State Narcotic Hospital Spadra Improvements – Pomona CA

Description

The State Narcotic Hospital Spadra was a once separate program within the grounds of what is known today as the Lanterman Developmental Center in Pomona, CA. No records exist since the unincorporated area known as Spadra was annexed into the City of Pomona.

3 different New Deal relief agencies were involved in reconstruction efforts at this mental health facility. WPA #1E B20 810, CWA SLF #61, & SERA#S1 B1 174. Records at the Pasadena Museum of History describe New Deal work at the site:

“This (WPA) project was opened January 11, 1935 and was suspended May 2, 1935 at the request of the Applicant pending legislation.

The work completed consisted of painting buildings, levelling and grading grounds, walks and drives, planting and transplanting trees and shrubs.

The work remaining to be done is the demolition of a barracks building 100′ x 36′ x 20′, and transporting such material and equipment as can be salvaged to the Pacific Colony.”

Photo’s available at the Pasadena Museum of History depict workers planting Ice plants for erosion, painting a water tank, the extension of a culvert under a road way, and landscaping.

Hospital history: In 1915 the California Legislature called for a comprehensive study of the problem of feeble mindedness. As a result of this study, the Legislature recognized the need for an institution in Southern California and approved $250,000 on July 17, 1917, for the Pacific Colony. The original site was in Walnut at the location of the current Mt. San Antonio College at 1100 N Grand Ave, Walnut, CA.
On March 20, 1921, the first patients were admitted to Pacific Colony. The site was inappropriate (lack of water, limited access) and the facility closed its doors on January 23, 1923. A new facility was opened at the current location May 2, 1927. The name was changed to Pacific State Hospital in 1953 with the change in methods of treatment and attitudes toward the mentally handicapped that started in the 1930’s. The name was changed again in 1979 to Frank D. Lanterman State Hospital and Developmental Center in honor of State Assemblyman Frank D. Lanterman and his work on behalf of the civil rights of developmentally disabled people. ‘State Hospital’ was dropped from the name in the 1980’s.