• 16Sep

    Tell us your story…the questions.

    Personal Recollections, The Reunions No Comments

    At our first Welcome Home reunion event, held September 13, 2008, we asked those present to share their story.  To prompt their personal recollections of time spent at the children’s hospital, we provided a brief list of questions:

    1. When were you diagnosed and how did you arrive here?
    2. Describe a typical day.
    3. Which staff do you recall and why?
    4. What do you recall of the grounds?
    5. Where did you go on outings?
    6. What do you recall of the food?  What was your favorite meal?  What was your least favorite meal?
    7. What was the most mischievous thing you did during your stay at the hospital?

    The answers were as varied as the attendees!

    If you’d like to share your story, please send it to:  Kimberly Gimmarro, Executive Assistant, Botsford Continuing Care Corporation, 21450 Archwood Circle, Farmington Hills, Michigan 48336.  Don’t forget to include a phone number and return address.

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  • 14Sep

    The 2008 Reunion…was a day to remember!

    The Reunions No Comments

    Many thanks to all who participated in the 1st Reunion of the former patients, employees, physicians, staff and volunteers of the children’s hospital (Michigan Hospital School for Crippled Children, Michigan Convalescent Home, or Sister Kenny Polio Hospital)!

    Our volunteers described it as, “like they had been to Greenfield Village and sat with the homeowner of any of their historic structures and asked, ‘just what happened here?’”

    How often do you get the opportunity to ask about the past…before it’s gone!  We could not appreciate more the participation at our 1st Reunion on documenting an important part of Farmington history!  The rain didn’t dampen any spirits, and the memories of the day are treasured!

    Keep an eye on the blog this week for updates, including…

    The Archiving Event

    …news on the event being planned in 2009 to formally open the Archive for this hospital with the Walter P. Reuther Library at Wayne State University.  Dan Golodner, from the library, shared some preliminary details about the format for next year’s event, and it will roll-out more easily than any of us could have imagined.

    For those who arrived late or could not attend the reunion

    The narrative questions have been added to the site.  The stories gathered at the 1st Reunion are an amazing glimpse into the heart of the Botsford Commons campus in its earliest days.  Watch for details on sharing your personal recollections of the hospital during the time you were here, and also for our archive project.

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  • 07Sep

    The Photographic Collection

    Photographic Collection No Comments

    There are four sets of photos that have provided insight into the Michigan Hospital School, Michigan Convalescent Home, and Sister Kenny Polio Hospital.  They include two separate sets of original photos found in storage areas at the Botsford Commons Senior Community Campus.

    The first set found was badly damaged by mold, as the material they were mounted on was not archival.  However, the City of Farmington Hills digitized these photographs.  With current photographic software, the images are much improved. 

    Photograph property of Botsford Continuing Care Corporation.

    Girls entertain themselves on a sun porch. Photo undated.

    These photographs depict life on the hospital campus — girls scouts, Boy Scout Troop 46 setting up camp,

    Boy Scout Troop 46 sets up camp.

    Boy Scout Troop 46 sets up camp.

    a playhouse (which stood next to the 1st hospital building on the site), children being schooled, hydrotherapy, and more.

    The second set of photographs was in much better condition.  It contains close-up portraits of a select number of children.  The faces are endearing, and if you look closely, you’ll see period children’s toys!

    The third set of photographs was delivered from the Farmington Community Library - Heritage Collection.  These photos include photos of the children enjoying outdoor time on the porches — in December!

    The fourth set of photographs is available on the Virtual Motor City site.  It’s the Detroit News Photonegative Collection, which is archived at the Walter P. Reuther Library at Wayne State University.  A limited number of these photographs will be available at the Reunion. The entire collection is permanently available to the public.  Requests for use can be directed to Mary P. Wallace, AV Archivist.

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  • 05Sep

    They’re here!

    The Reunions No Comments

    What a special day in Farmington’s history!  The nearly 60 “children” [now aged 65-83] - each with a personal connection to the historic children’s hospital!  On September 13, 2008, they come from as far away as Whitehall, Michigan.  Our reserved attendees date their experience at the former hospital as early as 1928 and as late as 1959!  And do they have stories!

    The September 7, 2008 Observer newspaper had a fabulous article capturing the essence of the event — it’s a living history event wherein those who had been cared for on at the early children’s hospital can share their recollections, filling in the gaps in a historic photographic history of around 50 pieces!  The September 14th, 2008 Detroit Free Press also carried a brief article following the Reunion.

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  • 02Sep

    Dr. William E. Blodgett Served as Orthopedist

    Individuals Significantly Connected No Comments

    The crippled children of Michigan Hospital School for Crippled Children benefitted from the work of well-respected Dr. William E. Blodgett.  Dr. Blodgett was known for his delicate orthopedic transplant work.

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