Previous photo Pennhurst State School | The Sadness Next photo
Wheelchair

Wheelchair

The spokes seem to be missing from the opposite wheel.
Bookmark and Share More info
comments

Please remember that the comments posted here are not the opinions of opacity.us or its affiliates.

The spokes aren't missing. They utilized a matching sized wheel from another wheelchair. It was cheaper than replacing the whole unit.
Why wasnt the equipment utilized in another hospital, instead of being left to rot.............
brenda
Maybe because the equipment was antiquated and not worth saving, like this wheelchair... or they could've just packed up and left in a hurry... who knows.
Theres a building here that is literaly filled with equipment, just piled in there. Anything from hydrotherapy tubs to copying machines, it's nuts.
I have often wondered why so much stuff is left behind to rot in these abandoned places. The thing that is most crazy is how many patient records are left behind...I'll never understand that.

Motts your photos are AMAZING and your comments on the pics are compassionate and insightful. An awesome body of work...many thanks!
As Pjrichard asks,I wonder too why they leave all the inventories behind.It's,in a way,disrespectful,at least if patient's names are still present on records.Here in Europe,modern ruins are rare(abandoned building are torn down),so this is fairly new to me,even if I have been looking around for ruins here to photograph.Fascinating and important pieces of modern history,but very tragic.
I must compliment Mott too for great pictures and a respecful approach.
i hate seeing when people go into these places and spray paint the walls. its disrespectfull.
MR MOTTS PLEASE TELL ME THAT YOU ARE WORKING ON A BOOK ABOUT YOUR ADVENTURES AND THAT THE BOOK IS FULL OF YOUR PHOTOS, IF NOT WHY NOT.
i have neve felt so bad as i did when i walked these hallways and passages
I removed three wheelchairs from the institution. They now reside in my barn in Valley Forge. I use them as conversation pieces and for fun when I throw barn parties. I have an extensive collection of "Pennhurst Memorabilia"
Why would you destroy things that don't belong to you? Historical knowledge is one thing, but playing and partying with it, that's just horrible.
the wheel on the right is a completely different wheel all together.
i found out my uncle lived there and i think it is just roten that you people just keep bringing up thing that the people that lived there want to forget. how would you like people talking about your passed? it make me cry just to have you guys talking about my family.
Unless your uncle is this wheelchair, no one is talking about him.

I think it's just rotten (or "roten," if you will) that "you people" keep flaming in the comments section and trying to ruin our enjoyment of the past.

How about contributing something positive about your family's experience (even if the story is negative, at least you wouldn't be trying to insult us) so we have a better idea of what it was like for your uncle, and we can empathise?

Otherwise, there's no sense crying over spilt milk.
Connie, nobody has mentioned your uncle or his "passed". We are here to admire some awe-inspiring photography and accounts from those that have resided/have relatives that resided at these places are usually welcome, provided they are of relevence to the topic.

As has been said, we haven't mentioned your uncle at all and Navi is right....flaming will get you nowhere.

Contribute positively or don't bother at all.
"Unless your uncle is this wheelchair, no one is talking about him. "

That made me laugh.
maybe they couldnt decide between 20" chrome spokes or spinners
Wouldn't you think having two different wheels like that would make the chair uneven and harder to manuever?
Did anyone realize that many of the retarded individuals had many deformaties? The different wheel may have been to accomodate a deformed hand. We did have many wheelchairs individualized for each client.
Honestly I just think it's the wheelchair that is deformed.
Connie, Im not sure if your uncle was a patient or a worker but either way the story should be told. No one is trying trying to personally attack you or your family, we just are interested in the facts. If you care to share, feel free, if not, just don't comment.
I would love to be able to visit Pennhurst. Im a local and have heard many stories of the place that make me worry of stepping foot on the premices. I don't want to be charged with trespassing from the police or being scared by homeless people. I am just very curious and would love a first hand view. If anyone could ease my worries that would be wonderful.
---THANKS
uhhh katie, did it occur to you that your comment is about 2 years too late? Just sayin...
katie you do not need to be scared out of your comfort zone you are the only one who needs to relize that you need to reacure yourself before ask anyone else to

Comments pertaining to real location names, methods of entering the property, promotions or advertisements, off-topic discussion and general flaming, as well as those submitted under various aliases are subject to immediate deletion and your ip address being banned from this website. By submitting your comment you agree to these terms. Visit the forum for off-topic and general discussion. To prevent your comment from being removed and to help keep this site uncluttered, please read more about comments on opacity.

Memories and stories from past employees, visitors or patients are gratefully welcomed, they help keep these places alive!

 
Previous photo Pennhurst State School | The Sadness Next photo