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Vintage Postcards of Indiana Health FacilitiesThe Marion, Indiana Branch of the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers was established by Congress on July 23, 1888 with a $200,000 appropriation. Its first building was a temporary barracks, which became home to 35 disabled veterans who moved in on November 23, 1889. By 1898, there were 12 barracks, a hospital, a headquarters building, a dining hall with kitchen, Stinson Memorial Hall, and a chapel. A burial ground of 61 acres was set aside for men who gave their lives in defense of their country, with space reserved for employees and their families. On January 1, 1921, the Home was completely overhauled, revamped and converted into a modern neuropsychiatric hospital. It was also renamed the Marion National Sanatorium, and was used exclusively for overly nervous and mentally ill patients. In 1923, a new combination neuropsychiatric and tuberculosis hospital was added, with a capacity of 80 beds. During this era, the facility maintained 51 milk cows. The Sanatorium had other amenities as well, including its own store where candies, cigars, tobaccos, stationery, toilet articles, novelties, etc. were sold. A restaurant was also part of the complex. It included a patients%u2019 club room for meeting and entertaining visitors, and was equipped with comfortable furniture and a piano. Furthermore, a %u201cmaster radio outfit%u201d sent programing to all the facility%u2019s hospitals and cottages, with speakers in the day rooms and headsets provided for patients who were confined to bed.National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers%u2014%u2014Marion, Indiana%u2014%u2014Established 1888This was one of ten National Homes established by Congress to care for disabled soldiers and sailors of the Civil War. Itquickly grew to have 70 buildings, 1,004 beds used entirely for treatment of neuropsychiatric patients, complete surgical setupand laboratories, x-ray facilities, minor surgical departments, dental clinic, and medical clinics.Homes and Orphanages