Episode 45: Built to Care, Left to Decay: Sonoma’s Institutional Past
Institutionalization
The Sonoma Development Center was opened in 1883 by Dr. Antrim Osborne, who was a psychiatrist, and his wife.
Period of Darkness
Dr. Antrim was removed as the head of the hospital and under direction of Dr. William Lawlor a investigation was opened in 1902 after reports of abuse were made.
Eugenics
Dr. F.O. Butler ran the SDC starting in 1908. Dr. Butler was a supporter of eugenics and personally performed thousands of forced sterilization of patients at the center.
On Going Abuse
In 2011 a caregiver was charged and convicted a misdiminor of possession of a firearm after he was found with a taser that he was reported to have used on patients and a handgun in his car.
In 2026 there is a plan to develop the SDC into independent supportive housing for people with Developmental Disabilities.
