SCOUTING
FIELD NOTES

Scouting An Abandoned Mental Asylum: A Visit To The Rockland Psychiatric Center, Part 1

01/25/2011

I gotta admit, when I see a pair of worn iron gates…

…what looks like an abandoned property in the distance…

…and the side entrance slightly ajar…

…ancient, rusted-over NO TRESPASSING signs might as well say ENTER HERE.

What I didn’t realize is that these gates surround a massive, 600 acre insane asylum from the 1920’s – and nearly all of it abandoned.

(huge pan – click for larger sizes!)

This is the Rockland County Psychiatric Center, built in 1927, and “sprawling” does not do it justice. Here’s the facility in its heyday, and yes, that’s its own power plant in the distance:

At its peak year in 1959, Rockland Psychiatric had 9,000 residents and a staff of 2,000. Today, most of the facility is empty, left to decay as roots and vines slowly overtake it.

Rockland Psych is one of the most amazing places I’ve ever visited in New York, if for no better reason than it set my imagination firing like crazy.

Though the buildings may be boarded up, the place is heavy with history, and you can feel it in the air.

Visiting Rockland Psych is also like taking a trip back in time, as so wonderfully little has changed. Even little details, like these awesome street lights…

…made me feel I should be driving an old jalopy to pick up my buddy Norman Bates from his weekly session.

Very few places I’ve been to have offered such an all-encompassing out-of-time experience as simply driving down this long, snow-covered road past boarded up buildings:

(huge pan – click for larger sizes!)

I couldn’t stop thinking of questions: how many thousands of patients had passed through Rockland Psych during its operation?

How many had been subjected to primitive, often barbaric treatments like electroshock and lobotomization, both of which were employed at Rockland as “state-of-the-art”?

And man did it set the mood when I climbed up on this heavily gated porch and peered through a window into a shadowy room…

…and saw this on a chalk board:

Please don’t think I’m giving this property a hard time – the architecture is absolutely gorgeous, and it’s only the disrepair and neglect that gives it that haunting feeling. And enjoy it while you can…

It seems that Orangeburg has basically agreed to tear a massive amount of it down in favor of senior citizen condos…

(huge pan – click for larger sizes!)

…as seen in this lovely picture below, which I’m sure absolutely mimics the reality of the project (does anyone else get the feeling The Smurfs are about to walk into the frame?):

I’m not going to get into what a loss this would be in terms of both history and craftsmanship. I get way too passionate about these things when it seems like so few care – hell, I couldn’t even find a mention of the demolition on the Rockland County Historical Society website (though if I missed it, please point me in the right direction).

Instead, I’ll just take you on a tour of what I had the pleasure of seeing.

(huge pan – click for larger sizes!)

The Rockland complex literally has secrets at every corner waiting to be discovered…

Not only is this window-lined hallway fascinating in itself…

…Later, while processing the pictures in Photoshop, I noticed something amazing: hidden in the shadows along the upper walls are these hand-painted scenes from NY history:

Another, showing Henry Hudson’s Half Moon ship:

More windows, and a forgotten pirate hat:

Many of the ends of buildings have little pavilions. Seems pleasant, until you notice the heavy bars preventing escape (note the little trap door for deliveries on the right):

More barred windows. You weren’t going anywhere…

A forgotten table:

Judging by the wall art, I’m guessing this was a school at one point:

Not many remain, but I love the gold and brown carved signs around the complex, which remind me of the National Parks motif:

As you can see in these satellite pictures, the buildings are all constructed in very interesting patterns…

Another:

Many of the buildings in the north-east corner meet in a cross, which seems to me like a ton of space for hallways:

But space was clearly a luxury here, and the windows must have really opened the place up, especially for patients who weren’t allowed out much:

A door that hasn’t been opened in some time, judging by the trees that have grown in front of it:

As you make your way to complex’s center, the buildings feel more austere, as if this is where the real treatment took place:

Many of the buildings have beautiful terra cotta entrances…

…which I’m sure the town is going to recycle when they tear this all down:

Inside, lots of chipped paint. I love the enormous wooden glassed door:

Another room, with chipped paint in the way that Hollywood loves to fake in all of its run down asylums. Note the plaid curtains on the rear window:

Another building:

Love this fire escape…

…Especially when you get up close:

I suppose it was a better sign if you were put in this ward…

…as opposed to this one:

I thought this was incredibly cool too: this building (which feels like a dorm to me) is U-shaped, and if you look into the middle…

…you’ll see what has to be one of the coolest parking spots in New York, lined on both sides with 30 foot trees:

Another beautiful building:

The stairway:

Nearby is the classroom with the “I’m Scared” chalkboard…

I love the whimsical eyeglasses-wearing mouse…

…and these other animals…

…which include probably the most psychotic looking bear I’ve ever seen (those rabbits are a little creepy too).

Haha, that bear makes me laugh every time I see it. Look at it again! Hee hee…

Another arched building nearby…

…has an awesome pair of doors (“yes, we’d like the triangle wedge design, please”):

Inside, more ruins (though the wood-paneling looks like it was purchased yesterday!):

Does someone out there knows what this device does (I’m guessing sterilization)?

A pool table:

Think you’re done? No one gets out of Rockland Psychiatric that fast! CLICK HERE FOR PART 2 OF THE TOUR!

Also, if you grew up in the area, I’d love to know any legends you used to hear about the place as a kid!

-SCOUT

PS: More Rockland Psychiatric Center history here!

Many more posts in the archives!

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Matt

04/09/2012

The fridge is from the orangeburg fire co. Rockland psychiatric center allows the ofd to store the pool table and the fridge in building 13. The fridge was used for beer.

Reply
joei knew

04/17/2012

i worked at rpc from 1957 to 1980…i worked in bld.19…butcher shop….store house….male reception…rockland was a city all by it self….i knew dr stanley…dr walker…dr fehler…dr rifa…dr dehsi….dr macdonaha(dentist)….ken troup(store house)…ken gokey….dick bauer(butcher)…don place….undy blaisdale…doug wherly…cliff helsel….andy tachash….tom dunmire….gene(bakery)….john conlin…dick marceue….norman barnes….loraine schmader(nurse)…. frenchy & max (who helped out on the food truck)….john(worked in library)….if anyone remembers me they can e-mail me

Reply
1. Donald Sims
  
  07/09/2012
  
  Hello, my name is Donald Sims and my mother Geraldine Sims and my father Donald worked there in the late 60’s to the mid 80’s. My mother passed some years ago; never knew my father but I’m trying to locate him but didn’t know his last name…was doing research for a book I’m writing when coming across this fascinating site…memories. Say, I know it’s like asking someone if he or she knows a Michael from NYC…but figured- take a shot and ask; perhaps, if you knew either one of them in hopes of me locating my father? I’d really appreciate any help at all if not I truly understand. Thank you for your time and consideration.
  
  Donald Fitzgerald Sims
  
  Reply
  1. Brooklyn Paige
    
    10/12/2015
    
    Have you found your father?
    
    Reply
2. francesca
  
  02/15/2013
  
  my grandfather Nunzio Lotito/Nunziato Lotito
  was a patient at the harlem psychiatic hospital. the last letter i have is dated 3/26/1969. any information on my grandfather would be very much appreciated..
  
  seasalt1958@gmail.com
  
  Reply
3. Tom Padden
  
  03/03/2013
  
  I saw your post while searching for information concerning Rockland
  State Hospital. Your work years coincide with my Grandmother’s sister’s stay at the facility. Her name was Mary Bonifer. I remember visiting there once as a small child but do not recall any details except the memory of a blue door with a small wired glass that my Grandmother entered through to visit her sister. She went into the facility because she lost her mind at the abusive hand of a cruel husband. According to family lore, she would wander around aimlessly on the streets of The Bronx before she was committed. Do you have any memories of her?
  
  Best wishes.
  Tom Padden
  
  Reply
4. Don
  
  03/17/2013
  
  By any chance do you remember an inmate named Elizabeth Egan . She was born in 1922 and I think was admitted around 1240 so she would have been around 35 when you started working there. I think she remained there her entire life. She was my mother’s mother but I never met her.
  My email address is doncantillo@doncantillo.com.
  
  Reply
  1. Nicole Maciura
    
    10/30/2016
    
    An inmate? Are you listening to yourself? This wasdnt a prison these people and children were not criminals and this is horrible. Mental illness is hortiblke and painful have any of you no sympathy or compassion? And you the one trying to make this into a horror film? You are a disgusting human being . don’t you know you shouldn’t do things like this its bad energy…..anyone who sees the mockery u are making out of a living hell like this would know this is crossing the line. Bad things happen to people who make money and jokes off of anyone’s pain. I sincerely hope u don’t find yourself in this same predicament someday…..
    
    Reply
5. Stuart Bell
  
  03/20/2013
  
  I was institutionalized at Rockland County Mental Institution (as I knew it) when I was 8 years old (1965-69 or 69)- I was there for about 3 1/2 years. If I remember correctly I lived on childrens ward 5 ? It was build around a central circle with hall shootinf off in 4 direcytions if I remember correctly. I lived ijn a big dormatory 50 + children – we were lined uo at shower time and lined up to go to cafateria – I remember spending most of the day in a “day room” – most of the other kids were severely disturbed / mentally retarded. If i didn’t do as tolod they would put me in an isolation room (all day). Once they tied me to a bed with wet sheets layored with ice and opened the window in winter. There was an outside play area where one of the “minders” would hit kids with a wiffle ball bat. AT meals I was forced to eat and finish everything on my plate even till I puked. It was HELL ! What do you know that I cant remenmber ? I think I have repressed a lot of memories.
  
  Reply
  1. Shirley
    
    03/22/2013
    
    Reading your story just gave me a shrewd awakening . I was in Rockland State Hospital in the mid 19 sixtiesI started off in the children’s ward and I made it up into the teens ward ..pictures of the bowling shoes I remember going bowling there. I didn’t know the bowling alley was on the premises I remember going to dances so now that I know the dances was on the premises i also was tied down in straight jackets in straight sheets when I did. obey their orders. Your orders when your heavy medicated you don’t tend to really care about anything I also remember I young lady named Connie dying. I remember everybody said I hope she die I hope she die and I was saying no I let her live but she died that always stuck with me yes I have some stories to tell about Rockland State Hospital I got some gory stories and I got some very sad sad stories. Fasthandevacuation@yahoo.com
    
    Reply
  2. Bob
    
    06/25/2013
    
    Nyack H.S. Class of ’71?
    
    Reply
  3. Elias Gootzeit
    
    10/07/2013
    
    Mr.Bell should write some more about this experience. The paragraph is very eloquent and powerful. It has the makings of a best seller. You have a lot to say… and you say it very well.
    
    Reply
  4. rod hopping
    
    02/10/2014
    
    I was there in there in the 60’s in the children ward, I still have niightmares what was done to me then
    
    Reply
    1. Me
      
      03/29/2014
      
      I was in Middletown hosp, ward 246….I know what you mean!!!
      
      Reply
    2. caitlin
      
      12/18/2014
      
      if you remember anything about what happened to you I would be grateful to know as i’m researching about the patients for an essay for English and this would be great help to get into the insides of what happened. I love learning about stuff like this as it is intense and passionate. if you have anything you can tell me about what happened please email me before 01 January 2015.
      Caitrox101@gmail.com
      
      Many thanks
      Caitlin
      
      Reply
6. Theresa
  
  03/26/2014
  
  My Grandmother was there in the 1930s-1940s Clara L0gan if anyone remembers her as a patient.
  From the very little we know they refused her to have visitors when my father tried to see her.
  She remained institutionalized until she died at Kings Park Psych in Brooklyn.
  Rockland State breaks people, it’s very sad.
  Case levels vary by individuals (you may have a schitzophrenic yelling out the final answers to jeopardy in between talking to voices) yet for some it was despair and the end of the line.
  If you didn’t conform to what they wanted, you’d never get out. (Unless they were doing patient dumps do to overcrowding and less funding).
  
  Reply
  1. P Bartels
    
    01/05/2015
    
    Hi,
    
    I am doing family history and know that my aunt worked ‘at a mental institution’ sometime around the Great Depression. Do you possibly know of any way to find old employee records? She lived in Yonkers so I am looking for institutions she may have worked at. Thank you.
    
    Reply
7. Mary
  
  04/13/2014
  
  Dr. Walker was a dentist wasn’t he? My mother would take me to see him if I had a toothache. That’s the only time we ever went to the dentist in those days. Anyway, I would kick and scream every time I went to see him bc it was so scary looking to me as a child. One time I bit his finger when he went to work in my mouth and I never went back. Crazy times.
  
  Reply
  1. Donna Place Griffin
    
    06/17/2014
    
    My Mom, Mary Place used to take me to the Dentist at the hospital (probably) because it was cheap, since both my Mom & Dad worked there. He refused to see me any more because I always bit him!
    
    Reply
8. rick cornish
  
  04/14/2014
  
  My dad worked there from late 40’s to retirement 1980. Does anyone remember Richard Cornish?
  
  Reply
9. Donna Place Griffin
  
  06/17/2014
  
  My Dad was Don Place. He worked his way from the farm to become the Principal Clerk for the Store House. Rockland State Hospital was a tough place to work and and a sad way to take care of the patients. Back in the fourties it really was the only place to go for employment. My Parents had to relocate from Up State New York.
  Employees were to follow strict practices, most of them heart breaking. But I have to say regarding the patients, I at least know my Parents, my Sister and Brother-in-law, my Uncle Walt and my Aunt Mimi did the best they could do under the circumstances. My Dad always held holiday parties for patients and co-workers. I know that this isn’t enough to send all the history back into time. There are stories to be told yet. Many people have been terribly affected over the years. Including the admission of a close relative of mine who had to attend a 6 month stay at the Children’s building in the 80s. It so sucked. They handed out medication like it was candy. I just want people to know that in all realty, it wasn’t always like this. I went to church at the Chapel. My Sister was married in the Chaple. This was our lives. I did volunteer work in the Childrens building. It hurt to see how poorly managed they were. Yes, I hated the bars on the buildings, especialy when the children would be at the barred “sun rooms” asking if we could be their parents and get them out. We had keys to the main gate which was on the right as you entered, thus the screams. My sisters and I had to go to church there, and there was no escaping the sorrow. There are not enough appoligies in the world, to take away the pain of all who lived never knowing what was happening.
  
  Reply
10. Jason
  
  12/21/2014
  
  Found out on Ancestry.com that my Grandfather Stewart Gustafson worked there around 1940. He would have been about 24 at the time.
  
  Reply
11. George Solend
  
  08/01/2015
  
  Joei knew
  I was a kid in Rockland state hospital, do not know why but want to find out why, and get some records of my stay there did you know Dr. August or Dr. Robert Soblen?
  
  Reply
12. George Solend
  
  08/01/2015
  
  And I want to say I was not crazy, I was in building 11, and I knew other people here too, in the time frame when you worked here
  
  Reply
trish

05/29/2012

great photos, I grew up in the development just behind Rockland State – it had a golf course for the doctors, the bus to the mall would stop their and we would see patients, this was the late seventies, all on massive drugs, there was a famous murder in 1957 from one of the patients who had escaped, I believe the murder happened on Dutch Hollow Road, we lived their from 1965 until I left for college, my parents still live their, in the 70’s it became know for having a rehab, but many of the people who were working their were also dealing drugs there – there was a gas station, candy store, deli just across the street from one of the entrances and we used to stop their as kids for candy, some of the staff looked as crazy as the patients – beautiful buildings – it was well know the Bill Wilson who started AA went to Rockland State looking for alcoholics to join his program of AA – there was he phrase “stop acting crazy or I’ll send you to Rockland State” – I often thought the town should renovate it and make apartments, not tear it down and build ugly buildings which is what usually happens, they were discussing make senior housing, but it’s never happened, could be beautiful and create a new history – when we first moved their my dad said the patients would work in the fields, growing their own food, they had fields of corn, then they were forced to just give them drugs, and they stopped growing their own food, very sad – it would be a great location to make a movie, it could be any where in the world, and it’s own world onto itself – 600 acres is a lot – I wish they would renovate, but the cost would be outragous

Reply
1. Barbara
  
  03/06/2014
  
  I lived in that house on Dutch Hollow Dr. after the woman was murdered. In 1960, I was 2 years old and moved there. Growing up I did not know what happened until I got older. I am 55 years old now and have great memories of living in Orangeburg and graduated Tappan Zee High School in 76. I remember taking the bus to the mall and stopping in the hospital. Does anyone else remember the murder?
  
  Reply
  1. bill
    
    03/07/2014
    
    i was in tz too in 75 … i Remember the bus going to the mall . they had there owe police station, and Fire Department.I walkthrough at night to get to my friends house , cops would stop me all the time
    
    Reply
  2. Ed
    
    04/03/2014
    
    Barbara, yes, I do remember the murder. I was 4 or 5 at the time and was aware that something had happened that frightened my parents and that they didn’t want me to know about. We began locking the doors to the house then. I only got the full story when I was older. We lived on Cypress Lane.
    
    Ed
    
    Reply
2. Donna Place Griffin
  
  06/17/2014
  
  I am sorry that you think this way about the people who worked at the strip mall there and the gas stations there. Every Sunday the Interns would bring some of the patients to the Corronet Sweet Shop (where I worked) for lunch. They were all special people who we would give extra scoops of ice cream. We would make small talk, and there would be a safe haven at least for fun for a short time.
  
  Reply
  1. Joe
    
    02/21/2015
    
    There was a barber shop owned by a gentlemen named Mario. In that strip mall, Who went on to own a barber shop and beauty salon in all the malls that were built including the nanuet mall. Next to Mario was a combination dry cleaner/ shoe repair shop owned by my dad sam.I believe at the time there was an orphanage st. Catherine’s in blauvelt Mario use to cut the children’s hair and my dad would repair their shoes.
    
    Reply
trish

05/29/2012

great photos, I grew up in the development just behind Rockland State – it had a golf course for the doctors, the bus to the mall would stop their and we would see patients, this was the late seventies, all on massive drugs, there was a famous murder in 1957 from one of the patients who had escaped, I believe the murder happened on Dutch Hollow Road, we lived their from 1965 until I left for college, my parents still live their, in the 70’s it became know for having a rehab, but many of the people who were working their were also dealing drugs there – there was a gas station, candy store, deli just across the street from one of the entrances and we used to stop their as kids for candy, some of the staff looked as crazy as the patients – beautiful buildings – it was well know the Bill Wilson who started AA went to Rockland State looking for alcoholics to join his program of AA – there was he phrase “stop acting crazy or I’ll send you to Rockland State” – I often thought the town should renovate it and make apartments, not tear it down and build ugly buildings which is what usually happens, they were discussing make senior housing, but it’s never happened, could be beautiful and create a new history – when we first moved their my dad said the patients would work in the fields, growing their own food, they had fields of corn, then they were forced to just give them drugs, and they stopped growing their own food, very sad – it would be a great location to make a movie, it could be any where in the world, and it’s own world onto itself – 600 acres is a lot – I wish they would renovate, but the cost would be outrageous

Reply
David (Tank) Henderson

06/03/2012

I could tell you plenty about the hospital because I spent from 1960 to 1970 in that place.If you got to know me you would not believe it but it’s true that I was a patient.I remember just about every building you have of that hospital. The childrens unit, Building 35, Building 36,the Adolescent Female unit, and the administration Building – just about all the others as well.What is very impressive to me, is the areal overhead shots of the children’s unit with all its 6 cottages as they were called. the paintings you took pictures, as I could remember,were part of a mural that lined the upper walls in the childrens unit.There were a lot of children as myself who didn’t belong there.At one time,it was just a dumping ground for the State with children they couldn’t figure out what to do with.In spit of it all,I was able to transend far beyond anyones expectations including mine.Sometimes I wonder how many of us have survived after leaving Rockland.Not all my rememberies were bad, a matter of fact, I had some very good rememberies of the place.I guess no one wants to admit that they’ve been in such a place is probably the reason so few answer, and if they really had reasons to be there, you are surely not going to get any response.The rememberies I have of rockland are what movies are made of. One day, when I have retired, maybe I will finish writing the Book I started about the place which I called The Nut Colony.

Reply
1. Maggy
  
  07/22/2012
  
  Congratulations! I would really love to hear about how you survived as I have a relative in another facility that is having a very hard time. Any advice for others based on your experience ?
  
  Reply
2. Shirley Gillard
  
  03/17/2013
  
  I was there and didn’t belong in that place. But it was a safe haven for me and many like me. There was good time as well as bad time. I remmber a young lady on our ward that died there . I also remmber meeting the love of my life there. To bad I did’nt know that until I chase Him off. But in life there is up’s and down. You have to take the hand that you are dealt and make the best of it. I was there in the 1960s. It was a part of my life I will always remmber .And that makes me greatful to be who I am. Everyone that was sent to rockland state hospital was not crazy . I think we were kids Tyring to find our way , But it was not the way society think we should be. mentally sound but difference. Yes I can tell you some story about that place . and I am sure that I probably know Mr David Henderson Known Has Tank.
  
  Reply
  1. Kathy
    
    02/20/2014
    
    My grandmother died there in 1962. Her name was Peggy. Does anyone remember her?
    
    Reply
3. Jessica Richardson
  
  01/27/2014
  
  Im really interested in learning about this asylum. I would really love if you could e-mail me and tell me more about it. My e-mail is jessicarichardson1998@yahoo.com. If you could email me that would be awesome! I just love learning about this stuff and would like to visit a couple asylums sometime soon!
  
  Reply
  1. Brittany and Sam
    
    08/23/2014
    
    hi me and my friend Sam are very interested in asylums and the information you found out about this one, anyway you could share the information you got ?
    
    Reply
4. markmaryann downard
  
  10/14/2015
  
  I waI was there in seventy six or seven I rember ALOT I never spoke about did theyreally tare it down I went through a whole lot I call torture to its(kids) on my ward We were hit I myself was put in a straight jacket and let THERE for three days out was bad real bad
  
  Reply
5. Frances
  
  12/10/2016
  
  I TO WAS IN ROCKLAND HOSPITAL THE TIMES YOU WERE, I WAS IN BUILDING 36. I ALSO HAVE SOME GOOD MEMORIES. I WOULD LIKE US TO TALK.
  
  Reply
Judy B

06/09/2012

Does anyone know how to go about obtaining records from the 1950’s from here? thanks

Reply
1. Judi Z
  
  06/10/2012
  
  @Judy B–I’m also interested in obtaining records. I am an amateur genealogist and someone in my family was apparently there in 1940, according to the 1940 census. I can’t find him in 1920 or 30, although he was born in 1909, leading me to believe he was in another institution.
  
  Reply
2. Bill
  
  04/14/2014
  
  Did you ever obtain those records? Patient or employee? My Father used to work there in the 40’s – 50’s!
  
  Reply
  1. John Mancini
    
    04/04/2015
    
    My grandparents were apparently there in 1940 per the census although can’t find any trace after that — last name Mancini
    
    Reply
    1. Judy Andronici
      
      09/14/2016
      
      My grandmother, Mary Schade also appears on the 1940 census aa an “inmate” at Rockland. I have nothing for her after that record, though have been looking on ancestry.com. Also looked for death certificate with NY State with no result. Does anyone know if death certificates were issued for inmates who died there? My email address is judyandronici@gmail.com
      
      Reply
Anthony DeTullio

06/12/2012

My mother was a patien here in the early 1950’s. Is there any way I can possibly get any records or information about her? Thank you.

Reply
1. Frances Saxenberg, LCSW
  
  01/15/2014
  
  Hi Kjerstin,
  
  I was a Clinical Social Work Intern at Rockland Psychiatric Center from 1983 through 1985. I was a volunteer at first in the Women’s Unit (long term illness-severe) and then for one year in the Deafness Unit (long term residents abandoned by their families.)
  
  I would be very happy to share my experience with you. Contact me anytime.
  
  Best Regards
  
  Reply
  1. Kara W
    
    11/30/2014
    
    Hi Frances,
    
    Do you remember a young man in his 20’s named Steven? He was a psych patient there and was featured in an HBO documentary around 1988-89. His father’s name was Roland. This is a link to the documentary. I’m wondering if Steven is still alive. Can you help?
    
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LB2tISgoBw&spfreload=1&noredirect=1
    
    Thanks so much,
    Kara
    
    Reply
    1. wendy Wallach
      
      06/15/2015
      
      Hello,
      
      I worked here from 1983 or so to 1991. I remember Steven from building 18( I was an occupational therapist) as well as his father Roland. I don’t know what happened to him. He was a very ill but charming young man. Very nice looking.
      
      Reply
2. Theresa
  
  03/26/2014
  
  If you find out how to get records please let me know, i’m looking for ones on my grandmother Clara who was there around 30s-50s? period as a patient.
  
  Reply
HC

06/17/2012

I grew up down the road from Rockland Psych and I work at the Orangetown Historical Museum in Orangeburg. The murals in the Children’s wing are in fact WPA murals from the depression era. They’re gorgeous and need to be documented. At the museum, we currently have an enlarged picture of part of one of the murals on display and it is one of my favorite pieces in our collection. We plan to go back into the old Children’s wing to document more of the murals. Also, just to note, although a lot of the complex is abandoned, Rockland Psych is still a functioning facility. There is a lot of research done there, family counseling, mental health assessments, etc. Its all on their website. http://www.omh.ny.gov/omhweb/facilities/rppc/facility.htm

Reply
1. Kjerstin R
  
  01/14/2014
  
  Hello HC,
  I am wondering if you need any help documenting the murals? I am a photography/filmmaking graduate student and am deeply invested in telling stories about mental health – I would love to help!
  my email is: kjerstin.rossi@gmail.com
  Best,
  Kjerstin
  
  Reply
Ron A

07/12/2012

………The first AA meeting ever at an institution was held on the grounds of Rockland State Hospital in early December 1939. A NY State Historic Society landmark sign refers to this first meeting where AA’s co-founder Bill W. Spoke. When the new multi-story Psychiatric Center opened in the late 90’s they closed a lot of buildings including the Mens’ AAU….—AAU stands for Alcoholic Abuse Unit. That landmark sign was moved from the abandoned AAU and stationed near the new facility.

Reply
Kelly

07/16/2012

Scout, this place is fascinating. How did you get in? Any potential to rent out for a shoot?

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Teal

07/18/2012

scout,great photos..Rockland Psyche is still quite active..the one, newer tall building houses the psyche center, with two floors of it as Blaisdell ATC (addictions treatment center) my family member works there. also they have just completed a new children’s hospital on the site

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Arlene B.

08/05/2012

I worked at RPC from 1970-1991 as a psychologist, in many of those buildings. These pictures in their starkness made more so by the winter brought back such painful memories. I rescued a patient who had just hanged herself in one of those windows, and a year later I discovered (too late) that same patient in the act of strangling to death another patient. During the years I worked there, an employee, working alone at night in a building for more functional patients, was stabbed to death by one of her patients. Too many patients were beyond my capacity to help, but I found gratification in helping those who under more fortunate circumstances would have been dear friends. BTW, I believe the “stable” was the firehouse, and I believe the “bus station” really was. I believe the playpen was in the room used for daycare for the employees’ children. And I do remember that cool parking spot.

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1. Kjerstin R
  
  01/14/2014
  
  Arlene –
  I am very interested in collecting oral histories of people who interacted with the mental health system. I know that there are books and films made about this topic but I think that people’s individual stories are vital in all their complexity and specificity. I would love to hear about Rockland from a psychologist’s point of view, especially one who was there. Do let me know if you could make the time to speak with me: kjerstin.rossi@gmail.coma
  Best,
  Kjerstin
  
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  1. Debbie
    
    08/23/2015
    
    My mom was a pt from 1949-1951.. Hannah Berman.. She doesn’t like remembering her time there…but she was able to obtain her records
    
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    1. DeVogel
      
      05/18/2016
      
      How and where did she get her records. I had a relative that had died while a patent and burried at Rockland 1966 plot P- 85. He had accomplishments in life that are book worthy.. Where is the grave yard. I did not say cemetery, I WOULD think it was a grave yard. Alcohol took him down and ended in Rockland State
      
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2. RIP PARSELLS
  
  04/24/2014
  
  TONY WORDEN
  
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3. Maire
  
  06/24/2014
  
  Hi Arlene,
  
  Thankyou for sharing your story! I too like Kjerstin am very interested in learning of the history of
  places such as this. I would be very grateful if you ever have the time, to share some of your knowledge
  during your time time there as an employee there. I understand completely if you do not feel comfortable
  in doing so. Should you like to take up my offer, please don not hesitate to e-mail me at : historyfan568@gmail.com
  
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4. wendy Wallach
  
  06/15/2015
  
  I remember the murder if a woman named Clara in building 21.
  
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Anne Marie

08/13/2012

This place was right out of Cuckoos Nest. I did my nursing psych rotation here in the 80’s. There was a metal door locked behind you every where you went. I was in a ward with men who had been institutionalized for many years. One guy was in his 40’s at the time and had been there since he was a teenager. He started a fire, killed his family. Most of the men seemed to wander in circles…had few teeth due to the psych meds (which makes your mouth very dry). I don’t know if people actually got better there or not. I think there truly are people who cannot be helped and stay at places like this forever. Then there are places like California (where I live no) and no place for anyone to go, and they’re homeless. I think times have changed and the Cuckoos Nest’s of the ’50s and 60’s are gone. But there remains a need for long term care for those suffering.

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Ellyn

08/24/2012

My maternal grandmother was a patient there for about 10 years from late 1920″s/early 1930’s. Is there any way to get the records?

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Rose

09/05/2012

Well done.I was born here.My mom was a patient.They had a delivery room and the classroom is for children of patients.The kids would stay or visit parents.I was 9 months pregnant and randomly drove up to the iron gates and got chills.I drove away and found out 4 years later I was born and baptized on the grounds.I went to mass on the grounds<beautiful church and the 86 year old retired priest that baptized me was saying mass.A delivery nurse from the year I was born was also at the same mass.They both spoke to me and shared some interesting history with me.I drove around the grounds and these images are perfect my baby album (hee). PEACE well done.

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Rose

09/07/2012

Anyone interested in records can call the Rockland State Psych hospital<ask for the records department<they r very helpful.I requested info from the 1960's and received and received my own birth certificate,and the church had my baptismal certificate.I drove on the grounds and asked a security guard for directions,I asked him if babies were ever born here.He told me years ago they had a delivery room,etc..my mom was Noreen Gill and passed away in 1998.My mother also lived at St.Agatha's children home,Rockland,she had 9 bro & sisters,all last name Gill.

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1. adam gill
  
  05/26/2014
  
  O_O any of the boys named Samuel??
  
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2. Kathy
  
  05/10/2016
  
  Hi Rose, My mother died in Bronx Pschiatric Hospital and my last name before adopted was Gill. Apparently, my mother was very ill and I too was born I believe in Brentwood Pilgrim State. I was curious too know if you new any other Gills, as I had been transitioned to the Foundling Hospital in Manhattan and later upon request received info that my mother was one of eight children, but do not know if they are still with us. If you have any info I would be so grateful.
  
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b hall

09/12/2012

I’ve just found out through searching records for some genealogy research that my great-grandmother was an inmate at Rockland in 1940 (according to the census). I don’t know when she went there or how long she stayed, but she had been an inmate of another state hospital more than once, so I assume she had a serious condition that was, at that time, untreatable. I was just doing some searching to see what Rockland was about and found this page, and through the comments found that I may be able to get at least some of my great-grandmother’s records for my research.

Thank you for the photographs. They are heartbreaking and beautiful.

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1. Theresa
  
  03/26/2014
  
  Your great grandmother was in there with my paternal grandmother according to the 1940 census
  Clara was my grandmother. She is named in the census at age 38. She also spent her life at Rockland and in Kings Park Psych.
  
  Rose, thank you for the records info. It’s interesting yet not surprising they had a birthing room. My grandmother was taken right after she gave birth to my father (his brother and him went to the child services/orphanage). Having a birthing room on facility at Rockland is scary in a way that makes it clear that staff and patients and patients with patients were allowed to mate.. or rather worse they were allowed and there’s not really consent if one isn’t sane.
  
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  1. Judy Andronici
    
    09/14/2016
    
    Your great grandmother and b hall’s were at Rockland in 1940 with my maternal grandmother, Mary Schade. I did not know this before an ancestry search this winter.
    Currently trying to obtain records of her reasons for commitment which require doctor’s request. Also have no record of her after that. All I know is that NY State has no record of her death.
    
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lessiy b

09/22/2012

When I was 13 I was sent to rcpc. Which was the kids hospital on the campus.The old psyc center was referred to as “Big Rockland.” Us kids always had. A story to tell about big rockland. Even the staff told us stories about the old hospital. One of them was acutally about people murdering others. I do sometimes miss those days when I think about it. We’d grab our blankets and sit in a circle as stories were told to us about what really went on behind closed doors. That was 2004 though. Does anyone know if rcpc is still open?!! Thank you scout for giving me that creepy but fun feeling the staff gave us when they toldus the old stories.

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1. Amanda
  
  03/22/2013
  
  Hi, Lessiy
  Yes, RCPC is still open, though I believe the building you were in is not the same one they have now. The new facility is right next to the new Big Rock. Do you remember any of the teachers or Mr. Cash? I would love to hear some of your stories. I just completed an internship at RCPC and am looking for personal stories to get a better feeling of what life is like for the patients. Please email me when you can: ahager@ramapo.edu
  
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Haydee D.

09/25/2012

Does anyone know if it is possible to walk through the grounds? buildings, rooms and such? who can I contact to get a permit if needed? my children and i have interest in visiting a so called hunted house/place. We are unschoolers, and the fact that they are showing interest in something like this amazes me and makes me want to turn it into a full research…
tnx 🙂

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Marianne

11/11/2012

Greetings from Finland! Thank you for these wonderful pictures. What a spooky, haunted place. When was it shut down? In Howl, Ginsberg repeats “I’m with you in Rockland” in a kind of hypnotic, incantatory way.
We have a similar, though much smaller, abandoned (though not run down) mental hospital right next to a cemetary in Helsinki, called Lapinlahti, built in 1841.
Rockland County has a special place in my heart, as I spent some time there in the 70s. These names have a special magic for me: Spring Valley, Hillcrest, Nanuet, Haverstraw, Monsey… At the same time, there was something depressive about these places, so close to New York City, yet so far away. My boyfriend used to call Viola Road Desolation Row, after Dylan’s song. The Russian ballet dancer Olga Spessivsteva (1895-1991)spent 20 years at the New Jersey State Hospital for the Insane (what a name!), today also abandoned, just like the one in Rockland. Olga spent her last years at the Tolstoy Farm in Valley Cottage, a Russian community in Rockland County – another place to explore and cherish, hopefully not yet abandoned.

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