My Genealogy Hound

THE EASTERN MICHIGAN ASYLUM.

In 1873 Governor Baldwin, in his retiring message, called the attention of the public to the necessity of providing accommodation for the increasing number of insane persons, then finding no better homes than those afforded by the county poorhouses and the jails.

In his inaugural message, his successor, Governor Bagley, carried further the idea and suggested immediate steps toward locating another insane asylum. As a direct result of his personal efforts, a bill was passed to provide for the erection of an additional asylum in Michigan. The Governor at once appointed Dr. E. H. Van Deusen, of Kalamazoo, George Hannahs, of South Haven, and Amos Rathbone, of Grand Rapids, as a commission to locate the same. Nearly a year was occupied in investigating and inspection, resulting in Pontiac being chosen in June, 1874. The citizens of Pontiac donated 200 acres of land, eligibly located and also guaranteed an ample water supply and sewerage removal with proper and sufficient drainage, these guarantees requiring some $30,000.

It is rare that a State receives such substantial aid from any locality. To the above donation the State added 107 acres of land by purchase. In November, 1874, a building commission was organized, composed of Dr. E. H. Van Deusen of Kalamazoo, George Hannahs of South Haven, Samuel G. Ives of Chelsea, and W. M. McConnell and M. E. Crofoot, of Pontiac. The ground plans of the institution were furnished by Dr. Van Deusen, while the elevation and working plans were furnished by E. E. Myers, of Detroit. The contract was let February 24, 1875, and the erection of the building was supervised by C. M. Wells. By July, 1878, the building was completed at a cost of $467,000 and Governor Crosswell appointed a board of trustees, consisting of a building board and ex-Gov. H. P. Baldwin.

In August, 1878, the building was formally opened by the transfer of 221 patients from the asylum at Kalamazoo. The Legislature in the winter of 1875-76 appropriated $23,000 for extensions and additional furniture and in 1881 appropriated $75,000 for the building of additional wings. This was followed in 1885 by the giving of authority for the building of two hospital buildings, with capacity for 75 or 80 patients, and in 1887 additional land was purchased. Two cottages were built for the accommodation of 100 quiet patients. Up to 1889 the total cost of the asylum had been $714,899.18, and it furnished accommodations for 800 patients. It is regarded as one of the best, most complete and most admirably managed institutions for unfortunates in the whole Northwest.

Dr. E. A. Christian has been medical superintendent at the institution since 1894; the present officers of the asylum are: H. S. Chapman, M. D., of Pontiac; Harry Coleman, of Pontiac; George J. Vinton, of Detroit; D. E. Prall, of Saginaw; George Clapperton, of Grand Rapids; Fred E. Thompson, of Columbiaville, making a strong and representative board of trustees. The medical officers are: Edmund A. Christian, M. D., medical superintendent; Jason Morse, M. D., assistant superintendent; with these assistant physicians: Irvin H. Neff, William MacLake, Anna J. Clapperton, Guy C. Conkle and Homer Clarke. Walter P. Manton, M. D., is gynecologist; Louis J. Goux, M. D., of Detroit, is ophthalmologist. The steward is Edward C. Smith of Pontiac and Frank G. Jacobs of Pontiac is treasurer.

Eminent physicians have been interested in the asylum since its beginning, the list of superintendents since 1878 being as follows: Henry M. Hurd, M. D., from 1878 to 1889; C. B. Burr, M. D., from 1899 to 1894; and Edmund A. Christian from 1894 until the present time. Dr. Christian has been connected with the asylum since 1882, being assistant physician until 1889 and serving as assistant superintendent from the last named year until 1894, when he assumed full charge.

The summary of inventory on June 30, 1892, amounted to $1,024,108.76.