http://asylumprojects.org/api.php?action=feedcontributions&user=Asylums&feedformat=atomAsylum Projects - User contributions [en]2024-03-29T02:10:25ZUser contributionsMediaWiki 1.30.0http://asylumprojects.org/index.php?title=Norfolk_State_Hospital&diff=7263Norfolk State Hospital2010-06-29T19:30:26Z<p>Asylums: </p>
<hr />
<div><br />
The Norfolk State Hospital was established in 1885 as an asylum for the "incurably insane" for the newly founded town of Norfolk, Nebraska. The hospital remains in operation today and is reported to be haunted. Examples of this include apparitions walking down dead end hallways and disappearing, and many howls, screams and footsteps throughout the night. <br />
{{infobox institution<br />
| name = Norfolk State Hospital<br />
| image = <br />
| image_size = <br />
| alt = <br />
| caption = <br />
| established = 1885<br />
| construction_began = <br />
| construction_ended =<br />
| opened = 1885<br />
| closed = <br />
| demolished = <br />
| current_status = [[Active Institution|Active]]<br />
| building_style = [[Cottage Planned Institutions|Cottage Plan]]<br />
| architect(s) =<br />
| location = Norfolk, NE.<br />
| architecture_style =<br />
| peak_patient_population =<br />
| alternate_names =<br><br />
*Insane Asylum in Norfolk<br />
*Nebraska State Hospital<br />
*Norfolk Hospital for the Insane<br />
*Norfolk Regional Center (Current) <br />
}}<br />
<br />
==History==<br />
The Norfolk Regional Center was established in 1885 as an insane asylum under the name Norfolk Hospital for the Incurably Insane on 320 acres of land provided by the city of Norfolk. The institution went through several name changes. In 1895, the legislature voted to call it the Asylum for the Chronic Insane. In 1905, the name was changed to Nebraska State Hospital, and then again in 1915 it was renamed the Ingelside Hospital for the Insane. The facility had four types of patients: Geriactrics, Alcoholics and drug addicts, and the criminally insane. The norfolk Regional Center is currently a mental health and substance abuse treatment facility for adolescent and young adult males who have been paroled from the Youth Rehabilitation Treatment Center in Kearney, Nebraska (Nebraska Dept of Health).In total, 902 individuals were sterilized in Nebraska. 53% of whom were women. 80% of those sterilized were deemed “mentally deficient.” The lobotomies began in 1917 and ended in 1963.<br />
<br />
In Nebraska, the first law regarding sterilization was passed in 1915, after a failed initial attempt by state legislators in 1913 was vetoed by Governor John H. Morehead. This law was revised in both 1929 and 1957. The 1915, law provided for the sterilizations of the insane and feeble-minded inmates of state institutions before they were paroled. The state institutions specifically mentioned in the statute included “institutions for the feeble-minded, hospitals for the insane, the penitentiary, reformatory, industrial schools, the industrial home, and other such State institutions” In 1929, the original law was repealed and a new law was enacted, which included “habitual criminals, moral degenerates, and sexual perverts“—those individuals convicted of rape or incest—as well as the original groups. The 1929 revision of the law made it so that any inmate convicted of rape or other crimes of sexual perversion were to be compulsorily sterilized. Although the sterilization was mandatory for these individuals, the law mandated both notice and hearing and the potential for appeal to the Supreme Court.<br />
<br />
Although habitual criminals and sex offenders were included in the law between 1929 and 1957, the “feeble-minded” were the initial targets. They remained a group of concern for several years after the state ceased its sterilizations of the criminally insane. The ratio of men to women sterilized is relatively equal, indicating no presence of bias toward either sex. In 1929, the Nebraska legislature altered the sterilization law to include those individuals convicted of sodomy. This amendment included individuals who had been deemed “moral degenerates or sexual perverts”. According to data provided by Julius Paul, more than 80% of sterilizations occurred on residents of the Beatrice State Home, founded in 1887 as the Nebraska Institution for Feebleminded Youth. The institution is now known as the Beatrice State Developmental Center, specializing in the treatment of children and adults with behavioral and developmental disabilities (Nebraska Dept. of Health). The website makes no mention of the location’s past involvement with eugenics and sterilization. In terms of a history, the website states, briefly, that the Center “has served citizens with mental retardation since 1887”. Now it is renamed the Norfolk Regional Center, and has 120-beds in part of a Sex Offender Treatment Center providing Phase I services in the Nebraska Sex Offender Treatment Program. The Nebraska Sex Offender Treatment Program is a three phase treatment program meant to reduce dangerousness and risk of re-offense for patients involved in treatment. Phase I treatment orients patients to the treatment process; begins working with patients to accept full responsibility for their sex offending and sexually deviant behaviors; teaches patients to give and receive feedback and utilize coping skills; and builds motivation for the intensive treatment in Phases II and III which are provided at Lincoln Regional Center.<br />
<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
File:Norfolk Neb SH.jpg<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
[[Category:Active Institution]]<br />
[[Category:Cottage Plan]]<br />
[[Category:Nebraska]]</div>Asylumshttp://asylumprojects.org/index.php?title=Norfolk_State_Hospital&diff=7262Norfolk State Hospital2010-06-29T19:29:57Z<p>Asylums: </p>
<hr />
<div>The Norfolk State Hospital was established in 1885 as an asylum for the "incurably insane" for the newly founded town of Norfolk, Nebraska. The hospital remains in operation today and is reported to be haunted. Examples of this include apparitions walking down dead end hallways and disappearing, and many howls, screams and footsteps throughout the night. <br />
<br />
{{infobox institution<br />
| name = Norfolk State Hospital<br />
| image = <br />
| image_size = <br />
| alt = <br />
| caption = <br />
| established = 1885<br />
| construction_began = <br />
| construction_ended =<br />
| opened = 1885<br />
| closed = <br />
| demolished = <br />
| current_status = [[Active Institution|Active]]<br />
| building_style = [[Cottage Planned Institutions|Cottage Plan]]<br />
| architect(s) =<br />
| location = Norfolk, NE.<br />
| architecture_style =<br />
| peak_patient_population =<br />
| alternate_names =<br><br />
*Insane Asylum in Norfolk<br />
*Nebraska State Hospital<br />
*Norfolk Hospital for the Insane<br />
*Norfolk Regional Center (Current) <br />
}}<br />
<br />
==History==<br />
The Norfolk Regional Center was established in 1885 as an insane asylum under the name Norfolk Hospital for the Incurably Insane on 320 acres of land provided by the city of Norfolk. The institution went through several name changes. In 1895, the legislature voted to call it the Asylum for the Chronic Insane. In 1905, the name was changed to Nebraska State Hospital, and then again in 1915 it was renamed the Ingelside Hospital for the Insane. The facility had four types of patients: Geriactrics, Alcoholics and drug addicts, and the criminally insane. The norfolk Regional Center is currently a mental health and substance abuse treatment facility for adolescent and young adult males who have been paroled from the Youth Rehabilitation Treatment Center in Kearney, Nebraska (Nebraska Dept of Health).In total, 902 individuals were sterilized in Nebraska. 53% of whom were women. 80% of those sterilized were deemed “mentally deficient.” The lobotomies began in 1917 and ended in 1963.<br />
<br />
In Nebraska, the first law regarding sterilization was passed in 1915, after a failed initial attempt by state legislators in 1913 was vetoed by Governor John H. Morehead. This law was revised in both 1929 and 1957. The 1915, law provided for the sterilizations of the insane and feeble-minded inmates of state institutions before they were paroled. The state institutions specifically mentioned in the statute included “institutions for the feeble-minded, hospitals for the insane, the penitentiary, reformatory, industrial schools, the industrial home, and other such State institutions” In 1929, the original law was repealed and a new law was enacted, which included “habitual criminals, moral degenerates, and sexual perverts“—those individuals convicted of rape or incest—as well as the original groups. The 1929 revision of the law made it so that any inmate convicted of rape or other crimes of sexual perversion were to be compulsorily sterilized. Although the sterilization was mandatory for these individuals, the law mandated both notice and hearing and the potential for appeal to the Supreme Court.<br />
<br />
Although habitual criminals and sex offenders were included in the law between 1929 and 1957, the “feeble-minded” were the initial targets. They remained a group of concern for several years after the state ceased its sterilizations of the criminally insane. The ratio of men to women sterilized is relatively equal, indicating no presence of bias toward either sex. In 1929, the Nebraska legislature altered the sterilization law to include those individuals convicted of sodomy. This amendment included individuals who had been deemed “moral degenerates or sexual perverts”. According to data provided by Julius Paul, more than 80% of sterilizations occurred on residents of the Beatrice State Home, founded in 1887 as the Nebraska Institution for Feebleminded Youth. The institution is now known as the Beatrice State Developmental Center, specializing in the treatment of children and adults with behavioral and developmental disabilities (Nebraska Dept. of Health). The website makes no mention of the location’s past involvement with eugenics and sterilization. In terms of a history, the website states, briefly, that the Center “has served citizens with mental retardation since 1887”. Now it is renamed the Norfolk Regional Center, and has 120-beds in part of a Sex Offender Treatment Center providing Phase I services in the Nebraska Sex Offender Treatment Program. The Nebraska Sex Offender Treatment Program is a three phase treatment program meant to reduce dangerousness and risk of re-offense for patients involved in treatment. Phase I treatment orients patients to the treatment process; begins working with patients to accept full responsibility for their sex offending and sexually deviant behaviors; teaches patients to give and receive feedback and utilize coping skills; and builds motivation for the intensive treatment in Phases II and III which are provided at Lincoln Regional Center.<br />
<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
File:Norfolk Neb SH.jpg<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
[[Category:Active Institution]]<br />
[[Category:Cottage Plan]]<br />
[[Category:Nebraska]]</div>Asylumshttp://asylumprojects.org/index.php?title=Philadelphia_State_Hospital&diff=7259Philadelphia State Hospital2010-06-28T20:41:02Z<p>Asylums: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{infobox institution<br />
| name = Philadelphia State Hospital<br />
| image = ByBerry TitleBar1.jpg<br />
| image_size = 250px<br />
| alt = <br />
| caption = <br />
| established = Sept 29, 1938 (As a PA State Hospital)<br />
| construction_began = 1906<br />
| construction_ended =<br />
| opened = 1907<br />
| closed = June 1990<br />
| demolished = 2006<br />
| current_status = [[Demolished Institution|Demolished]]<br />
| building_style = [[Cottage Planned Institutions|Cottage Plan]]<br />
| architect(s) =<br />
| location = Philadelphia, PA <br />
| architecture_style =<br />
| peak_patient_population = Over 7,000 in 1960<br />
| alternate_names =<br><br />
*Byberry State Hospital<br />
*Byberry City Farms<br />
*Philadelphia Hospital for Mental Diseases <br />
}}<br />
The '''Philadelphia State Hospital at Byberry''' was a cottage plan asylum located in the Byberry neighborhood of Northeast Philadelphia in Pennsylvania. <br />
<br />
==History==<br />
[[image:ByBerry TitleBar2.jpg|300px|left]]<br />
This large complex has its humble beginnings as a small work farm for the mentally challenged in a section of Philadelphia called Byberry, in 1906. Construction for a large asylum complex was in progress from 1910 to the mid-1920s, which included several dormitories, an infirmary, kitchens, laundry, administration, and two coal power plants. Many buildings were built with scrap and other materials because of the World War I shortage, which resulted in quick deterioration of many of the structures in the complex.<br />
<br />
The Philadelphia Hospital for Mental Diseases opened its doors to its first patient in 1907. Its population quickly grew, but with this also came tales of abuse and neglect. With insufficient funds, the asylum had quickly fallen into disrepair, and patients wound up sleeping in hallways, and raw sewage was found on the bathroom floors during an inspection of the facility.<br />
<br />
In 1936, the institution was finally signed over to the state, although it did nothing to alleviate the problems in the facility until the early 1940s. This is when the new owners of the institution sought to change the old Byberry into the new "Philadelphia State Hospital," and the facility underwent an enormous expansion at the rate of one building each year until 1953. Still, articles such as Albert Deutch's 1948 publication "Shame of the States," articles such as Life's "Bedlam 1946" and Times' "Herded Like Cattle" (1948) described life inside the hospital as despicable.<br />
<br />
By the 1960s, Philadelphia State Hospital consisted of over 50 buildings, 7,000 patients and 800 staff members, along with a deep financial annual cost. In the 1970s, the large staff buildings began to empty out as the workers would much rather commute than live on the grounds. De-institutionalization soon took its hold on this hospital, and most of it was evacuated throughout the 1980s. Horrid living conditions were publicized after a thorough investigation once again, including inadequate treatment, mismanagement, and patient abuse such as sexual exploitation and starvation. The hospital was ordered to close, and it's last patients left in June of 1990.<br />
<br />
Shortly after closing, Byberry was stripped from top to bottom, by looters and salvagers looking for free copper that could fetch a good price elsewhere. It was slated for demolition in 1991, but deconstruction was halted when large amounts of asbestos were found inside. At an estimated $16 million asbestos removal price tag (without demolition), the buildings have been left to rot away since. With lax private security patrolling acres and acres of land, and a multitude of horror stories surrounding this place, Byberry became a popular hangout for many people. Almost everything that could be broken is smashed to bits, anything flammable is now ashes, and graffiti is painted over so many miles of yellow tile that it doesn't resemble much of an asylum anymore. Luckily, this fireproof tile prevents most of the fires from spreading out of control and razing the entire complex to the ground. Guys wandering around with chainsaws, kids shooting flare guns at security from the roofs, and massive BBQs and parties featuring DJs are just a few of the crazy stories you'll hear from "The 'Berry".<br />
<br />
In March of 2006, the Westrum Development Corporation purchased the 106 acre Byberry site. Pressured from Somerton residents as well as the city to end the "Byberry problem", Westrum moved quickly. By June 7th there was a chain link fence surrounding the property. A week later, truckloads of trees and other natural growth clinging to the buildings like a friend, was removed and discarded. The C buildings, for the first time in 25 years, stood boldly, displaying their long gone pride. At a long, staring look, one could see how they once formed a complex of buildings. On Wednesday, June 14th 2006, a celebration of sorts was held in front of C-7. The celebration was the long overdue ending and renovation of this "eyesore". The ceremony consisted of knocking over the overgrown Philadelphia State Hospital sign. In attendence were Governor Rendell, Mayor Street, J. Westrum (CEO), and J. Sweeny, CEO of Brandywine Realty Trust, the developers of the new buildings to be built on site. <ref>http://www.opacity.us/site10_philadelphia_state_hospital_byberry.htm</ref> <ref>http://theduke81.tripod.com/index.html</ref><br />
<br />
== Images of Philadelphia State Hospital ==<br />
{{image gallery|[[Philadelphia State Hospital Image Gallery|Philadelphia State Hospital]]}}<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
File:PSH HIST 33.jpg<br />
File:PSH HIST 37.jpg<br />
File:PSH HIST 39.jpg<br />
File:PSH HIST 41.jpg<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
== Books ==<br />
*The Byberry I-W unit story: Philadelphia State Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by Dorcas Weaver Herr<br />
*The Shame that was Byberry, by William Ecenbarger<br />
<br />
==Video==<br />
This is an old bata tape video found in the hospital of the staff discussing various patients.<br />
<br />
<youtube v="sChEOis7dig" /><br />
<br />
== News Articles ==<br />
*[http://www.asylumprojects.org/Byberry_By-line.pdf Philadelphia State Hospital in house magazine: April 1950]<br />
*An Expose done on the hospital by The Oakland Tribune in the Sunday, November 10, 1968 Edition [http://www.asylumprojects.org/BSH%20Why%20is%20this%20woman%20tied%20up%20page%201.pdf Page 1], [http://www.asylumprojects.org/BSH%20Why%20is%20the%20woman%20tied%20up%20page%202.pdf Page 2], [http://www.asylumprojects.org/BSH%20Why%20is%20the%20woman%20tied%20up%20page%203.pdf Page 3], [http://www.asylumprojects.org/BSH%20Why%20is%20the%20woman%20tied%20up%20page%204.pdf Page 4]<br />
*[http://www.asylumprojects.org/PSH%20closing.jpg An article on the closure of this hospital by the The Daily Intelligencer in their Tuesday, December 08, 1987]<br />
*[[December 2009 News Archive|WWII Pacifists Exposed Mental Ward Horrors]], December 30, 2009<br />
<br />
== Additional Information & Links ==<br />
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphia_State_Hospital Wikipedia]<br />
*[http://www.abandonedbutnotforgotten.com/byberry.htm Dedicated Website]<br />
*[http://www.opacity.us/site10_philadelphia_state_hospital_byberry.htm Opacity Photos]<br />
*[http://www.historicaerials.com/?poi=9065 See Philadelphia State Hospital at HistoricAerials.com]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<references/> <br />
<br />
[[Category:Pennsylvania]]<br />
[[Category:Cottage Plan]]<br />
[[Category:Closed Institution]]<br />
[[Category:Asylum Books]]<br />
[[Category:Articles With Videos]]</div>Asylumshttp://asylumprojects.org/index.php?title=Philadelphia_State_Hospital&diff=7258Philadelphia State Hospital2010-06-28T20:37:27Z<p>Asylums: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{infobox institution<br />
| name = Philadelphia State Hospital<br />
| image = ByBerry TitleBar1.jpg<br />
| image_size = 250px<br />
| alt = <br />
| caption = <br />
| established = Sept 29, 1938 (As a PA State Hospital)<br />
| construction_began = 1906<br />
| construction_ended =<br />
| opened = 1907<br />
| closed = June 1990<br />
| demolished = 2006<br />
| current_status = [[Demolished Institution|Demolished]]<br />
| building_style = [[Cottage Planned Institutions|Cottage Plan]]<br />
| architect(s) =<br />
| location = Philadelphia, PA <br />
| architecture_style =<br />
| peak_patient_population = Over 7,000 in 1960<br />
| alternate_names =<br><br />
*Byberry State Hospital<br />
*Byberry City Farms<br />
*Philadelphia Hospital for Mental Diseases <br />
}}<br />
<br />
The '''Philadelphia State Hospital at Byberry''' was a psychiatric hospital located in the Byberry neighborhood of Northeast Philadelphia in Pennsylvania. <br />
<br />
==History==<br />
[[image:ByBerry TitleBar2.jpg|300px|left]]<br />
This large complex has its humble beginnings as a small work farm for the mentally challenged in a section of Philadelphia called Byberry, in 1906. Construction for a large asylum complex was in progress from 1910 to the mid-1920s, which included several dormitories, an infirmary, kitchens, laundry, administration, and two coal power plants. Many buildings were built with scrap and other materials because of the World War I shortage, which resulted in quick deterioration of many of the structures in the complex.<br />
<br />
The Philadelphia Hospital for Mental Diseases opened its doors to its first patient in 1907. Its population quickly grew, but with this also came tales of abuse and neglect. With insufficient funds, the asylum had quickly fallen into disrepair, and patients wound up sleeping in hallways, and raw sewage was found on the bathroom floors during an inspection of the facility.<br />
<br />
In 1936, the institution was finally signed over to the state, although it did nothing to alleviate the problems in the facility until the early 1940s. This is when the new owners of the institution sought to change the old Byberry into the new "Philadelphia State Hospital," and the facility underwent an enormous expansion at the rate of one building each year until 1953. Still, articles such as Albert Deutch's 1948 publication "Shame of the States," articles such as Life's "Bedlam 1946" and Times' "Herded Like Cattle" (1948) described life inside the hospital as despicable.<br />
<br />
By the 1960s, Philadelphia State Hospital consisted of over 50 buildings, 7,000 patients and 800 staff members, along with a deep financial annual cost. In the 1970s, the large staff buildings began to empty out as the workers would much rather commute than live on the grounds. De-institutionalization soon took its hold on this hospital, and most of it was evacuated throughout the 1980s. Horrid living conditions were publicized after a thorough investigation once again, including inadequate treatment, mismanagement, and patient abuse such as sexual exploitation and starvation. The hospital was ordered to close, and it's last patients left in June of 1990.<br />
<br />
Shortly after closing, Byberry was stripped from top to bottom, by looters and salvagers looking for free copper that could fetch a good price elsewhere. It was slated for demolition in 1991, but deconstruction was halted when large amounts of asbestos were found inside. At an estimated $16 million asbestos removal price tag (without demolition), the buildings have been left to rot away since. With lax private security patrolling acres and acres of land, and a multitude of horror stories surrounding this place, Byberry became a popular hangout for many people. Almost everything that could be broken is smashed to bits, anything flammable is now ashes, and graffiti is painted over so many miles of yellow tile that it doesn't resemble much of an asylum anymore. Luckily, this fireproof tile prevents most of the fires from spreading out of control and razing the entire complex to the ground. Guys wandering around with chainsaws, kids shooting flare guns at security from the roofs, and massive BBQs and parties featuring DJs are just a few of the crazy stories you'll hear from "The 'Berry".<br />
<br />
In March of 2006, the Westrum Development Corporation purchased the 106 acre Byberry site. Pressured from Somerton residents as well as the city to end the "Byberry problem", Westrum moved quickly. By June 7th there was a chain link fence surrounding the property. A week later, truckloads of trees and other natural growth clinging to the buildings like a friend, was removed and discarded. The C buildings, for the first time in 25 years, stood boldly, displaying their long gone pride. At a long, staring look, one could see how they once formed a complex of buildings. On Wednesday, June 14th 2006, a celebration of sorts was held in front of C-7. The celebration was the long overdue ending and renovation of this "eyesore". The ceremony consisted of knocking over the overgrown Philadelphia State Hospital sign. In attendence were Governor Rendell, Mayor Street, J. Westrum (CEO), and J. Sweeny, CEO of Brandywine Realty Trust, the developers of the new buildings to be built on site. <ref>http://www.opacity.us/site10_philadelphia_state_hospital_byberry.htm</ref> <ref>http://theduke81.tripod.com/index.html</ref><br />
<br />
== Images of Philadelphia State Hospital ==<br />
{{image gallery|[[Philadelphia State Hospital Image Gallery|Philadelphia State Hospital]]}}<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
File:PSH HIST 33.jpg<br />
File:PSH HIST 37.jpg<br />
File:PSH HIST 39.jpg<br />
File:PSH HIST 41.jpg<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
== Books ==<br />
*The Byberry I-W unit story: Philadelphia State Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by Dorcas Weaver Herr<br />
*The Shame that was Byberry, by William Ecenbarger<br />
<br />
==Video==<br />
This is an old bata tape video found in the hospital of the staff discussing various patients.<br />
<br />
<youtube v="sChEOis7dig" /><br />
<br />
== News Articles ==<br />
*[http://www.asylumprojects.org/Byberry_By-line.pdf Philadelphia State Hospital in house magazine: April 1950]<br />
*An Expose done on the hospital by The Oakland Tribune in the Sunday, November 10, 1968 Edition [http://www.asylumprojects.org/BSH%20Why%20is%20this%20woman%20tied%20up%20page%201.pdf Page 1], [http://www.asylumprojects.org/BSH%20Why%20is%20the%20woman%20tied%20up%20page%202.pdf Page 2], [http://www.asylumprojects.org/BSH%20Why%20is%20the%20woman%20tied%20up%20page%203.pdf Page 3], [http://www.asylumprojects.org/BSH%20Why%20is%20the%20woman%20tied%20up%20page%204.pdf Page 4]<br />
*[http://www.asylumprojects.org/PSH%20closing.jpg An article on the closure of this hospital by the The Daily Intelligencer in their Tuesday, December 08, 1987]<br />
*[[December 2009 News Archive|WWII Pacifists Exposed Mental Ward Horrors]], December 30, 2009<br />
<br />
== Additional Information & Links ==<br />
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphia_State_Hospital Wikipedia]<br />
*[http://www.abandonedbutnotforgotten.com/byberry.htm Dedicated Website]<br />
*[http://www.opacity.us/site10_philadelphia_state_hospital_byberry.htm Opacity Photos]<br />
*[http://www.historicaerials.com/?poi=9065 See Philadelphia State Hospital at HistoricAerials.com]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<references/> <br />
<br />
[[Category:Pennsylvania]]<br />
[[Category:Cottage Plan]]<br />
[[Category:Closed Institution]]<br />
[[Category:Asylum Books]]<br />
[[Category:Articles With Videos]]</div>Asylumshttp://asylumprojects.org/index.php?title=Philadelphia_State_Hospital&diff=7257Philadelphia State Hospital2010-06-28T20:27:19Z<p>Asylums: /* History */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{infobox institution<br />
| name = Philadelphia State Hospital<br />
| image = ByBerry TitleBar1.jpg<br />
| image_size = 250px<br />
| alt = <br />
| caption = <br />
| established = Sept 29, 1938 (As a PA State Hospital)<br />
| construction_began = 1906<br />
| construction_ended =<br />
| opened = 1907<br />
| closed = June 1990<br />
| demolished = 2006<br />
| current_status = [[Demolished Institution|Demolished]]<br />
| building_style = [[Cottage Planned Institutions|Cottage Plan]]<br />
| architect(s) =<br />
| location = Philadelphia, PA <br />
| architecture_style =<br />
| peak_patient_population = Over 7,000 in 1960<br />
| alternate_names =<br><br />
*Byberry State Hospital<br />
*Byberry City Farms<br />
*Philadelphia Hospital for Mental Diseases <br />
}}<br />
<br />
==History==<br />
[[image:ByBerry TitleBar2.jpg|300px|left]]<br />
This large complex has its humble beginnings as a small work farm for the mentally challenged in a section of Philadelphia called Byberry, in 1906. Construction for a large asylum complex was in progress from 1910 to the mid-1920s, which included several dormitories, an infirmary, kitchens, laundry, administration, and two coal power plants. Many buildings were built with scrap and other materials because of the World War I shortage, which resulted in quick deterioration of many of the structures in the complex.<br />
<br />
The Philadelphia Hospital for Mental Diseases opened its doors to its first patient in 1907. Its population quickly grew, but with this also came tales of abuse and neglect. With insufficient funds, the asylum had quickly fallen into disrepair, and patients wound up sleeping in hallways, and raw sewage was found on the bathroom floors during an inspection of the facility.<br />
<br />
In 1936, the institution was finally signed over to the state, although it did nothing to alleviate the problems in the facility until the early 1940s. This is when the new owners of the institution sought to change the old Byberry into the new "Philadelphia State Hospital," and the facility underwent an enormous expansion at the rate of one building each year until 1953. Still, articles such as Albert Deutch's 1948 publication "Shame of the States," articles such as Life's "Bedlam 1946" and Times' "Herded Like Cattle" (1948) described life inside the hospital as despicable.<br />
<br />
By the 1960s, Philadelphia State Hospital consisted of over 50 buildings, 7,000 patients and 800 staff members, along with a deep financial annual cost. In the 1970s, the large staff buildings began to empty out as the workers would much rather commute than live on the grounds. De-institutionalization soon took its hold on this hospital, and most of it was evacuated throughout the 1980s. Horrid living conditions were publicized after a thorough investigation once again, including inadequate treatment, mismanagement, and patient abuse such as sexual exploitation and starvation. The hospital was ordered to close, and it's last patients left in June of 1990.<br />
<br />
Shortly after closing, Byberry was stripped from top to bottom, by looters and salvagers looking for free copper that could fetch a good price elsewhere. It was slated for demolition in 1991, but deconstruction was halted when large amounts of asbestos were found inside. At an estimated $16 million asbestos removal price tag (without demolition), the buildings have been left to rot away since. With lax private security patrolling acres and acres of land, and a multitude of horror stories surrounding this place, Byberry became a popular hangout for many people. Almost everything that could be broken is smashed to bits, anything flammable is now ashes, and graffiti is painted over so many miles of yellow tile that it doesn't resemble much of an asylum anymore. Luckily, this fireproof tile prevents most of the fires from spreading out of control and razing the entire complex to the ground. Guys wandering around with chainsaws, kids shooting flare guns at security from the roofs, and massive BBQs and parties featuring DJs are just a few of the crazy stories you'll hear from "The 'Berry".<br />
<br />
In March of 2006, the Westrum Development Corporation purchased the 106 acre Byberry site. Pressured from Somerton residents as well as the city to end the "Byberry problem", Westrum moved quickly. By June 7th there was a chain link fence surrounding the property. A week later, truckloads of trees and other natural growth clinging to the buildings like a friend, was removed and discarded. The C buildings, for the first time in 25 years, stood boldly, displaying their long gone pride. At a long, staring look, one could see how they once formed a complex of buildings. On Wednesday, June 14th 2006, a celebration of sorts was held in front of C-7. The celebration was the long overdue ending and renovation of this "eyesore". The ceremony consisted of knocking over the overgrown Philadelphia State Hospital sign. In attendence were Governor Rendell, Mayor Street, J. Westrum (CEO), and J. Sweeny, CEO of Brandywine Realty Trust, the developers of the new buildings to be built on site. <ref>http://www.opacity.us/site10_philadelphia_state_hospital_byberry.htm</ref> <ref>http://theduke81.tripod.com/index.html</ref><br />
<br />
== Images of Philadelphia State Hospital ==<br />
{{image gallery|[[Philadelphia State Hospital Image Gallery|Philadelphia State Hospital]]}}<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
File:PSH HIST 33.jpg<br />
File:PSH HIST 37.jpg<br />
File:PSH HIST 39.jpg<br />
File:PSH HIST 41.jpg<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
== Books ==<br />
*The Byberry I-W unit story: Philadelphia State Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by Dorcas Weaver Herr<br />
*The Shame that was Byberry, by William Ecenbarger<br />
<br />
==Video==<br />
This is an old bata tape video found in the hospital of the staff discussing various patients.<br />
<br />
<youtube v="sChEOis7dig" /><br />
<br />
== News Articles ==<br />
*[http://www.asylumprojects.org/Byberry_By-line.pdf Philadelphia State Hospital in house magazine: April 1950]<br />
*An Expose done on the hospital by The Oakland Tribune in the Sunday, November 10, 1968 Edition [http://www.asylumprojects.org/BSH%20Why%20is%20this%20woman%20tied%20up%20page%201.pdf Page 1], [http://www.asylumprojects.org/BSH%20Why%20is%20the%20woman%20tied%20up%20page%202.pdf Page 2], [http://www.asylumprojects.org/BSH%20Why%20is%20the%20woman%20tied%20up%20page%203.pdf Page 3], [http://www.asylumprojects.org/BSH%20Why%20is%20the%20woman%20tied%20up%20page%204.pdf Page 4]<br />
*[http://www.asylumprojects.org/PSH%20closing.jpg An article on the closure of this hospital by the The Daily Intelligencer in their Tuesday, December 08, 1987]<br />
*[[December 2009 News Archive|WWII Pacifists Exposed Mental Ward Horrors]], December 30, 2009<br />
<br />
== Additional Information & Links ==<br />
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphia_State_Hospital Wikipedia]<br />
*[http://www.abandonedbutnotforgotten.com/byberry.htm Dedicated Website]<br />
*[http://www.opacity.us/site10_philadelphia_state_hospital_byberry.htm Opacity Photos]<br />
*[http://www.historicaerials.com/?poi=9065 See Philadelphia State Hospital at HistoricAerials.com]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<references/> <br />
<br />
[[Category:Pennsylvania]]<br />
[[Category:Cottage Plan]]<br />
[[Category:Closed Institution]]<br />
[[Category:Asylum Books]]<br />
[[Category:Articles With Videos]]</div>Asylumshttp://asylumprojects.org/index.php?title=Philadelphia_State_Hospital&diff=7256Philadelphia State Hospital2010-06-28T20:26:53Z<p>Asylums: /* History */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{infobox institution<br />
| name = Philadelphia State Hospital<br />
| image = ByBerry TitleBar1.jpg<br />
| image_size = 250px<br />
| alt = <br />
| caption = <br />
| established = Sept 29, 1938 (As a PA State Hospital)<br />
| construction_began = 1906<br />
| construction_ended =<br />
| opened = 1907<br />
| closed = June 1990<br />
| demolished = 2006<br />
| current_status = [[Demolished Institution|Demolished]]<br />
| building_style = [[Cottage Planned Institutions|Cottage Plan]]<br />
| architect(s) =<br />
| location = Philadelphia, PA <br />
| architecture_style =<br />
| peak_patient_population = Over 7,000 in 1960<br />
| alternate_names =<br><br />
*Byberry State Hospital<br />
*Byberry City Farms<br />
*Philadelphia Hospital for Mental Diseases <br />
}}<br />
<br />
==History==<br />
[[image:ByBerry TitleBar2.jpg|300px|left|Philadelphia State Hospital at Byberry.]]<br />
This large complex has its humble beginnings as a small work farm for the mentally challenged in a section of Philadelphia called Byberry, in 1906. Construction for a large asylum complex was in progress from 1910 to the mid-1920s, which included several dormitories, an infirmary, kitchens, laundry, administration, and two coal power plants. Many buildings were built with scrap and other materials because of the World War I shortage, which resulted in quick deterioration of many of the structures in the complex.<br />
<br />
The Philadelphia Hospital for Mental Diseases opened its doors to its first patient in 1907. Its population quickly grew, but with this also came tales of abuse and neglect. With insufficient funds, the asylum had quickly fallen into disrepair, and patients wound up sleeping in hallways, and raw sewage was found on the bathroom floors during an inspection of the facility.<br />
<br />
In 1936, the institution was finally signed over to the state, although it did nothing to alleviate the problems in the facility until the early 1940s. This is when the new owners of the institution sought to change the old Byberry into the new "Philadelphia State Hospital," and the facility underwent an enormous expansion at the rate of one building each year until 1953. Still, articles such as Albert Deutch's 1948 publication "Shame of the States," articles such as Life's "Bedlam 1946" and Times' "Herded Like Cattle" (1948) described life inside the hospital as despicable.<br />
<br />
By the 1960s, Philadelphia State Hospital consisted of over 50 buildings, 7,000 patients and 800 staff members, along with a deep financial annual cost. In the 1970s, the large staff buildings began to empty out as the workers would much rather commute than live on the grounds. De-institutionalization soon took its hold on this hospital, and most of it was evacuated throughout the 1980s. Horrid living conditions were publicized after a thorough investigation once again, including inadequate treatment, mismanagement, and patient abuse such as sexual exploitation and starvation. The hospital was ordered to close, and it's last patients left in June of 1990.<br />
<br />
Shortly after closing, Byberry was stripped from top to bottom, by looters and salvagers looking for free copper that could fetch a good price elsewhere. It was slated for demolition in 1991, but deconstruction was halted when large amounts of asbestos were found inside. At an estimated $16 million asbestos removal price tag (without demolition), the buildings have been left to rot away since. With lax private security patrolling acres and acres of land, and a multitude of horror stories surrounding this place, Byberry became a popular hangout for many people. Almost everything that could be broken is smashed to bits, anything flammable is now ashes, and graffiti is painted over so many miles of yellow tile that it doesn't resemble much of an asylum anymore. Luckily, this fireproof tile prevents most of the fires from spreading out of control and razing the entire complex to the ground. Guys wandering around with chainsaws, kids shooting flare guns at security from the roofs, and massive BBQs and parties featuring DJs are just a few of the crazy stories you'll hear from "The 'Berry".<br />
<br />
In March of 2006, the Westrum Development Corporation purchased the 106 acre Byberry site. Pressured from Somerton residents as well as the city to end the "Byberry problem", Westrum moved quickly. By June 7th there was a chain link fence surrounding the property. A week later, truckloads of trees and other natural growth clinging to the buildings like a friend, was removed and discarded. The C buildings, for the first time in 25 years, stood boldly, displaying their long gone pride. At a long, staring look, one could see how they once formed a complex of buildings. On Wednesday, June 14th 2006, a celebration of sorts was held in front of C-7. The celebration was the long overdue ending and renovation of this "eyesore". The ceremony consisted of knocking over the overgrown Philadelphia State Hospital sign. In attendence were Governor Rendell, Mayor Street, J. Westrum (CEO), and J. Sweeny, CEO of Brandywine Realty Trust, the developers of the new buildings to be built on site. <ref>http://www.opacity.us/site10_philadelphia_state_hospital_byberry.htm</ref> <ref>http://theduke81.tripod.com/index.html</ref><br />
<br />
== Images of Philadelphia State Hospital ==<br />
{{image gallery|[[Philadelphia State Hospital Image Gallery|Philadelphia State Hospital]]}}<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
File:PSH HIST 33.jpg<br />
File:PSH HIST 37.jpg<br />
File:PSH HIST 39.jpg<br />
File:PSH HIST 41.jpg<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
== Books ==<br />
*The Byberry I-W unit story: Philadelphia State Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by Dorcas Weaver Herr<br />
*The Shame that was Byberry, by William Ecenbarger<br />
<br />
==Video==<br />
This is an old bata tape video found in the hospital of the staff discussing various patients.<br />
<br />
<youtube v="sChEOis7dig" /><br />
<br />
== News Articles ==<br />
*[http://www.asylumprojects.org/Byberry_By-line.pdf Philadelphia State Hospital in house magazine: April 1950]<br />
*An Expose done on the hospital by The Oakland Tribune in the Sunday, November 10, 1968 Edition [http://www.asylumprojects.org/BSH%20Why%20is%20this%20woman%20tied%20up%20page%201.pdf Page 1], [http://www.asylumprojects.org/BSH%20Why%20is%20the%20woman%20tied%20up%20page%202.pdf Page 2], [http://www.asylumprojects.org/BSH%20Why%20is%20the%20woman%20tied%20up%20page%203.pdf Page 3], [http://www.asylumprojects.org/BSH%20Why%20is%20the%20woman%20tied%20up%20page%204.pdf Page 4]<br />
*[http://www.asylumprojects.org/PSH%20closing.jpg An article on the closure of this hospital by the The Daily Intelligencer in their Tuesday, December 08, 1987]<br />
*[[December 2009 News Archive|WWII Pacifists Exposed Mental Ward Horrors]], December 30, 2009<br />
<br />
== Additional Information & Links ==<br />
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphia_State_Hospital Wikipedia]<br />
*[http://www.abandonedbutnotforgotten.com/byberry.htm Dedicated Website]<br />
*[http://www.opacity.us/site10_philadelphia_state_hospital_byberry.htm Opacity Photos]<br />
*[http://www.historicaerials.com/?poi=9065 See Philadelphia State Hospital at HistoricAerials.com]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<references/> <br />
<br />
[[Category:Pennsylvania]]<br />
[[Category:Cottage Plan]]<br />
[[Category:Closed Institution]]<br />
[[Category:Asylum Books]]<br />
[[Category:Articles With Videos]]</div>Asylums