Fun Activities at Cambridge State Hospital

The Cambridge State Hospital tried to provide entertainment and activities for the many residents throughout the 1950s and 60s.

One annual event was the summer carnival. The residents got dressed up and took part in a parade that traveled along the streets on the state hospital grounds. The park area on the campus was filled with singing, activities, and refreshments.

Another popular outdoor activity was swimming. Those that were able were taken to Spectacle Lake, near the town of Cambridge.

An enjoyable indoor activity was dancing. The basements of the larger buildings, such as Boswell Hall, had plenty of room for square dancing and other popular dances.