Fire alarm? I wonder if you've ever seen a bit of something so irresistable in one of your adventures that you couldn't leave it behind... perhaps you have a small collection of 'trophies' other than photos. I never can resist...

"I am absolutely stumped as to why such meticulous effort in the detail of the architecture / masonry was tended to, (aside from the typical styles of the period) knowing these structures were intended to house the insane. Nothing personal, but highly ornate construction for a " " ...
Perhaps the builders were related to the tenants?"

Put your claws away Lynne. I thought personal opinion was allowed here. You saw no attitude toward the tenants ( called 'insane' because as Motts did note, this was an Insane Asylum). I see alot of commentary on this site, most of which is accepted as opinion without retort, and I notice also that you seem to be the only one who takes personal offense to the point of 'taking someone on'. No flames please.

Seems like the degree of sadness for each viewer of these images varies with the depth of their ability to feel or relate to sadness itself. Many of the viewers here seem drawn to such ample doses of dread as these. Motts, I wonder (though probably asked many times) if it is possible that there exists an image in your many collections that you find either the saddest or most disturbing, or both? I find the emotions surrounding the children's playthings to be the saddest of all.
If there is in each person a tendancy to let their soft side be known, the camera eye is your tell. Over the past several months I find I visit Opacity when I feel the need to experience the emotions I find through your camera lens. You would make a most interesting acquaintance, I think.

I am absolutely stumped as to why such meticulous effort in the detail of the architecture / masonry was tended to, (aside from the typical styles of the period) knowing these structures were intended to house the insane. Nothing personal, but highly ornate construction for a nuthouse...
Perhaps the builders were related to the tenants?