Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum
Apr 4, 2019 19:09:45 #
johnblenko
Loc: Pittsburgh
In reading the comments about today’s topic Eastern Penitentiary tour I was reminded that my wife and I took a tour of the Transallegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston WV last fall. It was an active mental institution (calling it a hospital is simply not appropriate) until, if I remember correctly, 1984. The tour guides, dressed as nurses in white uniforms, lead a two hour tour. Just fascinating. They also offer some days where you pay a separate fee and have the run of the place to photograph. Highly recommended.
John Blenko
John Blenko
Apr 4, 2019 19:10:34 #
Apr 4, 2019 19:15:48 #
Apr 4, 2019 19:19:33 #
johnblenko wrote:
In reading the comments about today’s topic Easter... (show quote)
That sounds like a great photo op.
Apr 4, 2019 19:27:58 #
Apr 4, 2019 19:41:46 #
While I was a full time college student back in the mid to late 60's, I also worked full time as a Neuro/Psychiatric Nursing Assistant in a Veterans' Hospital on Long Island. I can't imagine why anybody would want to visit such a place - I think any sane person would want to get out as soon as possible. And never return.
Apr 4, 2019 19:48:55 #
Apr 4, 2019 19:57:57 #
Lived 25 miles from there. Visited wife's grandmother, employee not patient, once. Sad place.
Apr 4, 2019 20:02:05 #
Sunnely
Loc: Wisconsin
johnblenko wrote:
In reading the comments about today’s topic Easter... (show quote)
Do they leave you the key?
Hmm... Reminds me of, "Welcome to the Hotel California. You can check-out any time you like
But you can never leave!"
Apr 4, 2019 20:05:20 #
I'll pass! I don't want to put down any place that someday may be called home!!! I should not joke about the place because one accident or event and we could be there!
Apr 4, 2019 20:06:03 #
I have worked in places like that (as a telephone tech) and they can be very depressing, especially when working in a childrens ward.
Apr 4, 2019 20:41:25 #
It’s better to have a place where they can be taken care of, instead of on the street.
Apr 4, 2019 21:33:32 #
Never been to the asylum but I've been to Eastern State a few times; truly creepy place. They put on a great Halloween show there.
Apr 4, 2019 21:43:52 #
It’s kind of a perspective thing and arguments could be made for both sides.
I work in a prison but I still found Alcatatraz and its history fascinating. Would I want to go into a working Correctional Facility without getting paid to do it, $&@! no but I could see the photo ops.
I work in a prison but I still found Alcatatraz and its history fascinating. Would I want to go into a working Correctional Facility without getting paid to do it, $&@! no but I could see the photo ops.
Apr 4, 2019 22:25:56 #
johnblenko wrote:
In reading the comments about today’s topic Easter... (show quote)
We, people, tend to be fascinated by these types of institutions. I can tell you, personally, that they are filled with pain, desperation, and a loss of hope, even the institutions or wards that are not long term. What can happen to our brain to make it dysfunctional in some way, either temporaily or permanently, is a truly awful thing. To call someone who is mentally ill a "lunatic" only shows how callous our society was and still can be. Having said these things, the buildings and whatever is left in them does hold some degree of draw for a photographer. If you can distance yourself from the reality of what was you can find many subjects to photograph. Still, when I've done this, the photos all seem so sad in the end.
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