Bowling Green in Wood County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Lunatic House
1885
Photographed by Michael Baker
1. Lunatic House 1885 Marker
Prior to 1885, a wooden building with rooms overlooking a hog pen had been used to house the insane patients. It was in such poor condition, however, that the infirmary director would not be responsible for anything that might happen to patients housed in that building. plans were made in 1883 for a new lunatic house to replace the condemned wooden building.
In 1885, building of the new lunatic house began. The structure was to be made of brick and having two stories, 26 x 40 feet. The lower floor was to be divided into cells, while the upper floor was to be used as a hospital.
By January 7, 1886, the building was finished. It consisted of cells, hospital rooms, a bathroom, and a room for the attendants. Eight patients were moved in. The heat was supplied from the main building. Cost of construction was $1700.00
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Science & Medicine. A significant historical date for this entry is January 7, 1886.
Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 41° 21.03′ N, 83° 36.961′ W. Marker was in Bowling Green, Ohio, in Wood County.
this page online
We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Regionally, this marker was in the Black Swamp, in the Till Plains, and in the Toledo Metropolitan Area. It was also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it was in North America, on the Great Lakes, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it found itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: Hog Barn, 1913 (a few steps from this marker); Pest House (within shouting distance of this marker); Pestilence House 1933 (within shouting distance of this marker); Lunatic Asylum 1885 (within shouting distance of this marker); Wood County Infirmary (within shouting
Photographed by Michael Baker
2. Lunatic House 1885 Marker
Photographed by Michael Baker
3. Lunatic House 1885 Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 21, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 6, 2017, by Michael Baker of Lima, Ohio. This page has been viewed 759 times since then and 43 times this year. Last updated on September 18, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 6, 2017, by Michael Baker of Lima, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
