From the Conrad R. Lam Archives

The Henry Ford Hospital Easter Parade of April 17, 1957

Henry Ford Hospital sponsored several Easter related activities in the 1950's. The Easter Parade featured colorful hand made Easter bonnets created by the occupational therapy patients on M-2. The April 1957 Thermonitor stated that the “highest fashioned hats” were made using scrap materials and that three prizes were awarded for the most original hats. The occupational therapy department had many holiday parties as part of their therapy program to aid in the socialization of the patient.

Other popular Easter programs included the Easter Bunny Campaign, to raise funds for the purchase of presents for the pediatric patients on 1-3 and 1-4. The February 1954 Thermonitor issue featured an article on “How to Be an Easter Bunny”, providing instructions on the program. The fundraiser was sponsored by the hospital messenger service, which raised money by abstaining from their candy bar purchases. The pediatric department also allowed rabbits in the wards for the children to play with during the holiday season.

–Melanie Bazil