3,698 Comments Posted by Motts

I think it's pipe insulation.

Thank you; I find these places through a number of channels, including historical research (old maps, documents, etc), word of mouth, current news, and other documented explorations posted online. Some are found by accident as well - perhaps looking at an aerial photo of a city, or just driving around.

Definitely a factor to consider - I'm sure the "incurable" wards looked a lot different, even in the heyday of the asylum era.

Many reasons for admission were quite different compared to today's standards as well (alcoholism, depression, epilepsy, political / religious excitement, recommendation by husband, uncontrollable fits of laughter, etc).

True; I was looking at it from a historical perspective - the original purpose of the room, which was probably a single bedroom given the dimensions and observation window.

I think that it was probably converted into an office at some point, given the low hanging ceiling light and exposed electrical outlet and conduit.

Thanks; it is a baffling decision to tear down the clock tower. This structure and even the old wing that were standing were in decent shape - seemed like prime candidates for preservation to me.

When they hauled away the fire damaged parts of the Kirkbride building in the 1990s, the gaping holes that led to the other parts of the building were carefully paved with original stone, and it all looked pretty damn good. I mean it didn't look like the typical "abandoned eyesore" that most people despise. I really thought these remnants would be around for a long time... I guess that stone work was all for naught.

I think they are attendants; they were usually dressed all in white.

I don't think I've stepped on anything larger than a pigeon...

Thanks for catching that bobgoulet!

The rest of the hospital is still in use and quite busy; it would be difficult to work on getting those off without someone noticing, or a police car cruising past... otherwise I'm sure they'd be long gone.

I think it's a stack of brown paper towels.

Thanks - all copper gutters and flashing.

Asbestos and lead danger.

Thanks, no the Kirkbride was demolished in the 1960s.

Unfortunately I don't get much time to really read up on the history of these places beforehand, so the matching up is usually just a matter of luck.

Someone did a really amazing before and after series in Detroit's Cass Tech, but I can't find the link...