Birch Lodge Hospital and Summer Resort Sanitarium
| Birch Lodge Hospital and Summer Resort Sanitarium | |
|---|---|
| Construction Began | 1911 |
| Opened | 1911-1912 |
| Current Status | Protected, privately owned historic site |
| Building Style | log cabin, cottage |
| Location | Trout Lake, MI |
History
Created in 1911 by Dr. Ed Ford as a sanatorium and hospital on the shore of Trout Lake, Birch Lodge Hospital and Summer Resort Sanitarium never really saw much use for its intended purpose. Finished sometime in 1911-1912 Dr. Ed Ford died of rabies acquired from being bitten by an infected dog before the hospital could fully get off the ground. Ford's family attempted to continue his work for a few years, but by 1915 decided to sell the property and building the mortgage holder due to low occupancy. From this point on the facility spent most of it's life as a Hotel and Lodge, though local history suggests it was used as the home of the forerunner to the state police for a short time around 1918.
The house is currently listed on the Michigan Historic register and in the process of being refurbished as a bed and breakfast.
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