Outagamie County Health Center

Outagamie County Health Center was a psychiatric hospital located in Appleton, Wisconsin. It was established in 1889 and went through several name changes, starting as Outagamie County Asylum for the Chronic Insane, then Outagamie County Hospital, and finally Outagamie County Health Center. The facility was accredited in January 1890 and George R. Downer became its first superintendent. The asylum and its adjoining farm were described as self-sustaining and profitable. In 1913, a lawsuit was brought against the superintendent. The hospital was eventually demolished in 2001.

History

On January 25, 1889, the Outagamie County board of supervisors purchased 320 acres of land west of Appleton for $15,000 to build a county asylum for the chronic insane. The original plans were for the asylum to accommodate 100 individuals and cost around $40,000 to construct. The facility received accreditation in January 1890 and George R. Downer became its first superintendent. He held the position for 25 years. The asylum and its adjoining farm, which was staffed by patients, were described as self-sustaining and profitable. In 1913, a lawsuit was brought against Downer, but the outcome is unknown. The hospital was eventually demolished in 2001.