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History:
Construction of Rockwood Asylum began in 1859 to house the "criminally insane" of Kingston Penitentiary. The asylum's site overlooking Lake Ontario was thought to have a calming effect on patients. The new limestone edifice - still situated near here - began accepting non-criminal patients in 1868. Rockwood became part of the Ontario provincial asylum system in 1877.
When I arrived at this place, my expectations were low. I had checked it out on Street View, and it appeared that everything was boarded up pretty tight. Still, I wanted to have a look just the same.
To my surprise, we were able to get a look inside after all. The kitchen remains fully equipped, the morgue was quite cool, and all-in-all, this was a great place to visit. So much so, in fact, that we went back a second time.
History:
The Government of Canada began a program of assimilation of the native population. To this end, many schools were opened, mostly by religious entities, across the country. These schools would teach English culture to native children and weed out their own language and way of life.
History:
Built in 1903, this hospital primarily treated tuberculosis patients until its 1971 closure.
In a history written in 1952, the following was said about the institution:
History:
Opened in 1908, Pennhurst was a school for disabled students. Covering 1400 acres, this enormous institution would be accused of dehumanization, and eventually abuse of its students before finally closing in 1986 in the grip of yet more scandal.
Personal Commentary:
I wasn't here very long before the authorities kindly requested I not be.
History:
The land on which this building stands was originally purchased from Adam Bernheisel in April, 1810. The almshouse that was subsequently built, and all of the records, were destroyed by fire in 1839. It was rebuilt but became insufficient to suit the needs by 1870.
A report in 1870 indicates that, aside from the main almshouse, there was also a "mad house" on the property. It contained 8 cells for the insane.
I had the opportunity to take a nostalgic walk through my former high school not long before it was demolished.
