This feature-length documentary tells the history of a revolutionary insane asylum & the rise and fall of adequate treatment for the mentally afflicted in America.  Formerly known as the Illinois Asylum for the Incurable Insane, the Peoria State Hospital was abandoned in the village of Bartonville, Illinois in 1973.  Highlighted throughout the film are the tragic lives of the forgotten patients & notable advocate, Dr. George Zeller.

Dr. Zeller noted, “It must not be presumed, from the name of this
institution, that ‘He who enters here leaves hope behind’

 

The Village of Bartonville IL August 1958 drawing