1 Comments Posted by West

I grew up on Lowell Ave in the early 80's right across the street from the hospital grounds. My friends and I couldn't have had a better or more ominous playground. There wasn't much of that place that we didn't explore. More often than not illegally lol. My Nana was a pharmacist there and let me just say I could tell you some stories. I also helped her gather and sort all kinds photos from the early days of the hospital. Everything from step by step photos of lobotomies (intense) to pics of a patients contents of his stomach. He liked to swallow keys, springs, glass, pens, coins. Pretty wild. She was instrumental in gathering photos and documents for the museum about C.I.P.H. I remember sitting in the old shock treatment chair they used on the patients. I used to hang out and smoke cigarettes at the old playground for the children that were sent there. Friggin' creepy. Yet I learned valuable lessons in compassion, kindness, and humility as a 7 year old by helping the patients with their bingo cards.
I wouldn't change it for the world. I love you Nana!! May the souls that spent time there rest in peace.