Comments on: Last Chance to Tour The Hospital

By: Hazel Patton

Hazel Patton — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 19:54:06 +0000

Thank you for your comments regarding the future of the Oregon State Hospital complex. While the City’s Landmarks Commission did give approval to remove several sections of the “J” building that parallel Center Street, the State has also committed to saving the oldest “U” section and to include a museum focusing on the history of the treatment of the mentally ill in our State. The original entrance and fountain will also be restored.
Also a group of architects/historians will be selected to advise the Hospital architects on making a good transition and compatible new structure that will replace the lost buildings.
We have learned from sad losses such as
Danvers State Hospital and hope those of you who have replied to this site from other States will have an opportunity to visit and see what we have done here.
The open house at the “J” building is still scheduled for September 10.

By: michael ramseur

michael ramseur — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 22:10:07 +0000

I congratulate the State of Oregon for getting it right and creating a Mental Health Museum as an integral part of the redevelopment plans for its hospital. If you want to see “sad,” take a look at what happened in my MA neighborhood, where an historic asylum– Danvers State Hospital–was in good part sacrificed to the wrecking ball to make way for apartments and condominiums. No mention of the asylum is made in the developer’s literature, much less the creation of such a museum. A true tragedy…

By: Annette D.

Annette D. — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 20:08:05 +0000

I remember visiting a family member there prior to the hospitals closing. The building is a testament to a concept that over time has been lost along with the souls that it contained. It would be an honor to be part of the tour and in some small way pay tribute to those who believed in the healing of others.

By: Cecil Curtiss

Cecil Curtiss — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 20:00:23 +0000

I read about the plans to tear down the Oregon Sate Hospital in the local paper in Roanoke Va and I wish I could go and see this place before it is torn down but time and money prevent this. A family member said one of my relitives died at the hospital so I was wondering if someone could do me a small favor. I would like to send our family flag and have someone raise it over one of the buildings before it is torn down. If not I will understand. I would send a SASE and a few dollars for your troubles. Thank You for your time and energy.

By: Mary Kattleman

Mary Kattleman — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 01:06:23 +0000

Thank you for the tour opportunity.