olmission

Oct. 31 - Nov. 1, 2014

Ghost Hunt @ OLD MISSION INN &
2 hr Private Tour of
TRAVERSE CITY STATE HOSPITAL

HTMlogo
with
Kat Tedsen & Bev Rydel
HAUNTED TRAVELS OF MICHIGAN

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OLD MISSION INN - BRIEF HISTORY

Not long after the end of the Civil War, George and Amanda Hedden, came to Old Mission Peninsula looking to begin a new life. It was on this land, in 1869, they and setup the first operation of the inn. George and Amanda ran it for many years until the death of Amanda, Feb. 1900.

Her death was painful and difficult. She suffered from Catarrh of the stomach (a condition where the inner walls of the stomach form mucus causing severe bloating, cramping). After her death, running the inn held little joy for George. He sold it.

There is a grave on the premises (next to the inn's driveway). It is believed to be the grave of Lucinda Carpenter, Amanda's mother. Lucinda died October 9, 1885, cause of death recorded as dropsy (likely from a failing heart) and old age.

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The next owners were Alfred and Ella Porter (pictured left). The Porters ran the inn successfully from 1902 to 1945.

During the time the Porter's ran the inn, it continued to prosper. Several famous people spent time there, include JOE LOUIS and BABE RUTH.

The Nevingers owned and operated the inn from 1945 to 1998.

Current owners are Russell and Angie Jenson. They have taken great deal of time and expense collecting the history of the inn (mentioned here) AND beautifully restoring it. Today it is a comfortable, welcoming location on a scenic stretch of Old Mission Peninsula.

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TRAVERSE CITY STATE HOSPITAL (a/k/a Northern Michigan Asylum) - BRIEF HISTORY

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munsonThis facility was established in 1881 and opened its doors in 1885 as a facility for the mentally ill. From 1885 to 1924 it expanded and quickly became the city's largest employer. Three large buildings were constructed in the 1930's.

In earlier days, treatment of psychiatric patients was, by today's standards, cruel and inhumane.

Dr. James Munson joined the hospital as its superintendent (1885 to 1924) and establish a new philosophy in patient treatment. He
changed the harsh methods focusing on kindness, comfort, pleasure. His "new" methods of treatment added flowers to the asylum, greenhouses and trees on the grounds. Patient restraints were forbidden. Work therapy allowed patients to gain a sense of responsibility and purpose.

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Although the hospital was originally built to house the mentally ill, with the advent of deadly diseases and pandemics it began accepting other patients. Patients suffering from tuberculosis, influenza, typhoid fever, diphtheria, and polio filled the rooms and hallways. The asylum also housed the elderly and served as a drug rehab center.

Changes in the law and mental health care philosophies brought on the decline of the institution. The main center wing of Building 50 was destroyed because it was considered a fire hazard. It was eventually closed in 1989.