© 2026 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Old handwritten messages discovered in former state hospital

Wikimedia Commons

Recently, workers at the site of the former Traverse City State Hospital made a series of curious discoveries.  After pulling down old plaster from the walls of a former women’s dormitory, they found dozens of handwritten messages beneath.  A few were over a century old.  Ian Jones, director of Marketing and Communications for Traverse City’s Munson Medical Center,  talks about these mysterious findings.

Related Content
With federal funding eliminated, WKAR relies more than ever on community support to sustain essential services that remain freely available to everyone in mid-Michigan. Your support helps shape what comes next for public media in our region. The best way to support WKAR is by becoming a sustaining member today or by upgrading your current gift. Support WKAR TV Here | Support WKAR Radio Here.