Welcome Home

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.

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.

The former Michigan Hospital School, on the site of the current Botsford Commons Senior Community, was once a jewel in the treatment of polio and other childhood illnesses and debilities. The original large red brick buildings remain preserved on the campus, and serve today as Botsford Senior Living Center and the Charles H. Williams Clinical Services Building.

In the early 2020’s, we’ll be celebrating the 100th anniversary of these Albert Kahn designed facilities! In preparation for that event, and realizing that our photographic collection would benefit from a descriptive history of the events of the campus’ earlier days, we are hosting a Reunion!

On Saturday, September 13th, 2008, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., we invite former patients, nurses, physicians, volunteers and others involved in the Children’s Free Hospital (Michigan Hospital School) to return to the campus to tell their story!