Today's photo is the entrance to the Terrell State Hospital - originally opened in 1885 as 'The North Texas Lunatic Asylum', which was known for treating the insane. We can go more into treatments later...I want to start out by saying that I grew up south of Dallas, about 40 miles away from Terrell, Texas. When I was growing up, Terrell was often used as a joke against somebody or a threat; such as, "you're crazy, we're gonna drop you off in Terrell", or maybe "is there something wrong with you? do we need to take you to the insane asylum in Terrell?" I'm not sure how much people still think about Terrell in this way, but it's certainly what Terrell brought to mind since I was a kid. (for anyone from southern Missouri, I'm sure you've heard of Farmington?)
I moved to Terrell about 11 years ago and even though the hospital is an important part of the community and its history, it certainly shouldn't and doesn't define the town. Terrell has a long history, and I guess the image of the 'crazy hospital' is hard to overcome. I'll be posting a few more pics from the grounds of the hospital in coming days. Here's one more photo of the main building.
I believe Jim over at Terrell Daily Photo may be posting on the same subject. For a brief history of the hospital, here is a link to The Handbook of Texas Online. Please take the time to visit all of the other City Daily Photo Blog members participating in today's theme day:
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15 comments:
Sounds like the hospital has a long and interesting history.
Not fun, to live in a city associated with a mental hospital. You described the whole story very well, and I'm glad there's more to the city than its hospital. Your Wagon-wheel mailbox of a few days ago was a rare find. Fantastic!
Interesting that you and Jim have posted on the same hospital - but different shots. Such an interesting a - well - sad history in a way - the connection with a mental hospital, but hey, all towns have them. Nice shots.
I could have post almost the same text about Brienne loe Château where the castle is since 1964 a psychiatric hospital, the most important for the department of Aube. It is the main job provider of the city.
I had know idea what you were famous for! Great post today :)
It is hard to lose certain titles...where we live is considered for the snobby and wealthy....fortunately, not all of us fit that ticket but that is what most people think of when you do say "Inverness". I wouldn't put that on my main blog due to the possiblity of offending same said people! Your picture of your hospital is lovely. I look forward to more of them.
Oh yes, Farmington. Exactly what I was thinking about when I was reading the first part of your post. Great shot and nice history!
Scary place! It's good that you explained that it's no longer held in that light. Happy Theme Day from Maui, Hawaii!
Nice shot - Happy Theme Day!
What an interesting post about that hospital...I've enjoyed seeing your photos, as well as Jim's. It's really a pretty building.
Of course I don't know anything about Terrell, but it's interesting to learn the local traditions. Did they do lobotomies there? I watched a documentary on PBS the other day about lobotomies in the 50s - 60s. Really scary how mental patients back then pretty much had no rights.
I didn't get around much on theme day but I want to send my regards, even if it's a few days after the fact. Interesting photos and history.
so much for stereotypes, as a foreigner, when i hear Texas, I think oil wells ! So this is a surprising turn, and an interesting post! The dilapidated state of some of the buildings does lead to an air of bleak depression about the place. You would think they'd try and make these institutions look cheerful and uplifting, but I am reminded of one Fenix posted a while ago in Boston, with Brutal architecture!
I grew up in Terrell, and so heard all those taunts at football games and such. Our standard retorts (remember, we were kids) were either...
a) At least we keep our crazy people locked up, but i can see in your town they let you run free
b) Yeah, and i'm out on a weekend pass (with Mel Gibson in Lethal Weapon look).
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