Eloise (psychiatric hospital)

Kay Beard Building Westland Michigan

Eloise (psychiatric hospital) was a large complex located in Westland, Michigan, which served as a psychiatric hospital, sanitarium, and poorhouse from 1839 to 1982. It was one of the largest public health facilities in the United States during its peak.

History

Eloise began as a poorhouse and farm in 1839, originally known as the Wayne County Poorhouse. It was later renamed after Eloise Dickerson Davock, the daughter of Detroit's postmaster. The complex expanded significantly over the years, eventually encompassing 902 acres and 78 buildings.

Development

The facility was divided into three divisions: the psychiatric hospital, the general hospital, and the infirmary. The psychiatric hospital was the largest division, providing care for thousands of patients with mental illnesses. The general hospital offered medical and surgical care, while the infirmary provided long-term care for the elderly and chronically ill.

Innovations

Eloise was known for its innovative treatments and advanced medical care. It was one of the first institutions to use radium for cancer treatment and had one of the first X-ray machines in the country. The hospital also conducted pioneering research in the field of psychiatry and psychology.

Decline and Closure

The decline of Eloise began in the 1960s with the advent of new psychiatric medications and the movement towards deinstitutionalization. The general hospital closed in 1979, and the psychiatric hospital followed in 1982. The remaining buildings were abandoned, and much of the property was sold off or repurposed.

Current Status

Today, only a few of the original buildings remain, including the bakery, the firehouse, and the power plant. The site has become a subject of interest for urban explorers and paranormal investigators due to its history and reported hauntings.

Legacy

Eloise has left a lasting impact on the field of mental health care and the local community. It is remembered for its contributions to medical science and its role in the history of public health in the United States.

See also

• List of hospitals in Michigan
• History of psychiatry
• Deinstitutionalization