View allAll Photos Tagged mentalillness
St James Hospital Portsmouth. Old psychiatric hospital serving Portsmouth and south east Hampshire. Now in decline due to toxic Tory cutbacks in Mental health services
That had to be one of the saddest sentences I've heard. Saturday I wasn't going to bother the homeless people who are at the beach in the early morning. They go somewhere else when the crowds come - I don't know where. I do know someone brings them breakfast because they all had these same plates and cups.
But this woman stopped us and wanted to see Benni. Benni felt something from her and got up on the bench and sat by her. That's not normal Benni at the beginning of a beach walk. The woman said I could take her picture and that she used to live in Connecticut where she had a big black Great Dane. Her hand automatically went around Benni's neck and she sat and patted my good girl. We didn't talk any more.
Homeless people here wear all their clothes even though across the boardwalk from where she's sitting there were girls in bikinis sunning in the warm sand.
The Glore Psychiatric Museum chronicles the 130-year history of what was once known as the “State Lunatic Asylum No. 2.” The Museum uses full-sized replicas, interactive displays, audio-visuals, artifacts, and documents to illustrate the history of the treatment of mental illness. The museum is recognized as “one of the 50 most unusual Museums in the country.” It is also featured in the book “1,000 Places to See Before You Die in the USA and Canada.”
The Glore Psychiatric Museum is named for its founder George Glore, who spent most of his 41-year career with the Missouri Department of Mental Health nurturing its collections into arguably the largest and best single exhibition explaining the evolution of mental health care in the United States. His ultimate goal was to reduce the stigma associated with psychiatric treatment for patients, their families, and their communities.
‘State Lunatic Asylum No. 2’ opened in November of 1874
Homeless man sleeping in an alley in Downtown Los Angeles 1989. Photo by Gilbert Mercier. Published photograph ( four publications)
www.americanews.com/story/society/2016/02/09/obama-seeks-...
Also published in a French article by Theo Chapuis in Konbini,com: "Sur Terre, 62 Personnes Detiennent Autant de Richesses que la Moitie de la Planete"
www.konbini.com/fr/tendances-2/62-personnes-possedent-aut...
Also published by The University of Minnesota Library to illustrate it social studies chapter 14.3 Problems of Urban Life under Homelessness.
open.lib.umn.edu/socialproblems/chapter/14-3-problems-of-...
"Darker emotions may well put on the mask of quite unworldly things." - Sylvia Plath
Dealing with depression feels like an uphill battle. When I'm in that dark space, it seems continual. It goes on forever. Once I come out of it and I start to feel myself again, I'm acutely aware that the feeling of happiness isn't going to last. It could be that afternoon, the next day or the next month but I know depression will return. I can never rid myself of that completely. It's always around.
Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum
November 2nd, 2014
Weston, WV
"Across from the West Fork River on 269 acres in Weston, West Virginia stands The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum. The two main hospital buildings stretch for an intimidating two-tenths of a mile and was to hold 250 patients. The hospital is the largest hand-cut stone masonry building in America. The hospital also stands out because of the many stories about Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum ghosts.
Virginia had only two state hospitals in the mid 1800’s, Williamsburg and Staunton, and both were very overcrowded, so the Virginia Legislature voted to build another new state hospital and after a long search decided on Weston as the home. Construction began in 1858 but grounded to a halt in 1861 with the outbreak of the American Civil War.
When Virginia succeeded from the Union the state government demanded the money back that wasn’t already used for construction on the hospital so it could be used in their defense fund. The 7th Ohio Volunteer Infantry had other plans and confiscated the money and delivered it to Wheeling. They used the money to fund the Reorganized Government of Virginia which sided with the Union. Appropriating more funds, the new government began construction again in 1862.
West Virginia became a state in 1863 and renamed Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum to West Virginia Hospital for the Insane. Construction continued until 1881 but admission of patients started in 1864. 1871 saw completion of the signature 200 foot clock tower.
The hospital’s goal was to become self-sufficient. It expanded to eventually include 666 acres and had on the grounds a dairy, a farm, a cemetery and waterworks. In 1902 they drilled a gas well and another name change to Weston State Hospital came in 1913.
The Charleston Gazette did a series of reports in 1949 reporting poor sanitation, lighting and heating in areas of the hospital. From the mid 1970’s to the closing of the hospital were the most violent. Patients killing patients, both male and female staff got attacked and some killed and the most violent patients kept in cages. In 1994 Weston State Hospital closed for good.
There are several thousand documented deaths connected to the hospital and three cemeteries located behind the hospital. The three cemeteries cover different times in the history of the hospital, the first cemetery covers 1858-1900, the second covers 1901-1933 and the last one 1933-1970’s. Due to missing markers however, it is nearly impossible to match names to those buried there.
With so many deaths throughout the history of the hospital, it should come as no surprise that there are plenty of stories of Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum ghosts. Staff reports sounds of gurney’s being pushed down the hallways, screams coming from the electro-shock area and even doctor apparition’s roaming the hallways and rooms.
One of the most popular Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum ghosts is the story of Lily. Lily was born in the hospital in 1863, her mom; Gladys Ravensfield was a patient there. The story surrounding Gladys is that she was continuously raped and beaten by a group of Civil War soldiers and the resulting emotional after effects landed her in the asylum. Not long after her admission, they found out she was pregnant. Gladys gave birth to Lily nut sadly within a few hours Lily passed away.
Lily hangs around her mom’s room in the Civil War section and the hallways around there. She likes to play ball and will hold your hand when you walk by. Though she died as a new-born, most report the little girl as being around three years old. Apparently she also has acquired a sweet tooth and reports are that if you leave candy around, or even in your pocket, it will go missing. A child laughing and giggling are also often reported around Lily’s room.
The Civil War section seems the most active area in the haunted hospital. It is known for a Civil War soldier’s apparition, who’s been named Jacob, wandering aimlessly around the floor, loud banging and strange noises are heard, whispering and what seems like constant conversation being heard even though no one is on the floor."
SOURCE: www.themosthauntedplaces.com/trans-allegheny-lunatic-asyl...
Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum
November 2nd, 2014
Weston, WV
"Across from the West Fork River on 269 acres in Weston, West Virginia stands The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum. The two main hospital buildings stretch for an intimidating two-tenths of a mile and was to hold 250 patients. The hospital is the largest hand-cut stone masonry building in America. The hospital also stands out because of the many stories about Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum ghosts.
Virginia had only two state hospitals in the mid 1800’s, Williamsburg and Staunton, and both were very overcrowded, so the Virginia Legislature voted to build another new state hospital and after a long search decided on Weston as the home. Construction began in 1858 but grounded to a halt in 1861 with the outbreak of the American Civil War.
When Virginia succeeded from the Union the state government demanded the money back that wasn’t already used for construction on the hospital so it could be used in their defense fund. The 7th Ohio Volunteer Infantry had other plans and confiscated the money and delivered it to Wheeling. They used the money to fund the Reorganized Government of Virginia which sided with the Union. Appropriating more funds, the new government began construction again in 1862.
West Virginia became a state in 1863 and renamed Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum to West Virginia Hospital for the Insane. Construction continued until 1881 but admission of patients started in 1864. 1871 saw completion of the signature 200 foot clock tower.
The hospital’s goal was to become self-sufficient. It expanded to eventually include 666 acres and had on the grounds a dairy, a farm, a cemetery and waterworks. In 1902 they drilled a gas well and another name change to Weston State Hospital came in 1913.
The Charleston Gazette did a series of reports in 1949 reporting poor sanitation, lighting and heating in areas of the hospital. From the mid 1970’s to the closing of the hospital were the most violent. Patients killing patients, both male and female staff got attacked and some killed and the most violent patients kept in cages. In 1994 Weston State Hospital closed for good.
There are several thousand documented deaths connected to the hospital and three cemeteries located behind the hospital. The three cemeteries cover different times in the history of the hospital, the first cemetery covers 1858-1900, the second covers 1901-1933 and the last one 1933-1970’s. Due to missing markers however, it is nearly impossible to match names to those buried there.
With so many deaths throughout the history of the hospital, it should come as no surprise that there are plenty of stories of Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum ghosts. Staff reports sounds of gurney’s being pushed down the hallways, screams coming from the electro-shock area and even doctor apparition’s roaming the hallways and rooms.
One of the most popular Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum ghosts is the story of Lily. Lily was born in the hospital in 1863, her mom; Gladys Ravensfield was a patient there. The story surrounding Gladys is that she was continuously raped and beaten by a group of Civil War soldiers and the resulting emotional after effects landed her in the asylum. Not long after her admission, they found out she was pregnant. Gladys gave birth to Lily nut sadly within a few hours Lily passed away.
Lily hangs around her mom’s room in the Civil War section and the hallways around there. She likes to play ball and will hold your hand when you walk by. Though she died as a new-born, most report the little girl as being around three years old. Apparently she also has acquired a sweet tooth and reports are that if you leave candy around, or even in your pocket, it will go missing. A child laughing and giggling are also often reported around Lily’s room.
The Civil War section seems the most active area in the haunted hospital. It is known for a Civil War soldier’s apparition, who’s been named Jacob, wandering aimlessly around the floor, loud banging and strange noises are heard, whispering and what seems like constant conversation being heard even though no one is on the floor."
SOURCE: www.themosthauntedplaces.com/trans-allegheny-lunatic-asyl...
Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum
Weston, WV
November 2nd, 2014
The best part about being there all day and into the night was the total change of every room with the changing angle of the sun.
One of the many rooms inside this massive historic lunatic asylum.
Some info on the location and it's dark history:
"The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, constructed between 1858 and 1881, is the largest hand-cut stone masonry building in North America, and is purportedly the second largest in the world, next to the Kremlin. It was designed by the renowned architect Richard Andrews following the Kirkbride plan, which called for long rambling wings arranged in a staggered formation, assuring that each of the connecting structures received an abundance of therapeutic sunlight and fresh air. The original hospital, designed to house 250 souls, was open to patients in 1864 and reached its peak in the 1950's with 2,400 patients in overcrowded and generally poor conditions. Changes in the treatment of mental illness and the physical deterioration of the facility forced its closure in 1994 inflicting a devastating effect on the local economy, from which it has yet to recover."
St James Hospital Portsmouth. Old psychiatric hospital serving Portsmouth and south east Hampshire. Now in decline due to toxic Tory cutbacks in Mental health services
The Black Dog has been used as a metaphor for depression from antiquity to the present day.
Men and women are equally likely to get it. Women tend to spend more time depressed than men with bipolar disorder.
This was my first time trying a combination of writing and collage--also known as art journaling.
Cut-paper collage created for the Kollage Kit weekly theme: "Home Sweet Home." Figures in lower left are from Max Beckmann's "Departure." Blue shapes invading the home/body are from Elisabeth Murray's "Cracked Question." Anatomical illustration (of abdominopelvic cavity, with intestines & other organs removed) is from a 19th century medical text. Sculpture of woman in upper left & lower right is by Donatello.
I thought I had uploaded this earlier in the 365 but apparently I never did. This is an old photo that I had originally taken as a part of a series that I wanted to submit for film school but life had other plans. I want to do more photos in this style again.
This is probably one of my favorite photos that I ever took. A picture really is worth a thousand words. This photo captures exactly how I felt the past few years. There's so many words in the English language, yet I don't think they would be able to describe in words what I was going through better than this photo.
Depression is a battle. A constant struggle. Some days it's like come on, give it a break - give me a break.
Hello all.
over the course of 2015 I have dealt with some of the worst anxiety and panic attacks I have ever experienced. A lot of people think anxiety is just feeling extra nervous, or that a panic attack is just something that happens when feeling super stressed out. Anxiety is literally waking up terrified, shaking, and nauseous before the day even starts. It's going throughout your day with a smile, even though you're on the edge of breaking down in hysterics. It's me, having this photo edited and ready to post for 3 weeks, but constantly worrying I wouldn't have anything good to say/post with it, or that people would think I was seeking attention. I could go on and on.
Anyway, I've decided to create a photo series that depicts what panic attacks, anxiety, and depression can really feel like. Here's my first piece, titled "attack."
Story: "When I would tell someone I'm depressed, "Depressed? About what? You are healthy, You have a dream job with awesome income, an amazing family, a house with a big back yard, a vehicle, friends that would do anything for you. What could possibly be depressing you? You have nothing to be depressed about. There are people dealing with so much more than you, people dying from cancer(s), people are homeless, dealing with poverty, other countries are starving, people dying oversea because of this war on terrorism, drug addiction, mental illness. People who are blind, deaf, missing limbs, unable walk. No family, no friends, no one to help them. All over the world people are murdered, shot, robbed, raped, stabbed, poisoned, kidnapped, dismembered, committing suicide, doing acts of violence, threatening to harm others. Growing up without a family, working jobs you hate making less than most make. I could go on all day but we have it good, and you are depressed!?" You just named almost every reason why I'm depressed... " - Anonymous
Just 50 yards from North Carolina Governor Roy Coopers office, a homeless person sleeps. Does Raleigh NC have a homeless problem?
With over 6,000 individuals seeking homeless services, 70% of those are considered homeless due to a recent situation in their lives. Homelessness doesn't just happen. But while skyscrapers are built and high end homes sprout up all over Raleigh, homelessness increases dramatically year to year. Our politicians do little but give the problem lip service.
After finding a few shopping bags in a Target store parking lot, this lady makes her weary way to a bus stop on a busy street in Pomona, California.
The temperature is in the 90s and her gait is glacier slow, made with extreme effort.
She exposes only her right eye and she cannot speak. When asked her name, she could only make a single, high-pitched droning sound in reply.
She has a plastic bag around one foot and wears only one glove. Her clothing is discolored by layers of dirt.
She displays a bright splash of color as if to say, this is my untarnished soul.
Group photo, with some photobombing by the Garda mounted support unit in Dublin City Centre.
No parking, but plenty of smiling.
Seen as is on a tree. It's not a sculpture. Take the time to look in his eyes. They are in my view so full of sadness.
Prenez le temps de regarder son expression. Elle est tellement évocatrice.
About 11% of men and 16% of women in Canada will experience major depression in the course of their lives. Depression can limit your quality of life, affect relationships, lead to lost time from work for psychological reasons and contribute to other chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart diseases. Sometimes it leads to suicide. Fortunately, for most people, depression can be treated effectively. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Get some help or, if a friend or family member is depressed, be a good listener and try to get the person who is depressed to talk about his/her feelings. Let them know that it is all right to talk about these things.
This Sunday, May 27, is Defeat Depression Day.
*****
Au Canada, environ 11 % des hommes et 16 % des femmes feront une dépression majeure au cours de leur vie. La dépression peut diminuer la qualité de vie, entraîner des difficultés relationnelles et occasionner des absences du travail pour des motifs psychologiques, engendrer des maladies chroniques comme le diabète ou les maladies du cœur et, parfois, mener au suicide. Heureusement, dans la plupart des cas, il y des traitements efficaces pour traiter la dépression. N’attendez pas qu’il soit trop tard. Allez chercher l’aide dont vous avez besoin. Si c’est un ami ou un proche qui est déprimé, soyez à l'écoute et encouragez-le à parler de ce qu'il ressent. Faites-lui sentir qu'il peut se confier à vous.
Ce dimanche, 27 mai est la Journée Surmontez la dépression.
Music / Musique : Everybody hurts by/par R.E.M.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=pudOFG5X6uA
Best in large and black. Press L and choose View Large.
Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum
November 2nd, 2014
Weston, WV
"Across from the West Fork River on 269 acres in Weston, West Virginia stands The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum. The two main hospital buildings stretch for an intimidating two-tenths of a mile and was to hold 250 patients. The hospital is the largest hand-cut stone masonry building in America. The hospital also stands out because of the many stories about Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum ghosts.
Virginia had only two state hospitals in the mid 1800’s, Williamsburg and Staunton, and both were very overcrowded, so the Virginia Legislature voted to build another new state hospital and after a long search decided on Weston as the home. Construction began in 1858 but grounded to a halt in 1861 with the outbreak of the American Civil War.
When Virginia succeeded from the Union the state government demanded the money back that wasn’t already used for construction on the hospital so it could be used in their defense fund. The 7th Ohio Volunteer Infantry had other plans and confiscated the money and delivered it to Wheeling. They used the money to fund the Reorganized Government of Virginia which sided with the Union. Appropriating more funds, the new government began construction again in 1862.
West Virginia became a state in 1863 and renamed Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum to West Virginia Hospital for the Insane. Construction continued until 1881 but admission of patients started in 1864. 1871 saw completion of the signature 200 foot clock tower.
The hospital’s goal was to become self-sufficient. It expanded to eventually include 666 acres and had on the grounds a dairy, a farm, a cemetery and waterworks. In 1902 they drilled a gas well and another name change to Weston State Hospital came in 1913.
The Charleston Gazette did a series of reports in 1949 reporting poor sanitation, lighting and heating in areas of the hospital. From the mid 1970’s to the closing of the hospital were the most violent. Patients killing patients, both male and female staff got attacked and some killed and the most violent patients kept in cages. In 1994 Weston State Hospital closed for good.
There are several thousand documented deaths connected to the hospital and three cemeteries located behind the hospital. The three cemeteries cover different times in the history of the hospital, the first cemetery covers 1858-1900, the second covers 1901-1933 and the last one 1933-1970’s. Due to missing markers however, it is nearly impossible to match names to those buried there.
With so many deaths throughout the history of the hospital, it should come as no surprise that there are plenty of stories of Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum ghosts. Staff reports sounds of gurney’s being pushed down the hallways, screams coming from the electro-shock area and even doctor apparition’s roaming the hallways and rooms.
One of the most popular Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum ghosts is the story of Lily. Lily was born in the hospital in 1863, her mom; Gladys Ravensfield was a patient there. The story surrounding Gladys is that she was continuously raped and beaten by a group of Civil War soldiers and the resulting emotional after effects landed her in the asylum. Not long after her admission, they found out she was pregnant. Gladys gave birth to Lily nut sadly within a few hours Lily passed away.
Lily hangs around her mom’s room in the Civil War section and the hallways around there. She likes to play ball and will hold your hand when you walk by. Though she died as a new-born, most report the little girl as being around three years old. Apparently she also has acquired a sweet tooth and reports are that if you leave candy around, or even in your pocket, it will go missing. A child laughing and giggling are also often reported around Lily’s room.
The Civil War section seems the most active area in the haunted hospital. It is known for a Civil War soldier’s apparition, who’s been named Jacob, wandering aimlessly around the floor, loud banging and strange noises are heard, whispering and what seems like constant conversation being heard even though no one is on the floor."
SOURCE: www.themosthauntedplaces.com/trans-allegheny-lunatic-asyl...
Homeless lining up, in hope of a hot meal and perhaps a bed, in front of mission shelter at sunset on skid row in Downtown Los Angeles 1989. Photo by Gilbert Mercier. All rights reserved. Contact me here for eventual publication.
Photograph published in Witty Bitches Magazine on October 7, 2016 to illustrate the article "We Were Promised Bootstraps...." by Frances Locke.
The Priory Hospital in Bristol that offers support for a variety on mental illnesses from addictions to depression. It overlooks the area around Stapleton and the distinctive yellow tower can be seen from quite a distance. In the background is the even more distinctive Purdown BT Tower which is 230ft in height.
Nikon D600 on Bogen/Manfrotto carbon fiber tripod.
Rokinon/Samyang 8mm f/3.5mm fisheye lens, "shaved" for maximum field on the D600's full-frame sensor.
Built-in interval timer (I messed up the difficult time settings, thus the gaps in the trails, which I've now convinced myself are nice ;-) )
Exposures:
259 exposures of 30 seconds each
Unintentional time gaps between each set of 9 exposures
f/3.5
ISO1600
The exposures were all "stitched" with StarStaX by Marcus Enzweiler, a wonderful free program (give him a little money if you can):
www.markus-enzweiler.de/software/software.html
I then post-processed in Nikon ViewNX 2, a free and decent program for basic image enhancement.
Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum
November 2nd, 2014
Weston, WV
"Across from the West Fork River on 269 acres in Weston, West Virginia stands The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum. The two main hospital buildings stretch for an intimidating two-tenths of a mile and was to hold 250 patients. The hospital is the largest hand-cut stone masonry building in America. The hospital also stands out because of the many stories about Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum ghosts.
Virginia had only two state hospitals in the mid 1800’s, Williamsburg and Staunton, and both were very overcrowded, so the Virginia Legislature voted to build another new state hospital and after a long search decided on Weston as the home. Construction began in 1858 but grounded to a halt in 1861 with the outbreak of the American Civil War.
When Virginia succeeded from the Union the state government demanded the money back that wasn’t already used for construction on the hospital so it could be used in their defense fund. The 7th Ohio Volunteer Infantry had other plans and confiscated the money and delivered it to Wheeling. They used the money to fund the Reorganized Government of Virginia which sided with the Union. Appropriating more funds, the new government began construction again in 1862.
West Virginia became a state in 1863 and renamed Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum to West Virginia Hospital for the Insane. Construction continued until 1881 but admission of patients started in 1864. 1871 saw completion of the signature 200 foot clock tower.
The hospital’s goal was to become self-sufficient. It expanded to eventually include 666 acres and had on the grounds a dairy, a farm, a cemetery and waterworks. In 1902 they drilled a gas well and another name change to Weston State Hospital came in 1913.
The Charleston Gazette did a series of reports in 1949 reporting poor sanitation, lighting and heating in areas of the hospital. From the mid 1970’s to the closing of the hospital were the most violent. Patients killing patients, both male and female staff got attacked and some killed and the most violent patients kept in cages. In 1994 Weston State Hospital closed for good.
There are several thousand documented deaths connected to the hospital and three cemeteries located behind the hospital. The three cemeteries cover different times in the history of the hospital, the first cemetery covers 1858-1900, the second covers 1901-1933 and the last one 1933-1970’s. Due to missing markers however, it is nearly impossible to match names to those buried there.
With so many deaths throughout the history of the hospital, it should come as no surprise that there are plenty of stories of Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum ghosts. Staff reports sounds of gurney’s being pushed down the hallways, screams coming from the electro-shock area and even doctor apparition’s roaming the hallways and rooms.
One of the most popular Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum ghosts is the story of Lily. Lily was born in the hospital in 1863, her mom; Gladys Ravensfield was a patient there. The story surrounding Gladys is that she was continuously raped and beaten by a group of Civil War soldiers and the resulting emotional after effects landed her in the asylum. Not long after her admission, they found out she was pregnant. Gladys gave birth to Lily nut sadly within a few hours Lily passed away.
Lily hangs around her mom’s room in the Civil War section and the hallways around there. She likes to play ball and will hold your hand when you walk by. Though she died as a new-born, most report the little girl as being around three years old. Apparently she also has acquired a sweet tooth and reports are that if you leave candy around, or even in your pocket, it will go missing. A child laughing and giggling are also often reported around Lily’s room.
The Civil War section seems the most active area in the haunted hospital. It is known for a Civil War soldier’s apparition, who’s been named Jacob, wandering aimlessly around the floor, loud banging and strange noises are heard, whispering and what seems like constant conversation being heard even though no one is on the floor."
SOURCE: www.themosthauntedplaces.com/trans-allegheny-lunatic-asyl...
Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum
November 2nd, 2014
Weston, WV
"Across from the West Fork River on 269 acres in Weston, West Virginia stands The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum. The two main hospital buildings stretch for an intimidating two-tenths of a mile and was to hold 250 patients. The hospital is the largest hand-cut stone masonry building in America. The hospital also stands out because of the many stories about Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum ghosts.
Virginia had only two state hospitals in the mid 1800’s, Williamsburg and Staunton, and both were very overcrowded, so the Virginia Legislature voted to build another new state hospital and after a long search decided on Weston as the home. Construction began in 1858 but grounded to a halt in 1861 with the outbreak of the American Civil War.
When Virginia succeeded from the Union the state government demanded the money back that wasn’t already used for construction on the hospital so it could be used in their defense fund. The 7th Ohio Volunteer Infantry had other plans and confiscated the money and delivered it to Wheeling. They used the money to fund the Reorganized Government of Virginia which sided with the Union. Appropriating more funds, the new government began construction again in 1862.
West Virginia became a state in 1863 and renamed Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum to West Virginia Hospital for the Insane. Construction continued until 1881 but admission of patients started in 1864. 1871 saw completion of the signature 200 foot clock tower.
The hospital’s goal was to become self-sufficient. It expanded to eventually include 666 acres and had on the grounds a dairy, a farm, a cemetery and waterworks. In 1902 they drilled a gas well and another name change to Weston State Hospital came in 1913.
The Charleston Gazette did a series of reports in 1949 reporting poor sanitation, lighting and heating in areas of the hospital. From the mid 1970’s to the closing of the hospital were the most violent. Patients killing patients, both male and female staff got attacked and some killed and the most violent patients kept in cages. In 1994 Weston State Hospital closed for good.
There are several thousand documented deaths connected to the hospital and three cemeteries located behind the hospital. The three cemeteries cover different times in the history of the hospital, the first cemetery covers 1858-1900, the second covers 1901-1933 and the last one 1933-1970’s. Due to missing markers however, it is nearly impossible to match names to those buried there.
With so many deaths throughout the history of the hospital, it should come as no surprise that there are plenty of stories of Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum ghosts. Staff reports sounds of gurney’s being pushed down the hallways, screams coming from the electro-shock area and even doctor apparition’s roaming the hallways and rooms.
One of the most popular Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum ghosts is the story of Lily. Lily was born in the hospital in 1863, her mom; Gladys Ravensfield was a patient there. The story surrounding Gladys is that she was continuously raped and beaten by a group of Civil War soldiers and the resulting emotional after effects landed her in the asylum. Not long after her admission, they found out she was pregnant. Gladys gave birth to Lily nut sadly within a few hours Lily passed away.
Lily hangs around her mom’s room in the Civil War section and the hallways around there. She likes to play ball and will hold your hand when you walk by. Though she died as a new-born, most report the little girl as being around three years old. Apparently she also has acquired a sweet tooth and reports are that if you leave candy around, or even in your pocket, it will go missing. A child laughing and giggling are also often reported around Lily’s room.
The Civil War section seems the most active area in the haunted hospital. It is known for a Civil War soldier’s apparition, who’s been named Jacob, wandering aimlessly around the floor, loud banging and strange noises are heard, whispering and what seems like constant conversation being heard even though no one is on the floor."
SOURCE: www.themosthauntedplaces.com/trans-allegheny-lunatic-asyl...
Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum
November 2nd, 2014
Weston, WV
"Across from the West Fork River on 269 acres in Weston, West Virginia stands The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum. The two main hospital buildings stretch for an intimidating two-tenths of a mile and was to hold 250 patients. The hospital is the largest hand-cut stone masonry building in America. The hospital also stands out because of the many stories about Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum ghosts.
Virginia had only two state hospitals in the mid 1800’s, Williamsburg and Staunton, and both were very overcrowded, so the Virginia Legislature voted to build another new state hospital and after a long search decided on Weston as the home. Construction began in 1858 but grounded to a halt in 1861 with the outbreak of the American Civil War.
When Virginia succeeded from the Union the state government demanded the money back that wasn’t already used for construction on the hospital so it could be used in their defense fund. The 7th Ohio Volunteer Infantry had other plans and confiscated the money and delivered it to Wheeling. They used the money to fund the Reorganized Government of Virginia which sided with the Union. Appropriating more funds, the new government began construction again in 1862.
West Virginia became a state in 1863 and renamed Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum to West Virginia Hospital for the Insane. Construction continued until 1881 but admission of patients started in 1864. 1871 saw completion of the signature 200 foot clock tower.
The hospital’s goal was to become self-sufficient. It expanded to eventually include 666 acres and had on the grounds a dairy, a farm, a cemetery and waterworks. In 1902 they drilled a gas well and another name change to Weston State Hospital came in 1913.
The Charleston Gazette did a series of reports in 1949 reporting poor sanitation, lighting and heating in areas of the hospital. From the mid 1970’s to the closing of the hospital were the most violent. Patients killing patients, both male and female staff got attacked and some killed and the most violent patients kept in cages. In 1994 Weston State Hospital closed for good.
There are several thousand documented deaths connected to the hospital and three cemeteries located behind the hospital. The three cemeteries cover different times in the history of the hospital, the first cemetery covers 1858-1900, the second covers 1901-1933 and the last one 1933-1970’s. Due to missing markers however, it is nearly impossible to match names to those buried there.
With so many deaths throughout the history of the hospital, it should come as no surprise that there are plenty of stories of Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum ghosts. Staff reports sounds of gurney’s being pushed down the hallways, screams coming from the electro-shock area and even doctor apparition’s roaming the hallways and rooms.
One of the most popular Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum ghosts is the story of Lily. Lily was born in the hospital in 1863, her mom; Gladys Ravensfield was a patient there. The story surrounding Gladys is that she was continuously raped and beaten by a group of Civil War soldiers and the resulting emotional after effects landed her in the asylum. Not long after her admission, they found out she was pregnant. Gladys gave birth to Lily nut sadly within a few hours Lily passed away.
Lily hangs around her mom’s room in the Civil War section and the hallways around there. She likes to play ball and will hold your hand when you walk by. Though she died as a new-born, most report the little girl as being around three years old. Apparently she also has acquired a sweet tooth and reports are that if you leave candy around, or even in your pocket, it will go missing. A child laughing and giggling are also often reported around Lily’s room.
The Civil War section seems the most active area in the haunted hospital. It is known for a Civil War soldier’s apparition, who’s been named Jacob, wandering aimlessly around the floor, loud banging and strange noises are heard, whispering and what seems like constant conversation being heard even though no one is on the floor."
SOURCE: www.themosthauntedplaces.com/trans-allegheny-lunatic-asyl...