An adult-size restraining
bed, this wooden crib was equipped with a
lid and was capable of being locked. It was designed in 1845 by Dr. Anabanel of
France. In 1846, Dr. Amariah Brigham, the first superintendent of the "New York State Lunatic Asylum" brought the crib to the asylum in Utica, New York. Several modifications were made on the original design and thus the "Utica Crib" was born. The crib was designed in such a way that
air could flow freely between the top and sides. The
bottom was cushioned with layers of straw. The crib was used in case of "exhaustion" when the physical health of the patient demanded that (s)he be kept in
bed. Additionally, the crib could be suspended on chains and rocked to calm the patients. The last remaining Utica Crib was removed from use on January
18, 1887.