113 Comments Posted by lisa

probably a dr's office - medical books on the shelves an such -very nice. could be restored to such beauty

Dilly dally - very nicely said . Love these old places wish the walls could talk

love, love ,love this shot -pretty

glad someone got these great photos before it was all gone - very nice to see. Thank you!

love these old buildings and architecture (?sp) they have soo much history and beauty - so much to be told in these walls - too bad it just couldn't have been restored even though it had the asbestos. wish i could have just seen it

Hi Kathy,
I do not know where you live but there will be a protest in Wilkes-Barre, where the Sterling is located. It may not be enough but it is a start. This protest may get the ball rolling as to finding other ways to stop the demolition. Or according to Bertha, in the previous comments, she has something going on on Facebook. If you check out the Wilkes-Barre newspaper, The Times Leader, they have an article that appeared on Tuesday, March 22 that states there will be a protest on Friday March 25. Also in an article on Wednesday, March 23, in the Times Leader, another article states that there will be another protest planned for Saturday, March 26 from 1-5pm.
Maybe this means the word is spreading that most don't want to see the Sterling demolished, and something can be done to help save the hotel! We will see where this is going to go.

Just wanted to clarify something for the people reading about the Srerling Hotel on here. I live close by and reading the comments regarding weather or not the hotel was torn down or not, it has NOT been demolished, yet. The smaller biulding next to or behind the Sterling, or the larger building was torn down about 5 or 6 yrs. ago. It was not safe and had to go. The Sterling Hotel still stands, however recently was announced that it too will be torn down. The new owners say they cannot find anyone willing to invest the money needed to renovate it. They are saying it will cost around 100 million after at least 6 million of taxpayer money was already used to remove asbestos, demolish the tower next to the hotel, secure it so it does not deteriote any further, and to market it with a real estate firm. So sad to see it go, however I cannot see how it can be saved, needing that kind of money.
Bertha, once I finally get a facebook account, (i must be the only person not on facebook) I will check you out and see what we can do. There has to be something that can be done. Also, Bertha, thank you for caring about the Sterling, and all of the others that do too. It would be a shame to see such a beautiful, historic landmark to go!

Hi, my name is Lisa and i stumbled upon this site after reading our local newspaper today. Today is St. Patricks day 2011. The article and the talk around town is very upsetting. The Sterling is going to be torn down, contrary to what this web site states it is still standing. The new owners recieved 6 million in taxpayers money to do some work to the property and get it ready to be sold and renovated. We were under the impression for 5 yrs. that this beautiful, historic hotel would be around for a long time! According the the owners, 100 million is needed and no developers are interested and it's now the end of the Hotel Sterling! So SAD!!! Most locals are very upset, thinking they were duped, 6 million in our money wasted and still no hope for the hotel. This place was where politicans stayed while in town, celebrities, weddings were held here and now it's going to see the wrecking ball! Please, if you haven't seen it, do so soon. It will be gone forever like many other historic buildings. I personally haven't seen the inside and now will definately check it out for myself. Such a waste, can't imagine 113 yrs. of memories and beauty will be gone forever! Thanks motts for capturing the former beauty of the Sterling for future generations to cherish!

I grew up in Fort Salonga, and all my friends lived in Kings Park. Most all of them used to hang out on the grounds and smoked their pot and drank there so they wouldnt get caught. The patients would stick their arms out of their barred up windows, and yell obscenaties and crazy gestures. I hear there is alot of paranormal activity in most of the buildings now!

It eats away at me to see something this beautiful go to waste...

The grounds are open for anyone to walk, jog, or ride bikes during the day. Security is only interested in stopping vandalism, and in keeping people from getting hurt by doing stupid things. I've walked through there many times and never once been hassled. The black mold and asbestos in the buildings is no joke....mess around in there, and you will have health problems down the road.

If only the walls could talk......

I grew up in Hanson. I drove down this street the other day. Yes, the buildings are still there, but in BAD unsafe shape. Police patrol the area regularly. ~ The fence is there for a reason, its UNSAFE. Not worth breaking your neck for a few pictures.

Just finished watching Ghost Adventures on the Travel Channel where they visited Pennhurst. I grew up not far from PH and often heard many horrible stories about it. I moved out of the area in 1990 and can't believe how the state or individuals have let such a large and historic institution deteriorate. After seeing Ghost Adventures not sure if I'd want to visit there-can't believe they'd make into such an attraction as 'PH Institute of Fear'-do they not have any respect for those poor individuals who suffered while there? C'mon people, get real and think of something respectable to do with this place instead of just trying to make a quick buck!

My first job out of college was as a Recreation Therapist at Met State Hospital (1987) and the "cafeteria" was actually converted into the office area where about 12 of us "Rehab" staff were located. It looked nothing like this then, but it was kinda "eerie" (especially the bathroom area in the back. Wow, what a great site to stumble upon.