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The Design Inspirationalist

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Tag Archives: Seaview Hospital

Inspiration Photo Friday: Time to Explore

13 Friday Sep 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

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abandoned, explore, ghosts, hauntings, new york, pennhurst asylum, Pennsylvania, Seaview Hospital, spring city

I have always loved to explore abandoned and haunted places, so it was music to my ears when my husband, Dan, said he did too after we first met. I already looked forward to new adventures with him. Back in September of 2008, we set off to Seaview Hospital in Staten Island to explore the grounds and take photographs of what it has become. This was the third time I visited the abandoned property but still excited to experience it with Dan.

We had a great time while we were there, even though the property never ceases to creep me out. Since then we haven’t really gone on any explorations which has been kind of a bummer since we both really enjoy it. However, we are getting back in the game. I already put together a list of places in New York we plan to visit as well as the highly talked about Pennhurst Asylum in Spring City, Pennsylvania next month. You don’t know how psyched I am to check this place out. I am mostly looking forward to the Tunnel of Terror and Ghost Hunt, where you are sent off by yourself to explore the Mayflower building. Can’t wait!

Pennhurst is no joke. It has been visited and documented by numerous ghost hunters with definite hauntings. Read the history when you get a chance, its so sad. Let’s just say lots of horrible things happened there. I was even warned by my aunt, who is friends with Kim Russo and other clairvoyants who had a hard time recovering from their visit. I can only hope to have a memorable experience, which I am sure I will.

I took this photo during our visit to Seaview Hospital five years ago. It’s the inspiration for me to get back out there and explore the darker side of life. It’s surely been long enough. You can read more about this place and view more photos I took there in my past post, Historic Series: Seaview Hospital.

Inspiration Photo Friday: Time to Explore - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Historic Series: Seaview Hospital

14 Wednesday Nov 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Historic Places

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

abandoned places, brielle ave, Charles Schmidt, children's hospital, Colonial Revival style, Dr. Edward Robitzek, Dr. Irving Selikoff, graffiti, historic, hospital, laboratory, nature, new york, New York City Farm Colony, photography, sanatorium, sanitorium, Seaview Hospital, Spanish Mission, staten island, Staten Island Greenbelt, tuberculosis

I have been exploring buildings of the past since I was a kid. It all started with my friend Henry the time we went to an old orphanage in Elizabeth, NJ. From then on I was hooked. When I first met Dan, my now husband, I was happy to know we shared a love for abandoned places. In the beginning of our relationship we ventured out to a few. The first one was an old school in Suffolk County, which was interesting. After that I wanted to take him to a place I once visited but really wanted to see again, Seaview Hospital.

September 1, 2008, we took the drive to Staten Island during the day so we could get some good time in to see the property. There are various buildings that lie within the gates of the hospital and when its dark it’s totally creepy. That was my mistake the first time. So once we got there and crawled through the hole in the fence, our journey began.

Historic Series: Seaview Hospital

The complex, built between 1913 and 1938 and was created to treat tuberculosis. With a beginning budget of 1 million, it was the largest facility in the country at the time, ending at about 4 million in contributing funds. Back then they thought the best cure was fresh air, rest, sunshine and a healthy diet. Because the center was somewhat rural, this was a perfect place. It was built on the former estate of Charles Schmidt along the East side of Brielle Avenue and most of the 37 contributing buildings are of Spanish Mission and Colonial Revival style.

Historic Series: Seaview Hospital - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

 

Historic Series: Seaview Hospital - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

In 1915 it was expanded to another 2.5 acres and the sanatorium was completed in 1917. Eleven years later, the chapel was constructed as well as a new laboratory and in 1938 they added the children’s hospital.

Historic Series: Seaview Hospital - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

 

Historic Series: Seaview Hospital - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Thanks to the contributing work and trials of Dr. Edward Robitzek and Dr. Irving Selikoff at the hospital, a cure was found about 39 years later. However, the facility was pretty much shut down and just left there. It was named part of the Staten Island Greenbelt as well as part of the historic district. Today, a new Seaview still stands using some of the functioning buildings as well as new buildings that were created in 1973. These replaced some of the original structures.

Historic Series: Seaview Hospital - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

 

Historic Series: Seaview Hospital - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Behind the historic Seaview is the histortic New York City Farm Colony which was founded in 1829 to house the poor. They were asked to work on the farm as payment. It had numerous dormitories, a dining hall and kitchen, laundry building, nurses’ residence, an insane pavilion and morgue. These buildings were built between 1829 and the 1930s. The farm was very successful in bringing fresh food to the area. In 1912, it is reported that $22,887 was the value of its crops.

Historic Series: Seaview Hospital - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

This time around I really enjoyed my visit to this place of the past. There are a number of abandoned structures so we were plenty busy exploring the grounds. We didn’t see the functioning buildings because losing light was not an option. I wanted to get as many photos as I could. Although covered in graffiti and wreckage, Seaview Hospital is definitely a place to check out.

Historic Series: Seaview Hospital - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

 

Historic Series: Seaview Hospital - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

It wasn’t that creepy being there during the day but there is surely a haunting feeling that resonates throughout the grounds. Especially when you enter underground and explore the basements. It’s very damp and cold. I always wonder what it would be like to have lived there when it was up and running. It is said to be one of the greatest treatment centers in the area. I think its great the doctors and staff were able to help thousands of people.

Historic Series: Seaview Hospital - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Maybe these buildings will stand forever, even know most are crumbling down. It seems as though they are just left to depreciate and age and with so much land just going to waste, why not explore Seaview while you can. I would recommend you wear the proper clothing and bring a small bag of items like water, flashlights and even a first aid kit. You can seriously get hurt out there so be prepared. Other than that, have fun exploring!

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