Pennhurst State School and Hospital (1 of 2)

In keeping with the Halloween theme for this time of the year, I thought now would be a good time to post this. During the summer, I had the opportunity to visit Pennhurst State School & Hospital, originally known as the Eastern Pennsylvania State Institution for the Feeble-Minded and Epileptic positioned on the border between Chester County and Montgomery County in Pennsylvania. In 1903, the Pennsylvania Legislature authorized the creation of the institution and a commission was organized to take into consideration the number and status of the feeble-minded and epileptic persons in the state and determine a placement for construction to care for these residents. From 1903 to 1908 the first buildings were constructed. On November 23, 1908, “Patient number 1” was admitted to the hospital. Within four years of operation, Pennhurst was already overcrowded. I can only imagine what it must have been like to arrive at this place. I was able to gain access through the efforts of Denise Ippolito, a very talented photographer. Here is a link to her website.

This blog will consist of two posts. The first one is of the general campus and the next one will be the Administrative building.

8 Responses to “Pennhurst State School and Hospital (1 of 2)”

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1 Don Schroder
October 29, 2013 at 10:48 pm

Very nice, Frank. Especially the first one and the wheelchair shot. That was a fun shoot!
- 2 Frank T. Smith
  October 31, 2013 at 11:01 pm
  
  Don, Thanks. It was a fun shoot.
3 Richard Wilkins Jr
October 30, 2013 at 8:32 am

I could help help but going back over these pictures after I had left them! They did much to stir my imagination…….Thanks
- 4 Frank T. Smith
  October 31, 2013 at 11:02 pm
  
  Dick, I appreciate that very much!
5 Susie Coffin
October 30, 2013 at 9:34 am

Hi Frank;

I love love love your photography. You have a special way of capturing the mood of whatever you are shooting. I must admit to hijacking some of your nature shots and using them as my wallpaper on my I pad. Whenever my friends use my pad they ALWAYS comment on the pics. I hope some day to see a gallery opening of your work. Thank you for bringing beauty into my world.

Susan Coffin
- 6 Frank T. Smith
  October 31, 2013 at 11:03 pm
  
  Susan, That’s very kind of you. Thanks!
7 Denise Ippolito
October 31, 2013 at 4:29 am

Frank, Your opening image is killer! Excellent work! It is always a pleasure to see you 🙂
- 8 Frank T. Smith
  October 31, 2013 at 11:04 pm
  
  Thanks Denise. I look forward to the next one.

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