abandoned asylum for the chronic insane Archives - Abandoned Urban Exploring & Urbex Photography https://riddimryder.com/tag/abandoned-asylum-for-the-chronic-insane/ RiddimRyder Explores & Photographs Abandoned & Forgotten Places Mon, 16 Dec 2024 23:45:31 +0000 en-CA hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://i0.wp.com/riddimryder.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/cropped-websitethumb.jpg?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 abandoned asylum for the chronic insane Archives - Abandoned Urban Exploring & Urbex Photography https://riddimryder.com/tag/abandoned-asylum-for-the-chronic-insane/ 32 32 157258030 Abandoned Buffalo State Hospital https://riddimryder.com/abandoned-buffalo-state-hospital/ https://riddimryder.com/abandoned-buffalo-state-hospital/#comments Mon, 07 Oct 2024 23:00:00 +0000 https://riddimryder.com/?p=25500 In September of 2024, Zenning with Zay & I visited The Abandoned Buffalo State Hospital!  I had previously explored this…

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In September of 2024, Zenning with Zay & I visited The Abandoned Buffalo State Hospital!  I had previously explored this place during a sneaky sleepover but this time it was legal! It was awesome to wander the renovated areas, but I still preferred the abandoned areas!





In 1865, a bill was introduced by Senator Asher P. Nichols to establish additional mental health asylums in New York State, with one dedicated to serving the western region. This proposal was approved, and various towns in Western New York competed to host the facility. Buffalo was selected over locations such as Lockport, Batavia, and Warsaw, thanks to its promise of 100 years of free drinking water and its ideal rural setting near downtown, which suited the Kirkbride Plan for mental health treatment.





Designed by architect Henry Hobson Richardson in 1870, the Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane featured large Medina red sandstone and brick buildings, while the grounds were designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. Construction began in 1871, and by November 15, 1880, the asylum admitted its first patients, though only the eastern wards were complete. The western wards were finished in 1895.





Following Richardson's death in 1886, architects Green and Wicks, along with William W. Carlin, completed the project, maintaining Richardson's architectural style. In 1890, the facility's name was changed to the Buffalo State Hospital, reflecting New York's new legislation making mental health treatment a state responsibility. Overcrowding soon became a problem, as the original design intended for around 600 patients was exceeded.





The hospital's decline began in the early 20th century. The iconic towers were re-covered in copper in 1918, and much of the land was sold to Buffalo State University in 1927. By the 1960s, several wards were demolished to make room for modern facilities. The last patients were moved out in 1974, and the property was left to deteriorate. Efforts to preserve the historic site began in 2006, when the Richardson Center Corporation took control and stabilized the structure.

We had hoped to stay in the renovated part of the Abandoned Buffalo State Hospital but sadly, we could not.  There was however a wedding taking place there.  Pretty cool, but not as cool as getting married in an Abandoned Prison!

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]]> https://riddimryder.com/abandoned-buffalo-state-hospital/feed/ 2 25500 New York State Insane Asylum https://riddimryder.com/new-york-state-insane-asylum/ https://riddimryder.com/new-york-state-insane-asylum/#comments Wed, 01 May 2024 23:00:00 +0000 https://riddimryder.com/?p=24793 This New York State Insane Asylum was a pretty interesting place to explore! Zenning with Zay & I had no…

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This New York State Insane Asylum was a pretty interesting place to explore! Zenning with Zay & I had no intell on this place so we decided to see how we would make out being obvious & wandering the grounds. It didn't take long for a worker to approach us. Fortunately he a cool with us as long as we stayed away from the buildings as most of the were condemned! There were no ways in at all & it was clear they were keeping a VERY close eye on the place!




Constructed in the late 19th century, this imposing structure was once a beacon of hope for the mentally ill. Over the years, the hospital, also known as the New York Insane Asylum, became a symbol of progress in psychiatric care.

This State Hospital was designed by Isaac Perry, an architect renowned for his work in Gothic Revival style. The building's grandeur and meticulous detail were intended to create a therapeutic environment. Patients at the New York Insane Asylum received treatment and care in this tranquil setting.

As decades passed, the New York State Insane Asylum faced challenges. Increased patient numbers strained resources. The hospital underwent expansions to accommodate the growing demand for mental health services.

By the mid-20th century, there was a notable shift in societal attitudes towards mental health. Consequently, institutions like the Binghamton State Hospital experienced a decline. Alternative treatment methods gained popularity, leading to a dwindling number of patients.

Today, the New York State Insane Asylum stands abandoned, serving as a relic from an earlier era in mental health care. Its sprawling grounds have become a canvas for urban explorers and historians alike, echoing with the whispers of its past inhabitants.

Visitors are immediately struck by the haunting beauty of its architecture. Nature has begun to reclaim the once-imposing structure, adding a layer of eerie charm to this forgotten place.

The legacy of the New York Insane Asylum serves as a reminder of the evolution of mental health treatment. Exploring its halls offers a glimpse into a complex and often misunderstood chapter of history.

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]]> https://riddimryder.com/new-york-state-insane-asylum/feed/ 2 24793 Willard Asylum for the Chronic Insane https://riddimryder.com/willard-asylum-for-the-chronic-insane/ https://riddimryder.com/willard-asylum-for-the-chronic-insane/#comments Wed, 08 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000 https://riddimryder.com/?p=23775 In the Autumn of 2023, Zenning with Zay & I took road trip with the Frist destination was Willard Asylum…

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In the Autumn of 2023, Zenning with Zay & I took road trip with the Frist destination was Willard Asylum for the Chronic Insane!

Nestled deep within the picturesque upstate New York lies a place that holds a history shrouded in darkness and mystery. The abandoned Willard Asylum for the Chronic Insane stands as a haunting reminder of the mental health practices of a bygone era. In this blog post, we will delve into the chilling history and eerie atmosphere of this asylum.



A Place of Hope Turned Nightmare

The Willard Asylum for the Chronic Insane was established in 1869 as a beacon of hope for individuals suffering from mental illnesses. At the time, it was considered a progressive institution.  Offering humane treatment and therapy for the patients who sought solace within its walls. However, as the decades passed, it would go on to become the subject of disturbing tales of neglect and mistreatment.

The overcrowding of the facility and lack of funding led to deplorable conditions and questionable practices.  Including but not limited to the widespread use of lobotomies and electroshock therapy. The initial vision of compassionate care had crumbled, leaving a legacy of suffering in its wake.



A Dark Legacy Uncovered

In 1995, after decades of abandonment, the abandoned Willard Asylum became the focus of renewed interest when a remarkable discovery was made. Over 400 suitcases belonging to former patients were found hidden away in an attic. These suitcases contained a trove of personal belongings, letters, and artifacts.  This offers a poignant glimpse into the lives of those who had been confined within the institution.

These artifacts shed light on the stories of countless individuals who had once been hopeful residents.  But ultimately found themselves trapped in a nightmarish existence. The suitcases have since been meticulously cataloged and have even inspired an exhibit at the New York State Museum, giving voice to the forgotten and silenced.



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Exploring the Abandoned Asylum Today

Today, the Willard Asylum stands as a crumbling monument to a bygone era. Access to the site is restricted due to safety concerns. The overgrown courtyards and fading murals serve as a haunting backdrop to the asylum's grim past.  Virtually every other building on the sprawling complex was recently sealed up.

The asylum's history and its present state of disrepair have sparked countless rumors of paranormal activity. Some claim to have heard ghostly whispers in the darkened hallways.  Others report inexplicable cold spots and unsettling apparitions. Whether or not you believe in the supernatural, there is no denying the palpable sense of history that lingers within these crumbling walls.



Preserving the Past

Efforts are underway to preserve the history and memory of the Willard Asylum for the Chronic Insane. Organizations and individuals have advocated for the site's protection and restoration, recognizing the importance of remembering the past to prevent its repetition.

In conclusion, the abandoned Willard Asylum for the Chronic Insane serves as a chilling reminder of the complexities of mental health care throughout history. Its history, from a place of hope to one of despair, is a stark testament to the need for compassionate and ethical treatment of individuals facing mental illness. The asylum's legacy may be one of darkness, but it also stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of those who seek to remember and honor the lives of those who suffered within its walls.



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]]> https://riddimryder.com/willard-asylum-for-the-chronic-insane/feed/ 3 23775 Abandoned Institutional Facility for Children https://riddimryder.com/abandoned-institutional-facility-for-children/ https://riddimryder.com/abandoned-institutional-facility-for-children/#comments Tue, 05 Mar 2019 19:35:58 +0000 https://riddimryder.com/?p=2087 The first road trip of the year was a smashing success.  It also was roughly 3,000 km of driving but…

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The first road trip of the year was a smashing success.  It also was roughly 3,000 km of driving but so worth it!  We woke ridiculously early on the second day & made the 3+ hour drive to what was sure to be a amazing explore.  I had some good friends provide me with some basic details but essentially we were going in blind as many months had passed since my friends had gone.  Whatever, we were out there so may as well give it a go.  Parking a good distance away we began the hike through the woods where the snow was so deep in some areas it was up to our waist!  Then there was a creek we had to cross, then up a steep hill & across an open field.  It was exhausting but we finally reached our destination!  I noticed right away fresh footprints in the snow & a well worn path leading to the building.   We assumed other explorers & went in & began our initial walk through.



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We entered through the gymnasium & the above photo was the first thing we saw when we entered.  This was going to be an amazing explore!  I decided to tell my friends about the fresh footprints & path in the snow the reply I received made the rest of the explore VERY tense.  I knew the property owner lived on site but what didn't know until that moment he actually patrols the buildings!  Uggh...then as more details emerge things became very real as the owner not only patrols but he also comes inside the buildings & has threatened others with a shotgun he carries!  After a few more of these horror stories we decided to take a cautious approach with this one.  As there were multiple floors we'd take turns, one shoots while the other keeps a lookout.



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We made our way to the upper floor to start out our explore.   This was entirely used for sleeping quarters & had multiple rooms filled with small single beds.   The decay was pretty amazing & so much left behind!  As it was the beginning of January & super cold, the windows were almost completely frosted over making it difficult to see if the owner was coming.  I would have to stand on a window ledge & peer out a small space where there wasn't frost.



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The second floor was a teaching floor with multiple classrooms & some were really cool with themed setups such as the one above.  Don't let the colourful beds & interesting rooms fool you.  This place has a very dark past with government payouts to former inmates for the mental, physical, sexual & emotional abuse they suffered.  Without giving too much information away this facility is one of many that were part of a scheme to use children as cheap labour.  Misdiagnosis was an easy way to fill these facilities.  A child essentially woud be thrown in here for having no real disability other than being born to a single mother!  These were essentially work farms. It's really quite shameful.   After this facility was shut down it was purchased by an outdoors group which is quite evident by some of the class rooms.



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The ground floor was mainly administrative with numerous rooms set up as office & other storage areas.  Through one set of doors was a very large chapel & although this was mostly empty, it still was quite stunning & still had the organ!  Further off the chapel lead to a theatre & the gymnasium however there was still the basement to explore!



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I really didn't know what to expect when I went into the basement of this place & what I saw absolutely amazed me.  This place just kept getting more interesting which each newly explored area!  I was really on egde though as now I was out of ear shot from my exploring partner & in the basement there was likely no cell signal & already it was spotty at best.  I did a quick run around so I could pass along what should be shot & what avoided to ensure we were quick.   I then stood guard, eyes glued to the pathway in which the angry owner could make his approach.  When it was my turn I shot all the same areas but then noticed a small corridor that I had previously missed on my initial scout.  Well, what I found down there was even more incredible!  A fully in tact doctors office!!!



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"How could this place keep getting better?" Was all I could think of.  I took my pics & filmed, then ran back up to share my discovery!  Back down she goes to the well hidden room!  Finally we had finished the main building & chapel & now just had the theatre & gymnasium left.  Well, things just kept getting better as difficult as it may seem, it was true!



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The theatre was at the back of the gymnasium & seated 56.  It was used for viewing films & aside from some decay, it wasn't all that interesting.  That said the gymnasium was incredible!  With a suspended track encompassing three quarters of the gymnasium!  The main level was lined on either side with lockers & at the centre back was a stage!



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The floor here was deadly icy & extreme caution was necessary!  Keep in mind, the entire time we were taking turns keeping watch while the other explored so it took twice as long increasing the possibility of getting caught.  We were so close to being finished so we pressed on.  After we both shot the gymnasium, I headed down to the basement below as I was told, not only is it disgusting but also so amazing!  I was worried that the air quality would be bad & we both had neglected to bring our respirators but I was determined to see the treasures hidden below.   As I walked down the icy stairs & turn on my flashlight I get a glimpse of what is in store.



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Once again I am speechless.  It was like a fun zone down here!  Foosball, air hockey, bowling, pool, skis, snowshoes & on & on.  I did my video, ran up & said "you need to go down there now!".   While I anxiously waited for my turn for pictures I nervously kept watching hoping & even a little praying we wouldn't be interrupted so I could properly document the entire facility.  My time came & I was loving every minute I was down there.



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I finally emerged with a smile ear to ear feeling very accomplished!  We both packed up our gear & made the painfully long walk through the deep snow.  Tired, cold & wet we were once again at the creek which to give reference was almost knee high.  I was wearing rubber boots & the water was close to the top.  I took our gear across the creek then came back & piggybacked my girlfriend across since the snow drifts we had previously used had washed away with the slight current.  After a long trek through the forest we finally arrived at our car.   For the next hour we were smiling & babbling about the absolutely incredible explore we had successfully completed!

Now, here's the full gallery!  Don't forget to check out the video as not all areas I took photos of!



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