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Terrell State Hospital History Book Published
Sheila KunickTSH Community, Relations Representative
June 8, 2009
The Publication Premier of the Terrell State Hospital History Book is set for June 9, 2009 at the Terrell State Hospital Silver Star Cinema at 5:30 p.m. and everyone is invited to attend.
The book was written by Benny Britton and spans the life of the hospital from 1883 to 2008 and includes photos from the 1880’s as well as current employee photos and current facility photos.
Britton will be on hand at the premier to sign copies of the book and is a 42 year veteran of Terrell State Hospital who is very interested in preserving the history of the hospital.
Britton researched and wrote the book over a two year period and stated, “I began the book by identifying some of the key and more prominent leadership in the early days, as well as the construction of the hospital. I have one chapter that is nothing but a personal letter form the son of one of the very early doctors that I feel is very key to describing the life in the early days of the state hospital around the turn of the century.”
Britton began his career in 1952 at Terrell State Hospital. Even before his employment at TSH, Mr. Britton was no stranger to the Hospital.
He recalls a visit to the Hospital where he had repairs done on a cap pistol. The cap pistol was given to him by his grandmother around the end of World War II. He recalls walking to a small shop on the grounds of TSH near the present laundry building to have his toy repaired.
He also visited one of his good friends and classmate, Gary Ward at TSH. Gary Ward’s father was a doctor at the hospital nd he and his family lived on the second floor of the Administration building. He spent some of his childhood playing tennis on the hospital courts and climbing trees on the property with his friend.
His history with TSH inspired him to write the book.
In the book Britton writes, “I have been blessed to have seen great progress in the care and treatment of the mentally ill. I am proud to have played a small part. The many employees and patients I have come to know and love will always be my family. My humble prayer is that someday there will be a cure for mental illness and no need for ‘The State’.”
Mr. Britton said “the publication was written for the purpose of educating the public to the many great works, deeds, and services by innumerable dedicated employees, volunteers, and public servants benefitting the patients of Terrell State Hospital.”
He also thanked former TSH Superintendent Fred Hale, Linda Whiteside, Kitty Harwell, Kathey Hunt, and Sheila Kunick for their contributions to the book.
The hard bound edition is $45.00 and comes with a CD of information not included in the book.
The soft bound version is $15.00 or $18.00 with the CD. The CD can be purchased for $5.00. Sales tax is included.
This fundraiser is sponsored by the Volunteer Services Council of Terrell State Hospital.
Proceeds collected will benefit the patients of Terrell State Hospital. Contact TSH Community Relations for more information at (972) 551-8639.
