Mentha State Hospital | Going Too Far Next photo
Waiting to Be Seen

Waiting to Be Seen

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After looking at the rest of the gallery, I'm going to take a guess at this is the renovated building. I can't understand why they so often chose to cover up so much of the 19th century charm.
Doran
Wed 02-23-2011
Yes, it looks like 50s-60s era stuff put in. Drop ceilings can save a lot on heating costs, and make the job of installing new lighting, sprinkler systems and plumbing much easier - you can just cover up the mess of pipes and wires with cheap panels or wall board. The resilient linoleum tile covers hard to clean wood flooring and is probably fire resistant (asbestos).

I think the importance of aesthetic charm in psychiatric hospitals took a back seat as the 20th century progressed... it seems as if almost every state hospital in the country became an overcrowded mess which had to be dealt with on a shoestring budget. These kinds of renovations were probably the most sensible course of action for many.
Motts
Wed 02-23-2011
WOOOHOOOO NEW GALLARY!

Mr. Motts you have made my day! My birthday was yesterday so this is a nice present! :)

Lonely chair shot...what a way to begin. :)
MamaToFiveInPA
Wed 02-23-2011
Der...lonely chair with stool friend I should say!
MamaToFiveInPA
Wed 02-23-2011
Ah, a new gallery! Mr. Motts, you just made my day. The foreword story is fascinating & very well written. Now on with the show. =8-)
Larry D
Wed 02-23-2011
Thanks for the new gallery. It was also refreshing to read the summary and see that this was originally planned as a really nice place to house long term patients. It really is heartbreaking to think of how these peopl were treated before establishments like this came along. As much as people want to complain about treatment in these asylums, the alternative was usually much much worse.
Mike
Wed 02-23-2011
At least the chair isn't lonely , it has a stool to keep it company.
ferdy
Wed 02-23-2011
Terrific introduction, history and pics. Thanks so much Motts! Can anyone make out what is written on that black info. board?
LucieLou
Wed 02-23-2011
New gallery - - Thanks Motts!
The ceiling looks very out-of-place, especially with those rounded corners for the doorways.
Phiftybuick
Wed 02-23-2011
Thanks for the new gallery! My birthday is Friday, so this is just in time! Very cool!

Love the rounded corners here. They are reminiscent of a Kirkbride. Is this one of the buildings that was similar to the Kirkbride design but "not quite," as described in the opening story?
Rekrats
Wed 02-23-2011
were they running off together? They look guilty of something?
mikeyintheoc
Wed 02-23-2011
Thanks for the new gallery! And thank you for the vintage shots. I love seeing these building during their use.
TootUncommon
Wed 02-23-2011
YaY! :D
Dawn Michelle
Wed 02-23-2011
Wow new gallery, I really need to check in more often.
A D Nilsen
Thu 02-24-2011
Mr. Motts It's nice to see you were in my neck of the woods. Years ago I watched the main building come down by the wrecking ball. It was a sad sight to see this. This building is what started my interest in old buildings. Also both of my grandparents worked out of the main building. Too bad I can't get the stories of them working there. Keep up the great work that you do.
AJ
Thu 02-24-2011
Fabulous, a new gallery. Nice to see everyone back, and happy birthdays to those having or had them. Very interesting to see the historical pictures. Nice commentary Mr. Motts on the hospital's past and on your visit, i.e. creeping through the basement tunnels and coming across modern LED's, whoops.
BKW Ontario
Thu 02-24-2011
Love the 'new' gallery. I also love the history of these old places. The historical pictures are great. I do love before and after shots. It helps put things in perspective ya know. One must never forget about these places and how these patients were treated or we will be doomed to repeat that history over again. Thanks for keeping such things alive with your wonderful photos, Motts. Can't wait for more. Now onto the gallery!!!
blue lamp
Thu 02-24-2011
YAY! A new gallery! Of course I didn't check in yesterday and there it was. Looking forward to seeing this one.

Love the not so lonely chair shot, it's got a friend!
Kathy W.
Thu 02-24-2011
happy Birthday Rekrats,hope the day was great for you.Thanx Motts for new gallery.
Staxv8
Fri 02-25-2011
Motts, Linoleun floor does not have any asbestos in it. As far as I know.. Asbestos is illegal to use in new contructions here in Norway, but we stil use linoleum tiles.

And, was'nt this a "asylum" for old an demented People? I used to work with elderly demented persons, and i have a story to tell abot it. I can Post it if it's ok with you.
Norway
Fri 02-25-2011
The building with the Kirkbride-eque layout is here-on:
http://www.opacity.us/...e8107_safe_again.htm

Norway, I think some old vinyl and linoleum tile was made of a mixture of materials including asbestos until the 1980s. http://www.inspectaped.../Age_of_Flooring.htm

This was originally a psychiatric hospital for people who were thought to have been "incurably insane" until 1890, when they began admitting regular (acute) psychiatric patients.
Motts
Sat 02-26-2011
I use to have a job where I had a chair like that. Those hurt your back something fierce!
Joe
Sun 02-27-2011
yeah! New gallery! Love the write up on this. You are always great telling the history, that's what keeps most of us coming back I think. It shows the world that you care about keeping these records; we can never go forward without at first looking back....
charity
Sun 02-27-2011
Mr. Motts, you have balls of steel! I love all your stories and what you do for us.Your so awesome! I love your site! I am a wimp, I could never be brave enough to do what you do. Thank you for all your pictures and stories. <3 JennyBsweetinseattle
JennyBsweetinseattle
Mon 02-28-2011
Yay A new gallery ! :D It's a always a treat coming to this site to see all the amazing photos and read about the histories of all the places you've visited so far. Keep up the amazing work Motts, and stay safe. ;)
ForsakenFirefly
Tue 03-01-2011

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

 
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