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Asylum: Pontiac's Grand Monument From the Gilded Age
Asylum Pontiac's Grand Monument From the Gilded Age Author:Bruce J. Annett Jr. Opened in 1878 as one of the nation's foremost hospitals serving patients with mental illness, what was most recently known as the Clinton Valley Center was a city within a city, imbued with the optimism and exuberance of an America celebrating its centennial, and designed by one of the most prolific and gifted architects of the Gilded Age. This... more » is the story of how enterprise, stewardship, and innovation created 19th century Pontiac's first "economic engine." It also reveals how the early hospital was a catalyst for a remarkable confluence of individuals who went on to historic roles in several fields. Highlights include the hospital's construction, its 122-year presence in the community, and ultimately its decline and destruction. Sidebars detail construction techniques and background on figures associated with the hospital's innovations and founding. Includes over 150 historic photos and illustrations.« less