Castle Woods Historical Society

A Small Crowd, a Big Heart

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the few of you who joined me for the vigil in the city yesterday. It was a chance to make our presence known, to remind the community that the fight for Castle Woods is far from over.

Photo of our little vigil by Mandy Sullivan

However, I cannot hide my disappointment. Very few people attended. For a cause that has been so close to our hearts for so long, the turnout was disheartening. I've also received very little feedback since. It's a bitter pill to swallow to see so much passion dwindle to this.

The Vigil: A Call for Hope

The fight for Castle Woods continues. I am inviting all of you to join us for a vigil we will be holding this Saturday downtown.

We will meet at 8 p.m. at our usual spot. I have prepared posters and candles to make our presence known and to remind the community of the sanatorium's importance. My wife, Mandy, will even be bringing some warm soup for everyone.

I am looking forward to seeing all of you who can make it. No matter how few we are, we will make a strong statement. As they say, hope dies last.

New Year, Same Problems: A Call for Fresh Ideas

It's a new year, but unfortunately, we're still facing the same old problems. I need your help to get our society back on track.

I'm currently focused on securing access to the sanatorium. It's absolutely ridiculous that since the fire, our society has been completely denied access to the grounds, while the authorities do nothing to prevent trespassers and vandals from entering. If the county continues to ignore this problem, I'm going to enter the grounds myself without a permit. I refuse to stand by while the building is left to be destroyed.

To make matters worse, we've lost some key allies. It hurts to announce that James Courtney II has left the society. He told me he no longer sees a future for Castle Woods, and his departure is a huge blow to our efforts.

On top of that, Kevin has stepped back from most of his organizational duties due to family reasons, leaving the day-to-day work to me. I'm doing my best, but I can't do it alone. We desperately need new people. Who wants to pitch in?

Our old strategies aren't working anymore. If anyone has a fresh idea, no matter how wild it sounds, please share it. The future of Castle Woods depends on it.

A Time for Reflection: What Happens Now?

The fire from this past July is still a raw wound. It did more than just burn a section of the building; it destroyed so much of the progress we had made, both physically and in the public eye. So much of the interest we worked hard to generate seems to have vanished in the smoke.

And now, the consequences are even more devastating. The authorities have used the fire as a pretext to shut us out completely. Access to the grounds is now definitively impossible for us and for everyone else.

It's moments like these that I miss our friend Frank the forester the most. I know that if he were still with us, he would be working tirelessly to help us and would never let things get to this point. His absence has exposed just how much we relied on him.

It's clear to me that the authorities are now exploiting this tragedy to our detriment. They are not interested in protecting the building; they are using this as an excuse to shut us out and eventually push for its demolition. All of our hard work and our perseverance have led us to this moment, and I am exhausted.

I just don't know what we do now.

A Quiet Act of Remembrance

It is still difficult to process the sheer scale of the attack our nation endured on September 11th. The shockwaves from that terrible day continue to resonate through every community, and our hearts ache for the immense loss.

The Castle Woods Historical Society extends its deepest condolences and prayers to all families and individuals affected by the tragedy. We stand in solidarity with the victims, the first responders, and all those who continue to work tirelessly in the wake of the disaster.

In a quiet, but profound, act of remembrance and patriotism, Frank, the forester, has raised a U.S. Flag at the gatehouse. It is a symbol of our unwavering national spirit and a beacon of hope in these trying times.

We kindly ask all members and visitors, as you visit the grounds, to take a moment to salute the flag and offer a prayer or a moment of silent reflection. Let us honor those we have lost and reaffirm our commitment to the values this society strives to preserve.

Together, we will remember. Together, we will heal.

Fire at Castle Woods Sanatorium: A Devastating Blow Amid Our Fight to Preserve History

During the night between June 4th and 5th, the attic of the old right wing caught fire. We strongly suspect this was arson, likely the work of local country youths or wild campers taking advantage of the building's poor security. This cruel act has severely damaged the structure we are desperately trying to save.

Picture of the burnt-out attic by Kevin O'Donnell

What pains us even more is the apparent hesitation of the fire department. We are aware that the building is remote, but according to our calculations, it should still have been possible to be on site within an hour. The nearest fire station is about 40 minutes away, and the fire was detected very early due to the clear weather. Their slow response allowed the flames to spread and caused greater destruction than necessary. It often feels like certain officials and politicians would rather see the building burn to the ground support its preservation.

As someone deeply committed to the Society's mission, I urge the community and the authorities to take a stand. We cannot let indifference and neglect destroy what little remains. The fight to save this place continues—but only with your support.

We remain committed to saving Castle Woods Sanatorium and call on all history lovers and concerned citizens to stand with us in this critical moment.

No Protection for Our Bats

We regret to inform our supporters that our recent petition to commission a study on the rare bat species residing within the building has been denied. Although this setback is deeply disappointing, we want to make it clear that our commitment to preserving every unique aspect of the Castle Woods Sanatorium remains steadfast.

Our resolve is being tested daily. The condition of the swimming pool in the newer building's right wing has grown critical. Toxic algae have begun to infest the pool tiles, causing visible damage and posing a health hazard. We would love to convene our community for a thorough cleaning and removal of this harmful algae. However, as many of you know, our official access to the grounds has been severely restricted. Despite repeated requests to the county, we have not been granted a permit to enter the property.

It is disheartening to know that a simple cleaning could help prevent further damage, but we are powerless to act. We will continue our efforts to secure access and will persist in our fight. The road ahead may be difficult, but our shared passion for preserving this historic place will not wane.

Together, we can make a difference, even if it is simply by refusing to give up.

A Setback for the Society, But Not the End

We write to you today with some difficult news. As of today we have received a formal rejection from the state for our latest application to grant the old Castle Woods Sanatorium a historical protection status. This marks the third time our efforts have been turned down, citing the building's "deteriorated state" and "lack of public access" as primary reasons. While the decision is frustrating, it's not entirely unexpected.

For those of you new to our cause, the Castle Woods Sanatorium is an isolated relic tucked away in the deepest woods of our county. It's a place steeped in local lore and a silent witness to a significant chapter of our medical history. Its walls, though crumbling, tell a story of pioneering treatments and the dedicated nurses and doctors who served a community in need. We believe its preservation is not just an aesthetic choice, but a moral obligation to honor the past.

The county, we've learned, has a different view. We believe they will soon be putting the land up for sale. They see the property as a liability—a ramshackle old building on a sprawling, valuable piece of land. And we can't deny that it's isolated. It's so far off the beaten path that it's not even on most maps anymore. Who would even be interested in it?

While the official protection status may be off the table for now, our mission is not. We will continue to advocate for Castle Woods, not just as a piece of history, but as a testament to the resilience of our community. We are exploring new avenues and partnerships, and we will not give up the fight.

Stay tuned for updates, and thank you for your continued support. Together, we can ensure that the story of Willow Creek is not forgotten.

A Year of Progress and Perseverance

As we approach the end of a year filled with both great strides and painful losses, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on our journey. The absence of our dear friend, Frank, is still felt deeply, and his passing has reminded us just how much our work relies on the dedication of good people. Without him, we are struggling to keep up. The vandalism is increasing, and we are at our limit.

Despite this, our society has persevered. Our cleanup efforts this past year were a tremendous success, thanks to the commitment of our volunteers. We have also officially submitted our report on the bat colony to the authorities. This is a crucial new path for us, and we are hopeful it will give us an advantage.

Now, we await the result of our third preservation application. We've learned from our past rejections and have a much stronger case this time, especially with the invaluable help of James Courtney II. He has proven to be a truly dedicated ally and a vital bridge to the authorities, helping us navigate the complex world of local government.

Thank you all for your unwavering support and hard work this year. It has been a testament to our shared passion.

We wish you all a very happy and peaceful holiday season.

About Frank the Forester

Some of you have been asking about Frank so here is all I can say: We don't know what happened and we don't know what will happen to him now. We don't know if he was buried and we don't know where to visit him. To be honest, we don't know anything about him at all. We don't know his family. We don't even know his last name. He was just Frank the forester.

Despite the recent tragedy and the heavy heart with which we mourn Frank the forester, the work of our society must continue.

I wanted to let you know that a third application for landmark status has been submitted to the State Historic Preservation Office.

I truly believe that this time, we have all the right documents and arguments in place. We learned a great deal from the first two rejections. I am now convinced we have everything we need to succeed.

Farewell, Dear Frank!

It is with a heavy heart that I must share some tragic news. Our friend and ally, Frank the forester, has passed away. We don't have any of the details.

Frank was more than just the forester in charge of the land; he was a steadfast friend to our cause and to us personally. He was a good man who gave so much of his time and energy to help us protect the sanatorium. His passion for the land and his quiet dedication to our work will be deeply missed.

Today, we mourn the loss of a valuable ally and a true friend.

Rest in peace, Frank!

Vandalism at Castle Woods: A Call to Action

I am writing this with deep disappointment and anger. This morning, we made a terrible discovery: youths broke into the sanatorium's main hallway and covered the walls with graffiti.

Picture of the hallway by Kevin O'Donnell

When we arrived, Frank was already there. He was beside himself. I have known him for almost 20 years, and this morning was the first time I have ever seen him cry. He feels abandoned by the authorities, and I can't blame him. He simply can no longer keep up with securing the grounds on his own. His employer, the county, has already issued a warning for neglecting his official duties as a forester.

These vandals have not only caused historical damage, but they have also caused the moral exhaustion of our best ally. We cannot allow this to stand.

I am organizing a cleanup day for this coming Saturday, September 23, starting at 9 a.m. We need all the help we can get. We must remove this graffiti before it becomes permanent. We will not let a group of vandals destroy all of our hard work.

I am begging you, please help us. The situation is serious, and our cause is at stake. Now more than ever, we need your support.

Second Rejection: A New Road Ahead

It is with a heavy heart that I must inform you that our second application for landmark status has been rejected.

All our hard work with the architectural expert from New York and the support of the influential politician, James Courtney II, were not enough. The reasons for the rejection were exactly the same as last time: the architecture is not unique enough, the location is too remote, the renovation is too expensive, and the building is not suitable for a new purpose.

It is disheartening to see that all of our progress and new evidence were dismissed. The state authorities refuse to see the true value in this place.

But I refuse to give up. This is not the end. I am convinced that there is another way. We have an ace up our sleeve. With the recent discovery of the bats, we will try to use a new approach. I am already preparing a new application. We will not be defeated by their bureaucratic apathy.

Small Steps, Big Impact: Our Summer Cleanup

I want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who joined us for our summer cleanup last weekend. The spirit and dedication of our members are truly inspiring. It was a long day, but every hour of work brought us one step closer to our goal.

And our hard work paid off in the most unexpected way. While clearing out some debris in the left wing of the building, we discovered a large colony of bats. We are now in the process of identifying them, and we have reached out to a local biologist to help us determine if they are an endangered species. If they are, this could be a major breakthrough for our cause. A protected bat colony could provide a new avenue for a successful preservation application and might even legally prevent any future plans for demolition.

Thanks for your help and enjoy the summer days!

The Peril of a Forgotten Place

I've received many emails and questions recently regarding the current state of the sanatorium, and I wanted to clear a few things up.

For all intents and purposes, the building has been almost completely empty since its closure. There are still a few chairs, beds, cabinets, and shelves left behind, but nothing that would recall its purpose as a mental asylum. The contents were likely cleared out soon after the sanatorium closed its doors for good. The interior, though dusty and dark, is for the most part still intact.

The exterior, however, is a different story. In recent months, the sanatorium seems to have gained an alarming new kind of popularity. Many of the windows are now broken, and the lower facade is completely covered in graffiti. Our friend Frank, the forester, is struggling to keep up with the security measures. The situation is getting more and more dangerous. Frank recently found a dead dog on the property, and there have been reports of fireworks being set off near the building. The threat of a fire is very real.

I must reiterate that even for members of our society, the grounds are off-limits without prior arrangement. For your safety and to avoid causing any further problems, please do not attempt to visit the site on your own. If you wish to visit the building, please contact Mark or Francess. Frank is our partner, not our security, and we ask that you do not contact him directly.

We also hope that you will participate in our cleanup day this coming Saturday, June 24. We will spend the entire day cleaning up the left wing, which is really necessary. Just come along, no need to register.

A Good Day for Our Cause!

The work of our fellow politician is already bearing fruit. The local newspaper did a great feature on the Castle Woods Historical Society, and Eleanor gave a fantastic interview.

She perfectly conveyed our mission and our goals. She communicated our passion for this building in a way that will encourage everyone who reads the article to believe in our cause. I couldn't be prouder of what we've accomplished.

Mark has collected several copies of the newspaper in his archive. If you'd like to read the article, please reach out to him.

This is a huge opportunity to reach more people in our community. Let's use this momentum to push our cause forward.

Also, I'm happy to announce that our second official application for landmark status has been submitted to the State Historic Preservation Office! Thanks Mark for your hard work!

This is a perfect reminder that every small step we take can have a huge, unforeseen impact. We continue to be hopeful about the future of the sanatorium and our efforts to save it.

A Powerful Ally and a Historic Report

After a long winter of frustration, I have some truly exciting news to share with you all. It seems our efforts are finally beginning to pay off, and we have two significant victories to report.

First, I am thrilled to announce that we have a new and powerful ally in our corner: James Courtney II. Mr. Courtney is an influential politician from the Democratic party, and, most importantly, he is a trained historian. He has agreed to join our society and will be helping us with our next application for landmark status. He intends to use his political influence to bring the sanatorium and its story into the public eye, which is exactly the kind of support we have been lacking.

Second, the architectural expert from New York has completed his extensive research and submitted a formal report on the historical significance of the building. While I must admit that some of the language is a bit flowery for my taste, his findings are absolutely invaluable. The report lays out a strong case for the building's unique architectural importance, and it will be the centerpiece of our new application.

With this new dossier almost complete and with Mr. Courtney's support, we are more optimistic than ever about the future of the sanatorium. The fight is far from over, but for the first time in a while, it feels like we truly have a chance.

A Clean Hallway and a Happy New Year

As we settle into the new year, I want to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who pitched in for our last work day in December. Your help was invaluable. Since then, we've focused our efforts inside the building, and I am thrilled to report that we have started cleaning the main hallway. The layers of grime were thick, but the work has revealed a stunning marble floor beneath. It's a testament to the original craftsmanship and the potential of this building.

Thanks to the incredible communication skills of Frank the forester, we now have an official agreement for access. We can now get into the sanatorium every Saturday morning from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for our cleaning and preservation work. We are all incredibly grateful for his reliability and his excellent work with the local officials. If you would like to help, just come by on Saturday mornings.

And speaking of Frank, a huge thank you to all who joined us for our informal Christmas apéro in December! It was a beautiful evening with a roaring fire in the front yard, all made possible by Frank who secured the necessary permissions and took full responsibility for the fire. It's moments like those that remind me why we do what we do.

We are just weeks into the new millennium, and I can't help but think about the incredible history of this place. The Castle Woods Sanatorium has already survived a turn of a century, and now it stands to witness a turn of a millennium. It will live on.

Bad News and an Urgent Appeal for All Craftsmen

I'm sorry to report that the main entrance of the sanatorium and many of the lower-level windows have been breached. There are signs of repeated intrusion, and we have to act quickly to secure the building. The structural integrity is stable, but we cannot risk any further damage from vandals or the elements, especially with winter approaching.

This is a serious setback, and we need your help. We're holding a work day next Saturday, December 18, starting at 9 a.m. to board up the windows and reinforce the main door.

While any help is welcome, we are in urgent need of people with specific skills. If you know a metalworker, carpenter, roofer, or mason, please bring them along. Frank the forester will be there with us, but sadly, no official assistance can be expected from the county. Mark's wife Mandy will be bringing some delicious clam chowder and baked beans for lunch.

On a brighter note, Mark has a new lead. He's in contact with an architectural expert from New York City who believes he can help us determine whether the building is more historically valuable than the state's preservation office initially claimed.

Also, on December 25, at 4 p.m. we will have a christmas apéro at Castle Woods! We are now setting up everything and it will be great! If you join us, please contact Francess Miller via email.

Last but not least we want to introduce Lance to the society. Lance is a carpenter and he will help us fix things on Saturday. Don't hesitate to meet him!

The Power of Bureaucratic Hurdles: Why the Cities Won't Help

For the past several weeks, I've been in contact with officials from the larger cities in our region, hoping to convince them to take the situation at Castle Woods Sanatorium seriously. My thought was that if we could get them to see the historical value and lend us their support, it would significantly increase our chances with a new preservation application. As a small society of ordinary citizens, we simply don't have the political weight to make a real difference on our own. We need the help of influential personalities and politicians.

Unfortunately, I'm not very optimistic. The response has been polite, but it's clear they want nothing to do with the issue. The sanatorium is viewed as an eyesore, an embarrassment they'd rather ignore or simply remove. They see it as a stain on the landscape, not the important landmark we know it to be.

It's even more frustrating when you realize no one wants to take responsibility. Every phone call is a new dead end. I get passed from one office to the next, from the Department of Public Works to the County Historical Commission and then back again.

It feels like we are constantly fighting a losing battle against indifference and a lack of vision. We're a small group of people who understand the value of history, but the institutions that hold the power only see a problem to be discarded.

I'm frustrated. I just don't know what to do when we're met with this much resistance.

The Local Authorities vs. History: A Dispute Over the Building's Future

It is with disappointment, though not surprise, that we report a major setback: our application for landmark status has been formally rejected.

The State Historic Preservation Office provided several reasons for the denial. They claimed the sanatorium's history is not sufficiently documented to be considered significant, and its architecture, while typical of its era, is not unique enough for preservation. The condition of the building was cited as "poor," requiring too much time and money for any feasible renovation. Finally, they argued that due to its remote location, a new purpose for the building would be impractical.

This decision, while disheartening, confirms many of our own long-standing concerns. It makes it clear that our work must now focus on further historical documentation and on proving the value of the building itself, rather than relying on state protection. We will use this experience to regroup and plan our next steps.

In other news, we have been working with the local police and Frank the forester to secure the main entrance. We hope this will deter most unauthorized visitors. We also heard that some of our members entered the area earlier this month without consulting us or Frank. We want to be very clear: the grounds of the sanatorium are county property, and trespassing is strictly forbidden. For our members and anyone interested in visiting the sanatorium, outside organised events, we can arrange an official visit. Due to our good relationships with the county and thanks to Frank the forester, exceptions can be made. Please contact Mark Sullivan or Francess Miller directly to coordinate.

The Sanatorium's Rapid Decline: What Really Happened After 1950?

Ever since I've joined the society, I've heard many theories about the sanatorium's history, but none has been more persistent than the rumor that the building was used for war veterans after the Second World War. After extensive research, I can now say with 95% certainty that this story is not true.

We've combed through all our archives again, and there isn't a single piece of evidence to support the claim. We've also invested significant time researching the care of war veterans in the entire region during that period without ever mentioning Castle Woods. The results are clear: we found absolutely no indication that the story holds any truth.

All the documentation we have still points to the same conclusion: the number of patients and staff dropped drastically from 1945 to 1948, and the building was completely empty by 1950 at the latest.

It's a fact that many patients died or disappeared during those final years, but the lurid horror stories with their highly detailed descriptions are nothing more than folklore. The reality is perhaps less sensational, but no less sad. It's a story of a place that simply ran out of purpose and, in its final years, struggled to contain its own problems.

We also welcome Lucas and Sandra to the society! Thanks for your support!

We're Under Attack!

I've spent the last month back at the sanatorium, capturing a new series of photographs. I truly believe these new images get closer to the spirit of the place than anything I've shot before. It's my hope to get these photos in front of a wider audience to generate the kind of awareness and support we need. My dream is to hold an exhibition in Boston. If anyone knows of a gallery owner or a similar contact in the city, please reach out to me.

While I have been busy with my work, Frank the forester has had a tough month. He was forced to remove several youths from the grounds on three separate occasions. Some were painting graffiti on the outer walls, while others were simply trashing the area. Frank is rightfully furious. He told me, "I'm a forester, not security, and the county needs to start investing in proper security! They really don't care and neither do I if nothing changes"

He's right. The constant vandalism is wearing us all down. While no one has managed to break into the main building yet, the attacks are getting bolder. They've started a fire in the old fountain outside and completely trashed the interior of the historic gatehouse. I'm so glad to have photographed the fountain several times when it was in good shape. Now it's completely black. It breaks my heart.

It is disheartening to see the place we're fighting so hard to protect be so carelessly destroyed. It feels like every day we take one step forward, the vandals take two steps back.

My Great-Aunt Was a Nurse Here: A Personal Connection

Thank you, Mark, for the kind introduction. It's wonderful to be a part of this community, and I'm excited to share my own perspective on the history of Castle Woods.

I always knew I would eventually return to Providence. My earliest memories were formed here, and I always felt a pull to come back. When I finally did, I was determined to find the sanatorium I had heard so much about as a child. I didn't even know if it still existed or where it was. My search led me to this website, and I was overjoyed to find a group of dedicated people who shared my passion.

My connection to the sanatorium is a very personal one. My great-aunt Ella, a woman who was always very close to me as a child, worked there for two years after she finished college. She was only about 20 years old at the time, so it must have been sometime between 1920 and 1925.

She often told me stories about her time there, and they weren't always what you'd expect. She talked about working with the patients, about the difficult cases she got to know, and how all of it was an emotional challenge. But there were also moments of levity. I remember her telling me vividly about how she and the orderlies would drink alcohol at night after their shifts, which was fully accepted, even during prohibition. For a young woman at that time, it must have been a great adventure.

It was obvious that those two years had a profound impact on her. She always said it was incredible how her personality changed during that time. She described how she was very emotional at first, letting herself get carried away by the patients' fates, but how over time she grew colder and more composed. She admired the way she learned to cope with the suffering, but she also lamented that she had lost a part of her youthful warmth.

Her stories are the reason I am so committed to the preservation of the sanatorium. It's not just a building; it's a place with stories that live on in the people who were there.

I am also delighted to welcome Fred, Rosie, Justin and Jessica to the society! The local family became aware of Castle Woods because Justin heard about it at school. It's great to hear that the sanatorium is getting more attention.

A New Voice Joins Our Blog! Welcome Eleanor!

It is my great pleasure to introduce a new voice to our online journal. Please join me in giving a warm welcome to our newest contributor, Eleanor Vance!

Eleanor is a 43-year-old teacher who has recently returned to the Providence area after spending many years in Minnesota. She spent the first years of her life here and has a deep personal connection to Castle Woods, a story she promises to share with us all soon. We are thrilled to have her on board. Her perspective will be an invaluable asset to our society and to this blog as we continue our mission. We look forward to her upcoming posts.

On a separate, but important note, I'd like to extend a special thanks to Frank, the forester. He successfully convinced a group of wild campers to pack up and leave the Sanatorium grounds last month. We're grateful for his vigilance and commitment to protecting the property from uninvited guests.

Thank you again for your continued support, and please look forward to Eleanor's first post.

A Major Milestone: Application Submitted to the State Historic Preservation Office!

It is with great excitement that I can finally announce: the application for landmark status has been officially submitted to the State Historic Preservation Office!

This is a major milestone for us, a truly momentous first step. Mark, with invaluable assistance from Historic New England, spent countless hours ensuring every detail was perfect. It's an enormous achievement just to get to this point.

We are realistic about our chances. We've been told the process is a long one, and there is a high probability that our application will be rejected on this first attempt. The building's history, as a sanatorium, is not as widely documented as other historical properties, and the condition of the building itself is a major factor. But we will not be deterred. This is a crucial learning experience. It will give us invaluable insight into what the state requires, and we will use that knowledge to come back stronger with our next attempt.

To celebrate this important first step, we're inviting everyone to join us for a little gathering at Mark's home next Saturday, February 27, at 7 p.m. We'll have a small apéro to toast our progress. Mark has graciously offered to open up his renowned home archive for everyone to browse.

Please join us and celebrate this important step on our journey!

The Heartbeat of Our Society: A Look Back at Our First Few Months and Merry Christmas

As the holiday season approaches, I want to take a moment to reflect on our first few months as an online community and extend a heartfelt thank you to all of you.

The launch of our website back in April was a resounding success, far exceeding our hopes. I was especially touched by the letters and emails I received from some of you, sharing your own memories and fascination with the sanatorium after my post about my personal connection. Your stories are the true heartbeat of our society. Since April four people have joined the society: William, Bill (also William), Alfio and Amy. Welcome!

I must also give special thanks to everyone who showed up to help repair the Art Deco gate. Your dedication was truly inspiring. I was particularly grateful that the local fire department lent a hand, helping us clear trees and debris from the road leading up the hill. Every small action is worth so much!

On the administrative front, we've made significant progress on our official paperwork. With valuable assistance from our partners at Historic New England, the application for the State Historic Preservation Office is finally prepared and will be submitted in the new year. If you have any connections to influential people on the board, please let us know. Every little bit of support helps.

On a final note, several members and I have been busy in the archives, following up on that theory about the sanatorium's use after WWII. After many hours of research, we have not yet found any corroborating evidence. The mystery remains. It's been a joy to welcome so many of you to my home archive. Thank you for your support, and I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and happy holidays!

New Discoveries: Shrouded in Shadows

Our website is beginning to show results. A gentleman from the area recently reached out with some fascinating, though unconfirmed, information. He claims to know from family sources that shortly after the Second World War, the sanatorium lost its original "mental asylum" status and was instead used to care for war veterans.

This is a tantalizing lead, as it could help us understand the mysterious end of the institution. However, the gentleman had no concrete evidence. He was certain his father, a doctor, had worked there for a very brief period during that time. I spoke with him for nearly two hours, but his story was loose and at times, contradictory. One moment he spoke as if his father had told him the details directly, the next it sounded more like he had only picked up vague hints.

It's a discovery that raises more questions than it answers. I will carefully file this new information and continue my investigation. In the coming months, I plan to search regional archives for records on the treatment of war veterans in this area, hoping to find some proof for this compelling story.

It just goes to show how vital it is to follow up on every small piece of information. Every new lead can help us fill in the gaps in the history of the Castle Woods Sanatorium.

One more important point: Frank, the forester, wants to thank you for all the kind words you shared with him during the gate repair. I want to clarify once again just how important he is to us. Frank has been a forester for 30 years and is responsible for the area where the Castle Woods Sanatorium is located. He's, so to speak, our official contact, our go-to guy who handles legal access to the grounds. Although he officially doesn't want to be a member of the Society and always seems a little cold and uninterested, he's a good warm soul, and we like him and know how lucky we are to have him. Thank you, Frank!

The First Step in the Web: Let's Save the Gate Before It's Gone

As a photographer, I have a deep appreciation for the finer details of the Castle Woods Sanatorium, but the grand Art Deco gate at the foot of the hill holds a special place in my heart. Unfortunately, it has recently suffered some damage. Parts of the intricate metalwork have been bent and some hinges are failing, putting the entire structure at risk. It's disheartening to see this beautiful piece of craftsmanship deteriorating.

But we are not standing by. Our society has already secured the help of a local metalworker who has agreed to assist us with the repairs. We are, however, still in need of a few more hands to help with the cleanup and stabilization work. Therefore; this is our first call on our website:

We will be meeting at the gate next Saturday, September 5, at 10 a.m. to begin the work. We'd be grateful for any help you can offer, regardless of your skill level. Even just an hour of your time would be a huge help. Frank, the forester who has been volunteering with us for years, will be there as well. I want to give him another huge thank you! Without him, it would be nearly impossible for us to get legal access to the area. Thanks, Frank!

On a separate but equally important note, Mark has made great progress on our first major project. He is preparing a formal application for the State Historic Preservation Office to have the sanatorium evaluated for potential landmark status. We've been in close contact with Historic New England, and they have offered their support. This is a monumental step forward, and we couldn't be more excited about the possibilities.

See you at the gate!

The Sanatorium's Legacy: A Personal Connection

Today, I'd like to share a more personal story about why I dedicate so much of my time to the Castle Woods Sanatorium.

I first stumbled upon the grounds as a young adult. The building stood silent, a beautiful and imposing ruin hidden deep in the woods. I visited it regularly and also started to learn about its history. I was immediately fascinated, particularly by its abrupt and mysterious abandonment shortly after the Second World War. It felt like a monument to a forgotten history, and from that moment on, I couldn't let it go. Over the years, I spent thousands of hours in regional archives and libraries, piecing together its story. But despite my best efforts, I have yet to find a single document that explains what happened. All the papers and photographs I found were carefully preserved in boxes at my house—my own private archive.

It was on one of those early visits, about twenty years ago, that I met Kevin O'Donnell. I was sketching the intricate brickwork when he walked up with his camera. He was a half-professional photographer, and like me, he was captivated by the sheer beauty of the place. Back then, the sanatorium was almost completely forgotten. It was in remarkably good condition, a truly untouched relic. We started to meet regularly and we forged a friendship based on our shared passion.

It's disheartening to see how things have changed. These days, there are too many unwanted visitors. The grounds have become a target for vandalism and careless intrusion. The building is no longer a hidden gem but a target. It grieves me that a place of such historical importance isn't more secure.

Luckily, our efforts to secure the property have led to an unexpected alliance. In our first year of regular visits, Kevin and I met the county forester, Frank. Initially, he saw us as a nuisance and wanted us gone. But over time, we were able to crack his cold shell. He now helps us with access to the property and has even started to assist with small repairs. Having an ally on the inside is an invaluable asset.

As of today, there are 12 people in the society and I hope that we will grow very soon.

Our New Web Home is Here!

It is with great excitement that we launch this web home. For too long, our work has been confined to meeting at our homes and in the woods. Now, thanks to the power of the Internet, we have a place to share our passion with the world—a place to rally support for our mission of preserving this historic landmark.

My colleague Kevin O'Donnell and I have taken on the task of building and maintaining this site. While we are enthusiasts and not professional webmasters, we will do our best to keep our pages updated. Think of this space as our online journal. We plan to post updates on our preservation efforts, share new historical findings, and let you know about upcoming events.

We believe the sanatorium is a vital part of our local heritage, and we can only save it with your help. We hope this site will become a hub for all who share our vision.

For all questions regarding the website, please send us an e-mail. If you would like to receive our printed materials or a newsletter by postal mail, please contact Francess Miller at familymiller1234@aol.com. She will be happy to assist you.

Thank you for visiting, and check back soon!