Traverse City State Hospital

Images of America: Michigan

by Chris Miller

Northern Michigan Asylum, which opened in 1885, was known during most of its years as Traverse City State Hospital. More than 200 photographs and images are provided, including many of the features and buildings long gone. It was run during its first decades by Dr. James Decker Munson, who left his legacy in the landscaped grounds and the medical center that today bears his name. Traverse City State Hospital served the mental health needs of a large part of Michigan for 104 years until its closure in 1989, housing a population as large as 3,000 in its many buildings. This book traces the history of this great institution, from the local and mental health context in which it was founded, through its growth, development, and decline, and finally to its renovation and preservation as a vital part of the Traverse City community.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Historical, Architecture

128 pages, Paperback

First published May 2, 2005

About the author

Chris Miller is a computer programmer who spent his childhood years in Winona, Minnesota, where his father was the manager of the old downtown Penney's store. He was active as a member of the Committee to Preserve Building 50, one of the community groups that arose to save the historic and natural features of the former Traverse City State Hospital grounds when they were threatened at the end of the 1990s.

Reviews

[AJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting.. been in market commons but had no idea of the history, so cool

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very good I was currently staying at the renovated building and wanted to learn more about the location.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having grown up in this west Michigan area, I was fascinated to learn more about the institution which was a bit mysterious to me as a child. Next week I will be taking a twilight guided tour of the hospital so it was nice to have a bit of background before that. This was primarily a book of photos but so interesting.

[IFW · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is quite informative on the history and changing layout of the Traverse City State Hospital over the last couple of centuries. There are a few spelling and grammar errors throughout, and it has some redundant points, but I still enjoyed reading it. I would have liked to have seen more detailed explanations about the medical contexts in which these buildings were utilized, since those made up a large part of the hospital's history, but I recognize that this may have been outside of the author's intended scope.

[Barbara Slagel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating to learn more about the state hospital. This little book is in need of a new edition. Much has changed since its original publication. I also think that updated and larger maps would help to understand the layout of the property and make it easier to compare “then” and “now”.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative book to read while I stayed on the property. As someone interested in mental health history and a lover of old Kirkbrides, seeing this building still in use warms my heart. I’m glad it continues to serve a purpose!

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Personal TBR 42/142


A unique and informative collection of postcards and photographs regarding the Traverse City State Hospital. Amazing commentary by Chris Miller!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this, although it wasn't exactly what I'd thought it would be, I was hoping for more history of the asylum/hospital and this was more about the buildings and mostly pictures. As a historical building book it's great, lots to see and explore about the rise and fall of buildings

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently visited Building 50 of the Traverse City State Hospital, which is now known as The Grand Traverse Commons.

[Kris]

Not what I expected; I was looking for more history, but this was more of a postcard / pictorial description of the facility