I work on the grounds of Pilgrim state. About 15 years ago I was able to go inside that building and a few more before they tore them down. It was a strange feeling. The pictures on this sight are interesting and truly moving. I am glad I stumbled upon this site.
How about publishing a book about the hotel ? Collect a bunch of interviews of people that worked there . Add some photos of when it was grand ! It would be a interesting book , and I'm sure thousands of people would buy it , and treasure it forever !!
I have been doing research on family history and found my grandfathers father was in this state hospital for 17 years and died in 1951 at age 86 at this hospital according to his death certificate. We have no idea why he was there, I owuld love to find some records on him. Any ideas????
I would love to live in a room like this - just a single, huge room with that ceiling. Well, not in a mental institution, but you know what I mean... It's a shame there's no alternative to demolition when magical old buildings are left to rot.
As others have said - 1979 doesn't seem like that long ago. And to see such extreme deterioration in that time makes me take a better look at my 62-y.o. face in the mirror. Or, maybe I should refrain.
I was a couselor at Gaebler on two different occasions and I always wondered what became of the kids that were there. There was a little kid by the name of Gerry Young and he was transferred to Amesbury. He was only 11 years old at the time originally from C-town. I always felt bad for these kids that had to endure what thry did and tried to make life a little easier for them. God bless them all and God forgive those who did not genuinle care about those kids. I am thinking of writing a book about Mass. Mental Hospitals the pros if there were any and cons!
I graduated Bennett in 1974 and have such great memories. It truly breaks your heart to see such a magnificent structure fall to ruins. I'm glad I found this site. The pictures of the school in its early days are great. Are there any other pictures that show the inside during the good times?