37 Facts About Danvers State Hospital

The Origins of Danvers State Hospital

Danvers State Hospital, also known as the Danvers Lunatic Asylum, has a rich history filled with intriguing details. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about this historic institution.

1. Danvers State Hospital opened in 1878. It was designed by architect Nathaniel J. Bradlee in the Gothic Revival style.

2. The hospital was built on Hathorne Hill. This location was chosen for its isolation, which was thought to be beneficial for patients.

3. The original name was the State Lunatic Hospital at Danvers. It was later changed to Danvers State Hospital.

4. The hospital's design followed the Kirkbride Plan. This plan emphasized long, rambling wings arranged in a staggered formation to promote ventilation and light.

The Architecture and Layout

The architecture of Danvers State Hospital is both beautiful and eerie. Its design has influenced many other institutions.

5. The main building was known as the Kirkbride Building. It featured a central administration section with wings for patient wards.

6. The hospital had a distinctive Gothic appearance. This included turrets, spires, and elaborate stonework.

7. The facility covered over 70 acres. It included multiple buildings, including a chapel, a farm, and staff housing.

8. Underground tunnels connected many buildings. These tunnels were used for transporting supplies and patients discreetly.

Life Inside the Hospital

Life at Danvers State Hospital was a mix of treatment, work, and confinement. The daily routines were designed to help patients recover.

9. Patients were involved in various work therapies. These included farming, laundry, and kitchen duties.

10. The hospital had its own farm. This provided fresh produce and meat for the patients and staff.

11. Hydrotherapy was a common treatment. Patients would be submerged in water to calm their nerves.

12. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) was also used. This controversial treatment aimed to reset the brain's electrical activity.

Notable Events and Incidents

Throughout its history, Danvers State Hospital witnessed many notable events and incidents that added to its mystique.

13. In 1939, a fire broke out in the hospital. It caused significant damage but no fatalities.

14. The hospital was overcrowded during the Great Depression. This led to deteriorating conditions and increased patient suffering.

15. In the 1960s, deinstitutionalization began. Many patients were released, and the hospital's population decreased.

16. The hospital officially closed in 1992. It had been in operation for 114 years.

Paranormal Activity and Pop Culture

Danvers State Hospital has a reputation for being haunted. Its eerie atmosphere has inspired many stories and films.

17. Many believe the hospital is haunted. Reports of ghostly apparitions and strange noises are common.

18. The hospital inspired the setting for the film "Session 9". This 2001 horror movie was filmed on location.

19. Stephen King referenced Danvers in his novel "The Cell". The hospital's ominous presence fit perfectly into his story.

20. The video game "Outlast" features a similar asylum. The game's setting draws heavily from Danvers' architecture and history.

The Hospital's Legacy

Even after its closure, Danvers State Hospital left a lasting legacy. Its influence can still be seen today.

21. The hospital's main building was partially demolished in 2006. Some parts were preserved and incorporated into a new residential complex.

22. The site is now home to the Avalon Danvers Apartments. This development includes luxury apartments and townhouses.

23. The hospital's cemetery still exists. It contains the graves of many former patients.

24. Danvers State Hospital is a popular subject for urban explorers. Many visit the site to photograph its ruins and pay homage to its history.

The Impact on Mental Health Care

Danvers State Hospital played a significant role in the evolution of mental health care in the United States.

25. The hospital was one of the first to use the Kirkbride Plan. This design influenced many other mental health institutions.

26. Danvers was a pioneer in moral treatment. This approach emphasized kindness and respect for patients.

27. The hospital's overcrowding highlighted the need for reform. It brought attention to the poor conditions in many mental health facilities.

28. Deinstitutionalization was partly driven by conditions at Danvers. The movement aimed to provide better care for patients in community settings.

Famous Patients and Staff

Over the years, Danvers State Hospital housed many notable patients and staff members.

29. Annie Sullivan, Helen Keller's teacher, was a patient. She was treated at Danvers for a severe eye infection.

30. Dr. Thomas Story Kirkbride visited the hospital. He was the architect behind the Kirkbride Plan and a prominent figure in mental health care.

31. Dr. Charles Page was a long-serving superintendent. He implemented many progressive treatments during his tenure.

32. Nurse Jane Toppan worked at Danvers. She later became infamous as a serial killer.

The Hospital in Literature and Art

Danvers State Hospital has inspired many works of literature and art. Its haunting presence continues to captivate creators.

33. H.P. Lovecraft mentioned Danvers in his stories. The hospital's eerie atmosphere fit well with his horror tales.

34. The hospital is featured in the graphic novel "The Unsound". This horror comic draws heavily from Danvers' history.

35. Photographer Christopher Payne documented the hospital. His book "Asylum" includes many haunting images of Danvers.

36. The hospital's architecture has been studied by historians. Its design is considered a prime example of Gothic Revival architecture.

37. Danvers State Hospital is a popular subject for ghost tours. Many people visit the site to learn about its history and paranormal activity.

Final Glimpse at Danvers State Hospital

Danvers State Hospital, with its haunting history and architectural grandeur, remains a fascinating subject for many. From its gothic design to the stories of patient care, this institution has left an indelible mark on mental health history. The hospital's closure and subsequent demolition have not erased the memories and legends that continue to intrigue. Whether you're drawn to its historical significance, architectural beauty, or the ghostly tales, Danvers State Hospital offers a rich tapestry of facts and stories. As you reflect on these 37 facts, remember the complex legacy of such institutions and their impact on mental health care. This glimpse into Danvers State Hospital's past serves as a reminder of the progress made and the challenges faced in the field of mental health.