I had a chance to take photos today out the window of the truck as I headed north through the country to get to the landfill. The silos you see here are a part of a farming enterprise, that existed 50 years ago or more. North of our town is a state institution that was built to segregate and house the mentally infirm, confused and what any thing that they could find to dump or find a reason to put them into this place. It was a horrible idea back then as they easily locked people up because they didn't understand their disease. On this state property, they created a large farm complex that grew large amounts of food to help feed all of the residents. Those who could work, worked along other employees who farmed and harvested the produce. They canned big time to feed everyone. A lot of the adjoining buildings, barns and canning buildings are still standing there.This is a bleak time in our history and the times have definitely change. Some people who use to be classified to stay there, now would be and are sent to nursing homes. Others receive treatment and stay in smaller types of homes. Those who are there now are called clients and each person is undergoing a training or skill if possible. They never stop trying to help them and they are to be commended for their work. They may never ever change but they are treated as if the could.
The silos haven't been used in years and they rent out the state land to farmers now. Residents, then called patients, and now called clients actually live in newly built modern group dormitories with 24 hour care. The older residence halls are still standing and used for training purposes. They are all brick buildings built with fancy entree ways that you would see out east, classical architecture.
As a side point, my own first cousin, who is 60 years old now, has lived, since the age of 12, in another institution in the western part of the state of Iowa. If they knew then what they know now, I really believe he could have been treated chemically to straighten out his mental imbalance and maybe not have been placed where is, but now will be kept probably for the rest of his life.
Sorry that a simple set of silos can bring on so much information. I really have held back a lot of info. I have other farms scenes to share and I definitely took landfill pictures. I know you are anxious to see those but you will have to wait.
8 comments:
Thanks for this. It was a fascinating insight into local social history. And I so agree with your conclusions.
Terrible story, Larry ! It makes my blood run cold.
Larry,
What a interesting read to go along with your silo picture. The story behind it so to speak.
We've have come such a long way in the treatment of people with mental illness but it is so sad to think of the past.
vickie
When compared with the past, it's a great improvement in the treatment of psychological problems.It's a great relief. I hope that the future scientists will bring much improvement in this field.
Sad the way we used to send people away, because of the stigma of mental illness or retardation. Hide them away..family secrets..I think it sucked. So many people that could have been main streamed into schools that were hidden away. I kind of feel the same way about Nursing Homes, I loved that years ago Grandma and Grandpa and Old Aunts and Uncles were cared for in the home..they interacted with other members of the family and did what they could ..Ya..I am a sap that liked the Waltons:)
How sad the effect ignorance had on people in need of help years ago. Your are right, knowing what we do now, I wonder how many people could have led different lives with the right help and the right opportunities. I'll remember your story on our drives through the MN countryside whenever I see the silos.
Although not farms there were several of this kind of facilities in Massachusetts, thank goodness they have been closed and the residents/clients, that are able, are being helped to lead a more rewarding life. How the mentally ill were treated in past years was deplorable.
Even with its sad reminder, I like the silo picture.
Sunny :)
Nice pictures : huge fields of beans ans silos
Interesting read about local social history
Much better today for treatment of mentally infirm, sad reminder
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