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: | Phil Gagliano |
| E-mail address: | pgaglian@advancedtech.com |
| Comments: | Visited the hospital on June 18, 2008 on the full moon. Never went inside, but enjoyed the atmosphere around the old building. Plan on returning and visiting the grave yards with my camera during the day. Would love to volunteer my time to help restore the jewel! I am an electrical/ mechanical tech w 16+ years of industrial experience. |
| Name: | Anita Burnett |
| E-mail address: | rainbows513@gmail.com |
| Comments: | I would like to be contacted by your group. I would like to help in your efforts. Please contact me at the above email. |
| Name: | Elizabeth |
| E-mail address: | beth.tarver@sbcglobal.net |
| Name: | nikita |
| E-mail address: | butterfly_1961554@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | I have been inside the building many many years ago and have alot of vidio footage of voices and some white figure walking infront of me which you could not see with your eyes and did not see this at the time of filming either so I think it would be a shame to interrupt these poor helpless spirits that was a home too them and for most of them the staff was there only family so leave this amazing building alone and get it safe enough for people to tore Im not saying like make this big musium because it is really cool how it is but like fixing the major hazards and put hospital things back in there and letting people that are beleavers try and get in touch with the paranormal i think it would do really good and bring in alot of people from all over everyone probably thinks i am crazy but this building did not let me down when i was in it the cop is the one that let me down and I also have alot of pictures and you can can actually see the ghost no joke and i send alot of thank out to Old Book aka A. Bookbinder and man with a big heart and no words |
| Name: | harryman |
| E-mail address: | dansoliver@hotmail.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://harrymanx.tripod.com |
| Comments: | i like to look for ghosts....i had to always sleep in the basement and search my neighbor's pants for the paranormal...i never found a ghost but i did find repressed memories |
| Name: | Amanda Frisby |
| E-mail address: | countononlyme@hotmail.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://myspace.com/countononlyme |
| Comments: | I know that there are a lot of people in the community that are in support of restoring this building. It is so good to see that efforts are being made to do just that. I think that you could raise money by means of a community event. During this event it would be a good idea to show plans on how the community would be able to tour the building once the renovations were complete. |
| Name: | matthew barth |
| E-mail address: | mattnjaime8@q.com |
| Comments: | as a teenager we lived down the street on meadow lane and use to go over to the state hospital all the time I think we loved the creepy feeling of it but never saw the basement of the bowen building always wanted to to though never had a flashlight and the gutts. |
| Name: | Western Illinois Paranormal Society |
| E-mail address: | westernillinoisparanormalsociety@hotmail.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.freewebs.com/westernillinoisparanormalsociety |
| Comments: | Hello and Greetings Friends,
I think its great that u want to save such a great building but I was wondering if u knew who has the property now and how we can contact them.If u coud get ahold of me as soon as possible I would really be greatful.Thanks for your time! Shelly |
| Name: | scott nauman |
| E-mail address: | smnauma@hotmail.com |
| Name: | Richard Weiss |
| E-mail address: | info@savethebowen.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.savethebowen.com |
| Comments: | Hello:
We finally got our 501c3 designation from the IRS and we have set up a donations page on our website. At the request of a few individual we have also listed the current Board members on the website. Please visit us regularly as we are trying to keep the site updated with the latest news about our progress. |
| Name: | Richard Weiss |
| E-mail address: | info@savethebowen.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.savethebowen.com |
| Comments: | Hello everyone, We finally received our 501 c 3 designation from the IRS. We are now accepting donations via Network for Good on our donation page of www.savethebowen.com. We have also listed our current Board members per your request. |
| Name: | Brian K. |
| Comments: | Will you please do two things:
1. Identify the offiers and directors of Save The Bowen, Inc. I would feel more comfortable making a donation if I knew who is guarding the donations and using them. 2. Make it easy to donate online. |
| Name: | Sandra Rogers |
| E-mail address: | slr7197@hotmail.com |
| Comments: | I can't wait to see the progress on saving this beautiful old building and the history that goes along with it. |
| Name: | Jenifer |
| E-mail address: | jmschaut76@yahoo.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.shaklee.net/Wellness_Mommiee |
| Comments: | Congratulations and the best of luck to you! This is truly an amazing feat and I look forward to seeing your progress. Certainly sometimes the historical nature of these buildings deserves a great respect. |
| Name: | A Roger H. |
| E-mail address: | dgreviewer@ieaccess.com |
| Comments: | My family and I spent many enjoyable evenings in the company of PSH Superintendant Dr Henry & Rose Staras in their 2nd floor apartment of the Bowen Bldg and I even had a summer job in 1965 in the basement of the Bowen (we called the the Administration Bldg) organizing the archives. Rose quietly passed away at Proctor Hospital two years ago and never had an opportunity to re-visit the hospital grounds after moving out in the 70's I am sure she would approve of your ambitious plans to restore the building. |
| Name: | Heather Johnson |
| E-mail address: | rose.ryan@insightbb.com |
| Name: | heather burgess |
| E-mail address: | memee98_01@yahoo.com |
| Name: | Anna S. |
| E-mail address: | the_evil_squirrels_r_coming@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | Thats great what you are doing. I have always loved that building. I agree with the B&B idea. It would give you a great gimmick with people believing the hospital is haunted. I am also willing to donate my time. Once again I applaud your efforts to save a beautiful peice of all of our history. |
| Name: | Jennah G. |
| E-mail address: | pumis_wolf@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | I am so happy that there is an organization out there willing to save this property. I see so much potential with it. It is such a beautiful structure and I hope that it will be saved. As for ideas I would love to see it become a B&B, but I also think tours would be a great thing for the place as well, since there are so many people interested in it as a "haunted" place. Although I do not have money to donate I would be willing to donate my time to the restoration of this great place, so just let me know. :) |
| Name: | Heather H. |
| E-mail address: | Bolin78@hotmail.com |
| Comments: | I think what you are doing is a wonderful thing. The architecture of this building is just beautiful.....
-Heather |
| Name: | CIGI - Traci |
| E-mail address: | cigi_traci@yahoo.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.cigia.net |
| Comments: | please feel free to use our bartonville pics for this website.
we would pay to get our 4 member team in there for an investigation. even in the daytime |
| Name: | Wes |
| E-mail address: | loudguitar@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | I'm glad to see there is a group trying to restore this old building. Of course, everyone knows about the haunted stories of the building, but I would love to see what the building would look like fully restored. I'd love to be a part of any of the restoration work. I'm a carpenter and plaster. If you ever get the funds available, I'd love to be able to help. |
| Name: | Amy Gardner |
| E-mail address: | agbridal@yahoo.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.myspace.com/peoriawedplanner |
| Comments: | I love walking through the grounds of the Old state Hospitol. My Grandmother actually worked there before I was born. She was brought over from Indiana to work as a nurse. It was after she was here that she met my grandfather and they settled in Bartonville where my family has grown. I would love to see all of the buildings that are still standing saved. |
| Name: | Michelle Little |
| E-mail address: | singup2him@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | I think haunted tours with a dinner area, maybe some bed and breakfast type rooms would be an awesome way to generate some revenue if the building is restored. |
| Name: | Cindy |
| E-mail address: | tintab@mtco.com |
| Comments: | I have done genealogy for the passed 15 + years for my family and my friends family. Since I started doing genealogy I have also become interested in cemeteries. During my searching I have found out that a great aunt worked at the "Hospital" and am wondering if her mother may have been a patient there. I and other genealogists would like to see something dedicated to the people that worked and lived there (and buried there). A place for us to go and do research and learn what it was like from the beginning to its final day. To give the people that are buried there, their do respect. I hope that all your efforts aren't for the money but for the preservation of our history. I do understand that money is needed to get it out of its present condition and to keep it from becoming that way again, but I've seen the 'money' ends up more important.
I do wish you all the best of luck and thank you for the outstanding effort. Cindy |
| Name: | Larry L Smith |
| E-mail address: | LarryLSmith@mchsi.com |
| Comments: | I just drove by there yesterday and visited the cemetary.The building is fabulous and MUST be viably preserved. It could be made financially feasible, I think as multistory shopping and entertainment complex.It could be like a strip mall, but on multiple levels. There is enough square footage there to accomodate dozens of retailers. With money and imagination it could work . The building looks good for hundreds of years. In spite of the asbestous removal etc, it looks structually VERY VIABLE.It reminds me of the limestone structures on Arsenal Island up here in the QC area. Best of luck to you. What a place! |
| Name: | carol deavers |
| E-mail address: | devers4.1@verizon.net |
| Comments: | i would like to be the first to "reserve" 4 rooms for the bed n breakfast. remember me when its done.
Carol |
| Name: | Carrie Downing |
| E-mail address: | MyzBhaven2@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | i want to help save the Bowen Building. What can i do to help? |
| Name: | Jolene |
| E-mail address: | jmw72@grics.net |
| Comments: | The Bowen Building: A majestic wonder! I too would love to help in efforts to restore such a rich facet of the greater Peoria heritage! Is there any way that this diamond in the rough can be obtain funds from the state as part of a historical landmark fund, study or grant? I would appreciate it if someone could contact me to help. Lets all make an effort to contact our state representatives to obtain more information regarding the restoration of this endangered specie! |
| Name: | Bob Shelabarger |
| E-mail address: | shellys62vett@aol.com |
| Comments: | This is very interesting. I hope enough can be done to bring this building back to life. |
| Name: | Justine |
| E-mail address: | Justin18@tconl.com |
| Comments: | Just wanted to say that I hope you succeed in saving this mysterious old hosptial. We came a week ago from Nebraska to see it. I would love to have a tour of it one day! Good luck!
|
| Name: | Lindsay |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.lindsayedwards.com |
| Comments: | I visited the Bowen today to take some photos of the outside. I have visited many abandoned buildings and this one took my breath away. I would love to see the inside one day. I fully support renovating this amazing structure, more people need to see this amazing building for themselves. |
| Name: | crystal bayer |
| E-mail address: | angel_boo_2@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | i am happy to know that someone is doing something so great to save this place. i have in past medical records that my great grandmother has that i had relitives "god rest their souls" that were in bowen. i am very dedicated to the thought of saveing it. |
| Name: | knight in dragonland |
| E-mail address: | knightindragonland@yahoo.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://knightindragonland.blogpeoria.com/ |
| Comments: | It's a grand old building and it saddens me to see it in its current state. Good luck with your endeavors!
Were you aware that the Peoria State Hospital has received some recent notoriety in the local blogosphere on the Name This Peoria Landmark blog? http://namethispeorialandmark.blogpeoria.com/ |
| Name: | Ray Johnson |
| E-mail address: | familyhistory50@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | I had sent an email to info@savethebowen.com and wasn't sure if it was working. I know that other restoration projects of old buildings have used the tours and haunted house ideas to fund restoration. I am in the process of forming a team to start a haunted attraction with a "haunted hospital" theme and was wondering if the building might be a possible location. Good Luck |
| Name: | Cindy Hall |
| E-mail address: | rjhall1@uiuc.edu |
| Comments: | Hi. Both my parents worked at the Peoria State Hospital for more than 30 years. My father worked in the Alcoholic Ward, and my mother was a clerk stenographer (Clinical Director's office and the Director of Psychiatric Services office) in the Bowen Building. I also worked as a volunteer during the summers. I have several clippings and a scrapbook that my mother saved during all those years. They may be of some help in restoring the building. Good luck! |
| Name: | Chelsea Parker |
| E-mail address: | Devilgurl12870@aol.com |
| Comments: | I would love to help out in any way. I love that building and would be heartbroken if we lost it. |
| Name: | Natasha |
| E-mail address: | Nelly_tasha_37@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | I think it is an amazing idea to save this place! But I do think that making a hotel or something of that sort and showing off the history is a good idea. There are already tons of people visiting it, and most of them just wanting to learn a little more about it, or to find something interesting.. i think it is very important to save this place! |
| Name: | Chris |
| E-mail address: | jaderose1300@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | I just recently moved to Bartonville. I am a former chef that sees a HUGE potential in the Bowen Bldg. This could become a world class people drawer if done correctly. An exclusive hotel with an emphasis on the history of the place and the occult in general. That would be awesome. We are right by the airport. This could be used to fly in from anywhere. Do not destroy this beautiful bldg. What a terrible shame that would be. |
| Name: | natalie |
| E-mail address: | nmcclaskey20@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | I just wanted to say keep up the good work!!! I hope this comes true for you and i cant waite to see it open!! |
| Name: | Brian Pearson |
| E-mail address: | lawsdivine@hotmail.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.geocities.com/bartonvillesh |
| Comments: | To the SavetheBowen team-
Congrats on your efforts to save one of the most beautiful and historic buildings in Central Illinois! For four years now I have contemplated starting something as you guys have, and I commend you for actually doing so. My great-grandmother spent the last 10 years of her life inside PSH and my efforts to learn all I can about it have become exhausted. Your site breathes new life into those efforts. My interests in the Hospital are far from peaked, and I would like to volunteer in helping you guys in ANY way I can. Ill mow the lawn, shovel dirt, plant flowers, carry debris.....Ill do anything that will lead to the restoration and future viewing of Bowen, so please feel free to contact me. Again, congrats on all your efforts and may they be fruitful to the highest degree. |
| Name: | Michael Gray |
| E-mail address: | ritterkreuz_2000@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | I own a company that is presently right behind the Bowen Building and would help in any way I can...Let's preserve HISTORY! |
| Name: | Sandy |
| E-mail address: | eeyorelover22003@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | I stumbled on your site and just thought that I would add my two cents. I agree that the building should be saved but not because I am one who believes in all the ghost nonsense!! My great grandfather was an alcoholic and was committed to the State hospital where he resided until he died in 1950. He is buried at the graveyard by the hospital. I just think that not only should it be preserved for family members of those who resided there but also because if the buildings go then the graveyard is sure to follow. Let the residents get the peace they surely deserve!! |
| Name: | Christopher Crawford |
| E-mail address: | ccrawford3845@sbcglobal.net |
| Comments: | Best of luck with your efforts. I think a ghost museum sounds really cool. Does Illinois have one ? |
| Name: | Vicki L. Golden |
| E-mail address: | mvgolden@bwsys.net |
| Comments: | I think a movie should be made at this facility to reveal the interesting and fascinating history of this site. |
| Name: | Jeff Vorderstrasse |
| E-mail address: | dvord@insightbb.com |
| Comments: | I go buy the Old hospital once in a while. I have Met Many
People who Remember the Old Hospital and they all agree with Me that this Building Should Be saved. So I hope the Bowen Building can. be Saved. sincerly Jeff |
| Name: | Karen Knapp |
| E-mail address: | kishmari@aol.com |
| Comments: | Hi
I hope you are succesful in restoring the Bowen Building. My cousin and I recently found out through census records that our great uncle was a resident of Bartonville from approx 1910 until his death in 1940. All of our family records said he had died in infancy. We would love to be able to someday visit the Bowen and see the grounds. |
| Name: | Micaela |
| E-mail address: | Connorputthatdown@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | I wish you luck in your project. I would like nothing more than to see the Bowen building restored. Illinois has a rich history that needs to be preserved before there is nothing left to save. I think that it would be in the best interest of the owners and the village of Bartonville to use the building as a museum foremost with other projects being secondary. Museums can gain special funding and grants as well as tax breaks. All your efforts will be appreciated. |
| Name: | Dawn |
| E-mail address: | mommy_vixen2003@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | I would love to see the Bowen stick around. It's absolutely beautiful and intreguing. If it could be restored it could be made into somewhat of a museum. Put whatever pictures and materials are known to have been found in there in glass cases. There are so many people that would love to see the inside of it that there could be a charge for entry and could very well pay for itself in time. |
| Name: | Nicole Moushon |
| E-mail address: | nicole.moushon@sbcgobal.net |
| Comments: | I live in Bartonville and have always found the Hospital interesting. I have read all I can find on it. I like to drive past it every once in a while, it amazes me every time. I would love to someday take a tour. Good luck! |
| Name: | Arlene Parr |
| E-mail address: | aparr12345@insightbb.com |
| Comments: | I hope your efforts bring the desired results -- to save the Bowen Building -- the beautiful building that still remains as a reminder of what once was a very proud institution. I applaud your foresight and will promote your website. Thank you. |
| Name: | Richard |
| E-mail address: | info@savethebowen.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.savethebowen.com |
| Comments: | Welcome to my guestbook:
We want to here your ideas and stories regarding the Bartonville State Hospital(aka: Peoria State Hospital) |