Officially called the Western State School and Hospital (aka Western Center), Morganza was torn down at the end of 2011.
It was used in a few films, including a brief scene in "Silence of the Lambs".
A reform school, a state hospital...if those walls could have talked, imagine the stories they may have told.
33 children are buried on the grounds here.
An eerie place, indeed.
If you'd like to know a little more about Morganza, I recommend reading this book, "The Morganza, 1976: Life in a Legendary Reform School"
I was incarcerated at Morganza for two years during the lat 1950's. I don't need to read the book as I survived. Hell pales compared to this place.
ReplyDeletecharlette.mellor@stpete.org
I did read the book and am just drawn to the history there. I have driven past there for 24 years on my way to work everyday. I always wanted to drive up the road and get close to the building but just never had the guts to do it. I cannot imagine what being incarcerated there must have been like. You survived which must have been a rough thing to do - I imagine this just by reading the book, you lived it. Lisa Manion
Deletelisais24@comcast.net
yes!
DeleteInformation about the Penna Reform School ( Morganza ) can be seen at www.centuryimages.com
ReplyDeleteWas this place once a tb sanatorium?
ReplyDeleteI survived morganza in the 60s. Spent most of my time there in "SOLITARY" the male guards in "SOLITARY" treated the girls nice. :-(
ReplyDeleteI believe the last year Morganza was open was 1967.
Deleteneed to know; who owns the rights to these pictures?
ReplyDeletesariede@hotmail.com
The pics show only the main bldg. There were many buildings "cottages" as they were called. plus a basement "dungeon"
ReplyDeleteSolitary was a cement floored, brick walled room about 6' x 10' with a drain in the floor and a metal cot bolted to the floor
Thanks for your comments! My heart goes out to those who had to spend time there. I took all the pictures on this blog. Feel free to use them, just give me credit :) I'm glad I got to see it before they tore it all down.~ Chris Girty (swampangel65@gmail.com)
ReplyDeletewhat did I learn in the 2 yrs I spent there????? Make friends with the biggest ( V.A) & baddest girls there. Act like you knew ALL about sex (even tho your a virgin) Those girls were the Best and truest ever!!!!!!! We where all so young but got thro it with each others help.
ReplyDeleteSixty years later I look back to a place where I was almost born on. A place where I lived and played (explored) till I was 15 years old. Still returning to visit ; Morganza, Pennsylvania Training School, Youth Development Center, Western State School & Hospital, Western Center --- South Point . Only things that remain ; the main enterance bridge, the power plant(Penn DOT Garage),the dam, the graveyard,and crane bottom. I remember a whole lot more than see on the internet, or read in books, I have nearly a lifetime of pictures, I remember the smells the good and bad times, the food;out of the garden,fruit from the trees, fish from the dam. I was that little kid on a tricycle burning up the bricks or the dusty reddog roads, from the spire of the Ad.building to dark dungins (that Jody Foster was not in). I was the kid that worked beside the inmates and farmers,craftsmen,bakers to name a few......thanks Morganza.....Dave.
ReplyDeleteI was in there n6566 until I turned eighteen it wasn't a bad place if you'd listen to put it was hell we used to have a song I sent you a letter send it with cares and didn't care of the western seashell screens on the window locks on the door we can walk through it you fall through the floor anybody else remember the song 333 Cario Road
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry the spell correct on this thing you said work right I can remember people being thrown out Windows 7 6 story Windows the 7th floor was the cafeteria when I first went there I was on the second floor then I went to the fifth floor and six forward when you became an adult and the 5th floor I think the third floor was for hospital or school and I can't remember it's been a long time I try to forget everything that I know they made a special quiet room at the end of the hall for me on the sixth floor was still hand used as I used to break through the doors if anybody remembers me ss that says I remember there was a kid by the name of Lordi he's want to go throw it out of the 6 floor window cuz he many would always fight Runaway
ReplyDeleteI feel bad for anyone that was in morganza as you see my mother was incarcerated their in the 50's as well,before I was born.She has told me of many horrible things that went on and happened to her,very sad.Her name was Mary Malena ,she was from the Elizabeth,pa area,so if anyone remembers her or knew her please let me know,I would like to talk and learn more ty and God Bless you all very much.
ReplyDeleteI am writing a novel about a family who lived across the street from Morganza. It actually based on my childhood and I remember seeing kids working in the fields and hearing them at night. My dad had a gas station and we lived in an apartment behind the gas station. I did not live there long but the sights and sounds are still vivid today. The novel is set in the late 1950's. If your mother told you stories about her time there and why she was sent there, I would appreciate hearing about them. If anyone else has stories they can share, I would appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteI was almost born there Dec 23 1950 . my mother and father worked there (Pennsylvania Training School)till the time of Western Center . I lived , played and worked there till I was 15yrs. old . But it seems people make more money writing and making stuff up . Truth and facts don't matter . just the almighty buck ! DC5
DeleteMy father was sent there in the late 1950's
DeleteInterested in any information also. Thanks
DeleteHello. I'm also looking for information if you found any more . Thanks
DeleteIf anyone has stories about Morganza in the late 1950's, please let me know.
ReplyDeleteI'm also looking for information . Thanks
Deletea survivor. 1959 - 1966? sent by state, greensburg court, westmoreland. childhood tragedy before i was even born. born deaf, ear tubes later. eventually put in foster care. my childhood journey was hard and harsh. i was one of the fortunate.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry you had to go through all that, but you survived! I can't even imagine what that must've been like.
ReplyDelete