Greetings, everyone...
I am researching the history of Edgewood State Hospital for a website,
Edgewood Hospital. This hospital
was built as an extension of Pilgrim State Hospital, and was completed by the US Army during WWII, where it was known as Mason General Hospital. It
stood on Commack Rd. in Deer Park, NY.
After the war, the Army gave the hospital back to the state, when it became known as Edgewood State Hospital. It was abandoned in 1971, and after
years of being mercilessly vandalized, it was demolished in August, 1989.
This complex may be familiar to those of you who grew up on Long Island, as it was a very popular hangout for kids during the 70's and 80's. For
those of you who are not familiar with it, Pilgrim State Psychiatric Center was the largest mental hospital in the world.
I have had a frustrating time trying to find early history, plot plans, blueprints, and general information. All of the content I have been able to
find has been contributed by visitors to the site. Most attempts at finding formal documentation through government offices have turned into dead
ends.
ANYWAY... there have always been rumors that there was much more to Edgewood than meets the eye. It had a vast underground tunnel system, which was
common for mental hospitals of the day. People say these tunnels lead to places such as Brookhaven National Lab, which is about 30 miles away.
People have also heard stories that Edgewood was actually used by the CIA and military for top secret expirements during the cold war, as well as
weapons development. Of course, nobody ever has concrete proof. They have just "heard things." I guess when it is very difficult to find
documented history, people tend to make up their own.
Can anyone provide further insight into this place?
For those of you who are NOT familiar, I have attached a picture of it's main building.