Hey everyone! I am extremely excited to have local author, Michael Keene, here for an interview today. Michael is the author of several nonfiction books, all dealing with various aspects of New York history. I’ve been coveting his books for a long time because they all sound so fascinating! His books are:
- Folklore and Legends of Rochester: The Mystery of Hoodoo Corner and Other Tales
- Murder, Mayhem and Madness: 150 Years of Crime and Punishment in Western New York
- Mad House: The Hidden History of Insane Asylums in 19th Century New York
Don’t these all sound really cool?! I think the one I’m most excited about reading is Mad House, because I’ve always been fascinated by psychology and mental illness. I think these books would be really appealing to many people, but that Rochestarians or fellow New Yorkers will take a special interest. Without further ado, please welcome Michael!
The topics of your books are truly fascinating, and I want to read all of them – folklores and legends, crime and punishment, and now insane asylums! How did you choose these topics to write about? How did you title them?
At one point I was thinking of making a documentary about the origins of Midtown Plaza in Rochester and as I conducted my research I discovered that a street corner during the 19th century where Midtown Plaza would eventually be built was then believed to be cursed and known as ‘Hoodoo Corner’!
I became so intrigued by this revelation I changed the focus of my research from uncovering the origins of Midtown Plaza to researching the origins of the Hoodoo Corner superstition. The subtitle of the book then logically became, The Mystery of Hoodoo Corner. The History Press, the publisher, thought that the book involved so much more than just the Hoodoo Corner curse and they came up with the actual title itself, Folklore and Legends of Rochester.
My second book, Murder, Mayhem and Madness, is a compilation of thirteen true murder mysteries. The more I thought about these stories, the more I realized that the motivation for murder is comprised of many factors including, of course mayhem, but also passion and therefore ‘madness.’
My latest book, Mad House, a study of fifteen insane asylums active during the 19th century in New York, sort of named itself. I realized that this subject had not been tackled before so the subtitle, The Hidden History of Insane Asylums in 19th Century New York, seemed a natural fit.
What is the research process like for writing your books? How long does each one take to research and write?
Most of my books take about a year to research and write. I try to use original source materials whenever possible. I have literally had a 100 year old locked safe opened where I found startling evidence. I once uncovered an original court transcript dating back to 1838! And so on. I also find that traveling to the locations where some of these events occurred is helpful. But for the most part spending many hours holed up in libraries is necessary.
While researching and writing Mad House, what was your most shocking discovery or revelation, and the scariest?
My most surprising discovery, perhaps, is the realization that many of these institutions had the best of intentions when they were initially created and actually provided much benefit to their patients for many years. It was only after these institutions became vastly overcrowded, paradoxically because of their popularity, that issues of neglect, abuse and even torture became prevalent.
Perhaps the scariest revelation or most upsetting is learning that thousands of former patients were subsequently buried in unmarked graves. Many of the institutions we chronicle in the book had these pauper cemeteries.
Have you faced any resistance from anyone while researching your books?
I find that when researching local historical subjects, I have had to deal with many individuals and groups such as Masons, Mormons, Native Americans, Spiritualists, etc. and when doing so it’s important to be respectful and to listen carefully. Even though my stories customarily took place well over 100 years ago, sometimes there are still living relatives and it’s important to take their views and feelings into account as well.
What made you want to become a writer?
The funny thing is that when I started my local history research, my initial objective was to make a historical documentary. Over the next four years I did exactly that, producing four of them including, “The Murder of William Lyman,” followed by, “The Strange Disappearance of Captain William Morgan,” “In Search of White Crows” and, “The Code of Handsome Lake.”
I had considerable success with the films and won several film festival awards including, “Best of the Fest” twice at the Rochester International Film Festival and the “Best Experimental Film” at the Accolade Film Awards. Because I had written the movie scripts, the prospect of writing a book didn’t seem as daunting.
If you had to recommend to my readers (and myself!) one of your books to read first, which one would it be?
This is the classic question of which of your children do you love most. I guess the simple answer is that hopefully you continue to evolve as a writer so in that context, I would choose my latest book, Mad House.
What is the number one thing you’d like people to know about insane asylums?
As I mentioned earlier, due to overcrowding and the lack of resources, many of these institutions would become responsible for neglect and even abuse. The history of insane asylums is by definition a troubled and sad one but surprisingly, also one of inspiration, hope and healing.
Do you have plans for another book(s)?
I’m always open to another subject. I have learned that the next topic is lurking somewhere, most probably in plain sight - I just haven’t recognized it yet!
Thank you so much, Michael, for being a part of my blog today. I really enjoyed our interview and cannot wait to read your books! If you’d like to learn more about Michael, his books, or his films, check out his website here.
Giveaway: NOW CLOSED. I’m offering one lucky reader a copy of one of Michael’s books! The winner will get to pick one of his three books for me to order and send your way! I’ll even get it autographed for you. I’m super excited to be able to give one of you the chance to read some of Michael’s work. I know you’ll be fascinated! I’ll select a winner on Friday, June 7th, via random.org. Just comment below with your email, and which of his three books you think you’d like to win. Please have a US mailing address, and be 13 years or older. Thank you and good luck!
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