February 11th, 2008
Clarinda State Hospital
There’s finally a page for Clarinda State Hospital. I visited the place back in 2004…
2004… the days when I absolutely, positively NEEDED a camera that fit in my pocket. The days before I knew what a tripod was for, or had ever heard of things like bracketing. What I’m trying to say that most of the pictures are a bit iffy. Still, there are plenty of other pictures on this site from the same time period, and these Clarinda shots are the best from my Iowa excursion. Looking at some of them though I just can’t help feeling disappointed. Why didn’t I step back a few feet here? Why didn’t I turn two degrees to the right there? How did my @#%*! finger get in front of the lens?
Anyway, one thing that’s nice about the Iowa Kirkbrides is that they’re all in really good shape. The three still standing are currently in use to some extent, and the state has kept them up pretty well. Each one even has its own museum with an abundance of pristine artifacts strewn about. It’s a real contrast to the decay and neglect Kirkbride buildings in other parts of the US have suffered.
Clarinda itself is a really pretty building. It’s gothic, but not overdone and doesn’t seem as potentially malevolent as some other Kirkbrides do. Its solid condition and well-manicured grounds probably contribute to that I’m sure. The day I visited began fairly stormy, but then the sky cleared and the sun came out. The old hospital seemed very homey and pleasant, which was something different for a change.
Here are some semi-interesting photos that didn’t make the cut. You can click on the pictures for a larger view.
This old gate is on the edge of the property.
A cradle that was built at the hospital.
An old bed covered with patient-made garments.
Notice the PA speakers in the clock faces. And look at those slate shingles!
absolutely beautiful. i think your pics came out fine. im jealous, wish i didnt live all the way over on the east coast. seems like theres a couple really nice hospitals left out there. wish i could see these places.
Thanks. I live in New England and drove to all these places:) It’s worth it if you have the time. What stinks though is you really can’t just pop back the following weekend. I doubt I’ll get back to Iowa any time soon.
Ethan, I’m so excited about you posting this set!!! These pictures are completely awesome. I forget sometimes that we have some pretty cool things way out here in the mid west… I didn’t know there were museums at the other two Kirkbride’s in Iowa, I need to get in contact with the folks in Independence and Cherokee as well!!!
Christina, it’s funny you say you wish you didn’t live all the way on the East Coast so you could visit some of these places…. I’ve said the same thing, but the other way around, I wish I lived on the East Coast so I could see some of the very cool places out there… I live about an hour or so from Clarinda… Haven’t been there yet, but have a trip planned in March!!
Thanks. I figured you’d like this post.
My mother’s mom lived here from 1930 till 1962 when she d. She was shipped back to Council Bluffs and is bur. nr my family. Since Uncle Lewie didn’t have the funds, he didn’t get his mom a stone. BUT, I did.
I wish that the records of her stay were extant.
Oh, yes. Thanks for the pix!!
Don, you’re welcome for the pictures. My pleasure of course.
That’s interesting that your grandmother was there. Good job getting her a marker.
Have you tried getting records? I would think they’d still be available, but maybe not. You’ve probably already tried this, but in case not, try contacting the Iowa Division of Mental Health. I don’t know their contact info, but their web site is here:
http://www.dhs.state.ia.us/mhdd/index.html
You might be able to find a phone number or email address somewhere on there.
30 Jul 2009
Yes, I finally reached a lady named Teresa, who ain’t there now, who was so wonderful in sending to me ALL of grandma’s routines, records, etc.
I just e-mailed her, and it came back. I’ll try your suggested e-mail address.
I am interested in getting the record of my aunt’s stay in Clarinda. she was taken there in 1933. Can you tell me how to proceed?
Thanks
Carolyn Raser
My mother was an RN at the MHI (Mental Health Institute) for 20 years and I always wanted to photograph the grounds. For those who’ve never been there, the complex is HUGE and there are a lot of interesting nooks and crannies, a big smoke stack from the power plant, and all kinds of amazing visual touches built into the hospital. I actually used to live on hospital grounds, a little white house behind the hospital grounds that’s since been abandoned. Lots of walks with my dogs, there. Lots of good times.
Thanks for posting these. I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say, take more pictures next time. :)
Erin
Disregard my earlier request for more pictures. I just notice your link to an entire page of them. :)
Thanks much,
Erin
My great grandfather was a patient at clarinda in the early 1900’s. Does anyone know of a place where I can request his records?
Doug
My great grandfather was here and died in 1915. How can I find records concerning that? I live in Des Moines. His name was Aaron/Peter Pierce Jordan.
I have been told that my great aunt and her daughter were both patients at clarinda and might have died there. Is there any way to request records?
My ggrandfather was here for two years in the early 1900’s. I have a letter written by him from the Earnest A. Stewart: State Hospital, Clarinda, Iowa, on Jan. 10, 1918 to his daughter. His name was Charles T. Nelson from the Jacksonville, IA area. How can I obtain records from his stay there?
How can I get records of a patient who was there from 1895 until 1927? His name was Allen Goodale of Shelby County, Iowa. He died while living there. Thank you so much for any information.
I was admitted there back in 75..I was in Pine cottage and also on a locked ward NE8th I believe..what an experience..I was there with some real loonies and with some sane peeps too..Had a great time for the most part..I like watchin shows and such with old institutions like this..I got my old records through the state..