23 Comments Posted by Shytownmofo

Almost looks like part of an old diesel switching locomotive. Way Cool.

Quite possibly for someone who's had a stroke, or has partial paralysis. Say their left side didn't work as well as the right. Therefore, to get around in the wheelchair, just use the cane apparatus with the right hand.

FYI, that's called a Bradley Shower. Designed to save water, while giving more people a chance to shower. Sadly, didn't do much for privacy.

One of the things you have to consider is the fact that back in those days (50-60 years ago and beyond) there wasn't much in the way of social services. Hell, there wasn't really even any Special Education classes for children who had emotional problems or mental handicaps. So, if a child had issues, the only options were to stay home with family all day, every day, or to be institutionalized. If a child requires assistance 'round the clock, that is very taxing on the family. Also, if one were to seek outside assistance, that woud be very expensive. Nowadays there are medicaid programs that can pay for the assistance, then, there was no such thing, so many parents felt their hands were tied. Add that to the social stigma attached to having a child that was "not right in the head" or "feeble minded" and you get mass institutionalization.

Erm, I hate to burst your bubble, Scott, but those aren't Sumac Trees, they're Locust or Honey Locusst trees. I must agree with you, however, they are nothing but weeds that grow where nothing else will. And they stink, too

Well, After awhile, they do sorta get etched in, I believe. So, No I don't find it odd. I do find it cool, though.

Looks like a bed of nails

It looks like you can see marks on the wall where there used to be dividers. They must have been removed some time ago.