Cresson Sanatorium and Prison: A History of Transformation and Hauntings
Cresson Sanatorium and Prison stands as a testament to shifting societal approaches to health, welfare, and justice, its walls having witnessed profound transformations over more than a century. Initially conceived as a beacon of hope for tuberculosis patients, it evolved through various incarnations—from a state-of-the-art medical facility to an asylum for the mentally ill, and finally, a maximum-security prison. This journey, rooted in philanthropic endeavor and adapting to changing scientific and social paradigms, culminated in its closure, leaving behind a legacy marked by both therapeutic aspiration and punitive confinement, alongside a growing reputation for unsettling paranormal phenomena.
The origin of this imposing structure traces back to an Act of Assembly in June 1910, leading to the grand opening of the Cresson Tuberculosis Sanatorium in 1913. This initiative was made possible by a significant land donation from the industrial magnate Andrew Carnegie, who envisioned a serene and expansive environment conducive to healing. The prevalent understanding of tuberculosis at the time emphasized the therapeutic benefits of fresh air and spacious surroundings, making the chosen site an ideal location for the treatment of this widespread and often fatal disease. For decades, it served its primary purpose, providing care and isolation for those afflicted with tuberculosis, striving to curb its rapid spread.
However, the mid-20th century brought about radical changes in medical science. The advent of effective pharmaceutical treatments for tuberculosis rendered sanatoriums largely obsolete. Consequently, in December 1956, the Cresson facility underwent its first significant metamorphosis, becoming part of the Lawrence F. Flick State Hospital. Under the purview of the Department of Public Welfare, its mission shifted to the care of individuals suffering from mental instability. This new chapter continued until December 1982, reflecting a different set of societal challenges and care philosophies.
A mere year later, in 1983, executive order 1983-1 by Governor Dick Thornburgh initiated another dramatic transformation. Cresson was designated to become a state correctional facility under the Bureau of Corrections. The conversion process, which began in 1984, was an extensive and costly undertaking, requiring $20.6 million to reconfigure the complex for the housing of inmates. The architectural and operational modifications implemented at Cresson during this period were so influential that they subsequently served as a blueprint for the construction of similar penal institutions across the state. In 1987, the facility commenced operations as a prison, continuing this role until its ultimate closure on June 30, 2013.
In its post-operational phase, Cresson has garnered considerable attention for its purported supernatural activity. Numerous accounts from visitors and former staff describe inexplicable sounds and apparitions traversing its long-abandoned corridors. This notoriety has drawn enthusiasts of the paranormal, solidifying its place as a location of historical significance and chilling mystery. The layered past of the sanatorium and prison, encompassing periods of healing, mental health care, and incarceration, contributes to its eerie ambiance and the belief that the echoes of its former inhabitants linger within its walls.
The journey of Cresson Sanatorium and Prison exemplifies the dynamic nature of institutional roles within society, transitioning from a medical sanctuary to a facility for the mentally unwell, and ultimately, a site of confinement. This layered history, coupled with its current reputation for paranormal occurrences, makes it a uniquely compelling location that invites contemplation on the lives it touched and the stories it holds within its extensive complex.