The Story Behind the Story of Rough Terrain
by Hadley Hoover
Combining the histories of two places I have lived and loved has been both a
challenge and a delight. In researching the history of our home, that former
Rochester State Hospital Steward’s house formed the model for The House on Tulip
Hill in my mind. I then reconstructed the delightful town of Orange City Iowa
into Dutchville and offer this book as my salute to the wonderful Dutchmen who
shaped my adolescence.
Rochester State Hospital Steward’s House
The Rochester State Hospital is a
vital part of Rochester Minnesota’s history, though now viewed only on the pages
of history and memories. There were both a Steward and a Superintendent at RSH
during the time depicted in this novel, but the characters of Bram de Boer and
Doctor Gray in Rough Terrain are purely fictional.
Enlarge Rochester State
Hospital Memorial Sign
I owe much to
the employees at both the Minnesota Historical Society and the Historical Center
of Olmsted County who
assisted me in dusting off the past. While working on this book, I met wonderful
people, many of whom are former employees at the Rochester State Hospital. The
same kindness they showed to the patients under their care was extended to me
with my many questions. Thank you, one and all.
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