Ypsilanti State Hospital --- A Large Place

Ypsilanti State Hospital --- A Large Place

One of the largest and best-equipped institutions of its kind, the Ypsilanti State Mental Hospital provides treatment and rehabilitation for an average population of about 3,500 inmates.

This aerial photo by Stewart Love shows the sprawling buildings of the multi-unit hospital and some of the recreational and occupational facilities on the 1,216-acre grounds.

The structure on the near side of the double driveway running through the center of the view is the administration building. The many-winged hospital wards lie across the drive.

Other buildings identifiable include:

1. Two nurses homes and a physicians residence at lower left;

2. The powerhouse with its tall smokestack and the adjacent water tower at the rear of the main building cluster;

3. The occupational therapy building in front of the powerhouse, directly in front of which is situated a large gymnasium;

4. The cafeteria and dining room at the left end of the group of main buildings.

The two clear spaces at either ends of the main driveway are the sites for two new additions now under construction. They will cost an estimated $1,500,000 and provide space for 500 badly needed beds.

Proof of the emphasis on recreation and play for inmates is offered by the many facilities shown in the picture.

In the center foreground may be seen the No. 2 hole of the hospital golf course. The light oblong at lower right is a series of tennis courts, while shuffleboard courts may be seen at extreme lower right.

To the rear, next to the occupational therapy building is the site of a large skating rink that is flooded every winter. A baseball diamond and other facilities are not shown.

In the background, extending across Bemis Rd. running through the upper center, are some of the fields under cultivation by hospital inmates. A group of dairy barns is in view at left center.

The road at the upper left edge of the picture is Platt Rd. US-23 is not shown, but runs parallel to the right edge of the photo. The irregular white ribbons are walks and paths connecting the buildings.