seriously...I didn't know what this was as I've never taken notice of the dentists tools-I've never had a problem -high threshhold for pain. (No, I'm not a masochist. Unfortunately or fortunately?, it was my dentist who told me so -now he would be the saddist!)
OK, jokes welcome.

HTuttle: for gawds sake , yeah! This stuff doesn't bother me, though. I have a friend in the biz...and if you don't go.... ; ) ...all the world will know....

... yessum, that would be Sir Laurence I was referring to...thank god I checked back so I could clear up this mass confusion ; )

Thank you for the information. I had no idea children could be placed so young....

...it's Fairfield Hills, in CT

Scott:
this is one of two photos Iv'e seen of drills . Until your comment, I didn't know what it was ( I'm not sure where the othe photo is.
http://www.newenglandruins.com/

Max , Silkster40z & Larry Olivier,
Well larry, I don't need to tell...Think of how important dental hygiene is anywhere and especially someplace where care for personal appearance has deteriorated (no pun) individually. Part of the beauty of these places were their self-sufficiency. They were communities unto themselves ( out of ability to be and necessity)
Plus, I get the feeling no one wanted to haul those chairs out.

Also the mesh (lordy, I actually typed in "mess" instead of "mesh"-was that a slip!) is washable. Any dirtied linens used under the body could be disposed of...nothing stainable....

I haven't seen the layout of the buildings but maybe the windows have something to do with its physical location. I know morgues were in the basement many times..., then again who wouldn't want natural light in there all things considered ?

Lynne: I never thought I'd find such an indepth site ( I just found it 2 days ago! )
Your input here is so wonderful for those of us who must always know more.... Just wanted you to know your comments are appreciated :)

Shadow: That is a great observation about the dresses. I for one appreciate this kind of detailed view.

...just thought of it... in the early 1900s bowling was hip. Private summer cottages (big' uns, mind you)-think Newport, RI., had them too.

Looking at other facility pictures/websites and going by the history of these hospitals, bowling seems to be common...I haven't seen much other recreational areas . Maybe being under the kichen it was just for staff?

Incredibly sad.
If this is an actual baby crib, it possibly was for a child born here ( think about it)...the childs' future being dependant on the relatives or adoption services. So these babies might not have had a horrible future....
(I don't think a baby was placed in hospitals that young?)