Wow. I have actually been pouring over ALL your gallaries for the past 2 days and I have to say that some of the pics moved me in ways I can't ever describe. The comments about the mental health industry and the debates surrounding it are fascinating, mostly because as a teenager I had spent time in a psychiatric facility, and having such modern and comfortable surroundings there has given me a much bigger appreciation for those poor souls way back when that were cared for i places like this, but were also largely misunderstood. I can NOT imagine spending time in an old facility like this, even when it was still operational! It all looks so archaic to me. Lynne--you got my undying affection and Motts...my God, you are some kind of genius I swear. The compositions and angles and colors of your pictures speak more than a 5-page report on this facility would!
I swear some of the comments on here actually had me laughing out loud, and my kids kept asking what I am laughing at. They are looking at me like I am nuts...oops...no pun intended, or even acheived there.
I was wondering if Motts would come to PA--there is an old psych hospital called Eastern State School & Hospital in Bensalem (outside of Philadelphia) to explore. I was locked up there as a 17 year old (released just before my 18th birthday...how convenient) and I would LOVE to see it once again. I have so many bad/good memories about it. I do think the Round Building is still there but the rest of it may have been demolished already. I live 2 hours away from there in Scranton PA so it was quite a trip for my mom to come visiti me while I was there.
Again, THANK YOU for these gallaries...I am forever a fan and I wish I had the balls to go exploring old buildings like this but with 5 kids and a house and a husband, that is just not possible. :( Love your work!
What a beautiful shot though.