The hospital first opened its doors in 1904 in Norwich, Connecticut. It was built in an idyllic location chosen for its therapeutic properties overlooking the River Thames.
The Norwich Insane Asylum was built isolated from civilization, which worked to its benefit as it began to grow during its early years sprouting new buildings that accompanied the original construction (see aerial view of the hospital here). These new construction projects included patient wards, staff cottages, laboratories and workshops. All of the structures were interconnected by a large network of underground utility tunnels. These tunnels transported electricity, hot water, and patients to various areas on the grounds. The hospital remained self-sufficient, almost like a small town, with its own power plant, pump house, working farm, kitchen, theater and church.
Over 3,000 patients and 1,000 employees were residents on the asylum grounds in the 1950’s.
Slowly patients began to leave Norwich State Hospital due to deinstitutionalization and it permanently closed its doors in 1996. Since then time has basically stood still on the property with a few exceptions. Currently there is talk about converting the grounds into a theme park, but nothing has been set in stone.
After a long tedious drive we leave the car in a commuter parking lot close to the buildings. Ever the vigilant group of explorers we notice a State Trooper making his rounds and dive into the forest for cover. Luckily we outsmarted the police yet again and after regrouping walk along the Thames River for a few hundred feet. We finally see the abandoned pump house looming in the distance and decide to make this our entryway into the campus.
This site has a reputation for being well guarded, well patrolled, and does not take kindly to trespassers. I am always on edge when exploring across the Atlantic and the numerous “State Property – No Trespassing” signs that litter the grounds did not bode well for my paranoia. Instead of exposing ourselves above ground to security and prying eyes, we decided to take the underground route through the utility tunnels.
Using the tunnels we explored many buildings without ever being forced to go outside. This method of travel was soon confirmed to be the safest. On our first attempt to venture outside we were only a few feet away from a security officer in a black uniform. Fortunately he didn’t look our way and we quickly receded back into the tunnel network. For a while we hid in the abandoned theater so we could look around the campus without being seen.
This encounter with security dampened our spirits and made our visit a whole lot shorter than we would have liked. We made our grande exit through the empty chapel, this allowed us to avoid walking back through the forest. As we were walking back to the commuter lot to pickup our car we noticed the State Trooper had been watching us as we suspiciously walked down the road. I wonder where we went to and were coming back from?!
Archive document introducing a new therapy (click to enlarge):
Special thanks to Dr. Bob for sharing the old postcards.
Sparkles sems a bit "frisky" in her last two posts! Paul, you keeping up on this?
i say somebody should tie these fire bug dick to a really big tree an light it lol burn mtf burn
That's what I'm sayin- simbiosis! Haha!
And I remember a couple of well preserved areas at the wich, gotta go through my pics and see if I have what you're talking about Arch, and that trip sounds pretty sweet! I wanna go!
They could light each other on fire. Painful for them but somewhat amusing for the rest of us. Or since fire starting is a sexual release, all the arsonists within an area can all get together and have a mass orgy. haha
Where to start... You guys have been bringing up some interesting subjects. Ok I work in an aerospace/defense contractor facility- you name the co. we make parts for em' pratt, ge, rolls, lockheed, northrup, so on... I have way to much to say about that and will have to make it another conversation for another time, but I'm very interested in the pratt site, and others like that.
I didn't know about the arson bs until sparkles said it, and was like awww fahhhhk- not a good choice me! So yea, time to switch up.
Luckily, nsh is rockin' some of this:
and is for the most part, still a tough old gal... If you've been in Mitchell-post douchebaggery-you can see how relativly little serious damage was done, and the fire didn't spread too far for the estimated time frame. There really isn't much wood in the structural bits there if you think about it...And there are some explorers out here that if they catch some dik trying to torch something, they're gonna wish security caught them. Here's an idea, why don't they just light each other on fire, then everybody wins.
JPT- loved your post earlier. I really needed the laugh so thanks. Haven't done much smiling at all today so it was nice.
A lot of arsonists get a sexual release from starting fires. Also, a lot of times arsonists tend to be first responders. They have the hero syndrome I guess. idk. But I'm sure they have already ruled that out. Just saying...
Anyways, gotta eat and get back to work. Later.
Not only does it destroy the building, but also risks nearby buildings as well. not to mention the lives of the firefighters. Capehart was at one time looked at as a blighted property, but I dont know what the eventual outcome was.
Yes, my first stereo was a Capehart turntable and speakers, back in the 70s. Alice Coopers Welcome to my Nightmare was my first album. I burned thru a dozen needles on that thing.
So, its now gone. Mixed emotions, hope this will encourage the town to develop the property.
The old Artistic Wire in Jewett City/Griswold is being razed/cleaned up.
So I have decided I am abandoning my posts on Forbidden-Places. Nothing personal..I'm starting my new project and have a lot of personal things to deal with. I kicked off my bday at the hospital with my fiancee..I am the maker of lolz.. I may ghost here and there..but for now I just wanted to make the regulars aware that I wont be around. Take care everyone and stay out of trouble.
hey chris i hope the town of preston steps up the cops for nsh what do you think
There was a preview of the Norwich episode on tonight..Looks alright I mean..honestly did no justice for how freaky the place can be at night..Or even during the day. They blabbed about how long they have been trying to get into the site and how happy they were to be able to investigate yada yada.. Just thought it was interesting. If I can find the preview online anywhere I will post it here.
I was pretty disturbed today when I watched the news to see yet another building in Norwich up in flames..They hit me pretty close to home with that one..That site was awesome..The mill had lots of goodies in it for photo Op's. Pretty much ruined it for everyone now..They showed the place on the news after fighting the fire for a while..everything is trashed..Whoever is doing this is a real ass..It's disrespectful. Not only to explorers or photographers..but to the people who worked there..and the people who live nearby. Think about it..some of these sites were peoples livelihood..what is it about fire that gets people going anyways? I mean arsonists get something out of lighting these fires. I understand being fascinated with something..it being that my love is in abandoned buildings ..i get it.. But burning down a structure is kind of extreme. Hopefully Norwich gets tired of all this and catches this douche in the act..It shouldn't be hard..statistics say that most arsonist return to the scene..Either to watch what they're fire is doing to the structure..or to watch the fire department fight they're blaze that they have created..They get a joy out of both..Therefore they would be close by..or even return directly to the site once everything has "cooled down" a bit..to experience the true effects of what the fire had done to the structure..Hopefully the police are thinking along the same lines.
Goodnight everyone!!
Anyone else who is interested in the Aerospace Factory that JPT had mentioned earlier..To save you some time I have included the Birds eye areial shot from Good ol' Bing maps for you HERE Just select the view you want. The place is pretty cool looking..And with it being fishing season..I think I could use that as an excuse when I'm asked what I am doing on the property..who else has a lake running through they're factory? lol
I lol'd when I saw that I misselled (chunk*) lol..Then I thought..who are some historic chinks..I suggest that search to anyone who has a lot of time on they're hands..Or is slightly intoxicated..It's an interesting google search. But with that said..aparently Norwich State Hospital will forever be..a Chink of history.. lolz
Archie got me going.. Sparkles have you seen this article yet? if not add it to your scrapbook because surely I will lose it. norwich is a chink of history
I have seen the pictures your talking about also..I believe Sparkles and I were talking about the patient rooms your talking about. There kids rooms..There were teddy bears and the bed was made and what not..left like it was just yesterday. I haven't seen the rooms which narrows it down..I don't believe admin housed any patients..due to the fact that it was COMPARED to the kirkbride plan..Keeping patients away from the admin was a big thing for these sites..Kirbrides plan enforced this. It wasn't the cottages across the street..since these were both employee cottages and even a daycare for their children. Russel..was used partially as a school..Hence the ABC's border in a classroom. I believe (please correct me if im wrong) Seymour which is right next to Russel..would have been used partially as a Children's ward. Even though Kettle has a geriatric ward..Seymour may have been used at one time as more of an actual ward for kids. With rooms rather than the Kettle ceramic everything The rooms of kettle are simply just an open space made of ceramic tile..with two drains in the floor. Seeing wards like that make me think that this may have been used more for either people out of control..or sick patients which needed more care..which makes sense because this ward is littered with disability items and disabled persons tubs etc. If you could find out what Seymour was used for..you may have your answer..also Narrow down your search by remembering what you have seen in each building. I can tell you it isn't Earle,russel,powerhouse,staff clubhouse,main shop,white,laundry,kettle,theater,ribicoff,lodge or gallup..therefore..with that said..If you have explored any other buildings not listed..than you should be narrowed pretty close to what building this is in.. IT would be interesting to find out where this photo was taken..Being that everything is intact. Also there is a picture floating around of a china cabinet..with dishes stacked neatly and what not..Wonder where this was taken. Also heard rumor of an indoor basket ball court..Interesting stufffsss
hey guys, i just remembered some where i saw a picture of two patient rooms somewhere on the nsh property that are mint condition and even look like they are lived in, i dont remember where i saw this picture but i remember one of the rooms had a lot of purple colors in it and it legit looked like someone had just walked out of the room, i remember the somewhere the author of the picture stateing that he came across these 2 rooms in a fairly decomposed section of the hospital and wondered why they were like that. if anybody knows more info on this or even has the pics please do share i am interested in this. i guess the guy couldnt remember where the rooms are but this would make a great photo op for someone who has a better camera than i do. also, if you guys check out opacity.com they just added some pics of nsh from way back in the day and i gotta tell ya its real eerie seeing people and cars on the campus, and the buildings being in such amazing shape in these pics, definatly a must see. o yeah and one more thing, i beleive that the underground lab operation has ceased now that the place is in prestons hands i think that the reason is because too many people were figureing out the truth and the government didnt want to get caught with its pants down lol so they packed up shop and moved elsewhere, i wonder where they went? lol
Okay So JPT you mentioned Kaman areo.. I was looking into it..Seems to me like the site you are talking about is they're moosup site. I can't find any information of a site in plainfield..although moosup may be a town within the town maybe? ..at any rate the Moosup site I was looking at is Massive!! to say the least. It's a bit of a drive for me..so I doubt I will be able to check it out before I declare it explorable..However Aerospace factories are amazing. The old Pratt still had a Jet engine sitting in one of they're rooms. I mean..the thing is the size of my house. Just really cool things left behind because it isn't cost efficient to transport them..or they are deemed as obsolete and they leave it behind to be demolished along with the building itself. I'm glad you mentioned this as I have never heard of this place..I always tend to act quick and randomly with sites like this one. If I go I promise many pictures..
As far as the unmarked graves are concerned the state library actually holds the files from the hospital in question. I researched it after seeing the graves. The people at the state library in the state in question were nice..However they stated that in order to open confidential files you have to be "scholar" or hold degree's in mental health and sign 70 different disclosures. I am interested..however it's not worth it enough to go and get a random degree to view patient files. The same is here in CT..scholars in the mental health field are allowed to view sealed patient files upon request at the state library..which are actually pretty cool. The state library holds files such as Operation Room logbooks, Emergency call reports, specific patient info and obviously signed deeds and blueprints of the site(s) ..I was very interested.. You can also view specific files if you are related to (A) patient upon proof of relation. I (unfortunately) didn't have any former patients at Norwich..CVH yes..but those files ..let's just say are still floating around.
JPT- Well hope your daughter had a good b-day..Mine is tomorrow.. Still not to sure what I will be up to..but it's just another day to me. As full as your plate is right now..Hopefully things work out well for you. A friend of mine was trying to sell there place..It's insane the amount of work it takes to make your HOME appealing to the market. Then to worry about everything else is surely stressful. Again..hopefully things don't get to crazy..and are cost efficient for you. Wish you nothing but good luck. I don't know what I would do if I had to find another place..With two big dogs and a ton of shit I doubt I would be as relaxed as you are.
Sparkles- While new people would be cool..I think we would be thrown into the wash..People would come here and assume they know more than we do..And therefore would flood this forum with useless info and we would become (just) another garbage forum..we do get the random hello from an outsider every once and a while..But I like it as it as now..We're all pretty knowledgeable people..with a purpose. Well...most of us anyways.
As far as hooks are concerned..Fishing has been insane in CT..I've been all over doing freshwater trout fishing lately..Every time I have gone out I've had extremely good luck..State of Ct stocked over 380,000 Trout this year..It makes for a lot of peaceful fun competition between friends for sure.
I'm still here, just got a lot on my plate, and everytime I get one thing done seems 3 more take its place. I get the whole house business settled, and I'll be able to breathe again.
You got my addy. I'm here most days. Or Daze. As for being a fisher-girl.... Wet Dream
by Kip Adadda
It was the 41st of April, being a quadruple leap year. I was driving through downtown Atlantis. My Barracuda was in the shop, so I was in a rented Stingray, and it was overheating. I pulled off into a Shell station. They said I'd blown a seal. I said, "Fix the damn thing and leave my private life out of it, okay pal?"
While they were doing that I walked over to a place called "The Oyster Bar" -- a real dive. But I knew the owner -- he used to play for the Dolphins. I said "Hi, Gil!" You have to yell, he's hard of herring. Gil was also down on his luck. Fact is, he was barely keeping his head below water.
I bellied up to the sandbar. He poured me the usual -- Rusty snail, hold the grunnion, shaken, not stirred. With a peanut-butter and jellyfish sandwich on the side -- heavy on the mako. I slipped him a fin - on porpoise. I was feelin' good. I even dropped a sand dollar in the box for Jerry's squids. For the halibut.
Well, the place was crowded. We were packed in like sardines. They were all there to listen to the big band sounds of Tommy Dorsal. What sole. Tommy was rockin' the place with a very popular tuna, Salmon-chanted evening, And the stage was surrounded by screaming groupers -- Probably there to see the bass player. One of them was this cute little yellowtail, and she was giving me the eye. So I figured this was my chance for a little fun. You know, piece of pisces. But she said things I just couldn't fathom. She was too deep. Seemed to be under a lot of pressure. Boy, could she drink. She drank like a- She drank a lot.
I said "What's your sign?" She said, "Aquarium." I said, "Great! Let's get tanked!" I invited her up to my place for a little midnight bait. I said, "C'mon, baby, it'll only take a few minnows." She threw me that same old line, "Not tonight. I've got a haddock."
And she wasn't kidding either, cause in came the biggest, meanest looking haddock I'd ever seen come down the pike. He was covered with mussels. He came over to me, he said "Listen, shrimp, don't you come trollin' around here." What a crab. This guy was steamed. I could see the anchor in his eyes. I turned to him, I said "A-balone. You're just bein' shellfish."
Well, I knew there was going to be trouble, and so did Gil, cause he was already on the phone to the cods. The haddock hits me with a sucker punch. I catch him with a left hook. He eels over. It was a fluke, but there he was, lyin' on the deck, flat as a mackerel. Kelpless. I said, "Forget the cods, Gil, this guy's gonna need a sturgeon."
Well, the yellowtail was impressed with the way I landed her boyfriend. She came over to me, she said "Hey, big boy, you're really a game fish. What's your name?" I said, "Marlin."
Well, from then on, we had a whale of a time. I took her to dinner. I took her to dance. I bought her a bouquet of flounders. And then I went home with her. And what did I get for my trouble? A case of the clams.
Baby I will totally beat the crap out of Danny for you. It would make me feel good knowing I can do something for you for a change. Stab- Agreed that you might want to change your alias! lol JPT- It makes me a fisher-girl! haha. I mean I'm sad because I hardly ever hear from you anymore. Chris- Agreed new people would be interesting. Bomb- Appreciate you trying to be a contributing member of society. Would appreciate it even more if you gave me my belongings back.
Anyways, lunch is almost over. Have to head back to the church for work. (What ever happened to separation of church and government?)
Ah, the project got postponed to this weekend, which actually worked out better. Not my Bday, my daughters. Thanx anyway! (PS. the "x" on my "thanx" is intentional, not a spelingk eror.)
Things are always crazy. Such is life.
NP, Paul, just didnt know if there was some glitch IDK about. With my luck, I'd end up posting 1,000 dittos!
Sparkles- Not off the "hook"? If you had me on a "hook", that would mean you "hook" people, making you a ...........
Seriously, got a lot of crap to deal with in the near future, but IF things go halfway decent, maybe able to get together sometime this summer.
NSH is so spread out, yeah, an arsonist could get a couple buildings, I suppose, but wouldnt be able to hit them all without a serious working knowledge of the buildings, the area, etc. Stab- you might consider changing your alias!
Chris- the numbered graves may be "john doe" patients, that had no known relatives. That would be a tremendous "treasure", locating the file with the graves registration fo the place! I'm sure there was something at one time that noted who was buried where- else why the numbers? There certainly would be some people out there who would want to know about their relations interred there, if just for their medical history.
Has anyone looked into the old Kaman plant in Plainfield, near the Sterling line? Thats a monsterous old helocopter factory, I knew several people that worked there before it closed. I have never seen any security vehicles around, so dont know much about it.
I am jealous. Marquette state hospital is absolutely amazing..someone I know went there.. Awesome place to explore..lots and lots of treasures..Don't overlook the cemetery..It can't be missed. Not sure if there are pics of it online anywhere..But this place is all sorts of forgotten. The cemetery has at least 1000 graves that are just numbered..Think of all those people that were buried on the site..And the families that just let them decay along with the place..overgrown graves that nobody thinks twice about..That's ridiculous. I'm not instigating some paranormal conversation here..But think of the sadness of such a place... Have fun..Take lots of pics..
JPT had a bday? What is this..Seems like I have fallen out of the loop..Happy Belated Birthday! How did you end up with your weekend warrior project? Hopefully things weren't to crazy for you.
Sparkles..I was thinking about the whole arson thing..they'd have somewhat of a hard time burning through NSH..except for the older buildings which I think had wood framing and foundations..Remember to check out those other locations I told you about. See what you can dig up..might spark an interest. I have a lot of stuff from both of those places..There is actually a really cool resident trooper on CVH property..but I will say no more.
Bomb- Sleeping* is the word you were looking for. I figure if your going to be an active part of our community I could at least give you a hand with your grammar.. Punctuation is not that important on a forum..however I figure if I can do you any service at all..I will help a grown man spell a few words.
Paul- thanks for the info on CSC. Next time I will have everything more organized. Sucks that he wasn't sure if my GED was valid for their purposes..the guy was really cool though..He was actually more disappointed than I was that I wouldn't be able to pass through.
Archie- Road tripping is always fun..I can hint you into a few prime locations if you elaborate on some of the states and area's your traveling..I have the pulse for abandonment's ..lol
Stab- I don't know of any abandoned prison in our area. Besides two..and I doubt that ONE I am thinking of is being trashed..It's not exactly a location for rookies..or vandals (rookies) ..the other you can get a day pass..even a tour. lol As far as your (secret) small hospital is concerned..link some pics!!! geezzzee
sparkles have no fear danny on the job lololoololool the job of slepping little shit head !
Hopefully we can meet up soon... We'll see what happens with my jobs. Chris, sucks about your interview but try again next month. Like I said, good learning experience if nothing else. And all I know, is if the fuckers that are burning abandoned buildings in Norwich go near the hospital they are going to have to deal with me. I'll sit there and pick them off one by one. lol. No one goes near my castle with malicious intent unless they want my foot in their ass. haha. Will drive by tomorrow while I'm down there and see what's going on. Nothing better than getting out for work and seeing two of my loves! (Paul and NSH) Paul, glad we got somewhere yesterday. Me very happy now. Can't wait to see you tomorrow. Love you!
And JPT, you're not off the hook with me. Would love to hear from you! I see you survived your crazy weekend. Hope the bday was good.
paul i will let you know by monday about are little bug lololo
Oh... that hospital is pretty close, kinda tricky though. There are a few around, it's just some are partially or mostly active. There are a few industrial spots right around Norwich too, nothing huge but are good for a trip or two. I just found out that one of the sweetest prisons has been thrashed in the last couple of months-badly. It sux- that place had like everything left behind, might still be worth going... This is the time to do whatever you can, I think alot of places are gonna go bye bye in the next year, as a part of economic reform- it's already happening.
I dont do it on purpose touch screen just doubles it...i guess...so sorry.
There's twice the likely-hood of someone replying to the post that way!!
Why Why do do you you normally normally leave leave a a double double post post ? ?
Whens he work? get a schedule. I go say Hi...
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