Pittsburgh natives have recognized Dixmont State Hospital by its towering boiler house smokestack that stood prominently along busy Route 65. It has been a topic of curiosity; urban exploration; ghost hunts; and historical research; but prior to its closing in 1984; Dixmont State Hospital stood as a refuge to the mentally ill for three counties in western Pennsylvania. A majestic study in the Kirkbride design of asylum architecture; Dixmont was originally built by the Western Pennsylvania Hospital in 1859 as a private venture before being bought by the commonwealth. It was named for famed mental health care reformer Dorothea Dix; who was instrumental in choosing the hospital�s site�a site chosen for its tranquility and its view of the Ohio River. Dixmont was completely razed in January 2006 to make way for a multi-parcel commercial endeavor. But for those who spent time there; Dixmont was a vibrant community within a community. Through historic photographs; Dixmont State Hospital opens up this world that was off limits to the general public but was alive with festivals; celebrations; and the successful treatment of patients.
#757332 in eBooks 2005-08-03 2005-08-03File Name: B009A4Y6K2
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. so seeing the pictures and reading the information has brought back many memories and helped me know more about the place my greBy Ivan G. CorbinGrand Rapids is one of my ancestral homes. so seeing the pictures and reading the information has brought back many memories and helped me know more about the place my great grandfather and several of his relatives as well as others in my family chose to settle when this was just a remote trading post on the Grand River up until recent times.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Outstanding Historical Photos of Grand RapidsBy Seth - The GR ReviewAs a Grand Rapids native. I thought this was a wonderful book. Its truly fascinating to see how far this city has come and to learn of all the things that our forefathers went through to make our community what it is today. One of the things I particularly enjoyed is seeing that some of the buildings from the early 1900s are still alive and well in downtown GR to this day. It has given me an entirely new appreciation for our fine city. I would recommend this book to anybody. particularly those interested in the history of Grand Rapids and/or the Western Michigan area.
