Seaside Sanatorium, Waterford
Image by Ray Bendici
The Damned Story: Originally built as a facility to treat children with tuberculosis, Seaside Sanatorium has had a long history serving as a medical facility. Overlooking Long Island Sound, it has also been a home for the elderly, a medical hospital and a facility to treat the mentally handicapped.
Opened in the early 1930s, the building itself was designed by the renowned architect Cass Gilbert, who also designed the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington as well as the famed Woolworth Building in New York City and the landmark Union Station in New Haven. Its first young inhabitants were sent there as a remedy for their affliction as it was thought the fresh air and sunshine would be beneficial. In 1958, the building took on a new purpose for three years, treating elderly folk, then became a home for the mentally challenged. Unfortunately, in the early 1970s it came to light that some patients were being violently abused by some of the staff; in the mid 1990s, patients were turning up dead a at a higher rate than normal.
With many unanswered allegations and after decades of service, Seaside Sanatorium was closed in 1996; it has passed through the hands of a few developers, getting hung up in various protracted legal battle. Currently, the property — a prime parcel of beachfront — remains abandoned, although there are slow-moving plans to knock down the buildings and replace them with condos.
The New England Paranormal Video Research Group investigated this place in 2007, thinking that with Seaside’s long, dark and sometimes tragic history — and spooky, abandoned vibe — it might be a good target for paranormal investigation. They were able to capture a few EVPs [Electronic Voice Phenomena] and a few spirit orb photographs. The group’s resident sensitive also experienced some strong sensations.
Our Damned Experience: Cameras in hand (as always) we visited Seaside Sanatorium on an overcast day in late April 2011. We parked outside the main entrance with all the other people who were enjoying the grounds — it must’ve been “Bring Your Dog to Seaside Day” — and walked onto the property.
Image by Kate Geruntho Frank
The buildings are all boarded up, but it’s easy to see that when they were open and functioning, that the whole place must’ve been very appealing. Unlike many other state institutions, time and effort was clearly put into the aesthetic qualities of building design — it’s reminiscent of a classic New England private school.
We wandered around the buildings — as you can see in the photo gallery, the exteriors have been allowed to rot and the interiors are pretty much trashed at this point; it appears that some equipment was even left behind. We didn’t notice or see anything unusual or weird, although Kate says she felt some odd vibes. Like any abandoned place, there’s a certain level of inherent creepiness, to be sure. (Especially the abandoned playground equipment!)
Unlike many other visitors, we didn’t encounter any security guards on the grounds, but then again, we never tried to get into any of the buildings — even with all our tetanus shots up-to-date, we were content with sticking our camera lenses through the broken windows and snapping away. The place looks like it’s ready to come down fairly easily.
Still, even without going inside — which we do NOT recommend or condone — it’s still well worth a visit.
If You Go: Seaside Sanatorium is located just off of Shore Road in Waterford (down the street from Harkness Memorial State Park), on a scenic stretch of Connecticut coastline. The grounds are open to the public, but the buildings are absolutely off limits.
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i have been there it is creapy
Actually I think it’s quite beautiful there. You can tell that it was first built with the thought of healing TB. The grounds could not be located in a more perfect setting. It looks past the western end of Fisher’s Island and the architecture seems almost European. The main building is pretty hacked up. It looks like they made “improvements” when they converted it in the fifties. Of course these “improvements” are the first to deteriorate. The other buildings still retain original mouldings and built in cabinets and decent paint jobs. The campus is open to public foot traffic and the local Waterford residents take full advantage, walking their dogs and even swimming. When I went I ran into two “urban explorers” who told me that the state was trying to sell the buildings. Hopefully someone can create a usable space there.
Could anybody tell me if you are still able to get inside? You would be a great help. Thanks!
Also, if any of you could design a map of the place that would be fantastic! You don’t have to, of course, but it wouyld help me so much!
Somone Help Maxwell? Damnedct has yet to go here, so we are of no help.
Nevermind, because I went there yesterday!
It is simply AMAZING there! You don’t really need a map, but it would help, and I intend on making one soon. If you go there beware of the second or third floor corridor linking from the east to west wing, because theres a decayed dog or two in the hallway. Thats right, I’m not sure if it was one or two. There were a lot of dead pigeons too, though.
The water is actually very clean there, and I would recomend bringing a bathing suit and a towel.
CAN I GO HEAR LOOKING FOR GHOSTS HEAR YES OF NO
Just tried to go back there after a year,…on August 19th to enjoy the sun and water but the gate was closed so we decided not to turn around. Anyone one know if the gate is going to be closed indefinitely now… should we try again/park and walk on?
Sorry, I posted that and realised how bad of a job I did editing it.
I went through the main building and the dorm building on 2 September 2009. i went about 3pm with a friend. the gate was closed, so we parked right in front of it. several people were on the grounds walking around, swimming or playing ball with their dogs. we went in the main building through a hole that was at one time probably an exhaust duct for the heating system or something. its around the west side below ground level and drops into the basement. someone has kindly placed cinderblocks to put your feet on so its very safe and easy. there is a stairwell on the opposite side of the basement to your right. we made a film that will be posted soon on flip and possibly youtube. not haunted, just beautifully decayed…and yes absolutely beware of the hallway on the second floor-you cant miss it, it looks gross and dangerous. during the day you cannot be seen through the windows by the people outside unless you stand right up near the windows. there was one security guard parked on the grounds. we discovered him parked outside when we exited the dorm building. we exited through the front door window and there was only a large hedge blocking us from his view. we walked right by him as we went back tot he car. Easy. the dorm building is very boring. not a lot of decay and nothing left to see. if you must go in the back fire escape is best. the door at the top opens into the third floor hallway. or you can go in and out the front door window, be careful of the glass and that no one sees you…
onelovinglived
Let me start by saying, as I’m writing this, I”m home fighting pneumonia, and sweating, so please bear with me on the typos.
Wow, great photos, I wish there more of the grounds. If I could find this place, I could map out the entire grounds. My Godfather had a daughter in Seaside for many years in the 70s. My “Uncle Vinnie & Aunti Marge were best friends with my parents and they invited us to Seaside nearly every weekend in the summer on their weekly visits. Vinny & Marge of course were friends with other other parents who had kids residing there and sometimes we’d make it a big picnic with extended family and I”d get to bring some friends or cousins my own age to. I don’t remember how to get there but now, 30 years later I’d love to go back, take my own kids to see it. We had picnics, we had all the playground stuff and a private beach!
We went to Seaside probably 10-12 times a summer from the time I was 7-8 till maybe 12-13. That would put m visits from 1972-1980.
I saw some pretty extreme things in my time there, as a younger kid I was confused, a little scared, but by the time I was a teen watching some guy waggle his privates off that area in the back that’s caged in with the fencing, I laughed like a typical teen.
I lost my toenail on those heavy heavy doors in the entrance way, and I stepped on bee and got stung in the foot. I went on the little kiddie ride thingy where you hold on and your friends spin you as fast as they can.
I got off it so dizzy I walked right into a tree.
I never heard stories of beatings or abuse but I know my aunt and uncle said their biggest beef was stuff getting ripped off, poor Susan, all her good clothes had to stay home.
Questions? Comments? more ground photos please email me.
Hey,
I went in the main building wth some friends of mine In the summer of 2008.
The most interesting thing I saw was on the top floor there were a bunch of old disguarded medical records in a closet. Im talking about hundreds of medical records that were in boxes and thrown all over the floor. They were ver interesting. The only weird part aout bein in the building is that you almost feel as though you are being watched……………by what I am not sure.
i was there the other day and they are knocking it down but my friend and i asked if we could go get some pics luckily they let us on its pretty cool there its creepy and nice all at the same time
The building itself looks absolutely beautiful! I live in Stratford, but one day I would love to go up to Seaside and just walk around the grounds. The location was chosen wisely for a hospital because patients, especially children, would have been very comfortable and had plenty of times to go outside and play on the beach.
Beautiful building and interesting history!
The top picture looks like the Pavilion from Carnival of Souls!
Cass Gilbert also designed the Brooklyn Army Terminal, where I work. There’s no photography allowed inside but I took pictures anyway and posted them to my Flickr. http://www.flickr.com/photos/smartbunny/
robin.g
I have lived near Seaside all my life. Has any notices the most fabulous weathervane. It makes an awesome photo on a blue sky day with a cloud behind it.
It is a fabulous piece of property, really belonging to the people of the State of Connecticut. It should not be sold to a private developer to build condo’s or McMansion’s, but used as a peaceful reminder of what little public property is left in this state. So to Jodi Rell, I say, PLEASE DO NOT SELL THIS PROPERTY. BE SMART AND MAKE IT A PLACE WHERE WE CAN GO AND ENJOY THE OUT DOORS. THANK YOU.
i have recently been into seaside, ive been in the actuall institution and i got in by walking up the stairs and hopping a fence to gain entrance then you can walk a little after u hop the fence and there is a open door to stairs that lead up and down, in the building i found a dead decayed dog, and ive also found alot of dead birds, also while i was in there, i found a room filled with a viriaty of pills, they were all scatered all over the room, also when i reached the top floor i found files of many people. but one of the things i advise you to bring is somthing to cover your mouth, and heavy duty flashlights, without the flash lights i wouldnt have been able to see anything. so i hope this can help you get into the main institution. in the 2nd part of seaside there is a building where the nurses used to sleep, there is a broken window that you can climb through to gain entrance, while in there it is very dark! very few windows to look through. i only mad it down the dark hallway and a little to the left of the hall way before we reilized that the flash light was low and wouldnt last much longer. so i help all ofthis information will be able to help you experince “the seaside experence”
i have recently been into seaside, ive been in the actuall institution and i got in by walking up the stairs and hopping a fence to gain entrance then you can walk a little after u hop the fence and there is a open door to stairs that lead up and down, in the building i found a dead decayed dog, and ive also found alot of dead birds, also while i was in there, i found a room filled with a viriaty of pills, they were all scatered all over the room, also when i reached the top floor i found files of many people. but one of the things i advise you to bring is somthing to cover your mouth, and heavy duty flashlights, without the flash lights i wouldnt have been able to see anything. so i hope this can help you get into the main institution. in the 2nd part of seaside there is a building where the nurses used to sleep, there is a broken window that you can climb through to gain entrance, while in there it is very dark! very few windows to look through. i only mad it down the dark hallway and a little to the left of the hall way before we reilized that the flash light was low and wouldnt last much longer. so i help all ofthis information will be able to help you experince “the seaside experence.”
so i went there today and got into the building the same way that michael did above me. We entered at a kitchen, and walked around a bit and i’m bummed that i didn;t reach the top but we tried. we made it up a set of stairs, walked into one room where we heard something sort of moving in the next room so we’re left and went up to the next floor. Up there we did’t even make it to the top of the stairs before we got too scared to go any further, at the entry way to the top of the stairs there was a bunch of old toys laying on the ground, and we heard someone down the hall mumbling, then we turned around, went down the stairs, 2 flights. we heard the person running to catch up to us and it scared the shit out of us. we sort of panicked
but it was AWESOME.
i advise go before 10 am. securety showed up right as we’re walking out of the drive way.
I’m looking to explore this place with a friend of mine! Looks like a great place!
I grew up in Waterford and in high school, we would go to Seaside all the time to smoke and drink at night. It is absolutely beautiful and in such an amazing location. I am really sad to hear that it will be torn down soon.
Once I was able to get inside the building and explore. It was not creepy, but fascinating! There is one room where a mural painted by, I’d assume, children still remains.
Definitely a great place to go during the day to walk your dog, fly a kite, or just get some sun and have a picnic.
[...] if the governor can keep her ego in check long enough for the deal to go through this time so that Seaside Sanatorium can be [...]
Did anyone here the news seaside is SOLD some guy makeing homes people over the age of 55
Seaside was sold and will be turned into retiremnet housing. Went yesterday and got in no problem. The gate is always closed, but you just park outside the gate, the sign says pedestrians welcomed. There were many people parked there and were swimming in the ocean and walking their dogs. There are several windows on the ground floor open at this time. There is also an open door on the second level, but you must hop a high fence. There is also a hole cut into a window to the basement. Smells pretty bad inside, especially on hot days, other than that, rather beautiful rooms and interesting items still left inside. On the upper floor are many birds flying around, as they come through the open windows. Was kind of amusing watching them fly in circles. There are a few dead birds lying around and there is a carcass of either a dog or a cat, not quite sure which, lying on the floor near the sunroom. The nurses building next door had an open door in the back of the building. This enters into the basement of the building which is dark and dank. Just follow straight and go up the flights of stairs. The rooms in this building are very colorful. Peeling paint, bright colors, and miscellaneous furniture make for some great photos. All in all, a beautiful place. A must see before it is either taken down or rennovated!
I have had the great fortune of knowing about Seaside since about 2004. I visit often, and have been into each of the two larger buildings (main building, and the other large one to the left) several times a piece from 04-current. Id love to clear up a few things. Firstly the “dog or cat” on the third floor is actually a racoon, and Ive actually observed it decay over the past 6 years (gross!) Also, the closet on the second floor that contains “records” everywhere… I was the one who opened that closet and tore threw it hahaa. There’s paintings in there, old computes and fans and thousands of patient daily observation logs. I went threw all of the boxes and have at least 20 different notebooks at my house, as well as a strange assortment of keys that didn’t fit any of the current locks or doors. I’ve been into the basements multiple times and all I have to say is this… if you’ve seen the movie saw, and your afraid of the horribly pitch black and smell of years of mold and decay..don’t go lol!
It is a really beautiful location… And you are actually allowed to walk on the grounds, unlike Norwich. Security is randomly there, or not. However, if they are there, they will not even let you take photos of the buildings. I have watched them escort people with cameras off the property multiple times. Just bring a bag to hide it in or something.
I don’t understand why they are so uptight about people going in though… I mean there are windows with no glass at ground level and doors left wide open. They’ll board up the broken windows but it takes them a long time and I’ve never seen the door closed at the top of the stairs on the main building… and if it ever was closed, just walk around on the balcony to the huge window with no glass… hahaha. If they don’t want people to go in, don’t make it so easy! Inside is cute, there are murals and seahorses and such painted on the walls and but the mold smell is terrible. I’d recommend a bandana to cover your mouth or something.
I went into Seaside just last week. It was actually very easy to get inside. If you are facing the main building with the beach behind you, walk up the green stairs to the left. We were able to wiggle right through the roped off fence, but someone has kindly placed a chair near the easily hopable fence. After the gate, the door inside was wide open! I found the building interesting at times, but mostly the same-old decaying rooms. The artwork on I want to say the third floor was really interesting. A whole room filled with canvases that had been painted by residents. There were also files scattered all over the floor. Hello HIPA violation!
There are some really cool mosaics throughout the building, some medicine cabinets with meds still in them, and random newspapers or items from the time. We also found a giant tile bath, which we were not able to get pictures of.
As for paranormal activity, my friend saw a pair of eyes staring us down from the end of a hallway filled with cubicles. We both heard what sounded like a high-pitched voice, almost singing-like, non-threatening. Other than that, no other vibes of any kind. In fact, when we went was around midnight, and I walked through with little anxiety. However, both his camera and my cellphone died inside of the hospital. My cell phone had been acting funny from the time we stepped foot on the grounds, and had been at full battery before going inside. Coincidence, maybe.
I would recommend that if you do go to this facility and plan on going inside, go late. The guard was around during the day, but took off around midnight. I would also recommend you bring a face mask, because I had to clear my sinuses out for days! You are welcome to use the grounds and even the beach during the day. It is absolutely beautiful there, and an interesting tour.
I go to seaside quite often to go to the beach and yesterday my cousin and i finally went into the bulding closest to the beach. the door was still wide open (which was pretty much telling us to go right on it) and the chair was still next to the gate. it was pretty neat to finally see inside (i took sooo many pics and plan to take more). we went in the morning and had no problem. we went through the 2nd and 3rd floors and we almost through the door of the 4th floor when we heard what could of been a dog or a person (not sure which) and we didnt want to go any further. im looking forward to going through it again and actually going to the other floors. its a neat place, i hope it at least stays up until next year. (i think they tore down the dorm building closest to the entrance because it was already falling down last year)
So my cousin, friend and I went in again today. This time the chair was moved inside and the door was shut, not locked, but shut. Also when we went in last week, we left one of the heavy double doors open on the second floor and that was shut (weird because the wind didnt do it). I’m beginning to think someone in there doesnt want anybody else in there. We went through the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd floors and didnt see anything out of the ordinary, but it was still fun to look around. And again we tried to go to the 4th floor and heard something again. I’m convinced a homeless person lives up there (until someone proves me otherwise). Also, on the back side of the building theres a bush and if you look down there is a rusted grate. well the grate has been moved and the window below it is propped open with a huge rock, I’m thinking this leads to the basement (and the other entrance to the basement has yet to be boarded up). its too bad vandals had to go in there and grafetti up the walls and break so many windows.
MC – -
I think you are the person I met today at Seaside! I can tell by your posts because you’re explaining a lot of the things we were talking about. I decided to come to the website as we talked about and it’s really interesting. You guys ended up getting inside? My mom and I were watching you for a few minutes and weren’t sure if you were able to get in. Anything new and exciting?
Take care
MC-
my boyfriend went with his friend after we heard the same noise 4 times on the 4th floor that sounded like a homeless person to us as well. sounded like people talking back and forth.
well they went and it turns out theres nothing but pigeons up there “fucking huge ones!” he says.
well he went through the whole building twice and found no evidence of people living there but i know i heard voices at the stairs on 4 seperate occasions with different people. Creepy stuff, also on the first floor by that room that looks like some sort of dentists office we heard people talking in the hallway and breathing right behind us but there was nobody there.
Ive been its beautiful and the only thing thats creepy is the art of not knowing or n ot believing…
Visit my facebook album and I have a ton of picures most people dont have…http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=23082&id=668040216&l=4b3dc4ff3f
The Connecticut Ghost Seekers sent a advance team out there on Sat. the 21st. to see if there was anything worth investigating. Very nice peaceful place on the water. We met the security guard and had a very nice conversation with him and found out a lot of history of the place. We took a lot of pictures and ran a voice recorder while we were there. Because of security on site, we were not able to go inside but as we walked along back side the 1st building, we heard a dog barking inside. We told the security guard but he walked the inside of the building and could not find a dog. Also after examining the voice recorder at home we found some EVP’s from that same area. A male voice that wasn’t happy we were there. We will be trying to get permission to do a full investigation of this property sometime in the near future. Check our web site for upcoming investigation.
I was there all day saturday and it may have been my dog on the beach barking. I actually saw you guys walking around taking pics, I’m surprised the security guard didn’t stop you from doing that because he has before to others. Also, I was very surprised security was there, ALL DAY, because as long as i’ve been going there, theyve never been there. I personally think he thought someone was in there and was waiting for them to come out or something because he was constantly walking around that building all day. It’s wicked easy to get inside there, all you have to do is hop the gate (or slide through it) and the door is wide open still. Since I go to the beach there a lot, I always check out the outside of it and security always tries to do something to stop people from getting. Last saturday they had the gate tied (people must have cut the rope because the gate wasn’t tied yesterday) and the entrance to the basement has been boarded over. I’ve been all through that building and the architecture is beautiful, but all the vandalism is a shame. If you get a chance to go in, go to the 3rd floor and walk out onto the deck, the view is beautiful.
I was there today for a short while and they have placed about 5 new “no parking” signs where everyone usually parks. Also, the sign that usually says pedestrians visitors welcome, well all the letters that say that have been oulled off. Also, at the beginning of Shore Rd. theres a new Road Closed sign that is covered as of right now. I think they must be beginning to do stuff at Seaside pretty soon and they don’t want anybody there.
I was wondering… I’m reasearching this place for a school project. I’m aware that it’s even dificult gaining accsess on the grounds now, let alone the gaining access in the building. But if I talk to a security gaurd would they allow me to atleast walk along the grounds?
Last I knew, you still could get on the grounds. I was there a couple weeks ago at the beach and was talking to the security guard and they are fine with people going down there. They just want you to park in certain areas now, like they don’t want you to park past that driveway to the small mental health facility because it was getting difficult for the ambulances and buses to get in and out of there. I would just be careful if you try to get into the building because security has been down there a lot and they stay down there for hours and the guy is constantly circling around ALL the buildings.
I think you can go on the grounds still during the day.
I spent a few hours there today walking the grounds and went into the main hospital . It was getting dark didn’t have to much time to look around and the guard at this point had parked his vehicle at the entrance so no one was around. I got to say this place is amazing and great place to bring your dog and go swimming. Anyways as i lefted i stopped and talked to the guard and this is new information as of October 1st 2010. There will be no parking on the road as a matter of fact they have already put signs up and if you get caught parking on property your car will be towed. Some company from NY has decided to buy the Seaside for 11 Million however with all paperwork and the process there is a deadline of May 2011.The state of CT still owns Seaside until further notice. They have moved the security building to the top building and state police will soon be patrolling the grounds 24 /7 along with guards. They say if you are caught inside any building you will be fined $100 and any destruction to state property as always you will be arrested and brought to court. And why people do that i have no clue makes no sense to me. They say that everyone is still welcome to come and walk around they are just trying to keep people out because the buildings are unsafe and you can get very sick from the toxic chemicals in there. The company that is trying to buy this property can not tear these buildings down or add to them they can only fix them up it’s part of a “clause” when the land was bought and developed in 1920. So i don’t understand why someone would buy this for 11 million and then sink at least another 50 million into renovation . They will never make there money back. Anyone have any thoughts on any of this?
When I talked to the guard a few weeks ago, he said we could park on the grass or in that tiny lot before all the no parking signs where the security guard building is supposed to be (i think its a red building). And I’m sure the chemicals are toxic, but you need prolonged exposure to them, going into the building once or twice isn’t going to get you sick. If they don’t want people in them, they shouldn’t make it so easy. I don’t understand what its hurting if you just go in there, look around, and take pictures.
[...] Seaside Sanatorium, Waterford — Another former “unrest” home for those seeking mental convalescence that has [...]
Seaside is a nice place to see. You go on the grounds.I would like to go inside but i can not find a way to get in..Dose any one know how to get in????????
I went in the hospital a couple of weeks ago, as my friend and myself were comming out of the building, the guard caught us and called the police. We both got a $92.00 fine. We told the guard that we would pay him, but he would not go for it. He was nice, we talked while we were waiting for the police. The guard had alot of info about the history on the place.
I was one of those kids in the 1950′s who was hospitalized for TB. I stayed there for 11 months. I just was curious about what happened to Seaside, and I found this website! I remember looking at the building from the beach. I was 12-years-old at the time. I had a great time there if I forgot about the homesickness. Met lots of friends. TB usually has few or no symptoms, so we did lots of great stuff….even snuck into the boys’ dorm one evening and had a great time! Got my first kiss there…..I never went back, and I’m now 67-years-old, live in Florida, and don’t think I’ll ever see it again. Kind of sad, really.
went there with my cousins & boyfriend. very creepy!! took tons of pictures, we actually got inside and went around. we found old behavioral records scattered all over the floor up on the 3rd or so level and heard lots of noises.
me and my friend went on the 3rd of december..
we were the only ones on the campus, and it was an AWESOME sight to see..
we parked on a street down the street, and walked in..
took some pictures, and we found no way to get in, everything was RECENTLY boarded up
any tips on to get inside? and where?
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2074855&id=1087440534&l=f997eb64ca
we climbed right over a gate , where the old playground is in the middle. nothing was boarded up when we went in there.
I was born there in 1937, son of Dr. and Marion Thompson
Nancy, It’s a beautiful building and location. You should really make a point to go see it soon, it’s still beaitiful
E.A., we’re moving soon back to the NE from Florida, so maybe I will get to go back and see it again!
My friend and I are going to visit Seaside on Thursday and I was wondering if anyone had any tips or suggestions for us?
Also Ryan Cosgrove, if you could please email me at victoriagracemerwin@yahoo.com I’m interested in talking to you about the journals you have.
Thank you!
if you see a white car on the grounds, its most likely security, so dont go in, you will get fined and from what the security gaurd told me, he will go in after whoever is in there. if you can get on the 3rd floor deck, the view is gorgeous. There’s tons of papers on the 4th floor, like incident reports and patient files. Bring a camera and dont get caught
Me and my friend want to go check this place out. We live in Clinton/Old Saybrook, and are both real big into photography, and think this place would put out some great shots. He scoped the place out a few weeks back, And we think that we could just park down the road and walk in.
From what I’ve heard, flashlights and face masks are a must. Becasue it’s and older building, im sure there is asbestos and lead based paint everywhere.
OMG and I was a patient there in the 1950s when I was 12….wonder how much asbestos and lead I got in my system in the 11 months I was there!
You can park on the little road that its on, just not in the parking lot of the nursing home or whatever it is. There are no parking signs down by the gate, but there should be a little driveway on the left when you pull in and you should be able to park there (I always have but I dont know if things changed, I havent been there since Sept.). And Nancy, I think that stuff can only affect you if it has been stirred up, like if the paint is peeling off the walls and if tiles aren’t stuck to floor anymore and if windows that are abestos lined have been taken out.
im planning on going in tuesday. what time is the best time? and any tips on how to get to the upper floors and what equipment i need and any other tidbits?
I wouldn’t go when there’s snow on the ground because if security is there they’ll know you’re in the building(s). The stairs inside the buildings lead to the upper floors and bring a flashlight because the back hallways are always real dark.
I would really, REALLY love to get in here. I’m a huge fan of old sanitariums like these, and I’d like to get in as soon as possible. I’d probably go with a couple friends and my camera. If anyone’s got any suggestions as to how to get in, I’d be very grateful. I read some of the comments and that’s answered most questions I’ve had. And Kenny, tell me how you made out!
I went to seaside everyday for the last two weeks and security was walking around the buildings, even in the snow. He cought my friend about 2 or 3 months ago and his friends. They all got fined, he is not like the other guards that have been there. All the other guards diden’t care. The f**ker has made it so hard to get in. Just watch out, because he will have you fined. We r going to try to get in next week.
We use to get in through the manhole on the right side of the building, but not the F**ker put s**t in them. We are still looking for a way in…..
When I was in there back in Sept. are eyes seemed to burn and we all were dying of thurst.
we heard alot of noises and it seem like something was watching us. We got the F**K out.
Watch out for the cops, they seem to be there alot over th last couple of weeks. I was told that the F**Ker use to be a F**king pig. He is the one that caught the people stealing the copper back in Oct. He’s got friends and i saw the DEP there twice while i was walking the grounds over the last couple of weeks.
And watch the stairs, i slipped down the stairs and busted my ass.
Yea he was a cop and he used to do security at norwich state hospital. He will go in after you and he told us that he has that tear gas stuff or whatever it is. He did however tell us he let a bunch of sailors go one day because he used to be in the service, so if you get caught just tell him your in the service. I plan on going into te oter buildings because I feel they don’t watch them as much
Someone told me that he worked over there and because he caught so many over there, he got sent to seaside. I went there this afternoon and the prick watched me and my friends.
Me and some friends went to the ladd school, in RI. awsome place and NO security that we saw. there are two huge signs telling you to keep out. there are a couple of buildings that r used.
That guy definately made it harder to get in. I feel like they put a new door in where i used to go in at (where the stairs and metal gate is) because it had a broken glass window before and now it’s a full door with no window. There is possibly another way in. I don’t want to say exactly where in case security reads this, but just walk along the edge of the building and look down and you will eventually see it (and no it’s not the one that was covered up). I think he’s taking it too seriously, all people want to do is have a little fun and take pictures. It was also annoying over the summer constantly driving his damn car around as if he was trying to catch you doing something wrong. And when you’d think he was gone he’d be back again. He also isn’t a fan of people taking pics of the building, he told my cousin he’d take her camera if she took anymore
he don’t care if you take pictures from the outside, as long it is from the outside. he was letting people take pictures a couple days ago. he was talking to some people that had been taking pictures and they went to taking pictures again.
Its just some old abandoned buildings. I grew up here and have been here a hundred times. Posts say that visitors on foot are welcome but going inside the condemed buildings is prohibited which is obviously for your own safety. There isn’t anything spooky about it. People have wild imaginations!!!
Can anyone tell me if its the same security gaurd all day or they broken down into 3 shifts? & or what time they start? where is the dentistry equipment ? thanx
It seems that it is the same security guard. I think the prick lives there or lives close by, because he seems to be there when people have gotton into the buildings. I don’t know how the prick seems to know when people there. I think that ther might be a security system like over at norwich hospital. The dentistry equipment is on the left side of the hospital as you walk towards the hospital but you can’t see it anymore because the prick has blocked the window with something. Don’t get caught the prick will call the cops my friend got caught and got a 92.00 fine.
He told me that they were making that small building where everyone parks his office but I don’t know if they have yet. I wouldn’t be surprised if people that live around the property actually call him and let him know when people are there. Just be careful if you go in and know more than 1 exit or somewhere to hide because he will go in after you. He’s also there in the worst weather like at the end of summer when the hurricane was offshore in the middle of the night and caught a bunch of people trying to get in and fined them. I feel like he never leaves the place.
i know the neighbors call him i also heard from a friend who was there recently that they were confined to the 1st floor couldnt get up to other floors which used to be much easier…
I did just hear the other day, rumor or not, that this building and land was sold to a private developer who wants to redo it into a 55+ retirement home. Anyone know if there is any validity to that? I would love to take my team there but HAVE to have permission to go into places like these but it seems like that won’t be easy at all.
I believe it was bought last yr but from what I heard they want to renovate and not tear down the buildings. I also believe that they still have to give pedestrian access to the grounds because that was part of the deal when the state sold it. Why couldn’t they get to the upper floors?
As for not being able to get to the upper floors, maybe they boarded them up or got better locks or something? If I’m not mistaken I thought I heard that there was a big hole in the floor and maybe they were afraid of people falling and getting hurt. Maybe they were looking out for people and not just trying to keep them away.
@ Michael yes that is correct …. the 2 bigger buildings are on the National Registry of historical places so they cant be torn down & there are certain conditions that need to be followed re: restoration in keeping as close to possible to orginal … theres an artical some place states was bought for 11 or 12 million but will cost 55million to restore & the plans are to be a 55+ community…..
RE: not being able to get to upper floors they said that all access stairwells are chained & locked & that someone had pryed open 1 door that didnt have chain locks but was hinged shut & got access to stairwell but every level door wouldnt even budge….& that gaining access from outside was very difficult…..1 location though prob woulda been a deffinate access to other floors but w the last person prob wouldntve been able to get in so it wasnt attempted dont wanna say on here im pretty confident this is monitored….but i can say that within last couple weeks things have been done making access more difficult….
@ michael this artical says 8million sale price but the one i had read was 11 or 12
sorry
http://www.wtnh.com/dpp/news/new_london_cty/waterford-conn-selling-seaside
@jk I only hope that this sale proves it’s worth and that the new owner doesn’t take forever to complete this project. Granted, it will take years most likely but I’d hate to see such a spot like this essentially ruined due to neglect and time. I know it is now but it would be nice to see it saved before more vandals and time decays it.
Hey I went to see if there is any way in..But i did not find how to get in…..Dose any one know to get in the place….and what time is that pain in the ass guard is there i heard from a friend of mine that he got two people this week..I know when i went there in the summer he caught a few people along with my friend..they all got fined!!! If you know any info please help me out!!
CB21~It is people like you who are ruining places like these for true researchers out there. Be respectful of the no trespassing rules and don’t risk getting a ticket over it. Try to get permission and have some honor in knowing you are doing the right thing.
I was there about a month ago. To get in you have to face the back of the building (near the playground) and climb up the right staircase. Jump the gate thats there (shown in the first picture) and then take a right and there will be a window that you can climb through (shown in the second picture) Hope that helps.
1st picture: http://tinypic.com/r/osc3a1/7
2nd picture: http://tinypic.com/r/2uz4cw1/7
you cant get threw the door once you get into that room now
Michael where has asking for permission got you? I’m sure you won’t get permission to go into seaside. I didn’t ask for permission and I got why I wanted along with many others who didn’t ask for permission-to go in there. People have been going into this place for the last 14 years and it wasn’t until a couple months ago that it’s been a problem and that’s only because the property has been sold and they increased security at the end of summer. Can you hop the left gate and walk around the deck to the window where that nice wood room is? I know the window there used to be wide open. I can’t believe that they went thru the trouble of locking up all the doors inside.
@MC…Asking for permission has gotten me respect and honor. Granted, I may not have always gotten what I wanted or requested but that’s something you have to know going into this field. In no way, should a person ever say they are an investigator in this field, if thet are essentially breaking into places. How disrespectful and rude.
You can’t believe why they would go through the trouble of locking the doors? Because they don’t want you in there, that’s why. Simply put. Why can’t people respect that and move on? Sure, I may not get permission to go into places but that may be due to safety issues and such. I have permission for over 22 places as of now and that’s due to hard work, honesty, and respect. Not due to breaking in and being something relative to a criminal.
Edit: That*
Oops…They* Too tired from work apparently.
It’s not breaking in when the door is wide open like it was for years. And I never said I was an investigator, I’m just a person that likes to have fun and take pictures. The only thing your going to see if you ever get in there is great ocean views, a lot of medication left behind, and how bad the state of ct was at record keeping due to the hundreds of patients files left on the top floor.
Oh and the no trespassing signs are new. So there was not one sign up until a few months ago that said you couldn’t go in the buildings.
@MC~Absolutely ridiculous here. You are telling me that if a door is open and you go in, that’s not breaking in? You don’t own that place!! What gives you the right to waltz in just because the door is open? And as for not being an investigator or having interest, then why post here? This site is not to preach to others where these places are for hoodlums like yourself to ruin it for everyone else. You are what’s wrong with the people of today who go out and break in, excuse me, walk in open doors to places that aren’t theirs and get into trouble and due to that, get the place closed to others and a generalization placed against us TRUE people who have a GENUINE interest in something other than cheap thrills. And as for the signs being new, there is a thing called people like yourself ripping them down so that statement holds no weight at all.
Ok so everyone that has posted on here, you know the hoodlums, who have gone in have done the exact same thing as me, so looks like I’m not the only one and I bet most of them went through the same open door as I did. And I never ripped down any signs because there were never any and I wouldn’t any. I’ve been going to that beach for years and never once did I ever see any signs until recently. I have a geuine interest in the place because the architecture is amazing and it’s interesting to see what was left behind (and no I didn’t take anything because I bet that’s the next thing your thinking since I “break” into unlocked empty buildings with no no trespassing signs)
@MC~So now you try to classify yourself as doing something perfectly legal, when it is not. Just because there isn’t a sign on the building saying no trespassing and the door was unlocked/open, doesn’t give you or anyone the right to just go in and look around, because now you claim to be in amazement of the buildings’ design. Nonetheless, the property itself belongs to someone or the state and for that reason, it is private property. The beach may be public access but the building clearly is not. Why can’t you seem to understand that? Most of these places are fast disappearing due to acts like yours and yet you want to say that you are doing nothing wrong and separate yourself from others like yourself due to your interest in the design? C’mon now. The other people and yourself are one in the same. Get permission to go into these and other places like it or just stay out. Simple.
Michael – As someone famous on the Internet once said (Shakespeare, I think or maybe it was Jefferson), “Stop feeding the trolls!”
I was a patient there back in 1953 and 1954 for about 14 months. I was 3 and 4 years of age at the time. I had TB at the time. I still have old black and white photos that my parents took when they came for parents day. I whish I could see the place again.
I was also there with TB when I was 12 in 1955 and 1956 for 11 months…..I also have pictures of the outside of the building with my parents and siblings standing with me. Actually, because I was older I sort of had fun there! But a little three year old….my brother was in Undercliff at age 3 and that was very hard on my parents. My two older sisters were also at Undercliff for about 4 years each…all with TB. Very hard time for my family.
Does anyone know if you are able to get into the sanatorium without being arrested currently?
Good luck i can tell you that the neighbors call the security gaurd personally friends of mine were there & got caught & they have really tightened up access points even if you get in dont think ull get beyond the 1st floor
Don’t get caught!!!! My friend and me were there about 4 wks ago and saw the security guard catch 2 girls. So he don’t care who u r and you can’t bribe the prick, my friend tried that last year. I was there the other day and he was walking around the hospital. Watch OUT, I used to go in there all the time and he has made it so hard 2 get in now and jk is right, once u get in u cant get anywere and u don’t know if he has locked up other doors.
also i think he might live there or really close by and watch out because he hides the white car and sits on the beach and watches and then he gets u as u r comming out of the building. It’s a $92.00 fine if u get caught.
i was there the other day and they put old appliances like refrigerators or something in the holes that used to be ways to get into the basement. this security guy isn’t messing around. every time my friends and i would go to another beach area, he would move his car so he could see us better. i guess if your going to try to go in, check the beach area for some guy all by himself because then you would know its the security guy.
I went to seaside yesterday and 2day and that security guy was there early this morning and late yesterday. I don’t know if it is the same guy but does any1 know when security is not there? I did not see the white car yesterday but I saw one of the pricks there. I think there is security there all the time because of the sale of the place. I heard that seaside will be sold in may sometime. I hope that this security prick does not go with the sale.
I went to Seaside and I saw security and some other guy boarding up the window on the third floor. I have not been to Seaside for a while, however it seems like someone (SECURITY) has made it really hard to get in. I see that a new door has been put on the second level (left side) and the manholes have been filled with kitchen appliances. It looks almost like Fort Knox.
You know the security is just doing what they are paid to do. I understand wanting to get in, but dont blame the security guy for doing a good job.
It is difficult to find a way in and once you get inside, you can’t move from floor to floor. It is impossible to access the stairs or the elevator shaft – they are both very well sealed off. Some of the doors inside are locked as well. I was able to hop the gate and get in through a missing window pane on the second floor (the windows are old and have single paned glass which can be easily popped out without breaking – a decent entry point if you are small enough to fit through the wood frame). I’ve been in twice through that point of access but you have to be fairly strong and agile to be able to lift yourself through and get back out in the same way.
There isn’t much to see there though, at least on the second floor the place has been pretty much emptied out. There are cabinets here and there and a lot of bathrooms but other than that it is essentially empty rooms up there.
Neither time I went was there a problem with security. You’ll find a lot of people there walking dogs depending on the time of day you go. There was a light blue car parked outside that I am assuming was security (because how else would they get through the gate) but all it did was move from place to place in front of the building.
@MC Are the patient files still on the top floor? Because there is nothing interesting to photograph on the second floor…
The files were when I went in at the end of summer but I haven’t been in since so I don’t know if they took them out when they went thru locking all the doors.
I was at Seaside in December. Climbed in through an open window near the shore – had to climb up a plank. I’ve never seen security there the three or four times I’ve been there. But yeah, the elevator and stairs are well sealed. I don’t think it’s that amazing to explore, but just photographing the exterior is really cool.
Both as an explorer and a security guard, this place is wonderful but definately watch out. There is no set time as to when security comes. It’s random and sometimes they sit off to the side and just watch what’s going on. The neighbors will call the cops if they see kids screwing around. And the state trooper lives right across the street so you always have to watch out for him. Plus just watch out for people in general. You never know, Suzy with the dog on the beach could be the troopers wife or something. Just be aware. And you can’t blame the guards. They’re just doing their job. You could always get your guard card and go work for a company that has a contract at some of these places! Also, when you go inside be careful. There are doors in there that will open one way and then lock you out from leaving the way you came in. Hope to make another trip there soon myself. Just watch out and be careful (These guards aren’t doing it just to be dicks. It’s for your own safety) If you should get caught don’t give them a hard time. And don’t go in there and trash the place. Leave it the same as when you went in. So have fun and stay safe!
<3
Hello Sparky, R u the guard that sits in that little white car? R U the ass that almost caught us the other day? Let me just say, to bad that u and that other pig did not catch us. You and your fellow PIGS will never catch us and we will be back!!!!!!! Me and my friends have never been caught by any of you fu**ers and U never will. We will be seeing U again real soon!!!! No matter how hard U try 2 make it, NOTHING U do will keep us out of the buildings. So try as you might, we will b back. I will say, you have made it extremely hard sence the last time we were there.
Your Nightmare
TTW
Not a security Guard.
Wow. Way to be a douche. No I am not the guard that works at Seaside. I don’t even work for that company. Do they still have Murphy? If you bothered to read my whole post you would see that I myself explore many different sites. I was doing nothing but giving you advice. I haven’t been in a little while but I used to go there at least twice a week with my boyfriend and the dog. I know a lot about the site. It’s spelled “since” by the way. Like I said, I don’t work for any of those companys but rest assured if I did I would catch your ass in no time. And just so you know, most sites like that do not let their guards go inside. And even if they did, a lot of the guards are scared to. Guards at NSH were scared to get out of the car half the time. But like I said, way to be a douche. You don’t know me. Most guards would let people go but if they caught a cocky son of a bitch like you they would most def call the cops.
Hello All,
I went to Seaside to see if me and my friends could get in, looks like every thing is boarded up and chained. Has any one been able to get in some where? It seems that every time that we go something else has been covered up. It is not easy to get in any more and that security prick is always driving around watching.
I have lots of pictures from going here last summer. We got inside the main building, walked all the way up. found old behavioral records in a room scattered everywhere and many childrens toys. It is an absolutly beautiful piece of land and its a shame the buildings are just rotting away. Going back today
Nicole- Did you happen to get in this past week? Looking to head out that way to shoot this weekend.. but dont wanna make the drive if its gunna be a total bust..
Sarah-No luck getting in this past week, saw the security officer so we just left
I’ve been wanting to go here for a while now, but the thought of being caught by security scares me enough to not go. I was just wondering what time security is there. Like are there certain days or times of the day? Do you think if I went there early in the morning I would be able to get in?
Hey just let you all know i found out that the security will not get out of his car.He is scard of his shawdow.I was there when the security was there he saw the flashlight beam he did nothing!! I was in there for awhile it is cool in there.I am going back next week if u want in please let me know i show u the way.
Im gunna try to go Friday during the day… Have never been but have heard a lot about the place.. Any insite on best parking and what not would be awesome..
TO ALL WHO ARE TRYING TO GET IN—- Stay out of Seaside…It is not safe in there! The buildings are in bad shape. The tiles may contain asbestos and the paint is sure to contain lead; the mold that grows in places like that can get you sick in just a short period of time without warning! The security gaurd that works there has done his best to keep those that don’t care about thier own safety out…but now it is up to you! The grounds are open to the public to walk…but if people don’t stay out I have a feeling the state will take that privlege away! The buildings are locked down for a reason if the state wanted you all to have a tour they would have made it a museum! The security gaurd is just doing is job when he throws you out or calls the cops so give him break! And if you live nearby and see people going in that don’t belong doing so give him a hand and call the cops yourself! Who knows you may save someone’s life by turning them in! For all you kow the building could collapse at any minute!
I know this property very well, like the back of my hand, as I am a neighbor. I grew up here, and I don’t live there anymore. I have nothing but love for the place, but Ihave to say I have had a few nights fishing where a drastic change in temperature made my hair stand on end, and I got the chills. Suddenly I felt I was being watched. I do have to say that I have fished there night after night, year after year, and never had anything bad ever happen to me. Just those chills. I think the spirits that are there are well meaning and do not want to hurt you. Keep in mind they did extensive electro-shock therapy to the down syndrome patients there. Not cool. I am sure they crossed the line there. I too have had my run-ins with the guards! I have fished there all my life, and went out on the jetties, and now I can’t. But I have to say they are very reasonable, they just aske you to leave -that’s it, no police. The other caveat is that the police go diving there.
I too have lived here for many years and fished, gone diving and . I think it is a real shame that Seaside has been sold. I have to say i have not had any problems with security and this new guard that I met a couple of weeks ago seemed to be quite nice. Unlike some of the other guards that have met in the past. I wish that Seaside would be made into something other then Condos.
I took care of a nurse that was there during the TB era.
I hhave lots of pics of inside & children & nurses
I believe that such places with history, albeit negative or not, deserve to be seen by those that wish to visit. As long as one is respectful and takes the necessary precautions of safety, all should be well. Obviously, this place laid in decay and abandonment for many years, which is how past visitors were able to get access. And, as a person who works for human services, I am appalled that confidential files ha
ve been left so visible and in disarray. That is inexcusable and against regulation.
I do NOT believe that those in the para-phenomena investigative world, for which you have no accredited degree from a college for, have the exclusive right to visit such a location. If anything, you folks are as inquisitive as others. The only disparity, is that you are part of some research group. Good for you. Continue to conduct your investigations, but do not fault those, who with equal, respectful interest, also want to visit. Comically enough, I know many that find such investigative groups as parasites, for how dare you believe you have the right to disturb a location that you find to be “haunted” in order to get your findings? Where is your respect for the ones that have passed and clearly don’t want you around? Does the permission you received override that sense of intrusion?
I am fond of photography and have always found landscape and historical location photography of great interest, and such places are not only beautiful, but deserve to be remembered in pictures, especially if their ultimate future is going to be one of a condo. Heh.
Why did you tell everyone where it is it’s been nice and quiet
i’ve been visiting seaside for the past year every couple of weeks, it sux so bad that it finally got sold. does anyone have any information on the sales status? like when they will actually begin renovations? thanks
I think its great that someone bought the property and is willing to invest the money to refurbish it. It’s a beautiful site, amazing location, and hopefully whoever develops it will keep it open to the public to enjoy the grounds and beaches. I think its ridiculous that people get mad at the security guards for doing their job. Imagine going to work and someone gets mad at you just because you showed up for your job as you are paid to do.
I had been wanting to visit Seaside since last year, and I finally stopped to see it in Waterford on my way home from RI today. I’m so glad I went, I took lots of pictures with my iPhone (wish I had the Canon with me.) I’m such a fan of history like this! There was no security guard, only a couple walking two dogs and three kids hanging out by the water. I’d have liked to gone up to some windows to snap some photos but my iPhone probably wouldn’t snap good quality pictures with the dark settings, and on top of that the buildings is covered with overgrown plants making it difficult to get that close.
I really hope they keep Seaside standing for longer. I’d really love to head back and explore so more. The property is beautiful.
All I got to say is that dusche security that drives in that pansy ass car will never catch me. if you know what building that i’m talking about, the second window is open and easy to get in. i’ll be going in at about 9ish this friday because the guard will probably not be there. he’s got nothing on me. plus what can he really do, he’s got nothing, let him know that i’m getting in and he’ll never see me…
The Feared One
If someone could post directions it would be greatly appreciated
I tried to find it but couldn’t..
i was just there today the way to get there is from i-95 north take exit 72 once you get off the exit you are on a short expressway . follow that to the end and take a left onto rt. 156 go about 4.8 miles down through the town and you will go over a draw bridge this is all in the 4.8 mile stretch . turn right on to gardeners wood rd. (but watch out the street sign is covered by a branch ) not even a mile down the road take a left onto Jordan cove rd. then make a right onto shore rd. there will be a white little house on a corner with a orange fire-hydrogen make a right at this corner it is like a unmarked rd. about a block or so down is wood sea rd. if you see this that tells you , you went to far . i tried to use Google maps to get there and i ended up at harkness park and had to back track . hope this helps and don’t get to close to the buildings security is watching at all times and from what i was told they will smoke you out .
Who ever wants to go inside, let me know, i got a good way in and also have a good escape if needed. The place is awesome, a little shitty on the inside, but overall, a cool place to be. By the way, that guard had nothing but a flashlight and maybe a pocket knife so he can cut a hole in his pants once he shits himself trying to find me. He has no clue where he’s going plus he’s got no experience as a guard.
The Feared One
I had the pleasure of taking care of a nurse Alice that worked there,she was taking care a lady with polio(not active) but had a hard time getting around.She was never mean She told stories and never said negative things,of course children don’t want to be there but that was the way they took care of them back then.
She left me a booklet of pics from inside & out if anyone is interested in purchasing I will put on e-bay soon
Jean
I went to Seaside this past weekend with my brother and my husband. While we were walking the grounds security came up on us because one of the neighbors had called. The security guard warned us that we are not allowed to go inside due to the deterioration of the inside, and that anyone caught inside can be arrested. He also informed us that if he knows that there are people inside that he throws smoke bombs inside to get the people out. Also that most of the doors inside are chained. I have some beautiful pics of the place. I love the architecture of the buildings. The road that it is on is an unmarked road and you can park and walk around the grounds. There are a lot of broken windows that you can get some nice pictures of the inside. The most interesting thing I think was the roof that looks like it had scissors in it.
Can you post pics, Christine? I was a patient there in 1956 for 11 months. I had TB.
I am not sure if I can post them on here but if you e-mail me I can e-mail the pics to you I wish I could have gone inside but the security guard warned about possible prosecution. Feel free to e-mail me at mysticalstarz926@hotmail.com
Hey all just wondering what the status is with this place since my gf and I are planning a trip all the way up from NY is this place still standing and are we able to still walk the grounds?? anyone know if there are any DEFINITE plans on whats going to be done with the place? Thankss:D
Zak845 you can walk the grounds but in a comment that I recently posted you can not go inside any of the buildings. I am not sure what they are currently planning on doing with the place.
hey every one, this goes for any one that could help me im tryin to trow a new years rave, i was wonderin if in this place is possible to throw one if not if, u knew a diff place thats would b possible to do it … thanks n let me kno to my email (( loscolombiano@hotmail.com )) just like i wrote it . n the Fear One i would like to go check the place out some time if u b down to go !
Hey Feared One, I’m interested too. Send em an email (jsmith06484@yahoo.com)
Hello cbass,
I think a rave party would b cool, but the guard that works there might b there. U never know when the prick is around. He has made it real hard to get in 2 the buildings. A couple of my friends got caught last Thursday. This prick calls the police on every1 that he catches. U also don’t know when he is on, the dude hides and the people call him if they hear or see anything. I think he must live down the street, because i have been there at all different times and the asshole has turned up.
and this guy that calls himself the feared one, I can tell u that you might b talking about the old guard but I can tell u that this asshole has BIG BALLS. I have seen him catch people and when he calls the cops they r there real fast!!!!!!!!! This PRICK does not F#%K around!!!!!!!
[...] Seaside Sanatorium.Of course, a lot of use are familiar with Seaside in its current state — an abandoned and dilapidated mental hospital right on the shore of Long Island Sound — but when it was first built, it was a shining medical facility dedicated to children with [...]
@ Jean have u already placed the booklet on ebay?
hey since a rave would not b possible ther do u or anyone knos of a place a rave would b possible where no cops r ganna b bothering us the whole nite ? also where ppl aint ganna b gettin injure !!! pls let me kno if u kno thankx
The Feared One: I’M INTERESTED! Blah blah blah you can’t go inside my ass. If the building’s still standing, you can go inside.
Wall of Text Warning. 5 of us just drove there this weekend from 4 states away, not specifically to see it, but we made it a point to check it out. I personally hadn’t been there since 2005. I would like to mention that we were there only to take pictures and videos and explore around inside. It is a terrible shame the damage (graffiti, broken windows, etc) that vandals have done. I wish it could just be opened as a museum type building because it is an amazing building and creepy adventure for those interested.
To those who are planning to check it out, mornings are better than late nights because you don’t specifically need flashlights; and don’t go with snow on the ground. Do not go bare foot if you plan on visiting, and i would actually suggest full coverage shoes instead of sandal type footwear. If you get caught be respectful and accept the fines, you are breaking the law by going in there. We were prepared to pay the fines if we got caught, but we made it in and out before 9:30 am and never saw a guard. There are several routes in and everything is accessible, you just have to have a knack of ingenuity. We explored end to end, all 4 floors and got thousands of pictures. We were flashlight-less and there were some rooms that not even 5 grown adults would go in . . . . the basement/cellar in particular was incredibly creepy. With “Be Scared” and “HELL” sprayed outside the pitch black entrance. We shot pictures into the room thinking it would give us some guts, but it only scared us more. The whole inside room of the basement is fenced in like an underground bunker. And there is a soccer ball laying inside the fenced area that gives me chills right now just typing it.
There are many highlights inside. I am terrible with keeping track of my position, so don’t expect and explanation on where these objects are. The whole building just has an aura of creepiness, paint peeling off the walls and dilapidated areas were abound. The Hydro-Therapy pool room was a very interesting find, it was just a large room with a big tiled pool built into it. I am not familiar with Hydro-Therapy, so maybe someone can chime in with that info. Unfortunately I could not locate any of the previously mentioned patient reports. This saddened me quite a bit, since that was a highlight when i visited in 2005. They were scattered everywhere then, but I imagine they have since been taken by vandals that don’t like leaving things as is. Just seeing a hand written nurses report of a patient who has been biting other patients, or someone throwing up when taking certain medications . . . . it really adds to the immersion of the whole experience. An experience that,unfortunately, has diminished without the reports. The dental equipment on the ground floor was still intact and standing very creepily in abandoned rooms (and i believe these can be seen from the outside). There was one room in one of the upper floors that had a set of huge paintings drawn in a very unique art style. Children playing and acting in different situations, but they were drawn in a very awkward cartoon style that made it incredibly eery. There was also scattered boxes in this room and what looked like remnants of a slot car track and a play-doh set. There was also a very run down area with a larger percentage of falling ceiling tiles and mold, I believe it was the northern halls on the first or second floor. That place as kind of neat to explore, probably one of the additions that wasn’t constructed to the same standards as the original building. The huge open rooms such as the top floor breezeway and the cafeteria really put into focus the number of patients that were here at one time.
Not too many more highlights I can think of, there was a restraining chair on the 4th floor and some old age childrens toys scattered about as well that add to the atmosphere. If you visit please don’t trash the place, you can make it everywhere in the building without too much pain (the stairways are good access points). Just enjoy it and be respectful, but be quick they are holding meetings on when they are moving forward with the housing.
Hey FEARED ONE we wanna go…. We tried today hoped the fence the foots closed off.. Leg us know!!
LOL. All these people who come on here acting so tough behind a keyboard at one of the more boring abandoned sites in CT. Congratulations, just make sure your up in time for the schoolbus in the morning.
hey all,
went to seaside last night wit some friends to u know, PARTY and stuff and that F**KING PRICK was there. me and my friends r planing a huge rave next week at seaside. ALL R WELCOME!!!!!!! there is going 2 b about 30 of us at the moment. every 1 knows the night, b 4 we go back to, u know. so bring u know and PARTY, if the prick is on he won’t know what 2 do wit all of us there. watch him run and hide:)
hey cbass come wit us
bj
I can see this getting shut down real quick just by the neighborhood behind the place
A Rave? that is no place to have a rave let me tell you. I have been from one end of the country to the other following the Grateful Dead. I have always been rebellious, but I must say, horrible place to party unless with small group to do the beach thing. Not to do a rave in the buildings, you will certainly get caught. The guard lives on the property, he can drive around or call the cops quicker than you can get those people out, someone will get hurt….
Hello All, Sorry it has been a while, but I have been doing some traveling.
I have some news to tell everyone. It has come to my attention that the Guard Is getting reassigned to another place and that a new company is taking over.
I give props to him and all that have been caught should do as well. He does his job well and has caught me a few times, but not all. I do not blame him for doing his job, for he is just doing what he is told.
I received this information through the people around the area. Now it is going to be a bull shit guard from another company.
Lets break this new guard in, he has no idea what he has coming for him.
Who’s With Me?
The Feared One
“hey all,
went to seaside last night wit some friends to u know, PARTY and stuff and that F**KING PRICK was there. me and my friends r planing a huge rave next week at seaside. ALL R WELCOME!!!!!!! there is going 2 b about 30 of us at the moment. every 1 knows the night, b 4 we go back to, u know. so bring u know and PARTY, if the prick is on he won’t know what 2 do wit all of us there. watch him run and hide:)”
I think I’m going to cry.
is this place good to explore ?
and what should i know before going?
Yea, now that the PRICK is gone. We party inside all the time now that the F**KING PRICK is gone. just look for the openings and if there aint one just make one. night time is the best just bring some flashlights.
can anyone tell me if you are still allowed to walk the grounds? i wanna go with my family but have 3 kids dont really want to get in trouble with the kids there? can we walk the grounds and stay out of buildings and be ok? thanks!
Ericka:
You are free to walk the grounds. The buildings are dangerous and off limits. However, you can go close to them and take pictures. I’ve even introduced myself to the guard and state police there, told them what I was there for and they were very receptive to that. Don’t listen to these kids on here, getting into trouble and ruining it for others.
New England Spiritual Team:
Thank you very much, i wouldnt even dare going in the buildings especailly with the kids but really want to walk the grounds read alot about it and it looks like a very interesting place!
i cant wait to go there!
The Feared One writes:
“It has come to my attention that the Guard Is getting reassigned to another place and that a new company is taking over… Lets break this new guard in, he has no idea what he has coming for him. Who’s With Me?”
Seconds tick away… collective yawn by fellow thread members… Feared feels optimistic… Seconds become hours… Days pass by… A few decades have gone by and only the crickets chirp in response to the invitation. They die off, but the chirp of their granchildren remains long after the Feared One has reached puberty and discovered more exciting endeavors… Feared solicits his grandchildren “wanna pull my finger.” Grandchildren gaze loathsomely.
Ericka asks:
“can anyone tell me if you are still allowed to walk the grounds? i wanna go with my family but have 3 kids dont really want to get in trouble with the kids there?”
Too cheap to visit Disneyland? I’m quite sure the kids visit to the delapitated mental hospital will be a cherished memory. Don’t let anything stop you.
bj wrote:
“went to seaside last night wit some friends to u know, PARTY and stuff and that F**KING PRICK was there. me and my friends r planing a huge rave next week at seaside. ALL R WELCOME!!!!!!! there is going 2 b about 30 of us at the moment”
Who is this F.. King Prick? Is he of noble blood or do you just admire him immensly? Despite the royal invitation, I like Jazz music and must defer. Sounds like a great source of revenue for the State. Let’s see 30 x $92 fine each. Go for it. The more, the merrier. The State is desperate for revenue in this economic climate.
Hey Matt, come on down or do you still need to breast feed from your mom at night, or is she 6′ under, and if that’s the case, thank god, the world is a better place.
Or maybe it’s that you don’t have a social life, you live in your dead mom’s basement with your 2” pecker in your hand, thinking you might score some action off some chat site with a girl over in Russia that is just raping you of your money.
Maybe it could be that your fat, insecure, lonely, have no life, and haven’t found anyone to pull the trigger to that shotgun you own because your arms are to short and just do not have enough energy to jump off the building because when you reach the top floor, you’ll die of a heart attack.
Sorry, I can’t go on, I have to see if my grandchildren can “pull my finger” or maybe it is I have other things to do that would constitute a life, I don’t know, just throwing that out there.
Oh, by the way, I’ve been over there several times, didn’t see anyone else there.
The Feared One
The (un)Feared One wrote: “I’ve been over there several times, didn’t see anyone else there.”
I’ll put things on your level. Like duuuuh man. Your invitation is soooo like not inviting. Like duuuuh. Nobody is interested in joining you at the dilapitated, filthy, vacant building for a good time hiding from the security guard (or “breaking the guard” as you word it, in your dumbed world). Gee. Go figure. What does that say about your social life?
But yes, your course imaginative amblings sell you out. Its not the scum building that deters people from your company. Its the loathe of you.
Feared one: Comes up with ill-conceived plan that would cause more trouble than it’s worth.
Matt: Writes haiku concerning The Feared One’s immaturity.
Feared one: Generic “fat/no life/basement dweller” response.
Matt: Sarcasm/suggests the Feared one is stupid and has poor social interaction.
Settle down, kids.
noah,
(smiling) I wasn’t aware of my poetic style – “haiku”. Just a little musing, don’ cha’ worry now.
I agree – it is wicked creepy…..but what a waste of beautiful property….state of
Ct do something with it!!
Matt,
Well, it *was* sort of a haiku, which is a good thing, I suppose.
So what’s the deal with the security as of this weekend?
Tried to get down there today and the only entrance that looked like an entrance was blocked with a fence and signs basically saying no ones allowed down there. Was gonna walk the shoreline from Harkness, but I didn’t want to get soaked crossing the sanctuary water outlet
Another day perhaps.
Hit up my Facebook page if you want to see comprehensive photos of the place now. Michael Mathis. Profile picture is the American Flag
Erika:
The grounds are really beautiful and everyone is welcome. I take my daughter there in the summer all of the time to play on the beach and go crabbing. People are constantly there walking dogs and such.
We live down the street and I don’t think the place is haunted. I went inside (without the kids, obviously) and it’s just an abandoned building, trashed by kids pretending to be brave. We got some really great pics and it was fun, but with the risk of fines and possibly running into vagrants, it’s not really worth it.
I was planning on a visit there Sunday to take photos of the exterior of the building. Is anyone aware if the grounds accessible at this time?
I haven’t seen the guard in a very very long time. Don’t think he’s there anymore, day or night. I walk my dogs there every morning. while it does look VERY creepy inside, I’ve never seen or heard anythin. There is a definite wierd vibe. Feeling like I’m being stared at or watched. But it’s definetly accessible Lauren.
Ill post some photos up on my website soon.. have some great ones on a spooky foggy day.. I did my research before i went. The property is open to the public and there is no security guards. Although when i went (6 months ago or so) it was nice out and a state trooper showed up with his family to go enjoy the beach!
I do like to venture and wouldnt suggest going in this building even with masks on, thats Lead Paint, asbestos all over inside the building etc and god only knows what type of stuff from the birds that live inside and rats.
I do have a photo i would like to share on this page.. cause its of something inside looking out! lol.. (someone drew a face on the window.. kinda funny)
I am looking to speak with anyone who has either worked at Seaside or perhaps was a patient there. I’ll be filming a documentary at the location and would love to interview former workers and so on to include in with the film. Anyone that would like to speak to us further regarding this project, please feel free to contact me via email at caserequest@newenglandspiritual.team or via or Facebook page, New England Spiritual Team. Filming to start in the spring. Thanks!
I also visited during summers in 70′s to 80′s my aunt and uncle lived there for 30yrs . They ran the main dorm and the lower building. I remember snooping through basement and attic I. Remember they were the first to get an in ground trampoline I know they had to shut it down because of injuries. My uncle Tracy ran a tight ship and the clients towed the mark they call them mom and dad
Does anyone know if anything is being done to try and save this place? I would love to start up something to raise money in order to fix up the place and open it for public tours. I just set up a facebook account to help spread the word that I want to raise money in order to re-open the place..add me! Seaside Sanatorium
It was bought by a developer and is being made into condos.
Is there anything that can be done to stop it from becoming condos?