patient art tunnel
A few years ago, I drove up to St. Joseph, Missouri to see the Glore Psychiatric Museum. I sat in the parking lot staring at it. I couldn’t get out of the car. I was too afraid to go by myself. I feared I would have nightmares for weeks to come – that I wouldn’t be able to get the images out of my mind, and I would be distraught by the stories of the patients. So I drove the long hour back home. Since then, many people have told me it is one of the best medical museums in the region. As I was a previous surgical nurse in San Diego, I felt I should go and gain understanding. So I drove back up to St. Joseph.
I immediately tensed as I entered the historic building. But the welcoming staff are so perceptively considerate, that they instantly calmed my apprehensions. Jerrad and Cody were constantly available to readily answer my questions.
I started by watching a video about the Hospital’s past. It was built in 1874 and titled “the State Lunatic Asylum #2”. It was a massive campus with multiple structures. It housed up to 3,000 residents. Cody took me through this tunnel that connected the buildings. Art therapy was important here (as well as music therapy). The patients decorated the walls of the tunnel. Their artwork is expressive and beautiful and profoundly moving.
As you read through this blog and view treatment modalities, I beg you to remember that this facility was one of compassion. The stringent employee rules required that the patients be treated with honor and tender empathy. The patients and the buildings were kept freshly cleaned throughout each day and night. Breaching a rule resulted in immediate dismissal of the employee.
The patients were productive, providing their lives with purpose. Have you ever experienced a life interval that seems to lack meaning or usefulness? It can feel like lostness. It can be discouraging. But an occupied life provides a sense of satisfaction from accomplishment. It feels good. So the patients were able to help on the Hospital’s poultry farm, dairy farm, in the maintenance barn making agricultural tools, etc.
So as you view the next photos, please remember that in the 1800’s, the treatments then were considered progressive and helpful. They wanted to see the patients improve. It wasn’t considered torture at all. Of course, now we see it as horrifically barbaric. A modern psychiatric doctor, said in the video – that he is concerned that in 100 years, they will look back at our current treatments and see them as inhumane. Every era tries their best with what they have and what they know at the time.
These are restraint cages to protect the patients from hurting themselves or others.
The Hollow Wheel was a treadmill design, in which the patient was locked. It forced him into motion, with the goal of focusing his aberrant thoughts into reality. He was kept in the wheel for up to 48 hours, until his mind had settled.
The Lunatic Box was for standing only. The patient was placed in here in order to help him regain calm. The wooden slat could be dropped over the patient’s face, to diminish external stimulation.
swallowed nails
The patient exhibits are on the second floor of the museum. With this one, I had to exit the building to catch my breath. In 1910, a 31 year old patient suddenly died. Her autopsy revealed 1,446 objects in her stomach: nails, bolts, and jewelry.
I walked about outside for quite awhile. I could not return to the second floor. I apologize that this blog does not completely cover the museum. I hope you will go and see for yourself all that they have. I walked over to see the Woodson Academy, for “emotionally disturbed” students.
Woodson Academy
It is unused today and will be torn down. I went back inside the museum to see the Academy’s display. I was astounded.
The teenage students made this car! It is magnificent. A work of pure beauty. I am so thankful it is preserved in a museum, so everyone can enjoy/appreciate it.
The Hospital closed in 1997. Many of their items are not on exhibit, but in storage. Every item is being scanned and provided on their website. The process will take years, but what a generous gift to the world.
The Glore is the largest psychiatric museum on earth. Yes, I would recommend you visit in person. I did not have nightmares. I was deeply impressed by the fortitude of the patients and the devoted compassion of the staff.
I leave with you one last picture I found on the museum’s Facebook page:
I would have been placed in the Lunatic Asylum as I am a reader of novels. I am grateful that so much has been learned and has changed since then. Please visit the museum. It will have a great effect on you.