Scherck, Anne Eleanor

Anne married Hill, Walter Tyson Bef 1930. Walter was born 25 Feb 1901, Scarborough, , Yorkshire, England; died 21 Mar 1984, Appleton, Outagamie, Wisconsin, USA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• News Mention: 8 Sep 2015; Appleton Post Crescent

Notes:

Photographs:
Pat Langman, a member of the Friends of Outagamie County Cemetery, speaks at a group meeting Thursday in Grand Chute. Langman's father ran the farm that was part of the former asylum when it was in operation.
(Photo: Danny Damiani/Post-Crescent Media)

News Mention:
GRAND CHUTE – It's a time of transformation and overdue recognition for 133 people buried at the cemetery of the former Outagamie County Asylum for the Chronic Insane.
The tucked-away burial grounds – one that had long been overgrown – is in the midst of an affirming face lift. Few are as thankful as 84-year-old Appleton resident Pat Langman.
She spent her childhood there as the daughter of two employees. She was never taught – or thought -- patients were any less than worthy of respect. Those forgotten will at long last have their names listed on a memorial, and Langman is heartened it's finally happening.
"That was one of the happiest times of my life," she said.
Langman, a member of the Friends of Outagamie County Cemetery, shared her early memories of a place that confined the mentally ill among others considered unfit to live in the greater community. Work is well under way at the cemetery, and a dedication ceremony will take place Sept. 24.
Langman's father was the boss at the asylum's farm, which provided work to inmates. She was 7 years old in 1938 when her family moved into a five-bedroom house on the grounds.
Those years remain "technicolor," she said.

PHOTOS: Outagamie County Insane Asylum

Brewster Village, the county's nursing home, now stands near the site of the since-razed asylum. Cemetery visitors today would walk where Langman's home once stood. It's situated north of the nursing home, is accessible by trail and sits within Fox Valley Technical College's truck training course.
Her parents met at the asylum. Her father, Wally, was a farm hand at the time. Her mother, Eleanor, was an attendant to patients.
"My parents had no prejudice at all about mentally ill people, and, of course, we didn't either," Langman said.
'It was also a community'
Langman acknowledges the asylum was a place of injustice for many.
Some were confined for alcoholism. There were women there who suffered from what today is known as post-partum depression. They recovered, yet stayed there for the rest of their lives.
She recalled the discomfort of seeing a patient in a straitjacket. Her young mind went to thoughts of the woman falling with arms bound.
The wrongs aren't the full story, she said.
For many patients – given the times and prevailing attitudes -- "it might have been a better life than they would have had on the outside."
Mary Robertson, chairwoman of Outagamie County's cemetery oversight committee, said Langman's first-hand experiences have been invaluable as the cemetery's revitalization has progressed. it's a project of physical improvements, yet those involved have been driven to learn.
Many involved have backgrounds in social work and advocacy for those with mental illnesses and disabilities. The era of asylums and practices such as straitjackets, shock treatments and ice baths are horrifying to think about.
Langman provided a fuller picture.
"She has pointed there may very well have been some good things that went on in institutions," Robertson said.
Langman said many of the staff members, including her parents, cared deeply about the patients.
Some patients were abandoned, never seeing visitors.
Others, including twin brothers with Downs syndrome, saw their families every week. She remembered a patient who received ice skates as a gift, and they'd skate together at the pond.
The Christmas programs remain special memories.
Emma, a mute woman of small stature, would take the role of a little girl.
"There always was a patient who knew how to play piano and would play Christmas carols," Langman said.
No one was given a role he or she couldn't handle. Santa Claus only had to remember, "ho, ho, ho."
"It was an institution, but it was also a community," Langman said.
'Our guardian angels'

Patricia married Langman, Harry Earl Jr. 15 Oct 1954. Harry (son of Langman, Harry and Mischler, Mary) was born 15 Feb 1931, Appleton, Outagamie, Wisconsin, USA; died 9 Jun 2006. [Group Sheet]