Letchworth Village Medical Building

This photograph of the Letchworth Village Medical Building was taken in January, 2007. It is from my personal portfolio. Adorned in a stainless steel frame, it is the perfect addition to contemporary or industrial atmospheric rooms. Framing is intended to be hung horizontally.

Brief History of Letchworth Village:
Located in Theils, New York, Letchworth Village opened in 1907. Its main purpose was to house individuals who were classified as "feebleminded" and epileptic. In the 1920s it was facilitated as an eugenics institution, sterilizing patients who were considered inadequate to procreate. At times, patients were euthanized and their family members received psychotherapy to wash away their guilt. As haunting as this is, it happens to be embedded in our dark, unnerving history.
After the craze of eugenics faded in the 1950s, Letchworth Village was transformed into a hospital. It remained in business until the mid to late 1990s. Stuctures on the site were worn down with neglect, having a feeling of antiquity with the ivy crawling up the buildings and along the broken windows.

Demolition began mid-February 2007 to tear down Letchworth Village. A private community will be built in its place.