Welcome to my nifty Dreambook, a free guestbook service from New Dream Network and the DreamHost!If you have a minute, please add your entry to those below by signing my Dreambook!
| Name: | bartonvillian |
| Comments: | well my grandmother used to work here and cooked the meals for the patients and has told many stories of them and said most of the establishment has been torn down much of the buildings that were across the street are demolished, and that there we three separate stages for the mentally insane a b and c once you got in C you were probably never getting out of there, and i think its sad this place wasn't deemed a historic landmark years ago because much of the bartonville insane islym has been torn down and the little that's left is in ruins and is vandalized. |
| Name: | Sharon |
| Comments: | I grew up in Bartonville and have memories of the Peoria State Hospital when it was in operation. My friends and I rode our bikes through the hospital grounds and we went caroling in several of the units at Christmas time with our church youth group. The father of a friend of mine was a doctor there. I also remember the children's building where the original Alpha Park Libray was located, surrounded by high fencing. After the land and buildings were bought after years of being vacant, I walked through the buildings to find the mess that vandals had left. The graveyards were overgrown and left to nature. It is comforting to know that this effort is being made to save the Bowen Building. For better or worse, this has been a part of our collective histories. I recommend the book "Bittersweet Memories" for anyone wanting to learn the history of not only the hospital, but of the efforts of Dr. Zeller in the treatment of mental illness in a time when people with mental illness were seen as "crazy", "insane" and prescribed treatment was often cruel and ineffective. The grounds are so beautiful. A park would be a wonderful tribute. |
| Name: | Tonya |
| E-mail address: | tsidwell1@verizon.net |
| Comments: | I hope the community will stand behind the owners and "SAVE THE BOWEN"!!!!!! This building is great!! Please let us know about what is going on there!!!! |
| Name: | Heather B |
| E-mail address: | mariposa_1225@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | I have been in this building befor, when I was a devious little teenager. I love this building!! Please keep me informed.. |
| Name: | Heather B |
| E-mail address: | mariposa_1225@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | I have been in this building befor, when I was a devious little teenager. I love this building!! Please keep me informed.. |
| Name: | Deon |
| E-mail address: | burkhalterjanda@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | i am 14 years old an obbsesed with this building!My grandpa used to work there an he used to say he watched movies with the crazies lol.theres been a cople times i had the chance to sneek in but i was buy my self.But if any one has any info on this place get back to me i want more info please!!!!!!!! :) |
| Name: | Jamee |
| E-mail address: | congrovemom@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | I just wanted to post a message how nice the dinner was the other night with Chip and Patti, it was really great to meet them both. I can't say enough how wonderful it was to have Chip answer a question for me that I have wanted answered for 24 years since my father passed away. |
| Name: | Billy Hawley |
| E-mail address: | next_level_comics_13@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | I've been there many a time & hope it remains for generations to come! It is a great landmark & also a wonderful place if one is searching for paranormal activity in Central IL!! |
| Name: | Kassi |
| E-mail address: | cupcakecultx33@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | I have been to the state hospital, and the cemeteries, many times and I have yet to be disappointed. My father took me there when I was just a little girl, and I thank him for starting my love of paranormal phenomena. My great-grandfather and my grandmother both worked at the hospital and the stories they tell me about their experiences there are amazing. Anyways, I just wanted to say thank you for trying to keep the hospital up ^_^ . I know that anyone who goes on one of the tours or even stays the night once the bed and breakfast starts up will not be disappointed! |
| Name: | teri smith |
| E-mail address: | skookboo@sbcglobal.net |
| Comments: | i have been, i have been back, been back again & again...i have seen ,i have heard ...yes this place it genuine. you will believe if you go in a none-believer....come to the Bowen it is awesome. it needs to be saved! the people that are working on keeping this building standing are wonderful. Come take a tour help keep preserve history and a beautiful building. you will be thanked, by the living and the deceased! If you are from Bartonville take a stand let them hear your voice. Vote for Rhonda Wolfe. |
| Name: | Brian |
| E-mail address: | B_martincubfan@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | Good luck in your efforts to restore the Bowen building,but to be completely honest,that building brings back really bad memories to some members of my family. Both my Grandparents worked and lived in the Bowen building,and i do believe that the stress from working at that place was directly responsible for their divorce. My Grandmother worked there for many years after their divorce, and would go on to suffer many mental problems throughout the remainder of her life. I believe that she even tried to commit suicide at least twice.
I also have an older brother who was sent to the hospital and was subjected to electrical shock treatment while still a very young child. I doubt if he was even a teenager yet. My mother briefly worked there when she was 17-18 years old and was attacked by one of the patients. And my father,along with a couple of his friends once drove to the Hospital to pick up my Mom up from work,had feces thrown into their car by some of the patients standing along the road. So everyone really needs to know that the old hospital was NOT a very nice place. Oh i also know of a man who's Mother died at the hospital and is buried in the old cemetary and if i heard correct, he doesn't even know which marker is his mothers. |
| Name: | Brian |
| E-mail address: | B_martincubfan@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | Good luck in your efforts to restore the Bowen building,but to be completely honest,that building brings back really bad memories to some members of my family. Both my Grandparents worked and lived in the Bowen building,and i do believe that the stress from working at that place was directly responsible for their divorce. My Grandmother worked there for many years after their divorce, and would go on to suffer many mental problems throughout the remainder of her life. I believe that she even tried to commit suicide at least twice.
I also have an older brother who was sent to the hospital and was subjected to electrical shock treatment while still a very young child. I doubt if he was even a teenager yet. My mother briefly worked there when she was 17-18 years old and was attacked by one of the patients. And my father,along with a couple of his friends once drove to the Hospital to pick up my Mom up from work,had feces thrown into their car by some of the patients standing along the road. So everyone really needs to know that the old hospital was NOT a very nice place. Oh i also know of a man who's Mother died at the hospital and is buried in the old cemetary and if i heard correct, he doesn't even know which marker is his mothers. |
| Name: | Autumn |
| E-mail address: | autumnd7@hotmail.com |
| Comments: | I have always been interested in the asylum since I was younger. We drove up there and walked around outside it. Besides the beauty you know some sick sh*t went down there and it's way interesting to find out who might still be wandering the halls. :) When I found out they were letting people in, I'm waiting for the right time, but I'm going to go asap. |
| Name: | Cheri |
| E-mail address: | cheri@naparanormal.org |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.naparanormal.org |
| Comments: | Hi all. This is Cheri from Northern Alliance of Paranormal Investigators. When Joe told me you had a guest book- I wanted to say hello again too. We had a wonderful time and are very excited about the evidence caught that night. Thank you for welcoming us out and your wonderful hospitality! Looking forward to coming back (when it is warmer of course)! |
| Name: | Joe |
| E-mail address: | cicero7601@aol.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://naparanormal.org |
| Comments: | This is Joe from NA Paranormal and just wanted to say it was great meeting this past Friday and we look forward to coming back down and working with you again. We are going over everything and will be sending you any of the evidence. Thanks again |
| Name: | Joe |
| E-mail address: | cicero7601@aol.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://naparanormal.org |
| Comments: | This is Joe from NA Paranormal and I have to say we had a lot of fun Friday night and it was great meeting you guys. We are looking forward to coming down again and working with you. We are going over everything and will be in touch this week with any of the evidence. Thanks again |
| Name: | Tracy Beeney |
| E-mail address: | sofun_hot1@hotmail.com |
| Name: | Rob Crosswhite |
| E-mail address: | misfit81@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | i can't wait to see this building look like it did from the 1900's! Just from this site I have learned more about the building in 5 min. and i have looked at the building for almost 30 years.. I can remember when i was a teenager sneaking from the cops to get in and look around a time or two. We always loved the building!We were not the kids that destroyed anything or anything like that but actually loved the building from childhood.I remember when i was a kid and my mom and her friends got permission to enter the Bowen and I was so jealous!!!Anyway im not a kid anymore and i cant wait for a real legal tour of the Bowen.Good luck to you all, and i will be at as manny events as i can.
Thanks Rob |
| Name: | Rob Crosswhite |
| E-mail address: | misfit81@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | i can't wait to see this building look like it did from the 1900's! Just from this site I have learned more about the building in 5 min. and i have looked at the building for almost 30 years.. I can remember when i was a teenager sneaking from the cops to get in and look around a time or two. We always loved the building!We were not the kids that destroyed anything or anything like that but actually loved the building from childhood.I remember when i was a kid and my mom and her friends got permission to enter the Bowen and I was so jealous!!!Anyway im not a kid anymore and i cant wait for a real legal tour of the Bowen.Good luck to you all, and i will be at as manny events as i can.
Thanks Rob |
| Name: | Teresa |
| E-mail address: | teresat417@aol.com |
| Comments: | I just got off the phone with my mother, and she told me that the old library at the corner of Garfield & Airport rd use to be part of the old state hospital. That is where they kept the children. Also behind the building was the cemetery for the childrens hospital. I told her about the restoration and it brought back a lot of memories to her. I hope one day I can come back and take a tour. |
| Name: | Teresa |
| E-mail address: | teresat417@aol.com |
| Comments: | I grew up on Hatterman St in Bartonville. Our house was seperated from the hospital by the woods. A few of the neighborhood kids and I would always play in those woods. Every once in a while we would see people roming around like they were lost. We would just quietly walk away. I don't ever recall being scared of any of them. I do recall my mother telling me that our next door neighbor was in her basement doing laundry when she saw someone peeking through her window and it scared her so bad she called the police. It turned out to be a patient from the hospital. Mom always made sure the doors were locked after that. I remember my brother had a paper route delivering to the hospital. It didn't last long cause he couldn't get most of the people to pay for the paper. |
| Name: | Nick Bridges Jr. |
| E-mail address: | nnickb8@mtco.com |
| Comments: | Dear Bowen Building and ghostasylum.com staff:
WHAT A GREAT MOVIE YOU ALL PUT OUT!! I can't stop watching it! You all did an outstanding job on it and the history at the beginning was remarkable and it does send chills up the spine and it made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up with the pictures and the investigation parts of the movie. Its a must have for any ghost lover and for all the Peoria State Hospital fans like myself. GREAT JOB EVERYBODY and continued success to save the historic Bowen Building. Your HUGE fan, Nick.-GOD BLESS YOU ALL and STAY SAFE!! |
| Name: | Gene Guinn |
| E-mail address: | geneguinn20032yahoo.com |
| Comments: | WOW>>>>>>>>>>> how can I help? This building needs to be marketed nationally for ghost/paranormal tours. With my business background; I think I could help a lot. theres so smuch potential here.
Anyone get back to me a.s.a.p. |
| Name: | Jessica |
| E-mail address: | jesdoerr@aol.com |
| Comments: | Hello,
I was at the building today. It was great meeting you. My daughter had a great time as well. I am posting the pictures I got today and from yesturday. Thanks again and I hope all goes well with your project! |
| Name: | valerie Love |
| E-mail address: | valerie1@uscellular.blackberry.com |
| Comments: | I Love this place |
| Name: | bobby lee |
| E-mail address: | lee_robert_j@cat.com |
| Comments: | Hey everyone, I hope you all had a great Christmas. I hope to see you all in the new year. The tours will commence next week. Plus with new times. Also, don't forget the oppurtunity to view our movie and check out the tour included, please don't miss your chance to experience the premier of our movie. Thanks for a great year and we truly appreciate all the friends we have made this past year. Thanks everyone and I hope to see you all again. Happy New Year. Thanks so much. |
| Name: | bobby lee |
| E-mail address: | lee_robert_j@cat.com |
| Comments: | Hey everyone, I hope you all had a great Christmas. I hope to see you all in the new year. The tours will commence next week. Plus with new times. Also, don't forget the oppurtunity to view our movie and check out the tour included, please don't miss your chance to experience the premier of our movie. Thanks for a great year and we truly appreciate all the friends we have made this past year. Thanks everyone and I hope to see you all again. Happy New Year. Thanks so much. |
| Name: | Richard Weiss |
| E-mail address: | info@savethebowen.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.savethebowen.com |
| Comments: | Hello Everyone:
Just want everyone to know that we finally have the movie completed and we are planning a world premiere on the 16th and 17th of January. The cost is $100, and for your donation you will receive a copy of the DVD, a four hour investigative tour with JC Harris and Mike Esposito. You can sign up on www.ghostasylum.com in the tour info section for the 10:00 pm to 4:00 am tour. We want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, and we want to thank you for your continued support. Thanks, Richard |
| Name: | Nick Bridges Jr. |
| E-mail address: | nnickb8@mtco.com |
| Comments: | I just want to wish the whole BOWEN BUILDING and GHOST ASYLUM.COM staff for putting on a GREAT tour of the building and I enjoyed it with my tour from 10 -midnight of the building. I heard some creepy sounds and seen a couple of shadows move along walls so its a must tour to go on for a "spooky" rush for the "ghost hunter" in your family of the building.
I respect you all and you are all doing a GREAT thing here to save this building after all these years one brick at a time. LET'S SAVE IT ILLINOIS AND WORLDWIDE!!! GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU AND MERRY CHRISTMAS..BE SAFE IN 2009!! A HUGE FAN OF THE PEORIA STATE HOSPITAL AND THE BOWEN BUILDING! Nick Bridges Jr. |
| Name: | Nick Bridges Jr. |
| E-mail address: | nnickb8@mtco.com |
| Comments: | Did my last comments go through?
Let's test it! Nick. |
| Name: | Nick Bridges Jr. |
| E-mail address: | nnickb8@mtco.com |
| Comments: | I wish all of the BOWEN BUILDING STAFF and GHOST ASYLUM.COM staff for letting me tour this historic building after all these years and I seen a couple of shadows move along walls and heard some sounds and a tiny moan thoughout the building on my tour. The tour guides were GREAT along with the whole staff and please everybody..LET'S SAVE THE BOWEN BUILDING!! There is so much history here in Bartonville and the Peoria area! The Bowen Building has a HUGE fan out here in the wide open country of Peoria County.
All the Best to you and have a very HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON..LOVED THE TOUR!! My best to the "ghosts of the Peoria State Hospital too." You belong here!! Love and respect to all involved with saving this historic building.HAPPY HOLIDAYS!! Be safe in 2009!! Nick Bridges Jr.-Trivoli, IL..SAVE THE BOWEN..MY BEST TO YOU ALL!!..BE SAFE!! |
| Name: | Robert "Uncle Sam"Lee |
| E-mail address: | lee_robert_j@cat.com |
| Comments: | Merry Christmas Everyone .... well another greta week came and gone. A special thanks to all of you who braved the ice and snow, and especialy the cold, to come visit us this past week end. Also, I want to take the time and give a huge thanks to the folks from TAPS that visited this week end, Kristen and John, we appreciate your visiti, and hope to see you again real soon. I just want to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a safe New Year ..... we will see you again soon .... and a special Happy Holidays to my team at the building, with out you guys, we couldn't do what we do...Thanks, to my extended family... Thanks and Merry Christmas.. Bobby ... |
| Name: | Chris Bartlett |
| E-mail address: | blue_eyes34@comcast.net |
| Comments: | I have been on the tour and found that the people there are so very nice and has made me interested in the saving of the building. It is a historical site that should be saved. |
| Name: | Robert "Uncle Sam"Lee |
| E-mail address: | lee_robert_j@cat.com |
| Comments: | Well, it is hard to believe that Christmas is right around the corner. This year had flown by. I just want to take a few minutes and thank everyone for coming out and bearing the cold weather and enjoying the tours this weekend. We appreciate it very much. Would also like to thank the folks from the Chilicothe paper for coming out and learning more about what it is we are trying to do at the Bowen. We look forward to reading the article. Also, as always I want to personaly thank our volunteers for their dedication and committment to the building and helping when it is greatly needed and appreciated, thanks guys. I also want to thank Pekin Glass and Mirror for their contribution as well. We hope to see everyone again on a future tour, remember you all help re-building a piece of the past on block at atime. Merry Christmas, and please be safe this New Year .. Please contact any of us here with any questions, concerns, or comments you may have. Thanks again to all of our great contributors. Bobby . |
| Name: | Stephanie Hill |
| E-mail address: | stephanie@ghostasylum.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.ghostasylum.com |
| Comments: | HEY EVERYONE! Just wanted you guys to know that we still have open spots for tonights tours, so please drop by the website and make your reservation, or come by the building and we will get you on a tour! DON'T MISS OUT ON THE MOST EXCITING PARANORMAL EXPERIENCE OF THE YEAR! |
| Name: | Stephanie Hill |
| E-mail address: | stephanie@ghostasylum.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.ghostasylum.com |
| Comments: | Hey guys! I wanted to let you all know that we now have the option on our website for all of you to upload your videos, EVPs, & pictures to the site for everyone to see and hear. At this point, we have about 30 EVPS that are just absoluetly wonderful. Make sure and check it out and then go to www.ghostasylum.com and reserve your tour now! Look forward to seeing everyone this weekend! |
| Name: | Robert "Uncle Sam"Lee |
| E-mail address: | lee_robert_j@cat.com |
| Comments: | HI EVERYONE.... I HOPE ALL OF YOU ARE ENJOYING YOUR EXPERIENCES AT THE BUILDING. I KNOW I HAVEN'T BEEN THERE FOR A COUPEL OF WEEKS, BUT I CAN ASSURE YOU, I HAVE HEARD NOTHING BUT GOOD TOUR EXPERIENCES FROM INDIVIDUALS. I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS TIME AND LET EVERYONE KNOW, ALTHOUGH CHRISTMAS IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER, AND SOMETIMES SHOPPING TAKES TOP RANK, I CAN ASSURE YOU, NOTHING SAYS MERRY CHRISTMAS LIKE ONE OUR ORIGINAL T-SHIRTS UNDER THE TREE... SERIOUS, THEY WILL LOVE, FEEL FREE TO STOP BY THE BUILDING AND CHECK THEM OUT, MANY TO CHOOSE FROM, AND I WILL THROW MY AUTOGRAPH IN FOR FREE...LOL, NOT REALLY, THAT WILL BE TEN DOLLARS AS WELL...JUST KIDDING, ANYWAY, I WANT YOU ALL TO KNOW TOURS ARE STILL GOING ON, AND THERE IS ROOM TO SIGN UP AND ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO DROP A LINE TO MYSELF OR STEPH, AND WE WILL BE GLAD TO HELP YOU WITH ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS YOU MAY HAVE. THANKS SOOOOO MUCH FOR ALL OF YOUR SUPPORT, IN MAKING THIS A REALITY, AND REBUILDING HISTORY, 1 BLOCK AT A TIME. MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAVE SAFE AND HAPPY NEW YEAR, FROM OUR FAMILY, TO YOURS.... UNCLE SAM ... BOBBY LEE .... |
| Name: | Stephanie Hill |
| E-mail address: | www.ghostasylum.com |
| Comments: | Hey guys! I wanted to let everyone know that we still have a few openings for tours tonight. If anyone is interested please come on over to the building and we will get you into a tour. We are having them 5pm-7pm, 8pm-10pm, 10pm-Midnight. Please feel free to come on over to the building and have a GREAT PARANORMAL EXPERIENCE!!
|
| Name: | Michelle |
| E-mail address: | lomo5@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | Some friends and I went on the tour last weekend, the 28th from 10 to midnight. It was a great experience and I think we are all planning on going again. The tour guides had a lot of information and it was interesting talking to them about the paranormal and the history of the hospital!. I will be back for another tour soon hopefully! I'm so glad someones saving this building! |
| Name: | Robert "Uncle Sam"Lee |
| E-mail address: | lee_robert_j@cat.com |
| Comments: | Hello again everyone. I hope everyone had a safe and Happy Thanksgiving .... I wnated to let everyone know, tours will happen as usual this week end and we hope to see many of you folks there. Please let us know how the new web site is working for everyone, we have a great turn out thus far, but if there are any type of issues, do not hesitate to let us know. I will see you all this week end and have a safe week. Please be careful with the unperdictability of weather, stay warm as well. Thanks everyone. See you soon ... |
| Name: | Danielle |
| E-mail address: | dsappj@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | I toured the Bowen building a couple weeks ago and was amazed by the feelings the atmosphere gave me. I can't imagine what Thanksgiving or any Holiday would've been like for them, or if they were even aware of the day. Thank you for having hope and following your dreams for saving the Bowen. Have a nice Thanksgiving! |
| Name: | Tiffany |
| E-mail address: | tiffanymastronardi@Yahoo.com |
| Comments: | I was at the Insane Asylum November 22nd & I will be coming back this coming Saturday with my friend. The tour was amazing & i hope to see & hear a lot more this coming Saturday. Bob was hilarious and he made it a lot of fun. |
| Name: | Robert "Uncle Sam"Lee |
| E-mail address: | lee_robert_j@cat.com |
| Comments: | I wanted to thank everyone once again for another great weekend of tours. We truly appreciate all of your support and contributions. It does not go un-noticed. I also wanted to take a moment and thank some of the greta contributors for other things to help around the building with clean up, and updates, as well as repairs.
Lowes, Ameriac Appliance, Bartonville Hardware, Casey's General Store, Captain Hook <dumpsters>, and last but not least Steve and Berry's. Also, all of our great volunteers, we couldn't do it with out you. Dont forget everyone, we will be having the tours this week end, both nightds, Friday and Saturday, don't miss out, and call or email now. Thanks again everyone, and have a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving ..... Bobby .. |
| Name: | Stephanie Hill |
| E-mail address: | stephanie@preternaturealrealm.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.ghostasylum.com |
| Comments: | ANNOUNCEMENT!!! Just wanted everyone to know that the owners have decided to conduct tours this weekend Nov. 28th & 29th. So, for everyone that is coming into the area for the Thanksgiving holiday please make yourself and family a reservation to tour the Old State Hospital. For those of you who already live in the area, bring your families on out for a night filled with fun. Also, you can now book your tours online by going to www.ghostasylum.com and clicking Tour Info. You will be directed to the calendars with dates and times of tours that are being offered. Before and after your tour, make sure and visit our NEW GIFTSHOP! From what I hear, there are lots of great things to make your experience memorable. As always, if anyone has any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me anytime. Look forward to seeing all of you for a tour, and everyone have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving! |
| Name: | Robert "Uncle Sam"Lee |
| E-mail address: | lee_robert_j@cat.com |
| Comments: | Good afternoon all. Just wanted to remind everyone that is signed up for the tours this weekend, please bundle up. It is supposed to be a chilly one and of coarse, with out any windows, it is hard to close them.... anyway, I look forward to seeing everyone that is signed up for either night, tonight or tomorrow. If you still wnat to go on the tours, we are now having a 5-7pm tour, on the week-ends... not bad..... so you have three oppurtunities to take the tour and three oppurtunities to get the crap scared out of you... just kidding again, but really, I am sure the building will be excited and active to see all of you.... talk to you soon, have a grreat week end. Bobby lEE ... |
| Name: | Michelle Ghidina |
| E-mail address: | luvoct31@hotmail.com |
| Comments: | Just wanted to drop back by the guestbook and say the tour was AWESOME!! My girlfriend and I along with another friend did the overnight 6 hour tour Friday the 14th! We definitely had experiences and have pics to prove it. Wow was it awesome! One of the best parts was being able to talk to JC, Richard and Stephanie. They are all awesome. That definately added to the tour being able to talk with them throughout the night. They have such great information to share with you. The new shirts they got in are great and they're also carrying Gary Lisman's book, "Bittersweet Memories". It's a book on the history of the Hospital. I can't stop reading it!! Thanks for signing it by the way Gary!!! : ) Anyway, check this tour out. Coolest thing I've ever done and I'm thinking I'm gonna do it again!! You gotta be "CRAZY" if you don't check it out!!! |
| Name: | Gary Lisman |
| Comments: | My daughter, grandaughter, and myself had the pleasure of spending the night at the Bowen Building on November 14,08. All three of us had our own unique experinces there. One was a beliver in the paranormal, one was somewhat of a skeptic, and one was a true skeptic. Our difference did not, however, spoil the evenings events. We all had a wonderful time.
I highly recommend that anyone who has the opportunity to take advantage of this unique experience. I wish to thank Richard and his family and staff for making our evening one to remember. Gary |
| Name: | Robert "Uncle Sam"Lee |
| E-mail address: | lee_robert_j@cat.com |
| Comments: | Wow !!!! We had some great action and really cool experiences this past week end. For those of you on my tours when we experienced what we did in the basement, believe me when I say, it was active all night.... really cool stuff. Again, thanks to everyone for your contributions, again, we had another great group of guest's and we truly appreciate all of your help in trying to rebuild this great piece of history, one brick at a time. Again, we would love to invite folks back for yet another tour, I want to let you all know, if you thought the 2hour tour was amazing, you all should try the over-nite....it will be well worth it... basically the building is your to roam all night from top to bottom and a little more intimate with the guest that may still be there...wink, wink... anyway, thanks everyone, we truly hope to see you all again. It means alot to us to see all of your support and help. With out any of you, it would not be possible. Thanks, and tell a freind....
Almost forgot, if you missed out and would like to take a piece of history home, we have new t-shirts"that I designed" that just arrived and they are awesome, please feel free to stop by and grab one and check them out, only 15 dollars... your choice...i think they are very cool...especially the physc ward...the number on it does have sinificance...talk to you all again soon...thanks and happy haunting ... that was cheesey i know... have a great thanks giving everyone... |
| Name: | Stephanie Hill |
| E-mail address: | www.ghostasylum.com |
| Comments: | Hello Everyone, and THANK YOU for the individuals that we have had calling, emailing and participating in the tours of the Asylum. This past weekend we had another GREAT weekend and LOTS of people that SAW and HEARD the paranormal aspects of the building. As, "UNCLE SAM" has said in his previous entries, The Save the Bowen Family, sincerely appreciates everyone that has helped us in our quest to restore the history and the building.
I wanted to make an entry and let everyone know that I have recently taken over the quest of scheduling the reservations for the tours. If anyone is trying to make reservations or is interested in learing more about the tours, I welcome you to contact me through the www.ghostasylum.com website by clicking on the EMAIL link and I will get right back with you about scheduling your tour. Again, I want to THANK EVERYONE from the bottom of our hearts for your contributions to this magnificent project. We look forward to hearing from you and seeing you on our tours! |
| Name: | Patricia Snyder |
| E-mail address: | willowbroom2@aol.com |
| Comments: | My husband and I took the tour last night. (Nov. 15)and we were glad we did. I grew up in Calif. and remember going through the hospital grounds on a visit to my Grandparents. I was 12 at the time and remember it well. Everyone was walking around out side. Some people looked lost and one lady was pulling a little wagon with a doll in it. I hope your dream of restoring the Bowen happens. Thank you for the tour. I got alot of good pictures. One I can't explain. Two lights of different color coming from the chest of your tour guide in the attic.
Thanks again, Patti & John |
| Name: | Kimbery |
| E-mail address: | stiles95@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | We did the tour last nite and it was so amazing! I got a few pictures that have some things in them that I can not explain...
We will be coming back to do it again and thank you for the wonderful and exciting tour! |
| Name: | spang |
| E-mail address: | davefan85@gmail.com |
| Comments: | so we went on the tour last night(11/15) and they kept mentioning something that happened on halloween night but they weren't allowed to say what it was...is the family that it happened to reading this guestbook? or can anyone tell us anything... thanks! p.s. grreat tour!!! |
| Name: | emma |
| E-mail address: | edance13@hotmail.com |
| Comments: | WOW! I was on the tour on Friday Nov. 14 with Robert as my guide! That tour rocked! We were on the second floor and we seriously saw two ghosts by the window! SO COOL! Totally worth 25 bucks! Anyway, thanks Bob for being my guide! (Not sure if you remember me, but I was the short 13 year old with my friend Sarah) Your the best tour guide! Wish I could come back and do it again! I got tons of awesome pics! Only thing is, i cant get the freaking hand stamp off my hand! =D I think I will have the word "BOO!" on my hand forever! =)
Thanks again Bob and everyone else at the State Hospital! Cant wait to watch the show on Ghost hunters! |
| Name: | Robert "Uncle Sam"Lee |
| E-mail address: | lee_robert_j@cat.com |
| Comments: | Another great week-end in upon for some great groups and great tours. The building has been real active this week. I have been there doing some new things and adding doors here and there. If there is anyone coming for the tours this week-end, please be sure to check out our gift shop and some of the new items we have starting this week and some arriving next week. I again, want to say thanks and I look forward to seeing everyone and hope you have a great experience. Remeber, have fun and enjoy yourself and take one of our suvinoir shirts home or even a hat. Thanks again for all of your contributions, see you soon. |
| Name: | Jennifer |
| E-mail address: | jenniferdapper@yahoo,com |
| Comments: | I would love to visit the building! I was hoping for many years that the public would finally be able to tour the facility. My husband and I would love to help in any way we can. |
| Name: | Amber Lewis |
| E-mail address: | amber_Sassman@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | I was in a group with my husband and my parents for the overnight tour last Friday night. It was an unbelieveable experience! We have lots of pictures of orbs and a couple that show a nurse and a little girl. I would recommend it to anyone who is brave enough!! I would like to go back again. It's great what you guys are doing to save the building. If you need any volunteers, please let me know as we are interested in helping out however we can!
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| Name: | Marla Olson |
| E-mail address: | theolsons_07@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | I would love to bring my family for a tour the weekend of Nov 21st/22nd. Please let me know how to set up a tour! |
| Name: | Robert "Uncle Sam"Lee |
| E-mail address: | lee_robert_j@cat.com |
| Comments: | I want to thanks all of the folks who fought the bitter cold to visit us this week end. yet another great week end of tours and much activity. I wanted to also thank my groups that I took on my tours, you all were awesome, and very fun to be take around. I hope all of you, even the couple of doubters I had, you know who you were, lol... had a blat. Please leave your feedback, and I truly mean it when I say, we are so greatful for your contributions and hope to see all of you again.
*** I also wanted to add, if any of you are having any type of issues, feel free to contact me at anytime, and I will certainly help as much as I can, the reservations are filling up fast, but please do not hesitate to contact with concerns or questions. Thanks again, see you all real soon. |
| Name: | Robert "Uncle Sam"Lee |
| E-mail address: | lee_robert_j@cat.com |
| Comments: | Ok, so we made it through another week end of alot of activity and a couple of great tours. Let me first say, the two groups that went with me, thank you. We are so appreciative and I want you all to know, I had a blast. Please tell your freinds and family and let us know your feedback and experience. Once we look forward to some more great tours in the future. Please come back and visit us and remember, you all have been a part of rebuilding a piece of the past, one brick at a time. Thanks again, and we truly hope to see all of again.
*** I also wanted to add, if you are having issues with reservations, please fell free to contact us or myself and I willcertainly get the info to the right person. See you soon. |
| Name: | Michele Tenbrook |
| E-mail address: | mtenbrook@gmail.com |
| Comments: | I wish you all the luck in saving this building. I Went through it Saturday night with my brother, Tom (he did all those great stair railings!) and was not only scared but fascinated! Hope to be back to see your progress soon.
Michele |
| Name: | janet chaudhry |
| E-mail address: | highart51@aol.com |
| Comments: | I NEED INFO ON HOW TO GET TICKETS..THIS IS AWESOME. MY SISTER AND I ARE ARE EXTREMELY INTERESTED IN THE TOURS.
WE WANT TO BE PART OF HELPING TO SAVE THIS INCREDIBLE BUILDING. WHAT A HUGE TASK YOU HAVE TAKEN ON. LET ME KNOW WHAT WE CAN DO TO HELP. |
| Name: | Nick Bridges Jr. |
| E-mail address: | nnickb8@mtco.com |
| Comments: | Hi:
I just want to say that I had a blast on the ghost tour tonight and do believe now that the place is "active". I drive by that place all the time and wished to go in there sometime and you guys made that dream a reality. I wish you all tons of luck on trying to maintain and save this Peoria landmark and historic building. I bought a couple of t-shirts from you tonight as well. My prayers are with you all to try to raise a lot of money to save this bulding. I'm very proud of donating to you and the tour guide we had was OUTSTANDING!! I took the 10-midnight tour tonight. All the best and let's ave this building! Nick Bridges Jr. |
| Name: | Michelle Ghidina |
| E-mail address: | luvoct31@hotmail.com |
| Comments: | I just wanna say that you guys really have a great plan! Good Job!! That building is one of the coolest things I have ever laid eyes on and it's sat abandoned for way too long!! I think the Bed/Breakfast idea is great. As you've discovered, this is an area of interest for many people from all over and a Bed/Breakfast would really do well!!! I look forward to taking a tour and learning what history I don't already know. I've done research on it over the years. Can't wait to see what you make of it!! |
| Name: | Meghan Hand |
| E-mail address: | madgehands@hotmail.com |
| Comments: | Here's to you for saving the Bowen building.
It's a big project, but I am so glad that someone has finally taken responsibility to save this historic site. KUDOS! |
| Name: | Dianne L |
| E-mail address: | ladyrider141@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | I am a sensitive.
I went on the tour. I saw a shadow person on the third floor. I heard moans, and crying in the basement. I also saw a ghost of a man in the basement. I saw the nurse ghost the tour guide speaks about on the tour. I also hear doors slamming when I was separate from the tour. |
| Name: | rose taylor |
| E-mail address: | rosemalibu@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | I have always been fascinated with the building and thought
it was ashame to see it sit and fall apart, i am so happy about the restoration, the tours and hope to go on a tour someday Id like to see for myself if there are spirits walking around, the building is very special, and ive heard stuff about those who lived there, the building should not be torn down by no means it would not be right for those spirits left behind, im so excited for this renovation and would love to hear more stories about those who lived there, |
| Name: | Carol Deavers |
| E-mail address: | caroldeavers@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | keep us posted. those of us not living near peoria would love to do the $100.00 tour. sorry we didn't know about it, i feel we missed a great oppertunity! |
| Name: | Nikki Melton |
| E-mail address: | nicolemelton2@comcast.net |
| Comments: | I have been fascinated with the old state hospital ever since I was in H.S. My friends & I snuck in and walked through parts of it but now I would like the chance to really "see" and experience it. I left a message on the machine Sat. night regarding a tour and when I tried back today it said the mailbox was full. I hope that I can get a tour scheduled for my sister and I this weekend because I would love to see the building and grounds restored and would help any way possible. |
| Name: | Robert "Uncle Sam"Lee |
| E-mail address: | lee_robert_j@cat.com |
| Comments: | I would like to say thanks to all of you who came out on Halloween and took the tours or inquired about a future tour. I am currently helping out with the tours and trying to get everything together and I just wanted to let all of you know, it is very much worth it. Being able to be a part of bringing history back to life, one brick ata atime, is my plessure. Myself and my family have become great freinds with Richard and his wonderful family, they are so gracious and thanksful for everything. On behalf of the entire Save the Baoen family, "Thank You". We will see you again, and look forward to meeting new faces. We also would like to extend an invitation to those who may have or knew someone that has stories or pictures, it would be awesome if you shared your story. Again thnaks, and feel free to contact any of us with any questions or comments. |
| Name: | Nancy Crawley |
| E-mail address: | beckdave@sbcglobal.net |
| Comments: | My sister and I would love to be involved in some kind of the work to save this beautiful building.It does carry some intrest to us as young kids our mother did her internship at the hospital for nursing.Years later I have had interest in some antiques only intetesting pieces and one I have in my bedroom now is a white hospital bed from the days in use at the hospital.I would def.have to make sure this very neat piece found it's way back home after all these years!!!! Not to mention my other half is a plumber,electrician,HVAC{heating/a/c}installer and been in the business for 15 years.I know we could put him to use. We would love to do the tours but,we are having trouble with tickets.Please contact us... Nancy
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| Name: | Samantha |
| E-mail address: | onhighorse2@sbcglobal.net |
| Comments: | As I read all the entries in the guest book I really see a glimpse of just how many people are tied and connected in some way with this AMAZING building. I'm only 15 and maybe have no personal connection "YET" with the building but I've done research and a large amount of reading on the building. And I know this building can't sit there or be torn down, it has so much history to it. Saving the Bowen is such a great idea. I'm glad to see that it won't sit around anymore and life is breathed into it again as it once was. Restoring the building into whatever it is destined to be will give kids like me, who are interested in history and maybe the paranormal, to experience what many people have with this building. Best of luck to all who help. If you ever need tile or terrazzo, my dad would sure love to help and I would too with anything else in cleaning up! :)
P.S. I will someday very soon, have my experiences with the hospital. If it’s like what my family says it is inside, it will be a great paranormal experience for me. I would also love to see TAPS (The Atlantic Paranormal Society) aka Ghost Hunters, do an investigation when the building is completed or maybe even before. That would very cool for me to see. I'm sure they would love to. GOOD LUCK! |
| Name: | lindsay |
| E-mail address: | linzmama76@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | this is a great idea, but i am having trouble getting tix. can anyone help? |
| Name: | Debra-Heith Evans |
| E-mail address: | bigdreams_26@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | Cant wait to stay the night!!!!I have been intrigued with the hospital site for a long time!!!! |
| Name: | Bill Jacobs |
| E-mail address: | brimfield196@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | Hello,
I spent much of my childhood in the 60's just across the street on Ricketts, my grandparents lived at 601...and there were always "interesting" activities and sounds from the grounds. Would always try to explore as much as we could, if we would be quiet and walk slow, we would be able to go through the woods and come up by the cemetary and walk the grounds. I am chief maintenance engineer for a large commercial real estate company, if I can be of any help in repairing or coming up with materials, please let me know. Best of luck... Bill Jacobs |
| Name: | Darrin DeJaynes |
| E-mail address: | chakotay_95@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | Very interesting website. |
| Name: | Steaven S. Carey |
| E-mail address: | butchza@mtco.com |
| Comments: | I think it is about time that the old hospital be turned into a positive asset to the community. Why can't the building help the community in some way regardless of it's previous reputation? |
| Name: | Lindsey |
| E-mail address: | single_blond_84@msn.com |
| Comments: | I would love to know how I can help with this project. I think it would make an amazing hotel. It would attract visitors and tourist type people from everywhere. |
| Name: | robert smith |
| E-mail address: | lbob1953@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | I think that saving the Bowen is something a lot of locale folks would be willing to help with. I hope you will put me on your contact list as i would love to partisapate. |
| Name: | Kelley |
| E-mail address: | kelleyp1999@verizon.net |
| Comments: | I must be out of the loop, fundraisers? volunteering? The last I heard of this the hospital was still in the process of being purchased... I'm quite sad that I've missed out!! I would love to volunteer or participate in the fundraising. I think this is great!!! Can I be contacted next time something is being done?? |
| Name: | deana hartig |
| E-mail address: | hartigdeana@hotmail.com |
| Comments: | I think it is great that you are trying to save this wonderful building when I was growing up this building was still being used we had a family friend who was a nurse out there for a short period of time. I love holloween and I love the ghost hauntings and all that goes with it I do believe that it is haunted by the many people who lived there in there life they havent left and I think they would love the idea that you are trying to get it back to a place where they can call there home again. I am sure that in the long run it will all turn out for you I don't get the paper so I did not know that it had gone this far. I wish I could afford to do one of the tours but at this time it is not in my budget I have a son who just got back from afghanastand and he loves this kind of stuff so if he really wants to go with me I may just have to find a way to fit this into my budget if there is any space availabel I will check into it tomorrow if not good luck to you and keep up the great spirt and dream you have for this it will all work out in the end. |
| Name: | Jeremiah |
| E-mail address: | iotb_75@hotmail.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://thegrigorigroup.com |
| Comments: | I think its a great thing that your doing..preserving our past is the only way to ensure that we enrich our future!
i def want to help save this historic site by any means possible! my team and i are willing to offer whatever aid you may require..i have an established and successful website and paranormal investigative team..i can offer my website for free advertising if you would like..or even personal help with the reconstruction and cleanup, i myself am an architect for R.P. Lumber (for 5 years,in bloomington) so my expertise could be valuable in assessment of structural integrity as well as augmentation and or rennovation! i would love to talk to whomever is interested about this all! also..getting a team in there with all the equipment i have would be a great opportunity to set paranormal precedent, thus possibly effecting historical signifigance and value! please contact me if your interested in my proposal! thank you for your time! ~Jeremiah~ Founder, Lead Investigator The Grigori Group(.com) |
| Name: | amy |
| E-mail address: | amyfarris64@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | i have always wondered if someone would ever take over this building and use it for something great, i always thought that it would make a nice museum,,
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| Name: | Angela Littleton |
| E-mail address: | nothinevrchanges@aol.com |
| Comments: | I hope all goes well for the Bowen building and everyone that is envolved in saving and trying to protect a beautiful historical place in Bartonville ! I am new to the site,heard about the hospital via t.v. about 10 months ago (ghost hunter chan.) Iam visiting my husband, who now lives here. I was able to ride by the Bowen Building and take a pic. A remarkable job on clean up!! I wish I could be apart of yall's volunteer program,but I live in FL. But via US MAIL, $ $ can always be donated in place of----I love historical sites/not ghosts.Want to buy the books! My number is 904-477-6602 |
| Name: | Sheron Gogoe |
| E-mail address: | slg195278@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | I love this building. I do believe in spirits and am convinced this building has it's share. It is a great old building and it would be awful to see it destroyed. I remember when the state hospital was open and so many more buildings were on the grounds. I hope there will be a way to preserve it. |
| Name: | Janet Fulton |
| E-mail address: | gmaj_2003@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | I have lived in Bartonville & surrounding areas for almost 30 yrs& my children & I have always been enamored by the building..it would be a historical travesty if this piece of history were demolished! Has anybody tried the historical society? If Peoria has one,surely they could protect peoria county also. As for problems with the city of Bartonville,that does not shock me...only saddens me to think that just because they are too young to remember or did not grow up around it means they don't want to save it. Keep this site posted & I will keep hoping everything works out for this facinatingly beautiful building & I will make sure many of my friends & family check it out also. |
| Name: | teri smith |
| E-mail address: | skookboo@sbcglobal.net |
| Comments: | The 27th of September was GREAT! To be able to set foot inside, if only a few rooms(a tease).I was happy to see so many people show up at " Save The Bowen " ....and even happier that a fundrasier was organized to help save this building. And the wonderful guess they had. I only hope it does not fall on blind eye's(Bartonville City Board). This is a wonderful piece of history for Bartonville, if they would take effort in the concern for this building, it's history, and the building,it could, and would put them on the map. Look at how many people took part on the 27th. I'm looking forward to more events to help save this building. My daughter and I will be there! Let the city of Bartonville know how you feel about Save the Bowen. |
| Name: | Chuckles |
| E-mail address: | greenapplephotos@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | I have always loved this building, i drive by it whenever i can. Even now its so beautiful, and i would be heart broken to see so much history torn down. Id love to help you guys in any way i can.Please contact me by email.Thanks |
| Name: | Linda Walsh |
| E-mail address: | silvermaker56@yahoo.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.myspace.com/silvermaker56 |
| Comments: | Hi Richard, I was glad to participate in the Fundraiser yesterday. I only wish that we'd had more advertising for the artists...and that it wasn't the same weekend as the Art Guild Fair on the Riverfront in Peoria. I was glad to donate what I could, but I really lost money on that one!
Good luck with your project. Do you have records of the patients? My grandma, M. Beatrice VanWinkle was a patient there, and is still living --100 years old last May. Linda Walsh |
| Name: | Shelly Hancock |
| E-mail address: | kestrel269@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | I finally got to see the interior of the Bowen today at the fund raiser, thank you. I've been waiting 15 years to get to see it! I was in tears though to see how badly vandals had disrespected this beautiful building. I am fascinated with the impressive history of this building as well as the rich history of Peoria State Hospital. Thank you for saving this gem of Central Illinois. I would be glad to help out when you come to refurbishing the interior and bring it back to its original grandeur. |
| Name: | Matt Guppy |
| E-mail address: | mguppy06@hotmail.com |
| Comments: | Very interesting in helping out. I have some stories from my Grandpa and family I can share. They had an open house in the Bowen in the late 70s - early 80s. I remember going thru the building and touring it. All of these buildings were open to the public (at least for us kids :) until development started. The boiler house was the most impressive with it's massive steam pipes and coal burners.
Matt |
| Name: | Winston Dunbar |
| E-mail address: | YoungTurksBand@yahoo.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.RodsTribute.com |
| Comments: | It's good to see someone trying to save a great old building. Thank you for your efforts! |
| Name: | Charmin Leas |
| E-mail address: | monkeybones67@hotmail.com |
| Comments: | I am so glad that someone has decided to do something with the awesome historical landmark. I would like to help with the resoration as far as manual labor. My family and I would be honored to be a part. Please cantact me with info of when you would require our services. I am so excited about this. |
| Name: | Tracy Clark |
| E-mail address: | tralynn_13@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | My best friend and I have been very interested in the Bowen Building for quite some time now. We made it a quest to find the old cemeteries and would love to volunteer any time we can to restoring the old place. We have always wanted to tour the inside of the building, but have not for fear that we might get into trouble. Please feel free to contact me via e-mail if you need any help at all...Thanks
P.S For all of our detective work we started to call ourselves "The Nancy Drew's" We laugh everytime we plan our adventures.... |
| Name: | victor fendley |
| E-mail address: | thefam2003@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | have always heard of the legends of this place and people i know that have said they have been in there but who knows hope all goes well and this historic places can be saved |
| Name: | Carol Mack LeFave |
| E-mail address: | carol@fawps.org |
| Homepage URL: | http://fawps.org |
| Comments: | I am very excited about this project and the prospect of an overnight investigation. |
| Name: | Kim |
| E-mail address: | myarrows@mchsi.com |
| Comments: | I just met a lady at a Fall art show. I bought Rob's book and she told us about the building. Personally I think that a part of the building ought to be used to educate the public and honor the population of patients that the building entombs. I think that our country still treats people with mental illness badly. I think they are a terribly misunderstood people. I don't believe that treatments and therapy have come nearly as far as they should have in 100's of years. The building holds many memories. Well I have alot of passion about this topic. I think we have treated and continue to treat people with mental illness with a terrible disregard. It is something we don't understand and puts us out of our comfort zones. I just think that it would be great and an awesome opportunity to remind the public about those that still suffer from mental illnesses.
I am all for the ghost tours. Has anyone ever visited Union Station in St. Louis? I love reading all the stories and things written about those that passed through the station. Something like that at the Peoria State Hospital would be cool also. Whatever happens I wish you the best. I do hope to be able to come out on a weekend and get dirty to help the building and bring success to the many dreams people have had in the past and the future. |
| Name: | Pat Welsch |
| E-mail address: | pwelsch2003@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | This is very exciting news. I learned about it from listening to the HIPPY station advertising about the event on Sept. 27, 2008. If I can help I would be glad to. |