Hi Dodi,
Did you go on the tour?? I'd like to get some pictures of it before it goes. The Old Man In The Mountain up in New Hampshire finally gave up his watch on New Hampshire. :'( I wish I had gotten a picture of him before he went away. I drove up that way over the summer on my way to Littleton, NH. I should have taken a picture, but I thought, "Naa....It will be there next summer." How wrong I was!! I think that alot of things we take for granted are going away at a phenomenal rate. I hope that the Danvers State Hospital remains, and that they don't tear it down to Condo's. I think it could be a piece of history........and there IS alot of history behind it, even if it was gruesome.
5
Danvers State Hospital in Danvers, MA
Started by
heberly_clodbert
, Sep 15 2002 05:22 PM
167 replies to this topic
#31
heberly_clodbert
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Posted 05 May 2003 - 04:48 PM
#32
Dodi
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Posted 05 May 2003 - 05:07 PM
Ya we went, we up there for about 1 1/2 hours and it was great. We all want to go again and as soon as friends found out they want to got too. You really should go if you can, It was kinda weird, you'de be walking along with all this rubble and stuff and just look down and there would be flowers coming up. It was kinda like beauty amist the horror because you know the things that happened there.
There's this one tree that freaked us all out. It has this weird bark that looks more like skin than bark. It was raining that day so the bark was wet and that only made it look weirder.
There's this one tree that freaked us all out. It has this weird bark that looks more like skin than bark. It was raining that day so the bark was wet and that only made it look weirder.
Life, you gotta love it, the humor of it all! After all, isn't that what life is, one big joke???Dodie
#33
heberly_clodbert
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Posted 05 May 2003 - 05:16 PM
What would be a phone number so i can talk to someone about going on a tour? Or perhaps there is a website? whom did you speak with?
#34
Dodi
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Posted 06 May 2003 - 02:39 AM
It's a self guided tour, They are the 2nd and 4th Tuesdat of the month. The # to call for info is: 1-508-792-7453. Call and they will tell you the next date and if you have to call back to reserve a spot. Have the full name of all the people going with you and they need a photo ID. Good luck, let me know what you think of the place.
Life, you gotta love it, the humor of it all! After all, isn't that what life is, one big joke???Dodie
#35
Dodi
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Posted 09 May 2003 - 09:47 PM
I'de love to spend the night in that place. I don't think I'de sleep though, I'de be too busy exploring and taking pictures. It would take alot more than one night to get through the whole place, but one night is a good start.
Life, you gotta love it, the humor of it all! After all, isn't that what life is, one big joke???Dodie
#36
heberly_clodbert
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Posted 10 May 2003 - 03:24 PM
That was an awesome picture..... CAN you spend the night or do you have to get permission from local authorities to do so? I think I would be real freaked if that were to happen. Can't wait to see more pictures.!
-Michele
-Michele
#37
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Posted 14 May 2003 - 07:32 AM
Hi Folks,
I really hate to put a damper on all this asylumania but the facts are that although these places are quite haunted, they are also quite closed and off limits to the general public.
Its much easier, safer and far more legal gaining access to these places by joining a [b]REPUTABLE[b] investigative group that gains the proper permission to check these places out than just showing up and sneaking inside, hoping you don't become a meal for one of the many K-9 guard dogs that the ARMED security forces regularly use to patrol these places. There's a 75/25 chance you WILL get caught and after being stitched up at the Emergency Room you will be charged with breaking and entering and criminal trespassing, not misdemeanor trespassing as so many find out too late.
These are the facts people, like them or not, so its best to do it legally and enjoy yourself than having to face the alternatives of dog's teeth, fines and (mandatory one year in Massachusetts) jail time.
I really hate to put a damper on all this asylumania but the facts are that although these places are quite haunted, they are also quite closed and off limits to the general public.
Its much easier, safer and far more legal gaining access to these places by joining a [b]REPUTABLE[b] investigative group that gains the proper permission to check these places out than just showing up and sneaking inside, hoping you don't become a meal for one of the many K-9 guard dogs that the ARMED security forces regularly use to patrol these places. There's a 75/25 chance you WILL get caught and after being stitched up at the Emergency Room you will be charged with breaking and entering and criminal trespassing, not misdemeanor trespassing as so many find out too late.
These are the facts people, like them or not, so its best to do it legally and enjoy yourself than having to face the alternatives of dog's teeth, fines and (mandatory one year in Massachusetts) jail time.
#38
Dodi
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Posted 14 May 2003 - 09:55 AM
???
Oh Wow, that would be why you have to call and reserve a spot on the walking tour, that would be why there are signs all over the place stating it is "State Prpoperty, No Tresspassers" signs every where, and why there are guards everywhere watching your every move. Thank You so much for clarifing that for me.
I didn't hear anyone say they were breaking in, or forcing their way in, or trying to gain any entrance to the place that wasn't leagal. All that was said is it would be kool to spend the night or explore the place. Get a Grip please. ???
Please excuse the spelling but I really don't like being treated like I'm stupid.
Oh Wow, that would be why you have to call and reserve a spot on the walking tour, that would be why there are signs all over the place stating it is "State Prpoperty, No Tresspassers" signs every where, and why there are guards everywhere watching your every move. Thank You so much for clarifing that for me.
I didn't hear anyone say they were breaking in, or forcing their way in, or trying to gain any entrance to the place that wasn't leagal. All that was said is it would be kool to spend the night or explore the place. Get a Grip please. ???
Please excuse the spelling but I really don't like being treated like I'm stupid.
Life, you gotta love it, the humor of it all! After all, isn't that what life is, one big joke???Dodie
#39
heberly_clodbert
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Posted 14 May 2003 - 04:39 PM
Dodi:
Easy there, Tiger!
Member:
I don't think anyone is stating that we want to break in. Yes, it is wrong, but you are going to come across people who do things the right way, and do things the wrong way.
Was there a specific point that you were trying to make to a specific person? I only ask this because it sounds like someone posted saying they were going to break in. I agree with Dodi, I don't see a post like that anywhere, only information about tours you can take to view the grounds.
Have you read any of the later posts or did you just happen to read my first post about my sisters friends sneaking in?
I do understand that the information you gave us is very true and valuable. I would hope that it will deter people who have bad intentions about breaking into places. It shows the consequences of the actions. But I don't think it applies to anyone who has posted.
-Michele
Easy there, Tiger!
Member:
I don't think anyone is stating that we want to break in. Yes, it is wrong, but you are going to come across people who do things the right way, and do things the wrong way.
Was there a specific point that you were trying to make to a specific person? I only ask this because it sounds like someone posted saying they were going to break in. I agree with Dodi, I don't see a post like that anywhere, only information about tours you can take to view the grounds.
Have you read any of the later posts or did you just happen to read my first post about my sisters friends sneaking in?
I do understand that the information you gave us is very true and valuable. I would hope that it will deter people who have bad intentions about breaking into places. It shows the consequences of the actions. But I don't think it applies to anyone who has posted.
-Michele
#40
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Posted 14 May 2003 - 08:58 PM
I totally agree that there was little mention of illegally entering Danvers or any of the other asylums in the area and if I ruffled a few feathers I sincerely apologize.
This is not a closed chat, however, and there are those that do nothing but browse these boards looking for places to get into and get a few cheap thrills. It was to these people that my comments were directed to in the hope that I might spare someone some grief. Mainly those legitimate groups when they apply for access to these places, an opportunity often spoiled because of these thrill seekers.
Our group receives letters on a daily basis from people seeking information on Danvers, Worcester, Taunton, Fairfield (aka St. Agnes) and all the rest of the asylums that we have legally investigated over the years. Out of these inquiries, maybe 15% are from legitimate investigators or investigative groups, so we've been forced to limit information to properly credentialed groups only.
Yes, Danvers and those places like it are awesome places just to be near and for most the Tuesday afternoon walking tours is enough to sense what waits on the other side of the brick walls. That's why groups like ours that have been fortunate enough to get inside and investigate the phenomena within are trying to keep the doors open for investigations as long as we can before these places all become condos, business offices and low income housing. If in the process of doing this we ruffled some feathers, again I sincerely apologize...it was absolutely unintentional.
Best regards...
This is not a closed chat, however, and there are those that do nothing but browse these boards looking for places to get into and get a few cheap thrills. It was to these people that my comments were directed to in the hope that I might spare someone some grief. Mainly those legitimate groups when they apply for access to these places, an opportunity often spoiled because of these thrill seekers.
Our group receives letters on a daily basis from people seeking information on Danvers, Worcester, Taunton, Fairfield (aka St. Agnes) and all the rest of the asylums that we have legally investigated over the years. Out of these inquiries, maybe 15% are from legitimate investigators or investigative groups, so we've been forced to limit information to properly credentialed groups only.
Yes, Danvers and those places like it are awesome places just to be near and for most the Tuesday afternoon walking tours is enough to sense what waits on the other side of the brick walls. That's why groups like ours that have been fortunate enough to get inside and investigate the phenomena within are trying to keep the doors open for investigations as long as we can before these places all become condos, business offices and low income housing. If in the process of doing this we ruffled some feathers, again I sincerely apologize...it was absolutely unintentional.
Best regards...
#41
Dodi
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Posted 15 May 2003 - 04:30 AM
I also am sorry for going off like that. I agree there are always a few who have to spoil a good thing for the rest of us. As you have probably figured out, I'm pretty passionate about the place. It's not just the haunted aspect of it though. It is a beautiful building and is so rich in history that it captivates me. The spirits that are there were all once living, breathing, human beings. Danvers State started out as a very good idea. It was built on the foundation that even the mentally ill were still human and deserved to be treated that way. Some- where down the road of time that respect for life got lost. Asylums became a place that any doctor who had an idea of how to make the human race better, could practice his theories on the mentally ill, because they were a sub-culture that not many people cared about. I think that alone makes it a very sad place. The place is haunted because there are souls who can't rest, be it because of the way they were treated or because that was the only home they knew and are reluctant to leave it. But what ever the reason you have to respect the place as a home to many people whos lives were lived out in the place and who's souls live on in the place today.I honestly feel that the thrill seekers that are trying to break into the place are looking for the Danvers State they see in the movies, not the real Danvers State where people lived and died.
Life, you gotta love it, the humor of it all! After all, isn't that what life is, one big joke???Dodie
#42
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Posted 15 May 2003 - 07:33 AM
Absolutely Dodi! These people miss the big picture and that's sad...very sad.
Its been suggested many times to make what buildings they can safe and open them up to the public as tourist attractions much like Eastern State Prison and other state owned facilities now abandoned elsewhere. Although the place would generate millions in annual tourist revenue, I'm not sure the public is really ready for the truth of how our ignorance allowed a fantastic step forward in care for the mentally ill to become a step into the abyss for far too many human beings.
During our investigation at Danvers, it was not the often frightening paranormal phenomena going all around us...the cries, voices, door slams, banging on empty "cell" doors (most of the cell doors had been long since removed), footsteps, running, pushing and pinching...that got to us and finally forced us out. It was that sense of hopelessness, despair and unimaginable sadness that enveloped you the moment you enter there and it takes a grip on you that builds and builds until finally it becomes so overwhelming you are forced to leave.
Its sad to realize that many of the tormented that died within those walls over the years are still there, and it makes one wonder sometimes that if in their state they realized where life ended and what lays beyond began.
Its been suggested many times to make what buildings they can safe and open them up to the public as tourist attractions much like Eastern State Prison and other state owned facilities now abandoned elsewhere. Although the place would generate millions in annual tourist revenue, I'm not sure the public is really ready for the truth of how our ignorance allowed a fantastic step forward in care for the mentally ill to become a step into the abyss for far too many human beings.
During our investigation at Danvers, it was not the often frightening paranormal phenomena going all around us...the cries, voices, door slams, banging on empty "cell" doors (most of the cell doors had been long since removed), footsteps, running, pushing and pinching...that got to us and finally forced us out. It was that sense of hopelessness, despair and unimaginable sadness that enveloped you the moment you enter there and it takes a grip on you that builds and builds until finally it becomes so overwhelming you are forced to leave.
Its sad to realize that many of the tormented that died within those walls over the years are still there, and it makes one wonder sometimes that if in their state they realized where life ended and what lays beyond began.
#43
Dodi
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Posted 15 May 2003 - 08:11 AM
Hey Member, That's very true. The thing that amazes me is how far we have come, yet how poorly we still treat our handicaped, aged, and sickly. If you really want to check out a place that's haunted, try almost any Nursing Home. The treatment is not near as bad as what it was in an asylum, but the emotions are the same. Many elderly people are taken from their homes, placed in a nursing home,often because they have no one to care for them. Almost everything they owned and worked their whole life to get is taken from them. Most of the time they are put in a room with a person they know nothing about or have any thing in common with. Oh ya, before I go on, let me explain that being elderly is not something to have in common but a life process. OK now with that said. Many of them have family who "can't deal with seeing mom or dad in there" so thet don't visit. They have strangers telling them when to eat, sleep, watch TV,and yes even go to the bathroom. Many of them die alone. They have a nurse or nurses aid with them if they're lucky, but not the family they though would always be there for them. I think that is much the same emotion that many a patient felt in Danvers State. I guess maybe we haven't gone all that far.
Please understand that this is not an attack on nursing homes, I've worked in a few and know how short staffed and overworked they all are, it's just to show the emotions in the two places are pretty much the same. There are many family's who visit daily, take their family memner out to family celerbrations and even try to hook up with a lonley room mate to help ease their pain. It only takes one soul to stay earthbound to make a place haunted, so if you want to find a haunted place, just think of a places history and I'm sure you'll find a place pretty quick.
OK back to Danvers State, I still love the place even though I find myself feeling so overwhelmed at times, would still love to see the insides, LEAGALLY of course, and hold out a great hope that they will not distroy the place and find something to do with it that will leave it intact.
Please understand that this is not an attack on nursing homes, I've worked in a few and know how short staffed and overworked they all are, it's just to show the emotions in the two places are pretty much the same. There are many family's who visit daily, take their family memner out to family celerbrations and even try to hook up with a lonley room mate to help ease their pain. It only takes one soul to stay earthbound to make a place haunted, so if you want to find a haunted place, just think of a places history and I'm sure you'll find a place pretty quick.
OK back to Danvers State, I still love the place even though I find myself feeling so overwhelmed at times, would still love to see the insides, LEAGALLY of course, and hold out a great hope that they will not distroy the place and find something to do with it that will leave it intact.
Life, you gotta love it, the humor of it all! After all, isn't that what life is, one big joke???Dodie
#44
heberly_clodbert
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Posted 19 May 2003 - 05:33 PM
<html>
Hello all.... Here are Dodi's pics of Danvers. I hope that you all enjoy them. Dodi, thanks for letting me help you with this!
(i hope i didn't screw this up.)
I will put one picture in each reply.
Here we go! ;D
<img src="http://images.andale.com/f2/115/106/3672245/1053393786079_Danvers1.jpg">
Hello all.... Here are Dodi's pics of Danvers. I hope that you all enjoy them. Dodi, thanks for letting me help you with this!
(i hope i didn't screw this up.)
I will put one picture in each reply.
Here we go! ;D
<img src="http://images.andale.com/f2/115/106/3672245/1053393786079_Danvers1.jpg">
#45
heberly_clodbert
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Posted 19 May 2003 - 05:37 PM
well Sugar Honey Iced Tea.....
I guess thats why there is a little icon that says "Insert Image" right above all the little faces when you reply.....
I guess thats why there is a little icon that says "Insert Image" right above all the little faces when you reply.....
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