Anna State Hospital
A few weeks ago, one Jennifer Shipp emailed me pictures of Anna State Hospital (now Choate Mental Health Center) in Anna, Illinois. I was surprised to see that there’s actually a bit of its Kirkbride building left. I thought it had been completely torn down, but I was wrong. I apologize for misleading anyone regarding the status of this Kirkbride and have dutifully updated the Kirkbride lists.
As you can see from the pictures below, two stories of the administration center and a piece of wing off either side remain. I was told a fire (one of many in this hospital’s history) destroyed the upper floors. It’s sad to see the building so diminished, with only faint hints at its former grandeur. But I guess it’s better than nothing.
It’s really surprising they didn’t just pull the whole thing down. Glad they didn’t.
I’d like to second that, WSH, and applaud them for saving what they could of this historic building. You sure don’t see that every day.
Rumor was for years the admin section had managed to survive many changes, these photos prove it. One of the few pieces of Kirkbride in the state left. Thanks to Jennifer Shipp!