Abandonment

I went back to Pennhurst over the weekend and will be adding to my Flickr set over the next couple of weeks.

Pennhurst has invaded my dreams since the last time I went. I was dreaming about it with more frequency right before this second visit and now, now I close my eyes to see peeling paint and soiled curtains against sunlit skies. I wander these hallways drinking in the sights and sounds.

I did more reading between my first visit and my second one, and so I was on a finer razor’s edge of nerves this time. I kept jumping at things I thought I saw or heard. I got angry to keep from crying; directing my rage not at the loss of innocence and cruelties that I’m convinced did take place there (though I am just as certain there were good things about the place as well), but at the tremendous waste of ALL of it—the furniture, the computers, the clothes, toys, pictures, records, equipment, that were just left! It is as if everyone just didn’t show up one day.

Since 1986 the buildings have been neglected, nature intruding every chance it can. Vandals have made their mark by throwing papers around, breaking windows, leaving doors open, burning things, spray-painting everything in sight and ripping bathroom fixtures out of the walls. I came across a sex room some asshole is bringing girls to with used condoms all over the place, a dirty mattress, and tea lights. What kind of sick bastard takes a girl to a place like this?? We saw dead animals, flooded rooms and missing floors. We saw Christmas decorations.

We saw sadness everywhere. Neglect. Waste. Abuse.

Now, 22 years after the site closed, there is talk of development, of all the buildings being torn down. There are concerned citizens trying to have what was the administration building salvaged and made into a memorial to all those involved with Pennhurst—their tragedies and triumphs. I signed the petition and hope you will too.

Comments

[Susan]

I think your photos of Pennhurst are beautiful and haunting. I would love to see more!

[Coral]

I agree, it is haunting.

It reminds me of a hospital that was closed down in Kempton Park. Apparently it has been found out that they just closed the doors, the whole pharmacy is full of expired drugs and there is a VERY needy hospital 20 kms away that could have done with the supplies. It is sickening and sad as it has cost the tax payer millions, not to mention the sick people at the second hospital who would have welcomed the drugs and supplies there.

More photos please!

[Christy Marie]

I'm still thinking of it... the anger hasn't faded.