In the summer of 1893, Michigan lawmakers gathered in Lansing to debate a growing social dilemma. Across the state, poorhouses were overcrowded, jails were taking in people who hadn’t committed crimes, and families were overwhelmed with the care of loved ones who suffered from epilepsy or intellectual disabilities. The prevailing belief of the era was that these individuals could be “trained” to live useful lives, but if they could not, they should be cared for—and contained—in a special setting.
That summer, the Michigan legislature passed Public Act 209, officially authorizing a new state-run institution for what they called the “feebleminded and epileptic.” It was a decision rooted in the reformist spirit of the late 19th century, a time when society was turning to institutions as the solution for nearly every social problem. Governor John T. Rich, a Lapeer County native, appointed a special commission to choose the site for the facility. Several communities put forth offers, eager for the economic boost the project would bring.
Lapeer, a small but ambitious town, ultimately won the bid. Its leaders offered an enticing package: 160 acres of farmland, free of charge, a new water line to the property, and even a promise of free water service for the first five years. The town’s peaceful countryside and close proximity to Detroit and Flint via rail made it an attractive choice. Local newspapers captured both pride and curiosity over the decision. “On June 2, 1893, legislators passed a bill to build a 200‑bed institution and earmarked $50,000 for it… Lapeer was chosen, partly because the town council promised to provide 160 acres, run a water line to the grounds, and supply free water for the first five years,” reported The County Press.
Construction began in 1894 on what was officially called the Michigan Home for the Feeble-Minded and Epileptic. The design followed what was known as the cottage plan, a progressive concept meant to create a more “home-like” environment compared to the imposing, prison-like asylums of the past. The first buildings included a central Administration Building, later nicknamed The Castle for its stone façade, two dormitory cottages, a powerhouse to provide steam and electricity, and simple farm buildings to help the facility become self-sustaining.
When the cornerstone was laid, it was filled with a time capsule of the moment: letters from civic leaders, local newspaper clippings, and records reflecting the optimism of the era. The community believed this new institution would be a beacon of care, education, and safety for a vulnerable population.
By June 1, 1895, the new home opened its doors. Roughly 130 residents were transferred from other state hospitals, mostly young adults and children with epilepsy or intellectual and developmental disabilities. Early superintendent reports described the institution’s mission in two parts: to train those who might improve enough to return to society, and to provide lifelong custodial care for those deemed “unfit for release.”
Daily life was structured and highly regimented. Residents worked in gardens, kitchens, and on the grounds as part of what staff called their “training.” They lived in sparse dormitory rooms, overseen by attendants like Minne Kenietz, whose name appears in early staff records. Staff included a superintendent, a small group of attendants, kitchen workers, and maintenance crews.
For the people of Lapeer, the institution quickly became part of the town’s identity. It brought construction jobs, improved roads, and reliable state funding. For families, it was often seen as the only option in an era before community support services existed. But even in these early years, the language used to describe the residents—inmates—hinted at the institution’s dual nature. It was, at once, a place of refuge and a place of confinement.
Within a decade, the modest cluster of buildings would begin to expand rapidly. More dormitories were built, along with schools, workshops, a chapel, and an extensive farming operation. The property would grow into an entire self-sustaining community, housing thousands of residents and employing more than a thousand staff. By the 1940s, it would cover over 1,100 acres, making it one of the largest institutions of its kind in the Midwest.
The seeds of that future were planted in 1895. What started as a hopeful experiment in care would soon become an enormous institution—one whose legacy would be both complex and controversial.
Key Details from Part 1
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1893: Michigan passed Public Act 209, creating the Michigan Home for the Feeble-Minded and Epileptic.
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1894: Lapeer secured the site by offering free land, a water line, and free water service.
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1895: The institution opened with ~130 residents transferred from other state facilities.
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Early design: Featured a central administration building and dormitory cottages based on the “cottage plan.”
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Mission: Train those capable of improvement; provide lifelong care for others.
Sources for This Article
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Oakdale: The Lapeer State Home by William Fromwiller & Ron Gillis
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Michigan Legislature Public Act 209 (1893)
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Archives of Michigan: Cornerstone documents & superintendent reports
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Lapeer District Library Oakdale History Gallery
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The County Press historical coverage