The first time I visited Dixmont State Hospital was in 2005 after a Pittsburgh Pirates game at PNC Park. My mom and I decided to drive up to the hospital in Emsworth and take a peek. I will never forget how overgrown everything was. It's like a place of this size never existed with the all of the overgrown weeds, trees, and brush covering its beauty. At that time, we only got as far as a little past the Hutchinson Building. I remember sticking my hand through one of the windows and just felt the eery temperature difference compared to the 90 degree weather outside. Shortly after, the guard from the guardhouse chased us out on his dirtbike. We soon became intrigued by the hospital, and took a trip shortly after they started preparing to tear it all down. We got to explore the Hutchinson Building, Reed Hall, Dietary, ect. Whatever was left, we got to explore. The workers were very kind in letting us take pictures and doing as we pleased. I wish I was a little older than I was so I could have really explored it before it was to be torn down for a Wal-Mart. It was an amazing sight that will always be in my memory. I also have a 20 minute video of just walking through each room that I could post if you guys were interested. It's hard to believe that is has already been 6 years since it was demolished, time flies!! Here are a few pictures to start off that I think all of you will enjoy.
1) Every year to Kennywood Park we always wondered what this building was a part of? We had no clue up until researching more and more about Dixmont.
2) Another of the electrical plant? near Route 65
3) The last one I have of this building before it got torn down.
4) Reed Hall and both wings of Dixmont. You can see the start of destruction...
5) The Hutchinson Building
6) Why did they have to tear it down?!
7) My imagination continues to think what this is here for?
8.) If I read correctly, this is where one of the superintendents would engage in dances with the patients and employees. This is the aftermath of arson.
9) A cool shot through a broken window.
10) The dietary
http://www.flickr.com/photos/80840114@N07/7411539832/
That's all I have for now. Post up pictures of Dixmont if you have yet to post them here. I have been really interested in this place the last few days and would like to see more than what's already posted. Thanks
-Brandon
