Join the Otter Tail County Historical Society for its popular tour Myths & Legends: Stories from the State Hospital.
Less than a month after the first patients were admitted in July 1890, the Fergus Falls Weekly Journal ran an article entitled "Among the Lunatics." The reporter wrote he was greeted at the entrance by a patient who announced "the state welcomes you sir." He went on to write "the patients are found sitting around with an aimless air and appearance and, except for the lack of women, it would not be farfetched to compare the scene to a hotel at some summer resort." No doubt the first months were quiet, but did this trend continue as the population increased? What happened when 1,500-2,000 patients lived together at the asylum month after month, year after year?
Over the next 118 years the "Castle on the Hill" developed an aura of legend and mystery that dominated the region's cultural fabric. Presented in a storytelling format, the tour explores State Hospital events that are humorous, poignant and uncomfortable.
As the struggle to save this historic landmark nears its conclusion, it is imperative we keep its history alive - both the good and the bad. A perfect compliment to the Friends of the Kirkbride's Friday afternoon tours, Myths & Legends provides a glimpse behind the brick and mortar to examine stories that were once told in muffled whispers.
People should park in the Government Services parking lot and proceed to the front of the west section of the main complex. From this location the tour will proceed around the outside of the building. Admission is $5, much of the material is not suitable for young children.
For more information contact the historical society at 218-736-6038 or visit www.otchs.org.
Friday Jul 6, 2012
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM CDT
Friday, July 6 at 7pm
Park in the Government Services parking lot.
Proceed to the front of the west section of the main complex.
$5.00
The Otter Tail County Historical Society at (218) 736-6038
Printed courtesy of www.fergusfalls.com/ – Contact the Fergus Falls Area Chamber of Commerce for more information.
202 South Court Street, Fergus Falls, MN 56537 – (218) 736-6951 – chamber@fergusfalls.com