Local photographer Jon Crispin recently paid a visit to South Seneca middle schoolers to discuss some of his work — specifically that of which features some history that happened right in South Seneca’s backyard: the Willard Suitcases.
For those who don’t know, Willard, NY, a small hamlet right near ovid, was the location of the Willard Psychiatric State Hospital many years ago beginning in the 19th century. In 1995, more than 400 suitcases that were brought in by the patients were discovered in an asylum attic.
Crispin, who started freelance photography in 1974 for Ithaca College and Cornell, soon found himself drawn to Willard’s campus. He would eventually start working for local and national publications as well, including the New York Times.
“In 1984 I started photographing at Willard to document Chapin House, which had just been abandoned by the state. That led me to documentation of three other 19th century NY State Asylums,” Crispin explained.
He noted the suitcases in particular had a great draw to him as a photographer.
“I was drawn to the suitcases,” Crispin explained, “as they were a unique representation of the lives of people who had lived at Willard for most of their lives. My goal was to show that the patients were more than just folks identified by their institutionalization, but human beings that led interesting and complicated lives.”
Middle School teacher Tina Bauder, an avid and established historian — and a resident of Willard herself — was very excited and honored to be able to bring Crispin in as a guest speaker for her students.
“What happens to the Willard Campus,” Bauder said, “in the future should and does matter to all of us. I am currently teaching a Community Connections Class to some seventh graders and Willard's history and future have become part of the focus for our class.”
Both Bauder and Crispin said students enjoyed Crispin’s work and presentation, and walked away from the day with more knowledge and perspective on something that is right around the corner from them.
“I give lots of presentations to various groups,” Crispin said, “so I am comfortable talking about my work. Since I have been connected to Willard since the early 1980s, I am well known to the community. I really enjoy talking to students about photography and being encouraging. It is daunting to live a life in a creative field, but I always say if I can do it, just about anyone can.”
Bauder said educating students about Willard’s history is valuable and important.
“We have a lot of students and families that live in or near the Willard Campus,” she said. “Anything that happens there in the future, socially, economically, and/or politically will have direct and indirect effects on the lives of the people living in our school district, and indeed on the school district itself. It is important for our students and families to be aware of what is around them and how this will impact their lives. I also believe it is important for our students and families to make sure their voices are heard in the process as our elected officials work to make decisions about the future of the Willard Campus.”