Regionally, both Mayview and Dixmont have evil reputations. Dixmont might be a little more infamous because of the successful patient revolt that supposedly took place there. But there's nothing left of Dixmont except a cemetery. Mayview, though disused, is mostly still there. It's currently being demolished, and it's guarded 24 hours. I ended up on the grounds of Mayview accidentally--of course. I was just walking down the railroad tracks when I crossed a bridge over Chartiers Creek (top photo) and stumbled onto the grounds. I even picked apples in an abandoned yard as a few cars drove past me. I guess I looked like I belonged there...
The sign at the door of All Faith Chapel reads "One More Year." Is it the title of a sermon or a simple lamentation? And shouldn't it be "All Faiths Chapel"? Some of the oldest buildings were in very bad repair when I visited. They had clearly been abandoned for a very long time. I would have loved to get inside to see how mental illness was treated in the days before psychotropic meds: electric shock therapy, steam closets, water treatments....Click on any photo to enlarge it.
Of course, once I realized that I must be on the grounds of the famed Mayview State Hospital, I looked for the quickest way out. I mean, I'm a respected professional man; it wouldn't look good if I were caught trespassing on private property. (S&J in no way condones or promotes trespassing.) I did have to dodge a few security guards on my way out, hiding behind trees and in doorways. And I ended up seeing a lot more of the campus than you would expect from a person who's just looking for the exit...
Some of the old staff residences looked pretty interesting, too. The farmhouse--second to the last photo--is the oldest building on the grounds, I think. If my historical research is correct, it predates the institution, which was founded in 1893. The City of Pittsburgh--which operated the hospital prior to its becoming a state institution--originally purchased the land from a struggling farm, and my guess is that the farmer occupied this house. The sort-of stately brick homes were occupied by administrators and doctors. |
I think you are wrong about the farmhouse. My Dad went to work at Mayview for the City of Pittsburgh but only on the condition that he move his wife and four children there, somewhere around 1942 or 3. When I was born in 1945 they moved him from a smaller house near the back gate to the one pictured. I grew up in that house and the heat system was steam heat connected underground to the power plant. I suspect it was one of the first houses but not the original farm house.
ReplyDeleteLori, I’m so sorry I missed your comment for all these years! Thanks for the clarification. SO you grew up at Mayview? You should see the place now, all patio apartments and expensive condos.
ReplyDeleteHow can you find out information on Mayview? My great aunt threw her two children off the Birmingham Bridge in 1901 and was in Mayview until her death.
ReplyDeleteBirmingham bridge was built in 1977. Before that it was the Brady Street Bridge.
DeleteIf you want to take a deep dive on the history of Mayview Hospital, try the Carnegie Library in Oakland. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteIn case anyone still looks at this… Does anyone know where they buried people, who died there in 1945., if they had no family (if abandoned).
ReplyDeleteYes, the cemetery is in Fairview Park in South Fayette Township. Google it. It's a sad place where graves bear simple markers but no names.
Delete