The Artisan's Wife

by Judith Miller

  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