History Book Published on Terrell State Hospital

Denise Bell
Post Managing Editor

June 23, 2009

Benny Britton, life long Terrell resident and veteran employee of Terrell State Hospital spent the last two years researching the 125 year old state operated mental hospital in a heart felt effort to preserve its history.

Britton’s book entitled Terrell State Hospital 1883-2008 Keeping the Flame of Hope Alive, was released June 9th at a book signing held at the TSH Silver Star Cinema and written from a historians perspective it records the life span of the historic psychiatric hospital.

Britton stated ““I began the book by identifying some of the key and more prominent leadership in the early days, as well as the construction of the hospital. I have one chapter that is nothing but a personal letter form the son of one of the very early doctors that I feel is very key to describing the life in the early days of the state hospital around the turn of the century.”

Britton began his career at TSH in 1952 having already spent many years becoming familiar with the grounds on the hospital. He writes ““I have been blessed to have seen great progress in the care and treatment of the mentally ill. I am proud to have played a small part. The many employees and patients I have come to know and love will always be my family. My humble prayer is that someday there will be a cure for mental illness and no need for ‘The State’.”

Signing copies of the book, Britton said “the publication was written for the purpose of educating the public to the many great works, deeds, and services by innumerable dedicated employees, volunteers, and public servants benefitting the patients of Terrell State Hospital.”

Britton also thanked former TSH Superintendent Fred Hale, Linda Whiteside, Kitty Harwell, Kathey Hunt, and Sheila Kunick for their contributions to the book.

A hard bound copy of Terrell State Hospital 1883-2008 Keeping the Flame of Hope Alive that comes with a CD can be purchased for $ 45.00.

A soft bound edition with a CD is $ 18.00 or $ 15.00 without the CD. A CD only may be purchased for $ 5.00 with sales tax included.

All proceeds from the sale of the book are being donated to the Volunteer Services Council of Terrell State Hospital specifically to benefit the patient of TSH.

Local historians interested in purchasing a copy of the book should contact TSH Community Relations at 972-551-8639 or visit the website of the TSH Volunteer Services Council at www.terrellshvolunteers.org.