The History of Medfield State Hospital
This series explores the rich history of Medfield State Hospital, guided by the extensive knowledge and research of Richard DeSorgher. A lifelong Medfield resident and the Town Historian, Richard has dedicated himself to preserving the town’s heritage through books, articles, and a long-running newspaper column.
As a member of the Medfield Historical Society and a contributor to numerous Massachusetts state commissions, he is a trusted authority on the area’s past. Together, we’ll uncover the legacy of Medfield State Hospital, reflecting on its profound impact on the community and the lives it touched over the years.
Building a Village: Medfield State Hospital’s Self-Sustaining Community
When Medfield State Hospital was founded, it was envisioned not just as a place of care but as a self-contained village—a community within a community. This vision wasn’t merely practical; it was profoundly therapeutic. By fostering a sense of purpose and interconnectedness, the hospital created an environment where patients and staff could live, work, and thrive together.
A Self-Sufficient Vision
Medfield State Hospital was designed to be self-sustaining, minimizing reliance on outside resources. At its peak, the hospital functioned as a miniature town, complete with essential services like electricity, water, and sanitation. A central powerhouse generated electricity and heat, while an extensive water system ensured a reliable supply for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
The idea was simple yet transformative: self-sufficiency could provide the stability and routine critical for mental health. Patients played a key role in running many aspects of the hospital, contributing meaningfully to the community.
The Medfield State Hospital
Credit: Abandoned Adventures

Farming: The Heart of the Hospital
Farming was at the core of the hospital’s self-sufficiency. With hundreds of acres of fertile land, patients and staff cultivated vegetables, corn, and fruit. A robust dairy herd supplied milk, butter, and cheese, while chickens provided fresh eggs.
These agricultural efforts did more than feed the hospital’s residents. They offered therapeutic benefits, giving patients a sense of purpose and a connection to nature. Many found comfort in the rhythms of farm life, where each task supported the well-being of the community.
Producing More Than Food
Beyond farming, the hospital engaged in various industrial activities that supported its operations. Workshops produced clothing, mattresses, and other essentials, while carpentry and painting shops handled maintenance and repairs, keeping the infrastructure in excellent condition.
These efforts were both practical and empowering. Patients developed valuable skills that boosted their confidence and could ease their transition back into society. The work was a source of pride, providing a tangible sense of accomplishment.
A Place of Beauty and Care
The hospital grounds were designed with functionality and beauty in mind. Patients tended flowers in greenhouses, using the blooms to decorate dining tables and wards, which added vibrant color to daily life. Walking paths wound through the property, offering opportunities to enjoy fresh air and scenic views of Castle Hill and the Charles River.
This emphasis on aesthetics reflected a belief in the healing power of nature. A peaceful, attractive environment was considered an essential part of the recovery process.

Female Dining Hall, M.I.A., Medfield, Massachusetts – Postcard
Recreation and Community Life
Life at Medfield wasn’t all work. Recreation was a key part of the hospital’s philosophy, with activities that fostered a sense of joy and community. Patients participated in baseball games, attended chapel services, and joined dances held in the hospital’s recreational hall. These events brought patients, staff, and even Medfield town residents together, blurring the lines between the hospital and the outside world.
Dances, featuring music performed by the hospital’s employee orchestra, were especially beloved. These events offered more than just entertainment; they fostered a sense of normalcy and connection that proved profoundly therapeutic.
Collaboration with the Town
The hospital’s collaborative spirit extended to its relationship with the town of Medfield. For a time, it supplied water to the town from its wells and bolstered the local economy by creating jobs and supporting businesses that served the staff and visitors.
This close relationship highlighted the hospital’s role as an integral part of Medfield’s identity. It was not merely an institution but a vital component of the community.
A Legacy of Purpose and Connection
The self-sustaining practices at Medfield State Hospital exemplified its core philosophy: that everyone has something valuable to contribute. By engaging patients in meaningful work, the hospital helped them rediscover purpose and identity.
Today, the remnants of its fields, workshops, and infrastructure stand as a testament to a community built on care and collaboration. Medfield State Hospital was more than a treatment facility—it was a place where lives were rebuilt, and connections were forged.