If you were a patient at Eastern State School & Hospital (located in PA) please get in touch with me via: e-mail (click on view my profile and you'll see the link).I am looking to connect with residents to share stories and to find a few lost friends that are very dear to me.I will be sharing my thoughts and stories about my stay there during the late 80's, I will be posting first names only on this blog as I recall them.If you have anything to constribute e-mail me and I will post it for you.
My grandmother Margaret Guzik worked there for several Years after they opened. She use to always have a pocket full of candy to give to the kids. She said it upset her how the staff would treat these kids. she cleaned. for them. She said that several of the kids would ask her if they could come stay with her. She would come home and be so upset saying those children dont belong there. Their parents belong there for placing these kids there.
You're grandmom was absolutely right, Kimberly. We didn't deserve to be locked away like prisoners or animals... I'm 45 now and still resent my mother for sticking me in there instead of trying to figure me out herself. Felt like she just gave up. Visiting less than once a month didn't help w/the abandonment issues either. :-/ Wish I knew your grandmom.
Wow.JustRanda, just seeing your response now. Thank you for your compassion. It is much appreciated. unfortunately, I had a lot more tragedies that followed after my abrupt discharge from Eastern State. Later learning that it was because my insurance ran out, not that I was mentally stable enough to go home. Nevertheless, at 48, a year ago, I have become a certified peer specialist. That is someone who self-identifies as being in recovery of aa substance abuse/serious mental illness. I live with both. But, the best part, is that in my recovery I get to share the hope that the Lord has given to me, with those in much need of it, too.
I remember u well. U ended up going to wordsworth near the Pocono. After I left eastern I went to wordsworth fort Washington. I remember the boys to men tape u gave me before u left it was end of the road song. Every time I hear it I think of u. If u want to keep in contact my email is mandylutz3236@gmail.com
I was there in 88 thru 89 I was in the forensic unit or the lock down ward where staff members would regularly torture the juvenile patients and when we the patients brought it to the attention of therapist they would over medicate us saying it was all in our minds so our parents wouldn't believe the horrendous conditions
I must of blocked a lot of the torture out cause up til I found this site and saw pics did my memories come flooding back to the point the hair on the back of my neck stood up and a shiver went down my spine and uncontrollable tears fell from my eyes
Just a question if anyone remember me I was put on so much meds n use to cut my left inner arm it's been a very long time I was there when I was a teenager like 13 or 14 I m now 47 n trying to close a chapter in my life so if n e remembers me please reply
If anybody remembers Luke Adams hit me up I'm on Facebook is Luke Wayne Young now but I remember that place and it was the worst years of my life but it made me a better person
Vikki, I was there in 85/86 too. On Unit 4?! My friend was Zelma. My name is Kelly. Is this Vikki G? I remember the names Denise S, Vikki G, Tammy, a few more.
Yes! And Tammy! Oh..the names of such close friends... Holly, Rowena, Gary, STANLEY!!, OMG! Can't remember our teacher's name, but he actually played in the string band's in South PHilly Right Down the street from me!! LOL! Maybe...Mr. Goldman..??
I was a resident at Eastern State School & Hospital(88-89) and looking to connect with others to start an Alumni group to share stories and connect with old friends.
Who remembers when the wall fell..I was on unit 4 then.. 610-401-4291
ReplyDeleteGary your name looks very familiar. I was at Langhorne in 1987-1988 area.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletedawn do you remember me artie i was yvonne's
Deleteboyfriend from 1990-1994
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteMy grandmother Margaret Guzik worked there for several Years after they opened. She use to always have a pocket full of candy to give to the kids. She said it upset her how the staff would treat these kids. she cleaned. for them. She said that several of the kids would ask her if they could come stay with her. She would come home and be so upset saying those children dont belong there. Their parents belong there for placing these kids there.
ReplyDeleteYou're grandmom was absolutely right, Kimberly. We didn't deserve to be locked away like prisoners or animals... I'm 45 now and still resent my mother for sticking me in there instead of trying to figure me out herself. Felt like she just gave up. Visiting less than once a month didn't help w/the abandonment issues either. :-/ Wish I knew your grandmom.
DeleteWow.JustRanda, just seeing your response now. Thank you for your compassion. It is much appreciated. unfortunately, I had a lot more tragedies that followed after my abrupt discharge from Eastern State. Later learning that it was because my insurance ran out, not that I was mentally stable enough to go home. Nevertheless, at 48, a year ago, I have become a certified peer specialist. That is someone who self-identifies as being in recovery of aa substance abuse/serious mental illness. I live with both. But, the best part, is that in my recovery I get to share the hope that the Lord has given to me, with those in much need of it, too.
DeleteMany memories tht I have of this place. I was there from '93-95. Hit up my email mandylutz3236@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteHey it's Stefan I was in jamilla toombs class with you I was on unit 2 you were on unit 1
DeleteIs your last name Brown?
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI remember u well. U ended up going to wordsworth near the Pocono. After I left eastern I went to wordsworth fort Washington. I remember the boys to men tape u gave me before u left it was end of the road song. Every time I hear it I think of u. If u want to keep in contact my email is mandylutz3236@gmail.com
Deletei want everyone to know that my fience Yvonne Farmer passed away in 2000 who remembers her comments please.
ReplyDeleteI remember Yvonne. We were in the same classroom at school. She was a great person, so sad to hear that she has passed. May she forever RIP
DeleteI remember Yvonne. We were in the same classroom at school. She was a great person, so sad to hear that she has passed. May she forever RIP
DeleteHi Artie, it's chena I remember her. We we in the same unit and in the cottages together.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteChena I need to info again I lost it it's arthur
DeleteWas she the black girl with the glass eye?
ReplyDeleteYes she was
DeleteYes she was
DeleteChris my name is Sandra Webster when we're you at ESSH do you remember me and Monique lambright I think I remember you
DeleteI remember a Monique! OMG! I loved her!! Was she there in 1985/86??
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAny one remember my boy Andre Gray I ain't seen him in awhile or my boy Steve Stauffer n how you been ratty ain't heard from you since 1994
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteAny one remember my boy Andre Gray I ain't seen him in awhile or my boy Steve Stauffer n how you been ratty ain't heard from you since 1994
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI was there in 1972,the Chaplain got me my 1st job in life at the Gino's across the highway,rt 1 I think
DeleteJr I remember you...
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteMy Social worker was Diane Lello
ReplyDeleteI was there in 88 thru 89 I was in the forensic unit or the lock down ward where staff members would regularly torture the juvenile patients and when we the patients brought it to the attention of therapist they would over medicate us saying it was all in our minds so our parents wouldn't believe the horrendous conditions
ReplyDeleteI must of blocked a lot of the torture out cause up til I found this site and saw pics did my memories come flooding back to the point the hair on the back of my neck stood up and a shiver went down my spine and uncontrollable tears fell from my eyes
ReplyDeleteDoes anybody know what happened to that guy gerry diddly he was one of the patients there in the film they made
ReplyDeleteWhat film?
DeleteJust a question if anyone remember me I was put on so much meds n use to cut my left inner arm it's been a very long time I was there when I was a teenager like 13 or 14 I m now 47 n trying to close a chapter in my life so if n e remembers me please reply
ReplyDeleteWhat years were you there
DeleteWhen were you there??
Delete85&86
DeleteIf anybody remembers Luke Adams hit me up I'm on Facebook is Luke Wayne Young now but I remember that place and it was the worst years of my life but it made me a better person
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteEarly 80's like way way early like 83 84
ReplyDeleteNah.. Sorry..I was there in 85-86
ReplyDeleteVikki, I was there in 85/86 too. On Unit 4?! My friend was Zelma. My name is Kelly. Is this Vikki G? I remember the names Denise S, Vikki G, Tammy, a few more.
DeleteOMG!! I LOVED ZELMA!!! And Denise!!! Is this Kelly C.?? "Russel's" ex-girlfriend??????
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteYes! And Tammy! Oh..the names of such close friends... Holly, Rowena, Gary, STANLEY!!, OMG! Can't remember our teacher's name, but he actually played in the string band's in South PHilly Right Down the street from me!! LOL! Maybe...Mr. Goldman..??
ReplyDelete