[mkfarnam]

How many of you remember Traverse City State Hospital?
We're in search of Nurses, Attendents and Patients from the 60's who spent time at Traverse City State Hospital( Hall-18and Hall-7, Bldg50, Childrens wards) and has a story to tell about the time they spent there. Below is a link to a forum with some patients stories from the mid-60's.


Kirkbride Buildings Forum • View topic - Forgotten Children "Hall-18, Hall-7"

photo's
Traverse City State Hospital - Kirkbride Buildings

[mkfarnam]

Traverse City State Hospital

.................1920's...................

[tomclayton2]

Wow, a first hand story, This must be a first. I have always heard haunted tales of the place. I was always told it was an insane asylum when we would drive by it. Thank you for the heads up.

[malamute]

Great post. I remember it -- It's such beautiful but mysterious and haunting buildings, the grounds are so peaceful but I can't imagine what it was like living there. My aunt used to talk about how she would get upholstery and tailoring done there.

I would imagine the stories by people living there and other places like it would be extremely interesting - as is the one in your link. Times have changed so much. I never realized there were children kept there and I've always wondered if anyone who lived there actually liked it.

[mkfarnam]

Originally Posted by malamute

Great post. I remember it -- It's such beautiful but mysterious and haunting buildings, the grounds are so peaceful but I can't imagine what it was like living there. My aunt used to talk about how she would get upholstery and tailoring done there.

I would imagine the stories by people living there and other places like it would be extremely interesting - as is the one in your link. Times have changed so much. I never realized there were children kept there and I've always wondered if anyone who lived there actually liked it.

Some children were only there because of child behavior and their parents couldn't handle them. Others were there with a physical illness not a mental illness.
Dr.Thill hated kids a was not affraid to show it.

[malamute]

Originally Posted by mkfarnam

Some children were only there because of child behavior and their parents couldn't handle them. Others were there with a physical illness not a mental illness.
Dr.Thill hated kids a was not affraid to show it.

Things have certainly improved as far as mental health but of course there's a long way to go. Many kids today with child behavior are simply drugged today. Their parents can only "control" them by altering them with chemicals.

I think of patients who today are diagnosed with Alzheimers who were probably hauled off and locked away in those hospitals and how terrifying that must have been for them.

I think we still have big problems in how mental health is addressed and today many live on the streets or in homeless camps and shelters that are not better places and more dangerous.

[tomclayton2]

This story has brought on a whole range of emotions and I found myself reading it again and sharing the story with my wife. This weekend we are planning a trip to the old hospital. Thank you for sharing this link with us.
Tom Clayton