In 1909, New York opened a new facility for the aid and housing of, as the literature states, the "feeble minded and epileptics" of that state.
The place was named for William Pryor Letchworth, a key player in its creation and a noted humanitarian of the time.
To avoid creating an institutional environment, the grounds were arranged much like a college campus.
The buildings were relatively small, typically not exceeding two stories in height, and were inspired by the aesthetics of Greek architecture.
Walls of carefully hand-cut stone punctuated by arched windows and column-girded doorways could be found at every turn. Short walks across grassy lawns separated the buildings,
and the greater campus, known as Letchworth village, housed its own power plant, farmland, waste disposal and water supply. It was the first of its kind, a facility
that was all-inclusive and could operate completely isolated from the outside world.
During my research we found that even a passing mention of its name is bound to bring out ghost stories. Abandoned places, especially asylums,
are a frequent object of attentions of paranormal investigators, and Letchworth seems to be a particular favorite. Though we are not ones to delve into ghost-hunting ourselves,
we are not opposed to it as a rule. That being said, I do take issue with the manner in which more and more so-called “paranormal investigations” are performed, wherein the investigators
treat an abandoned location as a giant nighttime playground to run through with a digital audio recorder and occasionally a case of beer. Sadly, I find that television shows on the subject
have only helped to promote this attitude. What this attitude lacks, primarily, is respect - Respect for people who lived and died here, but more importantly, the people
who endured lives of unimaginable isolation and pain, tormented by the demons of their own minds that the medicine of the time was helpless to cure.
- Historical Imagery -
If you would like to learn more about this place and many others,
check out my book published by the good people over at Weird NJ...
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Man's inhumanity to man continues, in this, the 21st Century. As it was, is, and always shall be.
ReplyDeleteMy heart breaks for every child, every person who was admitted to this horrible place. As a mom of child with special needs and seizures, I know back then supposed doctors would have said this was "the best" for my child. And she would have been mistreated and left to rot. My daughter brings so much joy to all she meets and smiles every day, I wish these children had that opportunity but they were never given it. Still as anonymous above said, there is still MUCH to be learned and be appreciated about those who are not considered the "norm" - I wish many more people could have their innocence, trust, heart, fight and spirit. As a single mom, I cannot say my life is easy, but I can say I am fulfilled and cannot imagine my life with my precious daughter - she's my heart!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your photos and more importantly, bringing to light the history of these places, and respecting those who had to live it. Susanne, mom to lovely Rachel
Typo - that is I cannot imagine my life WITHOUT my precious daughter.
ReplyDelete