Peoria State Hospital, formerly the Illinois Asylum for the Incurable Insane, is renowned not only for its compassionate treatment of patients but also for its haunting tales. Among the most famous is the legend of “Old Book,” a patient whose story has become an integral part of the hospital’s eerie history.
Who Was Old Book?
Old Book, whose real name was Manual A. Bookbinder, was one of the first patients admitted to Peoria State Hospital. He earned his nickname due to his former occupation as a bookbinder before being committed to the hospital. Known for his gentle demeanor and strong work ethic, Old Book was well-liked by both staff and patients. He was assigned the role of gravedigger and took his responsibilities very seriously, showing deep respect and empathy for the deceased.
The Crying Tree
Old Book’s duties often brought him to the hospital’s cemetery, where he would lean against a large elm tree, later known as the “Graveyard Elm,” and weep for the departed. His profound empathy and sorrow became a defining part of his character. This behavior continued until his sudden death in 1910 at the age of thirty-two.
The Funeral and the Haunting
Old Book’s funeral was a significant event, attended by over 100 staff members and patients, including Dr. George A. Zeller, the hospital superintendent. During the ceremony, a bizarre incident occurred. As the pallbearers attempted to lower Old Book’s coffin into the grave, it suddenly felt unnaturally light. Concurrently, mourners heard weeping coming from the Graveyard Elm and saw Old Book’s apparition leaning against the tree. When they opened the coffin, Old Book’s body was inside, and the crying stopped as the apparition vanished.
The Aftermath
Following Old Book’s burial, the Graveyard Elm began to wither and die. Multiple attempts to remove the tree were unsuccessful. Workers reported hearing cries and wails when they tried to cut it down. Eventually, the tree was struck by lightning and removed without incident. Despite this, sightings of Old Book’s ghost continue, with reports of his weeping echoing through the cemetery to this day.
The tale of Old Book is one of many that add to the mystique of Peoria State Hospital. It reflects not only the hospital’s history of mental health care but also its rich tapestry of human stories, some of which linger on in the form of legends and ghostly apparitions.