Comments

Ah, deinstitutionalization. Great in theory; in practice just an excuse to cut funding and turn the mentally ill out into the streets -- or let them rot away in prison.

Just to clarify, an individual can be found not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect *or* not competent to stand trial. There are typically different facilities for each class.

John
I'll have to look. Did I know gary black hair? I was on the grounds today. Its a public park owned by the city of waltham. There's a new sign out front. So motts I hope this doesn't get my post taken off for being on the grounds? The sign sais its a preserve park for the use and enjoyment of waltham residents. But john I'm getting a sample of paint off the old water tower cause the city might let me have it for scrap metal. I'll check for the DQ and let u know. I do remember izzys sub shop though. That's gone

Ok, I just got done reading all of these posts. I must say that everyone needs to calm down. Some people think Pennhurst was a terrible place, others think not. My opinion does not matter at this point. These pictures were taken many years after the hospital shut down. Obviously this is not exactly what it looked like when it was up and running. No one can prove what happened in that place unless you were there for yourselves. People lie, and some stretch the truth. Get over it. Quit fighting. You believe in one thing, so believe and let the other people think what they want. And if you once worked there, you know the truth, weather you admit it on here or not, you know deep down inside what truly happened, good or bad.

The inside of the buildings may have been Disappointing, but your shots of the exterior are exceptional! All well thought out, and perfect examples of the way things use to be built, with style.
Thank you for your hard work, the photos are wonderful.

That should have been "those *who* were deemed unfit to assist in their own defense."

Ugh, I hate it when I leave out words. I think faster than I type.

Very interesting shot! I hope you weren't breathing in too deeply!

John.
I think a lot of us feel the same way. I think our feeling of love and family are different from most peoples. Its nice to know that other people understand how I and some other of feel in general. Compared to. "Regular people" because it is different.

Lack of funding is no excuse for mistreatment, nor is ignorance. While it certainly isn't common, it did and does happen even today in psychiatric hospitals. The last time I went inpatient, I met a woman who was attacked (on camera) by a poorly-trained tech at the state hospital simply she kicked a wall -- after being medicated up to her eyeballs by disinterested doctors and uncaring nurses.

On another note, was this unit for treatment for those who were found not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect or those were deemed unfit to assist in their own defense? There is a difference.

Marie
The castle was taken down because of a huge fire while they were working on it. I loved the wood covered stair case. I used to ride my bike all the way down. It was a good ride. It is to bad most of it is gone. I was at gaebler today though A loved seeing the old swing set. That's the best swing set I can ever remember. I loved seeing the tree. Good memories. There was a toy that u sat on and spun it. It still spins like the day I played on it. The wood is gone but it spins great. I love going there. That was the best and worst part of my life. I go there to see all the good times. I love seeing all my old life. The tree is one we always used to climb. About ten of us were in it at once.

Awesome as always Motts! You sure do have a gift with your photography. Beautiful gallery.

Roh Roh Scrabby! ( as i Scooby Doo & Shaggy) hehehehe I am slap happy tonight! :)

I think it looks very regal sitting there. Brooding, moody and very elegant.

Go from the turrets of the castle to a cracker box. No imagination in the newer buildings.

I was here today