"Mebby..."exorcisms" if the asylum is old enough!"
"Why would you want to perform an exorcism here? It doesn't make any sense... "

Well, Back in the day, probably before this asylum's time, more in the middle ages up through the 18 th century, it was thought that vilolent mental illness was really demonic possession. Ergo, if someone was having Schizophrenic or Psychotic episodes, they called the priest in, and he performed an exorcism.


"Speaking of the kellogg sanitarium, has anyone seen " THE ROAD TO WELLVILLE "?"
"No, why do you ask? Has someone taken it?"



Hah. Great movie, set in the
Battle CreekSanitarium run by Dr. John Harvey Kellogg. Back then, some sanitarium's and asylums were like resort spas. Very peculiar, especially with the modern view of institutions. Dr. Kellogg was one of the major proponents of "fitness culture" in the late 19th Century, a time when many urban Americans' diets were seriously lacking in fresh fruits and vegetables, or whole grains for that matter. More info at this article here http://info.detnews.co...mp;category=business

Way Cool. Still looks like it could still be in use.....

Wow. The sheer SIZE......just amazing.

"Actually, most Satanists (LaVeyan anyhow) don't usually refer to their symbol as a Penticle/Pentagram at all, they call it a Baphomet"

Actually, I do believe the Baphomet is an upside down battle axe.

One, two Freddie's comin' for you.......

Probably just a piece to a mechanical lift. Something to lift a non-ambulatory person from chair to commode, or chair to tub.

"Most Santanists display the pentagram upside down "

Actually, when it's displayed with the star pointing upwards it's known as a "pentiCLE" It's used as a symbol in Wicca, and other Earth based religions. With the point down, it's a "pentaGRAM" and it's used in Satanism.

Not too big of a deal, but it just irks me to no end seeing the terms confused/misused.

Incredible shot, Motts. That is now my walpaper for my computer.

Such a shame. Those would be great restored.

Sweet. I could so totally live there.

OK. my mistake. Killer find, though.

Could be part of one that has been stripped., although someone said it's to small to be one.....Still a killer pic, though. .

Y'all aren't the only ones who've become addicted to this place. Every day and twice on Sundays for me.....;-D

Here's a better example, BTW, that's a model NW2 Switcher, which has been in use for about 50 years, IIRC, http://www.rr-fallenfl...g/ihb/ihb8814amr.jpg

Or it could be the engine from an old railroad switching engine. That's what it reminds me of.....http://www.rr-fallenfl...g/ihb/ihb8786amr.jpg

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.