Comments on: The Michigan Hospital School – a history and a reunion

By: Helen R. Gean

Helen R. Gean — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 23:38:06 +0000

Kim, I hope to be attending this second reunion, July 11th. Looking forward to seeing you.

HELEN

By: forumcommunications

forumcommunications — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 00:44:03 +0000

I’m sure Kim Gimmarro would love to talk with you! You can reach her at Botsford Commons, their general number is (248) 477-7400. Also check out their blog:

http://www.botsfordcommons.org/blog/

They’re sharing stories and photos through it.

By: Steven L. Durling

Steven L. Durling — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 23:00:39 +0000

We were recently informed by a conversation of some people that we met at the nursing home where our mother is staying (it was Tom and Linda Watson. In the discussion we realized that Steven had most likely been at the same hospital as he had polio in the very early 1050′s. I think that it would be 1950 or possibly ’51. He was at Farmington. He was born in 1943, so he wasn’t very old. He has few recollections except there was one person that he was in the ward with and his name as he remembers it was Sonny London. The reason that he remembers it is because when it came time for him to go home no one came after him (Steve) and so he went home to the London’s. We have no way of having anyone look up Steve since when he was ten years old he was adopted by the Durlings. His given name at birth was Steven Leonard Hardman. Any information that you could give as to any names from those years would be greatly appreciated. Or if that is not your policy maybe you could give them Steve’s name. His memory is vague, but he was quite mischieveous and remembers them taking his wheelchair away from him. He was one of the fortunate ones and has not had any problems since. He has lived a good physical life except for some asthma in his early thirties. He was adopted by a very wonderful couple and they had a dairy farm. Steve took over the farm completely in 1969 and just recently retired and has let his son take over the business. Still helping in management decisions. His adopted mother is still living and is 97 years old. Both of his parents have given him a good home and wonderful opportunity to live and farm in a quiet community between Lansing and Flint. Am very grateful for any information that you might be able to give to us.

Sincerly Becky & Steve Durling

By: Helen R. Gean

Helen R. Gean — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 06:57:36 +0000

I’m really surprised you answered me. I will check out blog site very soon.
It’s possible I might have attended reunion had I known about it.
Actually, the 4 1/2 months at hospital included first month at Children’s Hospital of Detroit. That building’s long gone. Now it’s located near downtown Detroit.
I managed to get that record in capsule form just before they were to be thrown out. I have no idea how to get Farmington Record. It would probably seem foreign to me. Many of the therapies and treatments would probably now be
considered unnecessary torture. Now we know
they were given for too long a period of time and had lost their effectiveness much earlier.
Maybe we can meet on my next trip to Michigan. There’s more I’d be happy to tell you for the record. Still have family and friends there.

By: Kimberly Gimmarro

Kimberly Gimmarro — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 13:45:36 +0000

While many who attended this year’s reunion had positive recollections of what we suspect was the most traumatic period in their young lives, there were plenty of kleenexes used as they openly shared their story. The experience of being torn from their families, sent to institutions during contagion (most recall Herman Kiefer in Detroit) followed by more institutions for rehabilitation or continuing care, remains with each child that was here. We were not surprised to read of your experience. The school seemed to transition from surgical based care in its early days to Sister Kenny treatments and more intensive rehab in its mid- to later years. Some described being schooled and keeping up with their grade level, and others barely recall seeing a teacher, let alone a regular class schedule. Your recollections fit with some others in the early 50s period. There were 9 that attended the reunion from the 1950s.

As you say, health care has certainly progressed, as have social norms, to recognize and facilitate home care.

If you’re ever interested in a small photographic collection from the hospital, check out the Virtual Motor City web site with Wayne State University. If you search for “Farmington” and “Hospital,” anywhere in the record, you’ll find the hospital you recall. There are also photos, a campus history, and recollections on the blog site (www.botsfordcommons.org/blog).

We’re so glad you shared your story. I know from many here, the most pressing question is where did their medical record go. If you had any luck finding yours, and are willing to share how, those that attended this year’s reunion would love to know the secret. They’re still looking.

By: Helen R. Gean

Helen R. Gean — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 06:12:14 +0000

I just submitted my comments above. You may e-mail me with you comments if you wish.

Helen R. Gean

By: Helen R. Gean

Helen R. Gean — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 21:53:31 +0000

Maybe some former patients have good memories.
Most of what I remember is meanness. For minor infractions I was either slapped or spanked. On one occasion I wasn’t watched carefully in pool. Could’ve drowned. Some incidents are too embarrasing to write about. I was 5 1/2.
Maybe it was overcrowded and short of help. As a result, we suffered. Most of us could’ve been treated as outpatients . If not there, then closer to home. There was no good reason to keep someone over 4 1/2 months in hospital once contagion was over. Do you have any idea how it affected bond between parents and children? Even
someone in iron lung could’ve been treated at home with visiting nurses.
I had moderate case of spinal polio. I could’ve lived at home with outpatient physical
therapy. I felt abandoned. My parents were only allowed to visit on Sundays. Maybe on other
rare occasions. I did have further physical therapy
after release. Of course I was sent to school for disabled afterward. That was adding insult to injury. There was no good excuse for that,either.
Certainly there are those who do need those services. I don’t believe mainstreaming is for everyone. I didn’t need a special school. I could’ve receive therapy elsewhere. Also, there was little danger to me of injury in class or hallways or P.E.
I do remember some very nice doctors and nurses. They were few and far-between. I would’ve gladly forgone the parties and special events just to be at home. I live in CA so I did not
know about reunion till now. I doubt I’d have attended. If there ever was a place to forget, that’s
it. It has been 58 years, so obviously it made an impression, mostly negative. It’s gone and good
riddance!

By: Kimberly Gimmarro

Kimberly Gimmarro — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 23:26:55 +0000

Joni…thanks for the plug! We have already heard from our first post-Founders’ festival reservation…a woman that was a patient there in 1935 – 1936. We can hardly wait to welcome home the former patients for the reunion!! The excitement just keeps building — and that’s just for those of us hosting the event! I hope it’s the same for those coming! Our current residents of the facility which was once the hospital’s larger building had fun learning which room they were living in. One learned she now occupies the former dentist office! This is truly a living history project, and that’s part of what makes it so special! There’s a story to tell . . . and the people that can tell it are coming September 13th!