3,698 Comments Posted by Motts

It was either a security or fire panel, with the light indicating a sensor was tripped or malfunctioning. There was most likely a speaker as well, probably silenced so it wasn't constantly screaming.

For a seclusion room, yes; the doorknob dead-ends, and the handle lets one pull the door shut behind you without creating a protrusion someone could hurt themselves on. The screws are tamper-resistant, requiring a 2-pin or "spanner" screwdriver to service.

I recall that parking was always an issue over there, but I don't remember where we ultimately parked... 2003 was a long time ago!

"Chapter I Media Center" - kind of tough to read from the reflections.

I think they were all blank; there were a few stacks of unopened textbooks, stacks of worksheets, and the like tucked away in some of the closets.

Nope, there was no projection room. It seemed to have been set up for assemblies and live theater only.

Same here!

Yes it surrounded the entire building; this chain link fencing was eventually replaced with a more permanent wrought iron fence.

Heh, nah it reads Keep Door Locked.

Bathrooms at these kinds of places (old psychiatric hospitals) usually have little or no privacy, and are typically smaller. It's difficult to say what the room could have been used for, as there is barely anything remaining. It could be an area where routine examinations would take place, or some service like washing bedpans, or an infirmary.

The children didn't live in the conditions pictured above; Pennhurst had been shuttered for about 18 years by the time the photo was taken.

It's like a mitten without a place for your thumb, usually made of a strong nylon material. They prevent someone from hurting themselves or others by scratching, picking, etc. It could suppress habitual behavior or simply to stop one from picking out their stitches after surgery.

Here's a photo of one that includes padding, which would be used on someone prone to hitting/punching: http://opacity.us/image9277_mitt.htm

No, I just shoot what I see, although I might kick a soda bottle or some other trash out of the way that really stands out.

Yep, you can see the landscape photo at the end of the room there.