Behind the
corpse in the reservoir, behind the ghost on the links, behind the lady who
dances and the man who madly drinks, under the look of fatigue, the attack of a
migraine and the sigh…there is always another story, there is more than meets
the eye. -W.H. Auden
The dawn of
winter has arrived and the chill of its grand entrance has followed us to the
familiar village nestled just west of the beautiful Hudson River. The first Nor’easter of the year has decided
to rear its ugly head and attempts to deter us from our prize. There are those who quell their curiosity
when the weather is less than cooperative and then there is J & M. It is not within our nature to let a little
detour from mother nature get in our way.
It has been
a over a year since the vine covered fieldstone in its somewhat uniform
architecture captured our attention and drew us into a love affair beyond imagination.
The haunting remnants of child's play and mysterious structures surround
the buildings that were once over 130 in number. Amazing and beautiful in its decay, it has
become the place we long to return to again and again. Diligent research into
intriguing locations led to the allure of this spectacular place. Others had gone before us, including a trio
of celebrity ghost hunters, taggers, squatters, explorers and other curious
adventurers bewitched by the charms within the darkened hallways and decrepit
structures. As for us, we were
captivated immediately by its tragic past and haunted reputation. You see, not everything is as it seems, and
these buildings hold a menagerie of memories.
From the caring and loving hands of those dedicated to the care of those
less fortunate, to the dark and sinister acts of betrayal, incompetent care,
under-staffing and neglect. In its
creation, it was a philanthropic and noble vision. Imagine a place where mentally and
physically challenged citizens could live together in a caring environment
where they would be taught to provide for themselves, farming the land, tending
to livestock and caring for one another.
A place that would provide employment to many people in New York and
would carry on the legacy of the man who made it all possible. Over the span of many years, the concept of
this utopia grew and the population which should have been held at 3000,
exploded well past that margin.
Overworked and understaffed, it was the residents who began to
suffer. Its story brought to the
forefront of national headlines would be the catalyst for change in the
horribly flawed mental health system. It
would be a beacon of hope for the future of those with mental and physical
disabilities. Through its darkness, the
light prevails, and it is through that illumination that our infatuation has
blossomed and led us through journeys that most dare not to embark upon.
With swift and
careful placement of my face mask, we traverse on. As always,
the camera is on and we set on to document our explore through these familiar
hallways. The storm has chased away all
rays of light and has set the stage for dramatic views through the peering
lens. Darkness falls swift as we move
forward. Its of no consequence to
us. We love the darkness and have little
to no fear of what we will discover. They say that evil dwells within these walls
and perhaps a little discretion might be in order, but our minds are at
ease. I can close my eyes and sense that
we are safe. We may or may not be alone,
but evil has yet to make its grand entrance.
Respect for the past,
acknowledgment of experiences that others have had here and a general love for the
pitch-black pathways, lead the way.
With
youthful excitement, we travel on. Things
are not always as they seem, right? As we have mentioned in our other writings, we
know that we are no longer green and budding. Our hues are ever changing and although mature
in stature, our child-like curiosity for lost places continues to blossom. It is
rejuvenating to seek knowledge and solace amongst peeling paint and somewhat hazardous
dust particles. Although we are no
longer young sprouts, our roots have been planted and our desire to bring others
along on our adventures continues to grow.
A seed has been planted and we have this wonderful opportunity to bring
others along as we discover places long forgotten.
As we move
along the somewhat ominous corridors, I catch site of his sparkling eyes. He
has seen many places in his own adventures. He has
been to many places that others only dream of and has brought knowledge and joy
to others in his travels to well known ethereal locations. His love for adventure, exploring and seeking
knowledge of the unknown has evolved into an additional passion for documenting
and sharing his experiences with others who have interest in all things
amazing. My mind wanders for only a
moment...I feel blessed to be here in the shadows with my best friend. Our
mutual passion for exploration has so wonderfully collided and with every step,
I know the best is yet to come. He
points the camera into the abyss…”Guess what time it is…” he says with an
impish grin. My own eyes light up, for I
know exactly where we are going next! A small
light is lit to guide our way as we round the corner. There is not a trace of illumination, save
for a couple of breaks in the infrastructure, where we are going. He pauses for a slight dramatic edge as we
take the view in. It
might as well be a grand staircase with jewel lined risers and railways. It evokes excitement and a mysterious calling
to descend into the depths of darkness. With childlike exuberance, I skip
happily into the void beyond. A giggle in the gloom, for I am entering my
playground.
We have been scolded in the
past for our humorous antics and jovial demeanors when we are in the midst of places
known for their tragic occurrences and historical atrocities. It is true
that we often bring our lighthearted personalities into desolation, but it is
our honor to bring light into the darkness of such places. These dwellings have sorrowful history, but
are not so consumed by the past that they cannot allow for joy to seep in. Happiness
comes in many forms and can be described in infinite ways. If not for our delight in decay, the spirit
of adventure would be lost in regret. The
spirits that dwell within the hallways have had enough sadness and suffering. And so,
as I lie down upon the cold and clammy slab that once held the bodies of so
many lost souls, I close my eyes and pay tribute. It’s true that it is somewhat of a novelty
for me to prove my courage and “hey! I’m
not afraid of nothin” (except bridges and lightning strikes) attitude, but I (and
I know that M feels the same way) hold nothing but respect and love for the souls
who perished within these walls. Things
are not always what they seem…
Our
adventures within these walls are far from over. We have heard others say how there is just
something about this place that draws you in….a certain obsession and longing
to return. Within the structures,
grounds and last but certainly not least, amazing tunnel system, lies a magical
mystique. As always, we wish to encourage
you to get out and explore on your own.
We know that traveling to certain locations that may be deemed less than
prudent to explore might be beyond one’s own desire, so we will happily bring
you along with us. Through our eyes, we hope to bring you joy for
the forgotten and a shared love for all things tattered and decayed.
Close your
eyes as we speak to you from the darkness which is our light….”Do whatever makes
you feel alive!” Share your own inspirations with us by leaving
a comment and thank you so much for taking the time to read about our
adventures!
-Jennifer
and Marcel
J&M
Explorations
