Invitation:
The former Children’s Free Hospital
Saturday, September 13th, from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

The former Children’s Free Hospital, on the site of the current Botsford Commons Senior Community, was once a jewel in the treatment of polio and other childhood illnesses and debilities. The original large red brick buildings, designed by Albert Kahn, remain preserved on the campus, and serve today as Botsford Senior Living Center and the Charles H. Williams Clinical Services Building.

In the early 2020’s, we’ll be celebrating the 100th anniversary of these Albert Kahn designed facilities! In preparation for that event, and realizing that our photographic collection would benefit from a descriptive history of the events of the campus’ earlier days, we are hosting a Reunion!

On Saturday, September 13th, from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, we invite former patients, nurses, physicians, volunteers and others involved in the Children’s Free Hospital (Michigan Hospital School) to return to the campus to tell their story!

Albert Kahn Associates has graciously shared a set of the buildings’ architectural drawings, on display here today. You’ll be able to find the library, the operating room, the dentist office, and the ramp. We’ve graciously preserved the playroom and dining room fireplaces. Two of the hospital’s original wooden wheelchairs have remained on site. Won’t you come and explore?

Bring your photographs, your movies, and most of all, your personal recollections. We’ll have volunteer historians from the Farmington Community Library’s Heritage Collection, the Farmington Historical Society, and Botsford Commons available to hear and record your story. You might even find an old friend!

Help us document an important part of Farmington area history!

Reservations encouraged. Contact Kimberly Gimmarro at 248-426-6951; kgimmarro@botsford.org.