[dusendangm1958]

I was in the state hospital in 1968 or 69. I can only remember I was 10 or 11 years of age. Female, just a kid. My family put me in there for emotional problems that only a good mom or dad could have taken care of. I came from a very abusive background.Not with my mother but from my dad. My Mom was young and she didn't know how to handle it, so someone told her that I would get help there. She had no idea that putting me in a place like that would only further my problems. Walking thu those door's with my little suitcase in hand I was scared to death. My protection was gone and I was on my own. She left in a hurry, I assume because the doctors told her to. It would be better for me. I have blocked so many things out because it still hurts to talk about it. What was done to us in the was unspeakable. But we were told not to ever speak of it. It was a nasty smelling place to be. I was on hall 7. People were always crying out. Yelling and screaming for help, but no one came unless to throw water on you, put you in seclusion w/no clothes. This was harsh punishment for any little thing. The drugs they would give you were nasty. You had no control of your thoughts or your movements. The men workers were allowed to watch the girls take showers. Many of then were raped in the tunnels. We were not to be seen by the public so the tunnels took us to every place we needed to go. Our hall was on lock down every day. There were naked men & women in cells with no clothes. I felt a sense of sadness for them, but I couldn't help anyone not even myself. I didn't understand why I was in this terrible place. I remember Potter's field where people were buried and I figured I would one day be there. There was One kind nurse who took a liking to me. I have never forgot her. Her name was Diane a pretty blond. She sheltered me the best she could. Our hair was always getting cut off because of lice they would say. My Name was mabel Piper. I changed it to Micki in there, I guess to hide who me was. I am upset that this is now a tourist site. It should have been tore down. People have no Idea except the lost and forgotten children of the 60's.

[michmoldman]

That is really horrible, and I feel very sorry for you and anyone else who was there. But that was all caused by the people, not the actual buildings. I'm not sure if you've been there, but a lot of the buildings are renovated, or being renovated and they are absolutely beautiful. It's actually one of my favorite places to go in Northern Michigan because there are so many cool little shops, places to grab a bite or a coffee, or just walk around the buildings or the grounds. The people who did this to you and all those others who were put in there, and all those who let it happen are to blame. Tearing down such beautiful, historical buildings is not the answer.

[dusendangm1958]

I get that, I totally do. I have not been back there. I lived in Traverse City and what a beautiful place it was. but I cannot bring myself to go back there. I am afraid of those buildings. It's a fear that I will have to face at some point. It was a horrific place to be as a child, teenager, or just a plain human being.

[usroute10]

Originally Posted by dusendangm1958

I get that, I totally do. I have not been back there. I lived in Traverse City and what a beautiful place it was. but I cannot bring myself to go back there. I am afraid of those buildings. It's a fear that I will have to face at some point. It was a horrific place to be as a child, teenager, or just a plain human being.

Wow, what a disastrous experience. I can't believe your account, absolutely horrifying. It looks like you have recovered from your experience in that place. You have definitely convinced me never to go to that place when I finally visit Traverse City (I will be there for a wedding in the fall). I am sure many places where unspeakable atrocities were inflicted upon people where architecturally stunning, but they should still be knocked down.

A lot of people lament the closure of these psychiatric hospitals because so many people with mental illnesses are not being treated adequately as a result of these closures, but on the other hand, it appears some of these places allowed rampant abuse, neglect, and created even more mental issues. Just puzzling.

[smn22]

I'm from traverse city. I'm a 60 year old female. I was sexually and emotionally abused since age 3,and it continued into adulthood.. i buried everything that happened to me, i didn't have words for what happened. In the late 90's i worked with a counselor and she helped me remembered most of my abuse. Pieces are still missing from my story. i missed 6 months of school when I was 6 years old. I don't know why this happened. There are things i remember that make me wonder if i wast in the state hospital at that time. I remember a mural in a hallway of the seven dwarfs, sitting on a bench looking out 3 large windows. a nurse would give me a "banana" Popsicle at night, that tasted horrible. I remember other kids running around in the room wearing white. I don't know if any of these memories connect to the state hospital or not. Maybe i was somewhere else. A part of me wants to put the pieces together and a part of me is so scared. If you experienced any of this , please let me now. thank you

[dusendangm1958]

The lto everyone who reads this post of what the State Hospital was thank you for you positive comments. My skin Craw's just thinking about the place. There are a lot of us still out here that have been so torched by our experience.

[tjay]

Wow. I'm so sorry. I think it's brave and wonderful that you have spoke publicly about it. People need to know the reality of what goes on, and most want to turn a blind eye. I've seen and heard of so many atrocities in places like that, especially through the Catholic church. I'm glad that place is closed! People are so damn sick!