Kirkbride Buildings - Historic Insane Asylum Architecture

The New York Times published an article Tuesday about John Archer’s eclectic house in Danvers, Massachusetts: Scrap Mansion. For those who don’t know, John Archer probably did more than anyone to try keeping the Danvers State Hospital Kirkbride intact. Though his mission to preserve the entire Kirkbride wasn’t ultimately successful, Mr. Archer was able to salvage several reasonably large pieces of what was torn down and have them incorporated into a new wing on his home.

The slideshow accompanying the article includes a few photos featuring the “Danvers Room”—both interior and exterior. The exterior isn’t to my taste really, but it’s not bad considering the Kirkbride’s Gothic style doesn’t blend well with the rest of the house. I like the interior a lot though. You might notice a few familiar looking doors here and there. I’m not sure what else came from the Kirkbride, but there are probably a few other items not shown.

It’s good to know somebody who loved the building so much was able to incorporate pieces of the Kirkbride into their home. I’m sure those bits and pieces will be lovingly looked after.

You like old photos of Kirkbride buildings, right? Dumb question? Well anyway, I’m sure you’ll love these pictures of Greystone Park from 1899 or so. Somebody recently sent me the link to the collection which is owned and presented by the Morristown Library. Some highlights below.

1. The New Jersey State Hospital
2. Walks in Front of Hospital
3. View of Male Wing
4. Administrative Building
5. Female Wing and Administrative Building
6. Main Entrance
7. Main Entrance (different than above)
8. Corridor
9. Manager’s Room
10. Pathological Laboratory
11. Medical Staff
12. Fancy Dress Ball
13. Amusement Hall
14. Training School
15. Chapel
16. Alcove in Ward
17. Ward Corridor
18. Infirmary Ward
19. Laundry
20. Main Kitchen
21. Boiler House
22. The Park
23. Distant View of Hospital

I was especially happy to see that these photos were from before the roofline was altered, and that there are a few interior spaces which look very much like they still do today.