History of Elgin Mental Health Center with Bill Briska

Recorded April 3, 2022 at Elgin History Museum, Elgin, IL
In commemoration of the hospital’s 150th anniversary, Mr. Briska’s 1997 book has been updated and expanded. In this presentation, you will hear the story of the hospital’s evolving mission, which impacted the lives of thousands of patients, staff members and their families, over the last 150 years.
The book is available NOW! This attractive, hard cover book features a completely new layout of 280 pages in a larger, easy to read format. The new edition includes 118 pictures and an index. The retail price is $30 plus sales tax and any shipping.
elginhistory.org/product/the-...

[@whattheshep6814]

Can't believe they tore down such marvels of architecture and beauty to replace them with featureless brick rectangles or open land. That original building should've been on the historical registry.

[@ddylla85]

You would think that being listed on the NRHP would save a structure from the wrecking ball, sadly it does not. The designation limits what alterations an owner can make if they intend to save/restore said building.

[@terranuovabiochar]

Wow this is so interesting! I’m in awe at how big the hospital used to be

[@crippleguy415]

I remember the old buildings . The place gave me the creeps . Haunted tunnels rumor has it . Sad about the graves in back of the place . 🥺

[@sallymillhorn3727]

Excellent overview very informative.

[@ElginHistoryMuseum]

Thanks, Sally!

[@cathycreger8008]

I spent two weeks at elgin state years ago. I was suicidal.

[@nbrown5907]

I am glad I did not have to go there in 1872, probably torture back then. I was in their in the late 80's and it was terrible. Packed like sardines and pills handed out to keep all sedated lol. There was a patient with aids cutting and bleeding they got the bleach out quick and there was one guy who masturbated into the drinking fountain. Yikes, I was young, my bipolar has gotten better thank God.

[@ElginHistoryMuseum]

Thank you for watching, and thank you for your comments.

[@wandabakk4503]

Nicely done Bill as usual. This needs to be distributed and seen more widely, especially for those who advocate for those with serious mental illnesses. The city of Elgin has an amazing historian treasure with Mr. Briska. But people need to know the rest of the story. All that community care after the mass exit to save money isn’t exactly cracked up as was delineated by the Kennedy administration. In other words, it is a colossal failure and will never be able to match the care given at the Elgin’s state hospital. Could you add the address or phone where to order this book? Thanks.

[@ElginHistoryMuseum]

Hi Wanda. Thanks for your comments. You can order the book from the Museum's website: elginhistory.org/product/the-history-of-elgin-mental-health-center-evolution-of-a-state-hospital/

[@mr50sagain]

Thank you for updating your book! Do you know of a resource that describes the legal process to have someone declared insane in Illinois during the 1890’s? The newspapers from back in the day published lists of people declared insane by court order, but little else.

[@mr50sagain]

Thanks so much for the great video and book! During the late 1800’s, did family members visit or were those found to be insane abandoned by their families?

[@brucehartman23]

I heard it was haunted

[@sydnii6359]

my great grandma was lobotomized here in 1964 😳