122 – Patient Cottages, Peoria State Hospital
Commonly, but mistakenly, known as the nurses housing, these were actually the patients housing. It was known as the “cottage plan” which consisted of many small dormatory style houses, with the over-riding theme of making the “insane” feel comfortable and at home instead of the prevailing thought of the time of chaining, whipping and beating the insane into submission. These were orignally built with wrought iron fences and gating covering the windows, which Dr. Zeller ordered removed per his compassionate style of freedom (aside- they were later used to build an on premises zoo covering over an acre).
Commenter Tony says these buildings were collectively called the ‘E’ buildings because of their shape. I believe this is cottage D-1.
January 23rd, 2007 at 1:29 am
Is this the nurses’ housing on the Peoria State Hospital grounds?
January 23rd, 2007 at 10:35 pm
It is generally known as that, but I’m not completely sure. The Bowen Building I believe was originally the nurses house and Mr. Zeller took the approach of smaller buildings for his patients. I wonder how these buildings have changed roles over the years- of course, most of them are gone now…
I’m finding a lot of conflicting history. The more I research, the more I question.
January 25th, 2007 at 1:16 pm
These buildings were known as the “E” buildings because of their shape. Most of them are in use today by other businesses.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:58 pm
I work in this building!! And yes there are ghosts in it