City/Town: • Vinita |
Location Class: • Hospital |
Built: • 1911 | Abandoned: • 2008 |
Historic Designation: • National Register of Historic Places |
Status: • Abandoned • Private Property |
Photojournalist: • David Linde • Johnny Fletcher • Emily Cowan |
In 1909 plans for the Eastern Hospital for the Insane (later Eastern State Hospital) were adopted by Oklahoma State Legislature. A 160-acre tract of land given to the State by the City of Vinita for the facility and $200,000 were appropriated for construction from the public building fund. Shortly after HB 361 was passed appropriating $300,000 more to the massive project that was underway in Vinita. Construction on the first two buildings were completed in 1911 which were designated as male and female wards. By 1916 a bakery, a hen house, an administration building/medical hospital, the third ward for both genders, a powerhouse, and a laundry house.
Dr. Felix M. Adams was appointed August 12, 1912, by Governor Lee Croce as the hospital superintendent with a four-year term. He had such passion for his job and the hospital that his term lasted until his death in December 1955. The first patients arrived at the facility on January 28, 1913, when around three hundred patients were transferred from the Oklahoma Sanatorium, later Central State Hospital in Norman. Once the third dormitory was completed in 1914 a few hundred more patients were brought in. The hospital opened with two doctors, one being Superintendent Dr. Felix M. Adams and the other Dr. Edwin Williams, a physician from Philadelphia who only worked at the hospital for two years. Dr. Powell L. Hays joined the staff as an intern in 1915. At Eastern Hospital for the Insane he studied and researched, seeking ways of improving the treatment of mental illness and related diseases. His work was nationally known and was eventually recognized by the American Psychiatric Association. He was promoted to Assistant Superintendent taking over as Superintendent when Dr. Adams passed until 1961.
As mental hospitals became more and more popular Eastern Hospital for the Insane added more buildings including a barn, greenhouse, a fire station, sewage plant, a canning plant, central dining room, kitchen, a maximum restraint building for men, and an employees’ dormitory named Adams Hall in honor of the late Superintendent. In 1947, the facility was renamed Eastern State Hospital, it wasn’t shortly after that that ESH reached its peak population with 2,600 patients in 1954. It was also around this time that states became increasingly more aware of the reform needed in mental health treatment and increased funding to allow for more intensive, specialized treatment.
The farm was an important economic factor providing a lot of the food served to the patients and staff. Swine, poultry, and dairy operations were raised on the grounds and provided meat and milk, while the greenhouse and garden produced fresh fruits and vegetables that were also canned for later use. The farm was not only taken care of by staff but was also used as a therapy tool for patients, who oftentimes worked right alongside them. ESH’s 350 Holstein dairy cows were considered one of the best in the state, producing 690 gallons of milk per day.
The staff consisted of 590 employees during this decade, with fifteen medical doctors, five registered nurses, a surgeon from Vinita and Dr. W.C. Reed who was the full-time dentist. In 1956 the first Department of Nursing was established, with Dorothy Hall as the director. When this program was established ESH had five professional nurses responsible for 72 ward units with some help from a few hundred other non-professional confidants. For comparison, by the end of February 1984, the nursing department had 460 employees including sixty-four registered nurses and fifty-eight licensed practical nurses.
Outpatient services began in the 1960s because inpatient services were becoming too expensive for insurance companies to cover. As the patient population declined the funding for the state hospitals did as well. One by one programs started to close and buildings were no longer in use. The dairy was closed in 1968 and other farming operations were gradually phased out in the early 1970s. Upon Dr. Robert O’Toole’s hiring as the Superintendent from October 1979 until February 1983, ESH was designated as the treatment center for all inmates of the Department of Corrections. This required inmates that were in need of mental health services, screenings and the hospital to be handled here. Building 12 was completely renovated for use as a maximum security facility for those inmates in 1983.
In 1999-2000 it was announced that plans to shut down the hospital were underway. Patients, staff, and the citizens of Vinita were all shocked as the plans came swiftly. Closing ESH so quickly was scrutinized by many claiming it to be a very bad move for the patients and their treatments and moving so quickly to shut down the hospital would cause more harm than good.
“From day one, Jerry Regier has been out front, pushing to close Eastern State as quickly as possible, whether or not the community centers were ready to handle all the patients. Now that the transition has gotten off track and generated some negatives headlines, he’s trying to cover himself by pointing the finger of blame at everyone else. Instead of accepting personal responsibility for a mess he helped make, he’s ducking and dodging,” said Senator Rick Littlefield, whose Senate district includes Eastern State.Patients were moved out of the facility and into smaller community mental health centers. Senator Littlefield called Regier again attempting to speed up the process to close ESH. Regier was aiming to have the facility fully closed by January 1, 2000, even though state law stipulated that it not take place until 2001. Shortly after it announced its closure the Oklahoma Department of Corrections took over a portion of the land and occupied some of the buildings while the rest have sat deserted and vacant for years. The last and final patients were finally moved out of the facility in 2008 and the grounds have remained empty.
Eastern State Hospital Patient Records
Write to:
Eastern State Hospital
Medical Records Dept.
P.O. Box 69
Vinita, Ok. 74301
They will search the microfilm and make copies for you charging 25 cents a copy. You have to fill out a form for a Judge to sign but it is less of a hassle than you think!
This property is monitored 24/7 by the nearby prison, those trespassing will be prosecuted.
Gallery Below of Eastern State Hospital
[Photograph 2012.201.B0266.0312], photograph, July 27, 1946; (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc350304/: accessed May 18, 2021), The Gateway to Oklahoma History, https://gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society.
[Photograph 2012.201.B0275.0544], photograph, Date Unknown; (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc438578/: accessed May 18, 2021), The Gateway to Oklahoma History, https://gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society.
“18 Nov 1909, 1 – The Vinita Leader at Newspapers.com.” Newspapers.com, www.newspapers.com/image/583362163/?terms=eastern%20hospital&match=1.
“25 Aug 1910, 5 – The Weatherford News at Newspapers.com.” Newspapers.com, www.newspapers.com/image/587335233/?terms=eastern%20state%20hospital&match=1.
“6 Apr 1911, 2 – The Vinita Leader at Newspapers.com.” Newspapers.com, www.newspapers.com/image/583391802/?terms=eastern%20state%20hospital&match=1.
“Dr Powell Lambert Hays.” Find A Grave – Millions of Cemetery Records, www.findagrave.com/memorial/113179374/powell-lambert-hays.
“Image 9 of Sanborn Fire Insurance Map from Vinita, Craig County, Oklahoma.” The Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/resource/g4024vm.g4024vm_g072851916/?sp=9&r=0.394,0.785,0.444,0.343,0.
“Regier Shifts Blame on Eastern State Transition, Senator Urges Him to Take.” Oklahoma Senate, oksenate.gov/press-releases/regier-shifts-blame-eastern-state-transition-senator-urges-him-take.
“Vinta State Hospital.” Asylum Projects, www.asylumprojects.org/index.php/Vinta_State_Hospital.
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I think the pictures help the writing put out the statement
I work at a place some of the displaced patients went around 2000. Just came here to say, if someone you care about has a mental illness and you’ve lost contact – don’t give up on them. Call residential care facilities around the state (google will turn up a pretty thorough list) and see if they’re there. Don’t give up on them because of what they’ve done while unstable, they can get better – maybe not always a full recovery but the right treatment and support can make a world of difference.
I am in the Museum Studies masters program at OU and would like to get some archival photographs and video footage for the closed sections of the hospital for historical documentation. I am willing to sign liability wavers if needed and verify my academic program as well.
I commented on here years ago. I lost my dad, September 18, 1988. I was only two years old. My dad was schizophrenic and had depression. I never got the chance to know him. He was not being monitored as he should have been. He was given medication that he told them made him feel worse. Haldol, I believe. My dad hung himself there. I feel they let him down. He went there for help, and never came home. There are so many firsts of ours that he never got to experience. We miss him every day. All of his grandkids would have love him. He had a heart of gold. He would help anyone. He loved with his whole heart. I need access to his medical records. My family does. Two of my siblings have depression…amongst other diagnosis. At least one of his grandkids has depression. There are things we need to know. If anyone could point us in the right direction, we would be ever so grateful. Thank you.
Hi Melissa, Write to:
Eastern State Hospital
Medical Records Dept.
P.O. Box 69
Vinita, Ok. 74301
They will search the microfilm and make copies for you charging 25 cents a copy. You have to fill out a form for a Judge to sign but it is less of a hassle than you think!
Your comment prompted me to finally update the article and include this information so others know where to look. Thank you!
I worked here as a custodian for 8 yrs. My husband worked as a mental health aid then transferred to security for 15 years.
[…] officials that he did it because “they were telling lies on me.” He was observed at the Eastern State Hospital for Insane and determined to be sane with anger […]
My grandmother, Rosa Boyd Bishop, was housed there until her death. Her crime? Poverty.
My Grandpa James Robert Miller was born here in 1936
[…] forming a campus. The capacity of the hospital was 1200 and the first patients were brought in from Eastern State Hospital with those from Pauls Valley and Enid State Schools […]
Is it still standing
My great grandfather was in the hospital and we are trying to find what happened to him. Do you know where we can get records? Thanks
Write to:
Eastern State Hospital
Medical Records Dept.
P.O. Box 69
Vinita, Ok. 74301
They will search the microfilm and make copies for you charging 25 cents a copy. You have to fill out a form for a Judge to sign but it is less of a hassle than you think!
My grandmother worked here. I’m not sure of the dates. How can I go about find this out. Any information or help please email me at snoangel26@gmail.com I’m trying to learn more of my paternal side of my family. Thank you
Write to:
Eastern State Hospital
Medical Records Dept.
P.O. Box 69
Vinita, Ok. 74301
They will search the microfilm and make copies for you charging 25 cents a copy. You have to fill out a form for a Judge to sign but it is less of a hassle than you think!
I was at the hospital in the 92 at a work center and we were in the population.iworked for maint in the max unit it was unbelievable
does anyone know how to go about getting records from the hospital? my great grandfather was a patient here until his death. i know he became a patient before 1930.
Write to:
Eastern State Hospital
Medical Records Dept.
P.O. Box 69
Vinita, Ok. 74301
They will search the microfilm and make copies for you charging 25 cents a copy. You have to fill out a form for a Judge to sign but it is less of a hassle than you think!
When they send you the form do you have to have a Judge from Oklahoma sign or can I get a Judge in Texas to sign?
My wife’s great grandmother was there from at least 1920 till 1940, according to census records. Would love to find out why
My father Troy Graham was chief of security there.
My father was Chief of Security for many years
Troy Graham
My grandmother was a patient here around 1956 to 1961. Never have seen pictures of the inside of the facilities. Glad you guys posted them!
I have a relative buried in the cemetery. I’m coming from out of state in a couple of weeks. Is it possible to gain access to the cemetery? Is there are a cemetery directory of those buried there?
R we able to visit this hospital or is it illegal
My great aunt and uncle both worked there in perhaps the 1940s and/or 50’s. I used to have a picture if them in their uniforms on-site but my house burned ant they were lost. Is there any record of past employees?
Please message me. Tell me more. I want to know.
My Great Grandmother was there and died while there. If you ever consider going back, would you take me? I don’t know what happened to her or what her mental illness even was. I want to know more.
My great Grandmother was committed here by my Grandfather. Ive long wondered about her mental health condition and what the situation really was. I want to know my family history of mental health. And i think I can find answers within her records. My daughter is suffering from mental health issues and its just so important for me to figure out our family history here with Great Grandma. Can someone please help me ?
Mommy25angels@yahoo.com
My mom worked there for years.
I worked in maint for 35 years never saw a ghost been in every room every building from top to basements including all tunnels above and below in the water tower. Anything I can help you with let me know.
Records. I need help with finding Records of a former patient whom died there. I am desperately searching for her mental health history as to better know family history as my daughter is suffering from mental health issues. If you could do anything to help me, please let me know. She was a Downing.
There is a room inside one of the buildings that is full of boxes that contain files with information on patients. It would be like finding a needle in a haystack, but the files are probably organized in alphabetical order
Has anyone contacted their state representative or other governor and asked for help on the medical records to be found or located just wondering?
I visited my mother here, when i was about 8 years old. Very odd ora.
My Mom worked there for 26yrs. I worked in them buildings from 1996 untill we moved to the new one in 2008. I am still there today. I loved working in the old buildings. My Mom would tell me storys when I was growing up. I would go on picnics with them when I was a kid. I love working with the clients.
If youd like to talk about it, I’d im looking for history on the location. All kinds of history.
Shayna_M.Jones@yahoo.com
It’s a very cool place, but I really don’t recommend going. A few of my buddies and I went, and the Police rolled up in under 5 minutes. If you try to hide (we didn’t), they’ll bring a dog out. All in all, a very neat place, but it wasn’t worth getting a ticket
I was there in 1970 and we had to use one of those tunnels to go to the cafeteria. They were really spooky. I was also there in 1978. Both times I was in hospital care for 2 months. It was not a bad place, but it could be scary at times. While there I encountered people I knew from home, school mates , and neighbors.
My grandmother was here in the 60s. Is there any way to get copies of her records? I would love to know more about her. She passed away long before I was born. Thanks for any help!!
How far is Vinita from Spencer I would really like to come and visit this place
About 3 hours via I44…I grew up just a few miles south of Vinita
I've always thought someone should make a movie at Eastern State Hospital. There is so much history there with as long as it was open and with the mentally insane. Also, the poor souls that were probably sent there when they weren't insane at all, but had an illness that doctors in that day and age were not aware of.
I was there in 1970s twice, each time for 2 months and I did need to be there. The 1st time I was 20 and they diagnosed me as schizophrenic paranoid and loaded me up with all kinds of meds. The next 10 years were pretty much lost to me because that was the wrong diagnosis. While there I was on wards 14 and 15. The next time was 1978, I was 27. Dr. Arnett decided to take me off of all that unnecessary medicine…cold turkey. I was not a happy camper. According to her my problem was my mother treating me like a 5 year old. Married later that year and made mom mad. Good man, but he had problems too. I loved him for the next 34 years. We had moved to Texas and Mom decided to follow. But the psychiatric social worker Id had at ESH and together we kind of determined I might be bipolar. The meds for that and some good clinical support have leveled me out pretty good and I’m now 72. I had so much freedom at ESH compared to what I had at home with my mom. I have never regretted going there either time. Some really great people worked at ESH when I was there, I want to thank them especially those like Sam and his wife ?Tina? and many others. I was Not sterilized and have 3 daughters and 6 grandkids.
My mom had me court committed in Texas (labeled an inappropriate admission). And I went to counseling at BSSH’s outpatient clinic where I encountered the PS, John McGuffy, from ESH.
My Great-Grandmother died in this hospital of Epilepsy in 1941. On June 4th 1931, while housed there, she had a male child that was later transferred to an orphanage. I am told that some family members tried to find him but was to late. He had already been adopted. I would love to find out what happened to him, if he is still alive, and if he had any children. I have no idea where to start.
Ancestry DNA is where you should start. Join the group Search Angel’s on FB.
i now have concrete proof that both my 2nd great Uncle Tom Godwin and Pairlee Carter Godwin are burried in the hospital cemetery…..Death records and funeral home records are wonderful things…..So sad….The state buried them and not one dang family member claimed the bodies….It kind of upsets me to know family can treat other family this way….
I hear there are hundreds of burials there but that it had been vandalized year prior to now and they decided to close it off after that…. And burial list are incomplete or so faded they cant be made out…I have recently ordered my Great Aunts death cert because Im sure she is buried there ….Im only hoping that the death cert will tell me for sure as she died a year after my Uncle in 1936
Kim – Here are a couple of links / Hope this helps you.
https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr…
https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gs…
Im pretty sure my Aunt died there in 1936. She had been in several mental institutions over the years…. I really want to learn more about her and her husband my Uncle R T Godwin
:How do I find records for my Great Aunt Whom Im sure was there ….Records for time period between 1933 to 1936 She passed In that county and had a history of mental problems
Write to:
Eastern State Hospital
Medical Records Dept.
P.O. Box 69
Vinita, Ok. 74301
They will search the microfilm and make copies for you charging 25 cents a copy. You have to fill out a form for a Judge to sign but it is less of a hassle than you think!
This is probably the most "it actually makes sense" kind of post I've seen on on this subject. Best part… I didn't have to go digging through some weird web design to find it. Awesome! PLEASE keep posting new material!
Nice and good one.
Nice post.
My husband served as a dentist at ESH in 1967-68 he was hired by Dr White and reported to him. He says White was the head of the hospital then. Dr Barnes was the head of the medical division and reported to White. If Peterson was in charge, my husband never knew it. Peterson did not live at the hospital either. White did.
everything was auctioned off…buildings emptied.
That is not even slightly true
WHERE IS THIS EMILY. I NEED IT. PLEASE.
This is located in Vinita Oklahoma. I grew up with this place in my backyard. When I was a kid they had a loud siren that would go off that you could hear from anywhere in the town. That is when the people had to go inside for the night it was also when I had to return home. Come home when you hear the siren is what my parents told me. It was open through my entire childhood. I believe it closed around the same time I graduated around 2004. My parents still live with this place clearly seen from our backyard. We could could drive around it. It had a fire station a grocery store. It was it’s own little town. You don’t understand how big but when It was open it was a nice place. I remember seeing the patients outside in white jumpsuits. Occasionally some of them would escape. One was hiding in my neighbors camper for a while before caught but he didn’t hurt or do anyone harm.
What is that wood box thing in pic 67 ????
My Uncle Fred Hines was here in the 1940 census but I don't know when he was placed in there or when he died. If anyone knows of him please get in touch with me.
Betty Hines Kegel
bfkegel@comcast.net
Hi Betty,
My great-grandpa was here in the 1940 census, too. I have no idea for how long and the real reason why he was there. Family said it was black lung, but after all the research I am coming up with no answers. I hope you find out why your uncle was there. I'd love to be able to get some sort of records.
A Fisher
Hi! You've provided an interesting read! It reminded me so much of a state hospital here in Minnesota. Anoka, Minnesota, to be exact. I too wonder why you didn't mention the tunnels that run underneath the hospital from building to building. At the Anoka State Hospital in MN, I was a Chemical Dependency Counselor. The tunnels there were always locked, and it is a well known fact that they are haunted. I would have given just about anything to have been able to gain access to them (despite the asbestos and other ruins contained within them.) Thank you for a very well done history on the hospital there! ~JC
I was also surprised that these tunnels were not mentioned. I was able to gain access into a couple of them, but the connecting structures were locked from the other side. They were in fairly good condition still, with only some minimal water damage (at least that is what it appeared to be). The tunnel network adds an entirely new level of mystery to the entire campus. Too bad I can't attach a photo to this post!
I JUST WONDERED IF ANYONE PEOPLE THAT WORKED THE LAST NAMED WILLIS THAT WORKED AT THE EASTERN STATE HOSPITAL . WHEN DID IT SHUT DOWN FOR GOOD
Hi! Sadly these buildings are falling down and riddled with asbestos. Nearly every building has a sign saying "contaminated" Very few buildings were salvaged. The ones that were have been turned into the Oklahoma Forensic Hospital and also a Correctional Facility. It is truly amazing to walk around. Sadly, it's in disrepair.
This is also not even slightly true. There are tons of buildings
[…] Eastern State Hospital | Abandoned Oklahoma – History: “Eastern State Hospital has been a major factor in the economy of Craig County since 1913, and its influence in mental health matters has extended well …… […]
I was housed there in the early 90s
Very nice website.
Lucy Mae Moore was my great aunt. She was the youngest child of William Henry MOORE & Rachel Adeline GORDINEER. She had 8 brothers & Sisters. As a young girl, Lucy's mother, Rachel, traveled around with her children making and selling beads to the Indians from a wagon. One day a band of Indians started chasing after Rachel. She began driving the horses very fast over very rough terrain. The wagon pitched and Lucy began to fall. One of the boys caught her though, but she hit her back on a wagon wheel. Rachel got away, but after that incident, Lucy began suffering from fits. (Most likely epileptic seizures, as other family members have suffered from this) Rachel swore someone put a Hex on her. Not knowing much about the illness, Lucy was committed to the Hospital For The Insane, (an Asylum), in Venita, Oklahoma. She died there at the age of 25.
I've read all the comments but didn't find anyone answering the question: "Where are the records for the Vinita Eastern State Hospital? " and are they accessible today for someone doing genealogy research or trying to find health problems in their family. Please answer to the page and also cc me at: Fred@dittmar.net Thank you.
I would also like to know if the old records are available. My grandmother was there in the 60s.
Did you have any luck? I am desperately searching for answers on my Great Grandmother’s mental health also. She was there and died there.
The forensic center does have some old records. Some may be very basic due to the age of the paperwork.
This is super cool. Living in Oklahoma and going to see these sites is a great passtime for the summer!
What was the year this hospital quit operating for the people that are now on the streets or in prison and why did it quit operating as such?
It's very hard to get the fully furnished house in low budget and i want to learn this art.
Tractors Fiat for sale in Angola
good work
My grandparents were both attendants here from late 20's to early 30's and lived on the property. Neither ever had much to say about the place. Neither received formal training (both had 8th grade education). Thankful for this great history. Would love to see and hear more.
Why no mention of the tunnels? I know they are there because I used them while inpatient there. Most of my time there was spent locked inside. I hated this place more than anything but now I want to know more about it for some odd reason. Things were not always taken care of in the right manner here.
I spent some brief time here in the mid 70's, don't remember tunnels but do remember wearing coats to go eat in the cafeteria, it was a unbelievable experience to sit in the day room all day listening to records on a record player.!
my great grandfather john bailey snodderly worked in the farm section back in the day. As a person from vinita I can say that alot of things have happened around the area.. a cousin and his compainions had a wreak at the front gate of esh. to this day no one knows why. some have seen lights in the old buildings and sightings of people walking the area only to discover that neither was possible.
Hi. My name is Angel.
I would like to discuss your experience there.
Please contact me at mlcoleman58@yahoo.com.
I hope to talk to you.
Thank you,
Old buildings creak and groan as they settle . . . even though I believe in the spirit world, it is the imagination of the human mind that would come up with hauntings and apparitions. . . .
That owl sure is spooky looking
I have read a lot of comments here about how the mentally ill are out on the streets and hurting others. Although there may be a few incidents, the people displaced from ESH were transferred to other hospitals. The Not Guilty by reason of insanity ward is still present in the prison at the Forensic Center nearby. Those capable of living in society are in Residential care facilities spotted around the Vinita / Langley area and are receiving treatment at a Community mental health facility where I used to work.
Are you saying some ESH has patients there in one of the buildings of the forensics department ?
Just because ESH treated people with a mental illness does not mean it is haunted. People for years have related mental illness with demonology but the two are very different creatures.
I had a great grandmother that was admitted after the turn of the 20th century. The story goes that she tried to throw my grandmother into the lighted fireplace not long after her birth. She was probably suffering from postpartum psychosis which was unheard of then. Needless to say, the family never heard from her again. Folks were treated very differently in those days and were kept out of the public eye. Horrible research was conducted on innocent people then and yes, Paul, many died and their lost souls probably do still linger there.
anyone know how I could get old records of family relative who stayed here
My stepdads Father was Dr Felix Adams. 😀
My Grandfather Felix Adams was the superintendent there.
I actually came across this while doing research on Felix Adams since he's a member of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. http://oklahomahof.com/member-archives/a/adams-fe…
Three generations of my family spent time here– Phyllis Lynn in the late 1950's; her mother, Myrtle Lynn, in the mid 1950s;, and Theodore Lynn in the late 1930's/1940's. I'd love to know more about their diagnosis and treatment.
First of all, God bless all of us who visit this site. It makes my heart so heavy… I visited my brother there in the 90's and it seemed to be a good place. (He even met his wife there) Oh no that couldn't be the end of it. My genealogy research has brought me back to this institution not once, twice but THREE times. Like I said, God bless us all and not let us take our lives for granted.
My brother was also there in the 90's and I also thought it appeared to be a nicely run place. I wish there was a compromise between the rights of the patient and the administering of obviously needed treatment.
I haven't seen my brother in almost 4 years due to his violent outbursts when off of his medications and I will not be around him due to safety concerns.
I am excited also to find this site. For me it is sad because of the loss of treatment for many who now roam the street with no home and no 'family' to care. I am the granddaughter of Dr. Felix Adams and I know your great grand parents well. They were our closest neighbors along Dr. Row. I spent summers with my grandparents beginning when I was 7 or 8 until 13 when my Dado passed. My cousin Sally and my brother Joe were also there and we had a grand time roaming all over the beautiful grounds. I never wanted to leave to go back to my real life.
[spoiler title=”Johnnie Blackburn”] [/spoiler]
Thanks for mentioning the life work of my grandfather, Dr. Felix Adams. He was devoted to his patients and knew many by name. I spent summers living there until I was 13, so I knew Sam Seabolt well. My cousin, brother, and I would attend and participate in the Wednesday night square dancing complete with a live band. We would go to the Thursday night movies and stand and greet, along with our grandfather, the patients as the left the rec center and returned to their dormitories. My brother played softball with the patients and one summer we had a pop and snack stand for the patients, with all our stock provided by Bill who ran the Canteen.
My grandfather John Alcorn was a patient here from about 1939 to about 1957 when he died. i would like to get some information about him. He had been convicted of manslaughter and spent four years at McAlister prison. And when he was out of prison he seemed to "lose his mind" as they called it in those days. I feel that he was innocent of the manslaughter charges. And think that really affected him. Did he have shock treatments? Or what did they do to him while he was in Eastern state hospital? How can I get hold of his records? I really would like to know what happened and why he was in mental hospital. Someone in the family said they thought he was in criminally insane section. Was he? I really would like some answers. It hurts to think of how they treated mentally ill patients in those days. How do I get his records.?
I'm trying to find out anything about Bonnie Rudisell who was a patient in the 50 and 60. She was released and committed suicide shortly after being released. I need to know what her prognosis was. I am her daughter. Thanks
Alcorn v State 1934 OK CR 106 35 P.2d 735 56 Okl.Cr. 156
sorry it is the best i could l do https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&…
Oh wow, how do you find that kind of info? I haven't been able to find anything on my father. Ernest Lee Smith. He murdered his brother James and spent time in Mcalister then went to Vinita State and died there in Nov. 1998.
ESH provided my family a living for 30 years. My dad was a psychiatrist there from 1963-1980 when he retired. Dad had real compassion for his patients and worked very hard at trying to get them well with medication and therapy. These were the stories I heard at the dinner table growing up. I also worked at ESH in the Finance Office from 1978-1992. There are a lot of mentally ill people in this world, many who do not have resources to effectively treat their disorder. ESH was their port in the storm. I agree with you that emptying the state hospitals did a terrible disservice for a portion of that population, mainly resulting in homelessness.
Nicely written.
I am looking for information about an employee, Jesse Clyde Sapp, who was an attendant in the 50s. He died while employed there. Would appreciate any information anyone can give me.
Hello,
My name is Shane Weston Brown. I was taken to a facility in Sulphur, Ok. after being told that I was a missing person when I asked two highway patrolman for directions. They took me to a local hospital first, but said I wasn't under arrest. I told them that I didn't want to go. But they said I couldn't go and that they insisted. I said, That sounds like an arrest and that I'm a Christian and this shouldn't happen. I was so upset that I started talking to God and looking up. Which looked like I was talking at the ceiling. And the doctor came in not long later and I tried to communicate with him. And he looked up at the ceiling and said, "I KNOW!!" as if he was mocking me. And then I heard him say, TAKE HIM TO SULPHUR! After the DPS officer delivered me. Some nasty woman told me that I was going to cooperate. She said it several times. And two big men were there with her. Finally, I thought, My God? What am I cooperating about? I'm not under arrest, nor have I been explained a damn thing. And about that time, they tackled me. And we wrestled it out for a while. It was 3 to 1. And I'm real sure that if we had a rematch, they wouldn't have had a chance. Cuz I woulda started swinging instead of just trying to defend my right to my personal space and body and also to try to diffuse their venom. But I didn't punch or use drastic measures of retaliation in fear of somehow being in even more trouble.
So I finally let them put shackles on me. And that included my hands and feet. They threw me in a room by myself and explained nothing while they did it. I tried to leave the room only to find a dead end and then one of the men who I'd wrestled with to drag me back in. And then they strapped me to a gurney, strapping my feet first. Then my hands. But I'm a very strong guy with double jointed hands. And I kept pulling my hands out of the straps again and again. The biggest man who was strapping me in was an Indian man. And he kept yelling that it was going to get harder and harder for me. Finally after several attempts, I relaxed, and that was when they were able to tighten the straps so tight, it virtually cut off the circulation. Then then they stuck a needle in me. The last I remember from then was a dark figure of man standing over me and some voices about checking my blood. And then I seen a big light coming into my mind with a sound of some kind of mechanical vibration sound blowing through my mind and ears. It was a very eary and irritating sound. The kind of sound that would make one want to cover their ears. Not long later later, it all went black. This procedure started at approximately 12 Midnight. Well, to their surprise, I woke up at about 4-5 AM. And I screamed like I was completely traumatized and shocked that I had been subjected to such physical and mental trauma. But actually the main reason I screamed so loud was because I was still strapped to the gurney the same way I was to start the procedure in a completely helpless way. I couldn't move. Also, they gave me the wonderful privilige of shining a very bright light right over my face and eyes before they started, and that's the way I woke up 4-5 hours later. After I screamed, about a dozen hospital staff ran into my room and looked at me with wide eyes, as if they were surprised? Why? Do they think people would want to sleep strapped to a gurney with a Q-Beam shining in their eyes? I would hope not. It was as if they believed I wasn't capable of understanding, or at least not any more. But I looked at them and said, At least release the shackles on my hands and turn out that fuckin light. Cuz I want to finally go to sleep. They not only complied, but they also did so with humility and remorse. A few hours later, a nice woman asked me if I would like some breakfast. I said, Yes I would. And I liked her. And I asked her if she would pray with me. She said that she didn't know how to pray. I said, That's okay. I'll pray. And she held my hand and we prayed. But they still kept my feet in shackles. And I was a hell of a football player and still was even then. So I showed them that I could run in their shackles that they wanted to bind me in. And I ran real fast back and forth down their hall, till they finally realized that it wasn't just exercise. I was practicing running in their shackles. And they saw that I was getting faster every time I made a pass down the hall. It was kinda like this. The old men knew they couldn't catch me. And the women certainly couldn't. So then it came down to a couple of orderly's they brought in to watch me. But I made friends with them. We played cards and had some fun. And I think they were pretty sure that those guys were just gonna watch me run on out of that hell hole. A few days later, my mom and dad came and got me out. But I had to go to some kind of court to get out to be released to my parents supervision and custody. I have since been married, become a father, started my own business, and am very capable of living and thriving in society. But for some reason on the day that my nightmare started, getting lost and asking for directions meant you have not only lost your sanity, but also your freedom and right to ask, "What are you doing to me and why?"
Shane Weston Brown
214-710-8203 – Cell
Wow, what a story!! Sad for you.
Why did they close these hospitals in the nation?
It is wrecked with asbestos, of course it's abandoned.
When i was a little girl i actually sung to the patients for christmas on a big stage in the gym my mom also worked while going to RN school
Has anyone found a way to get a patient's records? I'm requesting info about my great aunt Nora Gertrude Winey who started life as a very bright individual but then ended up living there most of her life there. Thanks.
Contact Central State Hospital in Norman Oklahoma. I heard the records were moved to storage there. You might also contact the Oklahoma Dept of Mental Health and they can direct you to specific previous patients records. You'll have to prove a relationship to the person or they won't release the information.
As a child I visited my Uncle who was incarcerated there in the 60-70's for a murder. He shot a man he thought was laughing at him. Found mentally incompetent. He was there for at least 15 years. I'll never forget those visits with Mom to see her brother-my uncle. When the state stopped funding, he was eventually released. He, of course, stopped all medications after time and went back into his paranoid shell. I believe he is still alive, living in a Chicago nursing home, collecting social security benefits perhaps? Family lost contact as he lost touch with reality and everyone became afraid of him. I used to see him roaming the streets of downtown, acting as if he didn't recognize me. He eventually moved, "Searching for the family treasure." He'd be in his 70s now. There is a real need for a "mental hospital" and it's disgusting that this country no longer takes care of it's mentally disabled. This hospital served a real purpose.
I am also a D from Oklahoma and my father was sent here for murdering his brother and in all honesty it was the second brother he shot and killed that put him there. If they had done something the first time he couldn't have shot the second brother. His name is Ernest Lee Smith and he shot Leon first and then James for bugging him about shooting Leon 2.5 years later. Look him up on Geni and you'll see what was said about him although the story of how Leon was shot is all wrong. My father died at Vinita State Hospital and may possibly be buried on the grounds but I haven't been able to find any of that out. I found out where he died when I was applying for Social Security Disability and that was when I was told he died there in Nov of 1998. I am almost 55 years old now and haven't seen him since the day he shot my Uncle leon and mom fled with us kids.
Are there any of the buildings still operational today?
The NGRI (Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity) ward is still operational on last report.
The NGRI population is housed in the new facility, Oklahoma Forensic Center. None of the buildings are occupied on the old ESH grounds. I have worked at ESH/OFC for over 19 years and still am presently employed there. There are other patients there also, it's not just strictly all NGRI patient's. As for the previously mentioned tunnels in other posts, there are numerous of those across the old ESH grounds, many flood when it rains and some have been blocked off.
When you ask someone they say that the whole place is shut down. I knew I seen and heard people over there
I recently found out that my great aunt lived there around 1920 until she pasted away, we don't have much information about her or why she was there. Does anyone know how I can find out more about her stay at Eastern State Hospital?
My Great-Grandfather was a patient at the hospital in 1930. The story goes he was struck by lighting in the fields while working. They placed him there and remained their until he died. The Family never spoke of it to my Grandparents because of the stigma associated with being a patient at this hospital for the insane. Because of that and history dying with relatives as they die, the only information I can find on him is very limited. Such a shame things were so hush hush back then.
I just found out my Great-Grandfather was a patient at this hospital sometime around 1940. At that time they called them "inmates". I never knew he was there. My family said he had gone to a hospital because of black lung. I believe it was all hush, hush, too because of the stigma of having a mentally ill patient. So said. Now I'll never know what was wrong with him or how long he was there.
Was his name L.G. Clipper?
I spent a few years at this facility. I believe the place had its good andbad. What the staff did form me savedmy life. Yet Avery scary experience. I was in prison therefor arson and burglary. Still seeking answers today. Pretty scary. Had dances played basketball read books at library. Would like to discuss in detail my experiences there. Made American history. Not a bad person or evencrazy. Gifted in law enforcement t. Just found that out recently during my exploration into past. Finelinebetween genius and madness. Honestly I miss the place.
Hi. My name is Angel.
I would like to discuss your experience there.
Please contact me at mlcoleman58@yahoo.com.
I hope to talk to you.
Thank you,
My grandmother was committed in1926 to Eastern State Hospital in Vinita. She had a lobotomy at this hospital, and was never able to return home. She entered the hospital in her middle twenties, left in her sixty or seventies to go to a local nursing home. Died in a local hospital in Vinita at the age of eighty-six.
I like the pics of the old buildings. But I am an objective observer. Never been there. My son, 28 years old, took his life in the Arkansas State hospital on the Forensics (criminal) unit. My daughter, 26, took her life in her apartment in Fayetteville, Arkansas. My youngest son is suffering from diagnosed Bi-Polar. He is also a "criminal" who is getting zero treatment for auditory & visual hallucinations. Hm-m-m-m-m….Untreated in prison, or possible treatment at the "bad" old mental hospital………..Guess my choice is easy. My Mom also had shock treatments in the 70's for major depression. She was thankful for them, she said they saved her life.
My gg grandfather died here in 1932, he was Cherokee. I never knew anything about the place. It's very interesting to look at the photos.
I worked at the hospital from 95 to 99. Major cloud of oppression looming in the buildings, would get creeped out going to the basement to make copies at night but never experienced anything paranormal. One would think the place would have to be haunted though as many deaths that occured there. Two employee suicides in the four years i worked. Loved the patients but depressing atmosphere.
His name was Ernest Lee Smith
No pictures of the cemetery when patients died and were unclaimed, they were buried there. The cemetery is not on the grounds, but up the road not far away. There was also a hospital farm there, It closed it the late 60's. My father was doctor there and yes in the 60's and early 70's they did shock treatment. Then medication made further advances and it was the primary treatment. Shock treatment was hardly every used afterwards. Can't believe how they let this place go.
my mother was there in the 60's to help with her drinking and they used shock treatment on her
Actually, ECT (electro-convulsive therapy) is still widely used and more effective than many medications with less side effects. You can find it in Laureate in Tulsa, among many other places all over the nation and the world. It is evidence-based practice when medication is not effective.
could you be talking about fairview cemetery
My grandfather, Jim Mann, did maintenance in these buildings for years… I doubt they can use them for anything because they are probably full of asbestos. My grandmother, Donna Mann, started the shoe store there and worked in patient's property for years. I remember getting off the bus there and see all the personal items that came in with the patients. I doubt they ever received much of it back.
I worked there in the mid 70's & never heard of any paranormal activities…I worked ten building which was maximum security…..It is a very sad place & there were rumors of abuses both physical & sexual nature by workers….I do know that patients in the early days were brought in via train & made to carry supplies on their way up to the hospital..There used to be a sign by the tracks that said Asylum Switch which I was told is now in the Museum in Vinita…I was also told that somewhere on the grounds is a mass grave where victims of the Spanish Flu epidemic were buried…..
Never heard of the mass grave, but I would not have doubted it. There is a cemetery further off the grounds. When unclaimed patients died, they were buried there
.
CHUCK
I HAD A BROTHER WHO WAS THERE HIS NAME WAS JIMMY JOE KING. PLEASE REPLY IF YOU REMEMBER HIM. THERE IS SOME QUESTION I WOULD LIKE TO ASK YOU
THANKS
RICHARD
my mother was there about the time you worked there. Her name was Shirley Ann Burge.. Please contact me at
ldpriced@yahoo.ca.. I have been trying to locate what happened to her. If she passed away. I visited her there once in 1987. My brother and I did not know her whereabouts since we last saw her when I was about 5. I was 21 when we saw her in 1987. I lost contact after she supposedly was moved to a half way house. Any help would be appreciated.. This has bothered me for so so long.. thanks, Lisa Price..
I would just like to add to the history that there was no mention about when the stated decided it would be best for the place to go co-ed. I know in 1983, (or about that time), that they house both the men and the women on the same wards. At least they did on the long term ward. My nursing school arranged for us to do our psychiatric rotation at Eastern State. Needless to say this was not the best idea anyone had come up with. Not only that but they did have bars that locked, just like prison, on the long term ward. These people were not housed in the criminally insane building. It was a very horrific experience and one I certainly did not enjoy. In fact I believe soon after they did not house the men and women on the same ward. I believe they changed it back.
How can I go about finding medical records from here. It's very important that I find out.
Please let me know if you find out anything. My uncle was there. Died in 1939. James Hardiman. I have no idea if he was buried there or where.
go to the website…..find a grave……I found the grave of a family member in the hospital cemetery
My grandfather was a VA doctor here in the mid '70s, and he and my grandmother lived in the first house on the left on picture mini-img_5148. I remember Christmas and snow and big family gatherings over a few years of my childhood, but had no idea Eastern State was a mental hospital until just recently. This place has a real 'Session 9' feel to it now, at least the abandoned parts.
I am trying to find some info for my family about my Great Grandmother who was basically a mystery. The 1930 and 1920 US census reports her a patient in this hospital aka (Eastern Oklahoma Hosp.) Does anyone now of any records or charts from that time frame? It was Ward 7 at the time. Please contact me at dleah.scott@yahoo.com
I used to know all the websites for the hospital. The best thing you can really do is call the new hospital and ask about them having any records from the time period.
i worked at VADTC and it is definitely haunted in the building i worked in!!!!
My mother, Carolyn Wirth, was court ordered for a 30-day stay at Eastern State Hospital in August 1986 after being diagnosed as Manic Depressive. Visiting her on a regular basis in an effort to get her discharged was an experience I'll never forget. The images are as clear today as they were when I first set foot on the facility's grounds. Looking at the photos on this website is a clear indication of the dismay that took place on a daily basis dispite the faculty's efforts to provide care for the patients. Although I am thankful there was such a place for my mother to go to temporarily, it saddens me to think of the poor souls who never left. My heart goes out to others whose family members were sent to this institution. A real eye-opener for everyone to realize how precious life is for all walks of life, especially the mentally ill. They too have a story to tell and a truth only they know of while living on a daily basis in such conditions.
My dad was there, and that's where he died 23 years ago. I never got to know him because I was only 2 years old. The hospital did not keep a good eye on him.
Did they bury people on site at Eastern State? Is there a cemetary? I saw a video about a hospital in Danvers where ex patients restored the cemetary at Danvers State Hospital. Its a pretty cool story. http://asylumprojects.org/index.php?title=Main_Pa…
Yes there is a cemetery down the road to the East. There are only a few tombstones and the rest are only generic markers to the unclaimed. You cannot enter the cemetery.
The tomb stones have been moved I buried several people they are not always the right name above the grave
No you didn’t
They have a cemetery on the property
There is a cemetery on site. However, there was extensive damage and vandalism in 2000.
Yes, there is a cemetery for the hospital nearby. You can see it on Googlemaps.
My husband’s Father was sent there back sometime in thelate 20s or 30s. He died and was buried in the Cemetary.we went there about 20 years ago and walked the whole Cemetary and could never find his grave. There was no way to talk to anyone about where his grave was. We were so dissapointed.
Call the Oklahoma Forensic Center 918.256.7841 and ask to talk to the Assistant to the Dr. We can help you.
are there any photos of the Cemetary? Looking for Claud Jordan admitted in 1920 to the hospital.
Probably not…
I live in this town and also work at this place, well the newest one they built about 10 years ago and the people they never let go… Well when the walls were filled with asbestos and the state could not afford to destroy the buildings, they just let all the patients go…
You currently work at the part that remains open? Please get in contact with me. I’d love to hear what you know about the location. If you would like to discuss it you can email me at Shayna_M.Jones@Yahoo.com
My mother was committed to this hospital in 1976-1977. I can remember spending Sunday's here visiting her and walking around the grounds. She was severely mentally ill and received electric shock treatments. She was never the same once released and ended up committing suicide in 1978. I was committed to this hospital when i was 15 ( 1981) for a drug addiction. i received minimal counseling and was basically locked up 24/7. i was there, i believe, for 24 days. I would love to obtain access to the old records as well as visit the site and put to bed some of my old demons. It was a very traumatising place for me and looking at these images are haunting. i thank you very much for taking the time to document these buildings with photography. chilling.
If you find out how to obtain the records please let me know. I need to find out about what happened to my father there.
My grandmother was first at Taft State Hospital and then it closed and was transferred here I believe. I am trying to get records as well. I don't know where to start. I've made a few calls but so far no luck. Taft was a mental facility for African Americans and closed in the 70's. Then patients were sent either to this hospital or Norman. She remained in NE Oklahoma. When I was a little girl she lived with a pastor and his wife. I'm assuming they took care of her when Eastern State Hospital closed along with three other older ladies. She died in the 80's. With it being so long I don't know if they have the records. She was a ward of the state so they might. Anyone have ideas on what to do please let me know. Thanks
My Great Grandfather died in this place. They said he had dementia. He had worked building roads in Tulsa and to me a heat stroke could cause dementia. He died in Vinita. They had put him on an excerciser and he died on it! My mother did find old records somewhere this is probably the 20's.
My paternal grandmother Rosa (Rosie) Boyd Bishop passed here on 11/4/1955. I show where she was taken to a no-longer-existing funeral home in Ada. I would love to know where she is buried. Everyone who might know has passed. I heard the cemetary at ESHosp was vandalized and no one knows who is buried where. Her “crime” was despression, illiteracy and poverty. Makes me beyond angry. Wish I could have known about this while my father was alive….I have many questions.
My great aunt was committed back in the 50's. I called the new facility and asked about her records. They sent me paper work to complete and I had to prove that I was related. They charge a fee for records, IF they can find them. I received only what they could legally send me. Good luck on your search!
What's the new facilities information? What's it named? I need to see if I can get my grandmothers records.
I'm sorry that you went through that
Went to ESH once to twice a week to pick up or drop off Emergency Order of Detention patients. If picking up I would stop at the Admin building, pick up property, then usually go to #8 or #9 building. #12 building was for the criminally insane, which I believe is now where DOC operates at the site. Brings back memories. Bad memories… I hated that part of my job. 🙂
Hi. 🙂 If you're not open to what I'm about to ask, I totally understand… But would you ever want to take part in an interview about your ESH experiences? If so, please contact me at asylum_bunny@yahoo.com
Yeah… I'm just gonna point out again that the property is used as a PRISON! Guards monitor the grounds! Going there without permission is foolish, unless you possess a cloaking device.
How do you found out if someone you know was there? I have been trying to located my Mother. My father told me
he last heard she was in mental hospital in Okla. Year was 1966-1970. He will not give any more information.
Thanks for any help.
I know at that time there was Eastern State Hospital in Vinita and Central State Hospital in Norman — there could have been other hospital locations other than these two of which I am not aware. Google "state hospitals."
There is also Fort Supply State Hospital in Oklahoma. The below website will give you more info.
As for Eastern State, i am not sure how you would get records of former patients.
http://asylumprojects.org/index.php?title=Fort_Su… http://asylumprojects.org/index.php?title=Oklahom…
There was one in Lawton. I believe it was predominately for children. Also a childrens facility used to be in Sand Springs.
I am trying to see if an ancestor was there also. I talked to the lady in the medical records and she said you have to fill out a medical records release and be next of kin, otherwise you have to go to a judge and get him to rule you can get the records and then she will look them up and you can get copies. the # to the Eastern State Mental Hos. now called The Forensic Center…is 918- 256- 7841. The # for the mental institution in Norman Ok. is 405-360-5100. They are very helpful and much more freindlier than the Eastern Hos. Wether or not you are "next of kin" you just fill out the release and they will get the records for you. Both places charge for them. Hope you find what you are looking for. Does anyone know how to find a list of names in the cemetery> Find a grave has a very few. If you know how I can find out please email me @ a.adreane@ymail.com
What is your mother's name?
Yes there is! I know at one time when the hospital was still located there we moved truck loads of old hand written records from the third floor of the old admin bldg to some of the old dorm rooms on the top floor of Adams hall. Really interesting stuff that dated back to the early days of the hospital. Rooms full of patient records stacked on pallets. The plan was to archive all these records and preserve them but I don't know if it ever got done. I've wondered if they are still there.
hey Fiend and psychosaw13, can you please contact me at (580)231-2753 or at shawnharlan72@yahoo.com, my name is shawn! I have a couple questions for you if you dont mind,please!
its not even haunted.
Great job on this one guys!!! The porch in shot#77 looks like a nice place to kick back!! I also like the building shots numbered 98,103,129….Were these buildings in good structural shape? They look like they should be put back to use somehow.Take care–Tery
They were not in good shape in 1983. I'm sure they are even worse now.
I am P.L. Hays' great grandson and namesake. I am very pleased to have found this site with the detailed history and information regarding "DOC". There is an interesting story regarding a patient escape and P.L. being shot with a .22 in the chest during the chase. Nobody knows how the patient obtained the pistol but he did.
wow, I would like to hear more about this history, do you know anymore about it?
I remember the incident well however do to protect the families privacy that's all I can tell you
Wow strange to see all of that. I visited a patient there and remember shooting some hoops with couple of other patients. I was only like 11 or 12 maybe, but just shoking to see how trashed it is. It could totally be renovated
Touching photo's my friend….they really strike a chord.I was in the DOC building in 1995 (not building 13),for the TADD program. These are some amazing buildings,thanks again!
I am trying to get information on my grandfather, Emery Taylor, who was a patient and died (Sept 25. 1933)at the hospital in Taft. I have not found an e-mail address or contact person for the archives.
Thank you,
E.A. Butler
you may have already tried but the state dept in OKC should have all files regarding deaths in state ran facilities to include DOC and state hospitals
I would like to put a few of the pictures of the hospital on my family website. I have a great aunt that spent almost her entire life at this facility when it was a mental hospital. Could you email me and let me know if I can use a few of the images of the outside of the buildings?
Thanks for your work on saving these great places.
I look foward to hearing from you,
Stacy