The West Virginia Museum of Art and History is fictional. The idea of creating unique tiles for the floor of the museum was based upon the fact that Henry Mercer was commissioned to create decorative tiles for the floors of the Pennsylvania capitol building in Harrisburg.
A few additional comments about the Weston Lunatic Asylum: While mental institutions generally evolved into horrible places where the mentally ill were warehoused and mistreated, the early institutions were a great improvement over the practice of locking the mentally ill into large jail cells. The list of reasons a person could be institutionalized ranged from “asthma” to “death of a son in war” or “desertion by husband.” In many cases, the institutions were used as a method for a husband to rid himself of a spouse.
The Weston Asylum was constructed under Thomas Kirkbride’s theory of creating a curative environment. His design provided proper lighting, ventilation, and access to a rural environment with grounds that were “tastefully ornamented” and buildings arranged to resemble a shallow V if viewed from above. This design allowed for long, rambling wings that provided therapeutic sunlight and air to comfortable living quarters so that the building itself promoted a curative effect, or as Kirkbride put it, “a special apparatus for lunacy.” These facilities were designed to be entirely self-sufficient, providing the patients with a variety of outlets for stimulating mental and physical activities. Unfortunately, a facility that was originally constructed for two hundred and fifty patients soon housed far more, and the care and conditions eventually returned to the pre-asylum era.
Thank you for taking this journey into the past with me and permitting me to share my love of history and the joy of Christ’s love.
Blessings,
Judy
Special thanks to . . .
. . . My editor, Karen Schurrer, for her sharp eye and gracious spirit.
. . . The entire staff of Bethany House Publishers, for their devotion to publishing the best product possible. It is a privilege to work with all of you.
. . . Charles Yeske and the staff of the Moravian Tile Works, for the private tour and for answering my innumerable questions.
. . . Mary Greb-Hall, for her ongoing encouragement, expertise, and sharp eye.
. . . Lorna Seilstad, for her honest critiques and steadfast friendship.
. . . Mary Kay Woodford, my sister, my prayer warrior, my friend.
. . . Justin, Jenna, and Jessa, for their support and the joy they bring to me during the writing process and throughout my life.
Above all, thanks and praise to our Lord Jesus Christ, for the opportunity to live my dream and share the wonder of His love through story.
Judith Miller is an award-winning author whose avid research and love for history are reflected in her bestselling novels. Judy makes her home in Topeka, Kansas.
Books by Judith Miller
The Carousel Painter
BELLS OF LOWELL*
Daughter of the Loom • A Fragile Design
These Tangled Threads
LIGHTS OF LOWELL*
A Tapestry of Hope • A Love Woven True
The Pattern of Her Heart
POSTCARDS FROM PULLMAN
In the Company of Secrets
Whispers Along the Rails • An Uncertain Dream
THE BROADMOOR LEGACY*
A Daughter’s Inheritance
An Unexpected Love • A Surrendered Heart
DAUGHTERS OF AMANA
Somewhere to Belong • More Than Words
A Bond Never Broken
BRIDAL VEIL ISLAND*
To Have and To Hold • To Love and Cherish
To Honor and Trust
HOME TO AMANA
A Hidden Truth • A Simple Change • A Shining Light
REFINED BY LOVE
The Brickmaker’s Bride • The Potter’s Lady
The Artisan’s Wife
www.judithmccoymiller.com
*with Tracie Peterson
Resources: bethanyhouse.com/AnOpenBook Website: www.bethanyhouse.com
Facebook: Bethany House Twitter: @Bethany House
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