Forest Haven, Part One

Forest Haven was a developmental center and mental institution for children located in Maryland.  It was closed by court order in 1991 due to patient/resident abuse and have been numerous lawsuits related to the care received here, as well as medical testing.  Having had run of the grounds, one can only imagine the quality of life for the children housed here.  Some were troubled by circumstances, others were here because of drug or drink addled parents.  Over the years, one can only imagine what happened on site as overcrowding and abuse took hold.  The residential halls hold to the past, where music was most likely the only outlet for these children.  The grounds themselves are reminiscent of children playing, with basketball hoops ready to catch and go on an Easter egg hunt.

As Safe As Houses - Empty Rooms

Once again, my wanderings took me to the woods of northwestern New Jersey and the wonderland of vacant houses that are found there.  This house was different from the others, not in terms of personal belongings left behind, but rather because of the wallpaper and flooring found in the second floor.  The dying afternoon light illuminated interesting textures and highlighted a farmhouse once loved.  Despite finding beauty in the floors and walls of the place, one is struck with the emptiness of the home.

As Safe As Houses - Tock's Island

In a previous post, I detailed the Tock's Island Damn Project and the demise of some structures and residences related to that.  The backwoods of northwestern New Jersey hide some more houses left over from the government buyout that preceded the failed project.  Now these farmhouses are left to the elements, weathering the years gracefully.  A rainy day in December found me in the wilds, surrounded by other people's memories and the debris of animals that call this place home.

Doorways, Portals

Living Space

Decorated

Sitting Room

A (Mis)Matching Set

Cozy Kitchen

Dinner Party

Plaster Ceilings

Silo