Westland in Wayne County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Eloise
Side 1
In 1839 Wayne County purchased the Black Horse Tavern, a stagecoach stop, Located here on the Chicago road, for use as a poorhouse. Early on the poorhouse accepted not only the county's indigent, but the infirm and mentally ill as well. During the late nineteenth century, the number of residents grew, and new buildings were constructed to meet the demand. In 1894 a post office opened on the grounds with the name Eloise, a name that became synonymous with what developed into a 902-acre, 75-building complex. By the late 1920s Eloise's population had peaked at 10,000 patients and 2,000 staff. A city in itself. Eloise had its own farm, cannery, bakery, cemetery, employee housing, police and fire departments, trolley and train stations, and 16 kitchens that served 30,0000 meals daily.
Side 2
Wayne County's medical complex, "Eloise," was founded as a poorhouse in 1839. It eventually became one of the largest public health-care facilities in the U.S. The most advanced medical and psychiatric treatments were used here. During the early twentieth century Eloise physicians pioneered the use of X-rays for diagnostic purposes, radium for the treatment of cancer, and "open air" treatment for tuberculosis. Psychiatric patients underwent electroshock and insulin shock therapy, as well as music, recreational, and television therapy. Psychiatric care ended in 1979, and the general hospital closed in 1984. Most of the complex's 75 buildings were razed by the mid-1980s. More than 7,100 patients are buried in the Eloise cemetery, their graves marked only by numbered blocks.
Erected 2006 by Michigan Historical Commission - Michigan Historical Center. (Marker Number S699.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Science & Medicine. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1839.
Location. 42° 17.202′ N, 83° 20.602′ W. Marker is in Westland, Michigan, in Wayne County. Marker is on Michigan Avenue (U.S. 12) 0.2 miles west of Henry Ruff Road, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 30712 Michigan Avenue, Westland MI 48186, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Norwayne Subdivision (approx. ¾ mile away); Samuel Tobyne - 1827 (approx. 1.4 miles away); Annapolis Park (approx. 1.4 miles away); Veteran's Peace Memorial (approx. 2.1 miles away); Johnson's Tavern (approx. 2.1 miles away); First Congregational Church (approx. 2.1 miles away); City of Wayne (approx. 2.2 miles away); Old Wayne Village Hall (approx. 2.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Westland.
Regarding Eloise. This was the first hospital in the United States to use x-rays to diagnose medical conditions. Elijah McCoy, the inventor was a patient here, as were countless African-Americans and ex-slaves. The first mental health patients were housed in the barn around the rear of the property, many of whom were Civil War veterans.
Also see . . .
1. Development plans for former Eloise asylum in Westland. Update on plans for the asylum, which was sold to an investor for $1, call for hotel and an event space. (Submitted on April 4, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan.)
2. Eloise (psychiatric hospital). Wikipedia article. (Submitted on April 7, 2021, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)
Credits. This page was last revised on September 26, 2022. It was originally submitted on December 8, 2008, by Al Barrera of Brownstown, Michigan. This page has been viewed 5,122 times since then and 56 times this year. Last updated on April 4, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 4, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. 3. submitted on December 4, 2014, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. 4. submitted on December 8, 2008, by Al Barrera of Brownstown, Michigan. 5. submitted on December 4, 2014, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. 6. submitted on April 4, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. 7. submitted on December 8, 2008, by Al Barrera of Brownstown, Michigan. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.