A Historical Overview
The Traverse City State Hospital, originally known as the Northern Michigan Asylum, opened its doors on November 30, 1885. Established in response to overcrowding in existing facilities like the Kalamazoo State Hospital (1859) and Pontiac State Hospital (1873), it became the third psychiatric hospital in Michigan. The site was secured by Perry Hannah, a prominent lumber baron from Traverse City,. He used his political influence to advocate for the hospital’s location.
Architectural Significance and Early Operations
Building 50 was the first structure erected at the hospital, designed according to the Kirkbride Plan in a Victorian-Italianate style. Dr. Thomas Kirkbride, a physician and early advocate of psychological care, believed that a beautiful environment was essential for effective therapy. His vision emphasized a departure from the cruel practices of the time, where patients with mental illnesses were often hidden away in basements or attics. Instead, the Kirkbride Plan aimed to provide a more humane and aesthetically pleasing setting that promoted social interaction and healing.
Upon opening, the hospital began with just 43 residents, but by 1959, that number had swelled to nearly 3,000. The hospital served a broad area, encompassing 39 counties, including parts of the Upper Peninsula. To accommodate the growing patient population, additional structures were constructed in the 1890s. This included twelve housing cottages and two infirmaries, specifically designed to meet the needs of male and female patients.
Patient Demographics and Services
The primary reasons for admission included issues like intemperance, ill health, post-birth recovery, and epilepsy. Records indicate a range of other admissions, including those for religious excitement, business reversals, and even nostalgia. The hospital also expanded its services during outbreaks of tuberculosis, typhoid, diphtheria, influenza, and polio, evolving into a training center for nurses, a rehabilitation facility for substance abuse, and a care center for older people.
Dr. Munson’s Legacy
Dr. James Decker Munson served as the first Superintendent from 1885 to 1924, significantly shaping the institution’s culture. Under his leadership, the hospital became the largest employer in Traverse City. Munson adhered to the belief that “beauty is therapy” and “work is therapy,” treating patients with kindness and respect. Restraints such as straitjackets were banned, and fresh flowers grown in the hospital’s greenhouses adorned patient areas. After his retirement, the James Decker Munson Hospital was established on the grounds in 1926 to honor his contributions.
Vocational Training and Self-Sufficiency
One of the hospital’s notable features was its emphasis on self-sufficiency through vocational training. Patients had opportunities to learn trades such as farming, furniture construction, and fruit canning, fostering a sense of purpose and dignity. The hospital’s farm, which began in 1885, included dairy cows, chickens, pigs, and vegetable gardens. Among its most famous residents was Colantha Walker, a champion milk cow who lived on the farm during the 1910s to 1930s. Upon her death, she was buried on the hospital grounds, with her grave located near Historic Barns Park.
Shifts in Mental Health Treatment
The mental health care philosophy at the hospital began to shift in the 1920s and 1930s. By the 1940s, invasive treatments such as insulin shock therapy, lobotomies, and electroshock therapy became standard practices. The increase in aggressive treatment methods led to a more combative patient population, resulting in the deterioration of the hospital environment. Wall hangings, plants, and small furnishings were frequently damaged. The encouraging messages once painted on the walls were covered with layers of lead paint.
The Closure of the Hospital
The 1950s brought significant changes in mental health care legislation and philosophy, leading to a decline in the hospital’s operations. The farm closed, and many of the hospital’s buildings were demolished in the 1970s. By 1963, the main wing of Building 50, deemed a fire hazard, was replaced with a new facility. The Traverse City State Hospital ultimately closed in 1989. The hospital served over 50,000 patients during its operation. The closure left over 200 employees without jobs and many of the patients on the street.
The Future of the Hospital Grounds
Following the closure, the property was divided among Munson Hospital, Garfield Township, and other entities. For a decade, the remaining buildings stood vacant amid debates over their future. In 1993, the state transferred the property to the Grand Traverse Commons Redevelopment Corporation, which demolished buildings deemed less historic, paving the way for new developments while preserving the site’s rich history.
There are still many buildings vacant and the infamous tunnels that connected all the buildings and were part of the state-of-the-art ventilation system left to explore. You can explore the retail area and most of the grounds on your own, but to see the best part historical tours are offered. Having been on these tours several times, I highly recommend you take one of the tours. Tickets are available at the B50 The Village Store in the Mercato where you will also find artifacts from the property.
The Legacy
The Traverse City Regional Psychiatric Hospital stands as a testament to the evolution of mental health care and the importance of compassionate treatment. Its legacy continues to influence discussions about mental health, care practices, and the preservation of historical sites.
Learn more about the rich history of the Northwest Lower Peninsula.
