| Monson State Hospital ~ Monson, Massachusetts |
 |
| When it was called "The Almshouse", circa 1895 (thanks to George B., photo submission) |
| On the Palmer / Monson line, some buildings are in operation, now used for mental health and mental retardation services. As far as we know (as of 2002, when sadly, we left Massachusetts), there were several abandoned buildings still located on the property. At one time a state mental hospital, this institution also served other purposes, including the State Almshouse and Epileptic hospital, and now a State Developmental center. While it was an insane asylum, it is no surprise to the longtime Palmer and Monson locals that inmates housed there suffered terrible inhumanities, torture by abusive employees, and death... whether by natural or other causes. The original two buildings were supposedly built in the late 1700s, and were no longer used since the 1950s. It was these two buildings that Jim and a friend decided to explore, in the early 1990s. As expected, these two buildings were severely run down. Broken or missing windows, trees and natural growth reclaimed the area, along with the usual decay of an abandoned structure. As Jim and his friend entered the lower floors, they discovered that many of the rooms still contained antiquated restraint devices which included metal head cages, rusted iron rings that were cemented into walls, once used to secure the arms and legs of patients. Narrow iron tubs still sat on bathroom floors. having once been used to soak inmates who had become violent on occasion. Tiny rooms that used to house inmates still contained remnants of rusty, barred cell doors. While the two wandered through one particular building which was set back at the farthest area of the grounds, they heard the fleeting sounds of floors creaking, doors slamming, distant voices laughing from within empty rooms. It was as if these sounds were echoes of the past. These were not the activities of homeless persons, nor other thrill-seekers who might have ventured on the grounds. As Jim and his friend entered a large hallway where padded rooms were located, they both witnessed a strange green flame suddenly appear from the floor. It swirled slowly before them, growing larger in size until it finally vanished into nothing. Both being long-time urban explorers and not ones who were easily frightened, they could not help but experience a heavy feeling of dread and fear, as if they were not alone. Jim only described it as 'something unnatural', as if they both felt the aura of the long-dead tortured souls who did not know how to escape, even in the afterlife. WARNING and DISCLAIMER: While we have not lived in Massachusetts since 2002, we assume that many of the old buildings might still be standing. We do know that the grounds are definitely patrolled by local and state police, including grounds security officers. When we drove by in 2001, we saw "No Trespassing" signs everywhere, including along the roads abutting the former mental hospital. If you are found on the property, you WILL be arrested. We at Texas Hauntings Society / Massachusetts Hauntings Society claim no responsibility for the actions of the curious or explorers who choose to venture onto these grounds. We are merely documenting one of the many investigations that either or both of us have participated in the past. If anyone knows any current information about Monson State, it's abandoned buildings and grounds, or has explored the grounds and buildings and would like to share their experiences, we invite you to write to us. Email Texas Hauntings Society copyright 2000 - infinity, Texas Hauntings Society / Massachusetts Hauntings Society, all rights reserved. |