Hi all, first post. This is the best site i have ever seen for urban exploration. Thumbs up, Motts!
A few weeks ago at night, my lady and i headed off to find this old rehab hospital she explored with her friends when she was back in high school. Its this place called Los Amigos Rehabilitation center in Downey. Way back in 1888, it was founded and was called County Farm. Lots of teens and adult thrill seekers go to this place to get spooked.
The Rancho Los Amigos Hospital began in the late 1880's as the Los Angeles County Poor Farm. For over a century, the Rancho's mission has evolved, first as a hospital for indigents and then as a center for rehabilitation for chronic diseases.
The hospital remained open from 1888-1988. During the Reagan presidency, lots of state run hospitals were literally shut down on the spot, employees and patients turned out to the streets. So this place we checked out still has files, desks with paperwork, everything was left as if people are still working. Its reallllly creepy. We didnt get a chance to go inside tonight since we had our 2 year old son in the truck, but we did drive down all the driveways and alleys of this place. Lots of lights are still on. Tons of broken windows, doors wide open, old wheelchairs still in the hallways, chains and restraints hanging from walls etc.
We planned to go back during the daytime and document everything we can without trespassing. Im seriously going to look into obtaining special permission to access the closed areas. Apparently tons of information about Rancho Los Amigos at the Doheny Library, University of Southern California. Looks like ill be taking a trip to USC.
The papers in this collection chronicle this development. Included are administrative and financial records, internal and external publications generated by Rancho staff, retrospective and historical accounts, oral history tapes, blueprints, plans, and similar material. The collection includes large numbers of photographs, both of staff members and therapeutic techniques. Likewise, there are many films and audio-recordings on issues involving physical therapy and rehabilitation. Located at theDoheny Library, University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA.
Im so excited, im going to make a website of this place. Ive seen lots of blogs and threads on misc websites about this place and people wanting to visit it, but nothing specific like i can provide. Im also going to assemble a super secret undercover covert ops team to infiltrate the rehab center and do some recon.
