Doctor injecting leprosy patient, Joey G., with Promin. 1940s. Photograph Johnny H. Harmon. Image Courtesy of the National Hansen's Disease Museum, Permanent Collections, Carville, LA.

The infirmary, built in 1933, had 68 beds in two open wards--men upstairs and women downstairs. Architects provided screened porches across the front of the building to allow patients fresh air.…