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Archiver > PAFAYETT > 2004-08 > 1091759879


From: "Roberta Newcomer" <>
Subject: Re: [PAFAY] The Western Pennsylvania Hospital
Date: Thu, 5 Aug 2004 22:37:59 -0400
References: <Pine.GSO.4.02A.10408051629440.26579-100000@agave.ahsc.arizona.edu>


Dixmont State Hospital

In response to a lack of appropriate accomodations in western Pennsylvania,
Dixmont State Hospital was founded in the late 1850's and began taking
patients in 1862. Dorothea Dix was personally involved with many aspects of
founding the asylum-including the adoption of the Kirkbride plan-and the
institution was named in her honor. The asylum ran until 1984 when it was
closed permanently.

Sitting halfway up a hill overlooking the Ohio River, the Dixmont State
Hospital Kirkbride, known as Reed Hall, is now a desolate ruin. An extensive
fire in its center and nearly two decades of exposure to the elements and
vandalism have left little more than a shell. What's visible through the
gaping windows and doorways is strikingly bare and crumbling.

Interestingly, the terminal sections of this building's wings come forward
of the previous sections instead of being set back from them as with most
other Kirkbrides. There is also a lack of ornamentation which gives the
impression of a more spartan design than was typical of other buildings
documented on this Web site. This may not be the case, as it is difficult to
tell how much has been destroyed or removed. But even with some
ornamentation, the stark lines and predominance of brick indicate that the
building was rather modestly designed and adorned.

The property is now under private ownership and trespassers are not welcome.
Visitors are no longer permitted on the property as demolition is to begin
soon. There are plans to build a department store on the grounds once the
hospital buildings are gone.



----- Original Message -----
From: "Hannah M. Fisher" <>
To: <>
Sent: Thursday, August 05, 2004 7:37 PM
Subject: Re: [PAFAY] The Western Pennsylvania Hospital


> This is still a functioning hospital. It is on 4800 Friendship Ave.,
> Pittsburgh, PA 15224-1722 in Allegheny County.
> It started many year ago and I think that in the mid-1850's it housed both
> patients who were mentally and physically ill. Then the mental patients
> were transported to a new hospital called Dixmont--this closed in the
> latter part of the twentieth century. Will try to get more dates and
> citations if you are interested.
> Presently it is a 456 bed hospital.
> The web address is www.wpahs.org
>
>
> On Thu, 5 Aug 2004, Bill & Nancy Miller wrote:
>
> > Hello, Does anyone know anything about this hospital? I found a 1920
> > Census record of : Name of Institution: The Western Pennsylvania
Hospital.
> > Allegheny County, Pittsburgh City, PA.
> >
> > There are 40 people listed as boarders. They are also listed as
laborer, and servants. Thank You
> >
> >
>
> Hannah Millward Fisher
> Information Services
> Librarian
> The University of Arizona
> (520) 626-2933 (voice) Arizona Health Sciences Library
> 1501 N. Campbell, P.O. Box 245079
> (520) 626-2922 (fax) Tucson, AZ 85724-5079
>
> "The statements expressed herein are my own and should not be taken as a
> position, opinion or endorsement of the University of Arizona."
>

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