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This "state village for the feeble-minded" (as it was called) opened in 1920, catering to girls and women with developmental disabilities or stricken with epilepsy. Although the hospital closed in 1998, the buildings have been continually monitored and maintained. Access to this recreation hall was surprisingly easy, considering the frequent security patrols inside the building.
Stepping inside the echoing hall, everything looked to be in good order except for some dust and a bit of peeling paint. Exit signs glowed in the distance... this space was definitely not abandoned; perhaps a better term would be "disused." Still, it was an awesome sight.
Up at the front entrance was a log book for maintenance crew visits and security rounds. Apparently I had missed them by no less than ten minutes!
I ran up to the mezzanine to look out a window with a decent vantage point. I could see a white pickup driving slowly along the boulevard... luckily in the opposite direction of my location. I was about to pack up and head out when I saw the projection room...
The shelves were crammed with vintage manuals, reels of film, and various lenses and attachments. Below is a manual for "Rect-o-lite," an improved Suprex rectifier, a CinemaScope conversion kit, Simplex projector oil, film reels, and lenses by Kollmorgen and Ross.
I wanted to root around and take photos of it all, but I had to make this fast before someone came back inside.
The stage had a light-up star up top, and a manger scene; assumedly the last show put on here was a Christmas play.
Unfortunately I couldn't find an open tunnel that connected to the other buildings on this busy campus, so this was going to be it today! Here's a hand-tinted postcard of the hall (date unknown):
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It's a shame that security was so tight but
nonetheless great stuff! :)
I'm glad you got what you did.
though it would really stink to high heaven if you got caught. :(
Be Careful Please.
considering you were probably rushing,
the photos turned out well. =)
They could see that all you were interested in were photos, not vandalizing, or looting. Just preserving history. I wonder if they would go for that, they could even have a security guard escort you to make sure nothing turned up missing.
OH, great photos!!!
I hope to pursue this option more in the future, but I think the odds are against me for the most part.
As usually said, I am a 'long time reader, first time commenter.'
I've enjoyed is site throughout the last few months, and have decided to post more.
Anyway, keep it up Motts. If only you were compensated for your work. If you are, it's probably not enough.
Thanks!
Russ
I was in my college days (the late 60s - early 70s). Had to get a real job though.