Comments

The Commode Abode

I'm not sure I understand...were these rooms sealed off when Pennhurst was in operation, or after it closed down? (perhaps to prevent vandals from gaining access?)

Why are the sides of the tub so high? Was there originally a ramp or set of steps to assist people in getting in and out?

Joseph...I think the word "X-ray" answers your question...

Ah, ok. I see it now. The stuff up there does look reasonably compressor-like. Thanks Motts!

Love the colors and composition in this one.

The sharp angular shadows do make the room look sinister. Great juxtaposition of a colorful plaything being slowly taken over by forboding elements - it's like they're gradually creeping down the stairs. The shadows of the steps almost look like teeth.

What's scarier, though, is when people assume that this dark, moldy, boarded up basement is where children were sent to "play". Analyzing and interpreting photos is one thing, but I wish people would realize that we're not looking at the objects or the room as they were actually used.

I wonder how people would interpret the mural if they knew nothing about its location or context. As Lynne pointed out (nearly three years ago - sorry, I only recently found the site) people project their own issues into the piece because they have a pre-formed idea of Pennhurst. It would be interesting to read reactions and interpretations from people who have nothing but the photo to look at.

Prohibition is worse, because an addict will sacrifice everything to get their drugs, which will be available no matter how prohibited they are. All the laws do is jack up the price, giving addicts the choice between food and shelter or drugs. That isn't a choice for an addict.

Looks just like the one my dentist uses!

Even without the ravages of time, that's still one ugly chair! LOL

I don't get comments like the first one on this page, where someone assumes that the chair was used as some kind of punishment device to make an abused kid sit and stare out the window for days at a time. We all see what we want to see in photos, I guess. To me the photo inspires hope - as if someone liked what they saw through the window, so they got up and went outside to enjoy it. Or else the chair itself is just happy sitting in the light. You don't have to know anything about the history of Pennhurst to interpret the photo...the composition itself is intriguing enough.

I AM TAKEING THE TRAYS AND DOORS IF I GO THERE.

Breathtaking shot. Would love this as wallpaper.

I would yank all the trays and doors and how many morgues is there at KPPC?

Is it true that they are demolishing the Pines Hotel