Construction began in 1885, and resulted in a large, foreboding castle –like building.  Unfortunately, or fortunately, this original building was later torn down in 1897, having never been used because of structural flaws.  It appears that this original building had been built on top of an abandoned coal mine and suffered much when the shafts began decaying and collapsing.

     The hospital was then re-built and opened to the public in 1902.  Gone was the foreboding castle and in its place was a more modern structure. In addition to the main building there were at least 33 cottages used for the housing of patients.  Also there were no bar on the windows or restraints.  This type of treatment for mental patients was practically unheard of that time.  

 In addition to the progressive treatment of patients, the hospital instituted on site cemeteries for patients who were unclaimed at the time of their death.  In the end there were four cemeteries located behind the main building.  It was in the oldest cemetery that the first haunting occurred, documented by the Chief of care himself, Dr. Zeller.

     Dr Zeller created a burial corps, composed of staff members and a few patients.  One of those patients, simply named Bookbinder, would mourn for the deceased, even if he didn’t know them.  He would go to an old Elm tree, that had been in the midst of the graveyard for many years, and mourns the passing of the fellow patient, sobbing loudly.

     Time passed and Bookbinder eventually did too.  Because he was so well liked by the staff and his fellow patients a large funeral was held.  With close to four hundred witnesses in attendance, as they lowered the coffin into the open grave, a low moaning was heard.  Many turned in the direction of the old Elm tree; there stood Bookbinder, mourning as he had also done.  Astonished, Dr.Zeller, immediately had the coffin opened in front of those who had not run in fear.  Inside, of course was the corpse of Bookbinder.  Those who were still watching the tree observed as the apparition disappeared.  Shortly thereafter, the old Elm tree began to die.  Eventually it was decided to remove the tree, but as the axe was swung a low moan was heard.  It was then decided to burn the remains of the tree, but once again Bookbinder had his say. For as soon as the flames were set, the crying began.  The flames were quickly extinguished.  The old dead elm still stands in this graveyard. In 1972 the asylum closed its doors for good.