A colleague and I took a road trip over to Howell Carnegie Library last week to attend their program “A Healing Place” – Memories of the Michigan State Sanatorium, Howell State Hospital, and Hillcrest Center. The turnout was tremendous (as in we were standing in a hall way for the duration and many were turned away) emphasizing the importance of the “Hill” or the “San” to the history of both Livingston County and the state. I was interested because of my great-grandparents experiences in between 1916 and 1920 while my colleague had more recent ties. It was a fascinating night that included a short dvd created for the program on the history of the site and ample time for stories and reminiscing. I really hope that they manage to offer an encore of the program because I think they only scratched the surface and could easily fill a large venue.
Thanks for a fabulous program!
Happy hunting,
Jess
Photo: I don’t know who these ladies are but the picture is likely taken by my Great Grandmother, Cora Packer, during her stay in at the “San” in 1916.
Genie Road Trip 
April 1, 2015 at 2:36 pm
I have over 50 artifacts me and friends have found in the woods that are from hill crest sanatorium. I have glass bottles, some of which are still sealed! I have stainless steel leg splints, and of most importance I have a milk bottle that has raised lettering reading “Michigan state sanatorium”.
April 4, 2015 at 10:13 pm
That sounds like quite a collection! Very cool!