Report of the Board of Commissioners appointed to select a location and site for an additional asylum for the insane of the State of Michigan, 30 September 1882.

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Title

Report of the Board of Commissioners appointed to select a location and site for an additional asylum for the insane of the State of Michigan, 30 September 1882.

Subject

Asylums.
Psychiatric hospitals.

Description

Report published by the State of Michigan and addressed to David H. Jerome, then Governor of the State of Michigan, who appointed a Board of Commissioners to select a site for a new psychiatric hospital under the provisions of Act No. 225 of the Session Laws of 1881.

Creator

Board of Commissioners of 1881, Selection Committee for an Additional Asylum for the Insane.

Source

Original document held by Traverse Area District Library.

Publisher

Lansing: W.S. George & Co., State Printers and Binders.

Date

30 September 1882

Contributor

State of Michigan.

Rights

This document is in the public domain.

Relation

See other reports from the Board of Trustees in the "Traverse City State Hospital" Digital Collection. Originals are held at the Traverse Area District Library, Woodmere Branch.

Format

PDF.

Language

English.

Type

Document.

Identifier

TCSH0001

Coverage

Traverse City, Grand Traverse County, Michigan.

PDF Text

Text

REPORT

BOARD OF

COMMISSIONERS
APPOINTED TO

SELECT A LOCATION AND SITE

ADDITIONAL ASYLUM FOE THE IIS AM
STATE OF M I C H I G A N ,
3O,

BV

1SSS3.

AUTHORITY,

L A N SI K G :
W S, t . K O R G E & CO., STATE PRINTERS AND BINDERS.
1882.

REPORT

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
APPOINTED TO

SELECT A LOCATION AND SITE

ADDITIOIAL ASYLUM EOE THE IIS AM

STATE OF MICHIGAN,
SEPTEMBER, 3O, 1SS3.

BY AUTHORITY.

LANSING:
W S. GEORGE & CO,, STATE PRINTERS AND BINDERS.
1882.

REPORT.

To the Hon. David H. Jerome, Governor of the State of Michigan:
SIR,—The Board of Commissioners appointed under the provisions of Act
No. 225 of the Session Laws of 1881, for the purpose of locating an additional
asylum for the insane, and selecting a site therefor, having finished its work
respectfully submits the following
REPORT.

The law from which the Board derived its authority made no limitation,
either general or special, as to the portion of the State within which the additional asylum should be located. Thus at the outset the responsibility of
deciding a matter of grave importance devolved upon the Board, necessitating
an accurate knowledge of the amount and influence of the existing State
asylum accommodation, and a careful examination to determine how far this
accommodation meets or fails to meet the needs of the insane in all portions
of the State, both at the present time and in the near future, as it is likely to
be modified by the rapid development of the State.
The Michigan Asylum atKalamazoo is situated in the extreme southwestern
corner of the State, within forty miles of both its southern and western boundaries ; and the Eastern Asylum at Pontiac is relatively as far east and nearly as
far south. A few of the more populous counties in the southern part of the
State have supplemented this State accommodation for the insane by special
asylum, provision in connection with their county poorhouses, notably in the
case of Wayne county. Leaving out of consideration, however, both the legality and humanity of this method, it cannot be followed in the northern and
more sparsely settled counties, where the number of insane is too limited to
warrant any special provision at the county poorhonses.
In this connection it must be remembered that the center of the upper
peninsula is three hundred miles, and the center of the northern half of the
lower peninsula is one hundred and seventy miles from the nearest asylum.
The assured-early completion of the railroad joining the upper and lower peninsulas at the Straits of Mackinaw would render a Northern Asylum available as
well to the northern peninsula as to the upper part of the lower peninsula.
The tone of the State press and prevailing public sentiment seemed to indicate
a very general expectation that the new asylum would be located somewhere
in the northern part of the State. In view therefore of the needs of a very
large area of the State, and the rapidly increasing demand for asylum accommodation from this section, the Board as a limiting expression of its views,
adopted the following resolution, at one of its earlier meetings:

4

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS TO LOCATE

"Resolved, That in the increased provision for the insane of the State contemplated in the act under which this Commission was created, the interests of this
class will be best subserved by the location of the proposed institution with special
reference to the requirements of a distinctively northern district." SSeS-lZ^^
The act authorized the Board " to select and purchase or receive by donation a tract of land," as a site for the additional asylum. Under this provision, had a site been offered which the Board after due examination had decided
to select, such donation could not have been refused ; but no competitive propositions of donations were invited. Inasmuch as the site is ultimately chosen
solely because of its merits, a donation is simply a gratuity; and it may well
be questioned whether the State in permanently establishing a large public
institution ever reaps advantages by placing itself under obligations to a town
or its citizens, through gifts of land or money. That such donations have
proved a source of trouble and unpleasant complication is well known.
Local dissensions are created through the issues raised by an unscrupulous
element found in almost every town. Individuals of limited means are led to
contribute beyond their ability in the expectation of speedy remuneration
through the patronage of the institution. Under the pressure of the general
enthusiasm aroused to secure a large subscription, others are induced to aid
to an extent their sober second thought cannot approve. The result is a very
prevalent feeling that the institution should be conducted in the interests of
the town and its citizens. To yield, is to subject its administration sooner or
later to severe and merited condemnation. If resisted, the local dissatisfaction created often finds expression in hostile misrepresentations seriously impairing the usefulness of the institution.
In the purchase of the site ultimately decided upon, the Board named a
price considered a fair valuation of the several tracts selected. The owners
of two of the tracts, however, were unwilling to sell at the price named.
To these parties the citizens of Traverse City paid $6,000 in addition to the
valuation fixed by the Board; and, in furtherance of the same object, Messrs.
Hannah, Lay & Co. donated forty acres of land lying within the boundaries
of the tract selected for the purposes of the institution.
THE LOCATION OF THE INSTITUTION.

The examination of sites was commenced September 20, 1881, at Big
Kapids, and was continued, with only such intermissions as the personal
engagements of individual members of the Board demanded, until early in
November, when by unanimous decision the asylum was located at Traverse
City. Nineteen distinct sites were visited for examination, aad several were
carefully re-examined.
In determining the location of the asylum the Board was largely influenced
by the favorable climatic characteristics of the Grand Traverse region.
These have made Northern Michigan a popular and delightful summer resort,
and no better evidence of the attractiveness and healthf uluess of this region
can be adduced than the fact that thousands resort there annually in search
of health and recreation. The extreme heat of Summer and the severe cold
of Winter are each in turn moderated under the influence of the large and
deep bodies of water which so nearly surround the Grand Traverse region, and
over which the prevailing winds must pass.
The numerous class of enfeebled patients suffering from prolonged exposure
to malarial poison with its distressing train of nervous disorders will find in.
the pure, bracing air of the lakes renewed vigor and health. The climatic

ADDITIONAL ASYLUM FOB THE INSANE.

5

benefib which will accrue to the inmates ,of the Northern Asylum can be
secured to all public patients of this class by their transfer from the other
asylums, as already provided for. In this view, the location of one of the
asylums for the insane in a region peculiarly free from malarial influence can.
not but prove conducive to the restoration to health and reason of an increased
number of this class of patients.
THE IDEAL SITE

of an institution for the care and treatment of the insane should possess
advantages and characteristics so varied as rarely to be found at any one
locality.
The town or city near which it is situated should be of considerable size,
possessing good markets, not to be exhausted by the daily demand for perishable provisions, nor purposely cornered. The labor supply should be abundant, and the foundry and machine-shop facilities should enable important
work or repairs to be done in cases of emergency at short notice. Also, not
less important than these material considerations, is the social life, refinements and wealth that always center in a large town, with its advantages of
schools, churches, amusements, and societies. The friendly interest and kind
ministrations of a cultured and benevolent public are factors of importance in
the daily life of an asylum.
The site should be at the proper distance from the town, and west or northwest from it to give an east or southeast frontage to the buildings. The daily
intercourse between the town and the asylum is considerable, and should be
convenient; else it will be found difficult to retain attendants and assistants;
and much that might serve to relieve the monotony of continued life in an
asylum will not be attainable. When the institution is too far removed from
town the visits of friends and relatives are made unduly expensive and are
consequently restricted.
On the other hand the asylum, though near the city, should have, as far as
possible, the seclusion of the country, and the privacy of grounds devoted
exclusively to its own use. These grounds should be ample both for the general division of the male and female patients, and the separation of the distinct
parties of either sex from the several wards seeking the open air, sunshine, and
shade. Thus a degree of retirement rendering access to the grounds difficult
to persons actuated by morbid curiosity or vicious tendencies is essential to
the quiet and welfare of the patients.
The ideal site should have an elevation sufficient to command a view of the
town and its surroundings, but should be sheltered from storms and prevailing
winds. The ground should ascend to the building plateau, which should cover
a nearly level area of about twelve acres, back of which the ground may again
advantageously rise. If the buildings can be placed in the midst of the primitive timber, the most favorable conditions will exist for adapting the grounds
to the use of patients. Should the grounds both in front and rear of the
building plateau be broken in surface, the natural beauty of the site will be
enhanced, while artificial embellishment will be less needed and at the same
time more effective. It is scarcely necessary to add that the site should be
far removed from marshes and stagnant water, should be crossed by no public
highways, should have facilities for ready drainage and sewerage, and should
possess an abundant supply of pure, living water.

6

BEPORT OF COMMISSIONERS TO LOCATE
THE SITE AT TRAVERSE CITY.

Many of the advantages and characteristics of an ideal site for an institution
for the insane, above detailed, are found at that selected for the Northern
Asylum at Traverse City. The healthfulness of the region has already been
mentioned. The buildings will be approached over pleasant and excellent roads
at a distance of one and one-half miles south of west from the city. The tract
is partly within the corporate limits, but the nature of tlie ground immediately
in front is of such character that it will remain permanently isolated. The
building plateau is sixty-one feet above the level of Grand Traverse Bay, and
three-fourths of one mile from it, with an extended view of the bay, the city,
and its surroundings. The grounds in the rear ascend in a series of heavily
wooded hills, separated by ravines, affording complete protection from the
southwest winds. These timbered ridges overlooking the bay and the city, and
the intervales, shaded with a primitive growth of beech and maple, each with a
little rivulet, will prove an attractive feature in the outdoor exercise of patients
and are so secluded as to be adaptable to all classes of inmates.
WATER SUPPLY.

The supply of water is more than sufficient for all the purposes of the institution. Three distinct brooks each available as a source of water supply in.
case of need, and large enough to contain trout, have their origin wholly or in
part in the grounds. One of these, as will be seen by reference to the accompanying map of the tract, crosses the building site. An analysis of the water
from this brook, (see Appendix A) shows it to be remarkably free from vegetable impurities or deleterious mineral compounds.
The amount is ample and the source is sufficiently high to carry the water
into the attic, thus ensuring a constant flow of fresh water through the waste
pipes and sewerage system, rendering the formation of sewer gas impossible.
A large spring, the water of which can be conveyed to the asylum from the
land of Messrs. Hannah, Lay & Co., less than a mile distant, will furnish an
unlimited alternative supply should such ever be needed. For an analysis of
this spring water see appendix B.
THE ASYLUM TRACT.

The farm as purchased comprises 339 90-100 acres of land in the main
wooded. The soil is sand and gravel, with some gravelly loam. The whole
tract is well watered, is susceptible of good drainage, and will make an
excellent farm. The timber on the wooded portion is largely hard maple,
with beech, some hemlock and cedar. The wood and lumber that can be cut
therefrom, so near the mills, is valuable, and will go far towards repaying the
expense of clearing.
After the location had been determined, the boundaries of the site fixed, and
the prices to be paid for the several parcels of land agreed upon, it was discovered that an essential part of the tract could not be legally purchased, being
owned by the firm of Hannah, Lay & Co., one member of which firm, Mr.
Perry Hannah, is a member of this Board. The law which prohibited its
purchase was passed by the Legislature of 1873, and is as follows:
ACT NO. 107, SESSION OF 1873.

SECTION 1.

The People of the Slate of Michigan enact, That no trustee,

ADDITIONAL ASYLUM FOR THE INSANE.

7

inspector, regent, superintendent, agent, officer, or member of any board having control or charge of any educational, charitable, penal, pauper, or reformatory public institution of this State or of any county thereof, shall be personally
directly Or indirectly interested in any contract, purchase, or sale made for
or on account, or in behalf of any such institution, and all such contracts,
purchases, or sales shall be held null and void." •
The Board thereupon adopted the following resolution :
WHEREAS : Certain portions of the tract at Traverse City selected by this Commission as a site for the additional asylum, viz.:
1. The n e J£ of n e J£;
2. All that portion of the n e % of s e J^ lying north of the Newaygo and Northport State road, being about 11 acres, both in section 9, town 27 north, range 11
west,
are now owned by the firm of Hannah, Lay & Co., and
As the contracting or sale of these lands to the State is precluded by Sec. 1, Act 107,
Laws of 1873, for the reason that the Chairman of this Commission is a member of
the firm of Hannah, Lay & Co., and
As the first portion named is deemed essential to the purposes of the institution,
and the second very desirable, therefore
Resolved, The firm of Hannah, Lay & Co. permitting, that the Commission enter
upon the possession of the portions named until such time as the Legislature shall be
pleased to remove the disability by special enactment.
The relation of the lands referred to in this resolution and their value to the
institution will be readily understood by reference to the accompanying map.
The larger portion,—45.40 acres, shown by a green tint oil the map—forms a
corner of the tract nearest the town, and lies within 40 rods of the buildings,
directly in front of and between them and the city. Dwellings erected upon.
it aside from obstructing the view, would almost wholly destroy the value of
the other portion of the tract immediately in front of the buildings as recreation and pleasure grounds, for which it is specially desirable. The Board,
therefore, recommends the passage of an act authorizing its purchase from
the funds already appropriated for the purpose at the price originally
agreed upon,—$50 per acre; also the purchase of the smaller tract—11.25
acres at $30 per acre, the price originally fixed. This tract is also shown upon
the map, and its possession by the State is desirable to give the asylum control
of the land through to the Newaygo and Northport State road, an important
thoroughfare.
The asylum tract as selected, it will be observed, comprises 396.55 acres.
A brief reference to some of the reasons which led the Board to purchase so
large a quantity of land, will correct any misapprehension which may exist as
to its necessity. In the first place, occupation is a most efficient remedial
agency in the care and treatment of the insane. It aids in removing delusions
by directing the thoughts of the patients into healthier channels.
It
allays irritability and excitement. It tends to the restoration of physical vigor
and thus directly aids in the reestabliahrnent of mental health. For male
patients there is no employment so readily and generally available, and attended with so little risk of injury to themselves and others, as farm labor. At
almost every asylum, receiving patients largely from the, agricultural classes,
subsequent additions to the farm have been demanded, and usually secured
only at a considerable cost.
Again, the capacity of institutions for the insane has latterly been extended
far beyond the number at one time deemed a proper limit. To secure this
increased capacity by directly enlarging the original building, is regarded by

8

REPOKT OF COMMISSIONERS TO LOCATE.

many experienced officers, and probably with good reason, as of questionable
advantage. More recently increased provision has been secured by the erection of detached buildings for the reception of the quieter class of patients
and for those who have acquired a degree of self-control. The cost of these
buildings is greatly reduced by the substitution of large associate dormitories
for single rooms, and with proper care in the selection of the patients who are
to occupy them, very satisfactory results are attained. The large tract of
land secured by the Board will permit of this system of extension, should it be
decided upon, with very great advantage.
Respectfully submitted,
PERRY HANNAH,
E. H. VAN DEUSEN,
M. H. BUTLER,
September 30, 1882.
Board of Commissioners.

APPENDIX

APPENDIX.

A.
ANALYSIS OF WATER PROM THE SPRING BROOK WHICH
CROSSES THE BUILDING SPOT ON ASYLUM
GROUNDS, TRAVERSE CITY.

MADE BY PROF. R. C. KEDZIE, NOVEMBER, 1881.

On evaporating clear water a solid residue was left in imperial gallon (10 Ibs):
Grains in gallon,
17.08
Of this residue there was
Volatile at a full red heat, grains in gallon,..
6.30
Leavingfixedresidue,
The fixed residue consisted of
Sulphate of Lime,
Carbonate of Lime,
Carbonate of Magnesia,
Soluble Silica,
Carbonate of Iron,
Chloride of Sodium,

"

"

10.78

"
"
"
"
"
"

"
"
"
"
"
"

.49
8.54
1.05
.35
21
14

Fixed residue, total

"

"

Free Ammonia,
Albuminoid Ammonia,

"
"

"
"

..

-.

10.78
-

07
.035

APPENDIX.

B.
ANALYSIS OP WATER FROM LARGE SPRING ON LAND OF
HANNAH, LAY & CO., TRAVERSE CITY.

BY PKOF. E. c. KEDZIE, NOVEMBEB, issi.

On evaporating clear water a soiid residue was left in imperial gallon (10 Ibs.):
Grains in gallon,
18.76
Of this residue there was
Volatile at a full red heat, grains in gallon,
". 4.48
Leaving inorganic residue,
"
This inorganic residue consists of
Sulphate of Lime,
"
Carbonate of Lime,
"
Carbonate of Magnesia,
"
Soluble Silica, '
"
Carbonate of Iron,
"
Chloride of Sodium,
«

"

14.28

"
"
"
"
"
"

21
9.45
4.20
21
14
07

Fixed residue, total

"

"

Free Ammonia,
Albuminoid Ammonia,

"
"

"
"

-

...14.28
14
105

Both specimens of water were free from odor, and had a faint alkaline reaction; they contained a small amount of solid matter in suspension, consisting
of suspended soil materials—sand and humus. The brook water contains least
mineral matter and ammonia compounds. They are both remarkably free from
chlorides and contain but small amounts of sulphates.

APPENDIX.

13

EXPENDITURES OF BOARD IN SELECTING AND PURCHASING- A
SITE EOR AN ADDITIONAL ASYLUM FOR THE INSANE,
UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF ACT NO. 225, OF
THE SESSION LAWS OF 1881.

Voucher 1,—U. C. Leach,
For 166£ acres of land,
-$8,325 00
Voucher 2,—Frank F. Brosch,
For 91 19-100 acres of land and buildings,
6,000 00
Voucher 3,—C. K. Buck,
For 40 21-100 acres of land and buildings,
5,000 00
Voucher 4,—Seth C. Moffat,
For 40 acres of land (donated by Messrs. Hannah, Lay & Co.),- .
1 00
Voucher 5,—Geo. E. Steele,
For making plat of levels, etc.,-18 50
Voucher 6,—C. M. Wells,
Traveling expenses and services rendered the Commissioners in
locating the asylum,
_
267 33
Total,

-

$19,611 83

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