms in office, Youngdahl was one of the first public officials to commit himself to improving the deplorable conditions that these "invisible" Minnesotans lived in at some state institutions.
Governor Luther Youngdahl:
Champion of Change
In 1948, an extensive newspaper exposé in the Minneapolis Morning Tribune detailed the living conditions in seven Minnesota state mental institutions – Fergus Falls, Moose Lake, Willmar, Anoka, Hastings, St. Peter and Rochester – and brought the issue to public attention.
Geri Hoffner, more well-known as Geri Joseph, published a 10-part report on the deplorable conditions in the state's mental institutions.
Remarkably, the report, which was critical of the current system, was created with Governor Youngdahl's full support and approval.
Geri Joseph
Video:
Geri Joseph, reporter for the Minneapolis Morning Tribune, did a series of articles on the institutions in 1948 and 1950.
Geri Hoffner's exposé created a public outcry.