There are so many things to write about this summer, It is hard picking one for this week. This is a journey to a structure that was once an incredible building. In its glorious confines at one time-way back when-people came to this place by the hundreds to take of the healing country air.
Molly Stark Hospital got it’s start as a TB sanatorium –at one time I am sure it was a vision to see-with Spanish revival architecture, stunning verandas, balconies and of course many many windows. As we walked the grounds I wondered what it must of felt like to be so ill and in such a fragile state entering this once beautiful structure as a last hope of survival. I imagine some thought they might never leave, and I am sure there were many that never did.
The sanatorium is rumoured to be haunted by many, but our trips there so far have only found a building that is crumbling with time, vines climbing everywhere as if trying to take back this piece of earth, pulling the structure down. Of course there is a large amount of senseless vandalism-which I really don’t understand. Here is a masterpiece of the past we should be respectful of the history-embrace it not destroy it. There are warning signs everywhere on the building. No trespassing, danger asbestos. These signs do not stop people from entering- park employees are continually replacing boards over large openings where windows were. The building itself is a ghost from the past looming in the bright sun.
I don’t imagine this building as it is now I see it as the original vision it once was-nurses bustling about, patients lying in beds in front of windows, wheel chairs on the verandas, and people in the later stages of healing walking the grounds. All taking in the air and sunshine needed -as once was believed to cure this illness. Now the building holds air that will bring illness. As we peered in the small openings a musty breeze would blow out, stifling breath. Threatening those wanting to enter –say away. As if the building itself is speaking.
Over the years it was many things, and now it is part of Stark Parks. You can walk the grounds, picnic and enjoy looking at this once glorious place. Wear good shoes and be weary of the broken glass, and pieces of brick, there are also some holes around the path so keep your eyes open but it is definitely a must see!
*all images were taken without entering the building and were taken of things as found
Molly Stark Hospital got it’s start as a TB sanatorium –at one time I am sure it was a vision to see-with Spanish revival architecture, stunning verandas, balconies and of course many many windows. As we walked the grounds I wondered what it must of felt like to be so ill and in such a fragile state entering this once beautiful structure as a last hope of survival. I imagine some thought they might never leave, and I am sure there were many that never did.
The sanatorium is rumoured to be haunted by many, but our trips there so far have only found a building that is crumbling with time, vines climbing everywhere as if trying to take back this piece of earth, pulling the structure down. Of course there is a large amount of senseless vandalism-which I really don’t understand. Here is a masterpiece of the past we should be respectful of the history-embrace it not destroy it. There are warning signs everywhere on the building. No trespassing, danger asbestos. These signs do not stop people from entering- park employees are continually replacing boards over large openings where windows were. The building itself is a ghost from the past looming in the bright sun.
I don’t imagine this building as it is now I see it as the original vision it once was-nurses bustling about, patients lying in beds in front of windows, wheel chairs on the verandas, and people in the later stages of healing walking the grounds. All taking in the air and sunshine needed -as once was believed to cure this illness. Now the building holds air that will bring illness. As we peered in the small openings a musty breeze would blow out, stifling breath. Threatening those wanting to enter –say away. As if the building itself is speaking.
Over the years it was many things, and now it is part of Stark Parks. You can walk the grounds, picnic and enjoy looking at this once glorious place. Wear good shoes and be weary of the broken glass, and pieces of brick, there are also some holes around the path so keep your eyes open but it is definitely a must see!
*all images were taken without entering the building and were taken of things as found
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