Exploring Connecticut’s Hidden Gem: The Abandoned Seaside Sanatorium
Hey everyone, it’s Dan Blanchard from the Travel in Time show, and today we’re delving into the fascinating and often poignant history of the old Seaside Sanatorium in Waterford, Connecticut. This incredible, abandoned tuberculosis center overlooks the beautiful Long Island Sound and is surrounded by multiple buildings, truly a stunning place.
A Century Ago: The Scourge of Tuberculosis
Imagine this: about a hundred years ago, tuberculosis (TB) was the number one killer in Connecticut. It was tragically affecting children, with one out of every 20 deaths attributed to TB around the 1930s. During this challenging time, amidst the Great Depression, there was a powerful call to action, echoing Eleanor Roosevelt’s sentiment, “Above all do something”. And that’s exactly what Connecticut did.
A Visionary Design for Healing
Connecticut’s response was remarkable. They purchased land on this beautiful estate and commissioned the architect who designed the Supreme Court. Their unique directive? To build a facility that didn’t look like a hospital or an institution. The architect rose to the challenge, creating a place designed with healing in mind.
The core treatment philosophy at the time was heliotherapy, based on studies showing that sunshine, fresh air, and being outdoors helped people recover from tuberculosis. What better location for this than the Long Island Sound, offering an abundance of fresh air straight off the ocean and plenty of sunshine?
Opened in 1934, the bottom floor of the hospital was initially open, with hospital beds for TB patients – mostly kids – placed outdoors. This revolutionary approach made it one of the first hospitals of its kind in the country, a beacon of hope for many parents.
Evolution and Challenges: From Sanatorium to Park
The sanatorium’s role, however, began to shift.
- Around 20 years after its opening, advances in medical care, including better hospital treatments and new antibiotics, meant tuberculosis was no longer such a significant concern.
- The center closed down briefly but soon reopened as a geriatrics facility. During this period, the open bottom floor was enclosed.
- Within a few years, it transitioned again, becoming a mental health institution, using the terminology of “mental retardation” at the time. This period was unfortunately marked by budget cuts, staff shortages, a high patient load, and eventually closed down amidst lawsuits regarding neglect, abuse, and even incidental deaths.
Today: A Park with a Future
As of 2016, the former sanatorium grounds have been transformed into a beautiful park.
The grounds and beach are stunning, attracting visitors for swimming and relaxation, even in early June.
The main buildings, however, remain untouched, sparking dreams for their future. It’s estimated it would cost tens of millions of dollars to redevelop, especially if it’s a “brown site” with contaminated soil. There’s a strong hope that someone with significant resources and imagination will invest in this site, perhaps turning part of it into a museum to preserve its rich history, or even a fancy hotel or accommodation.
Lessons in Leadership
The history of the Seaside Sanatorium offers powerful lessons in leadership. Eleanor Roosevelt’s call to “Above all do something” resonates deeply with Connecticut’s proactive response to the TB crisis. Beyond that, the establishment of this hospital showcases visionary leadership – thinking outside the box and boldly taking action, especially when heliotherapy was a revolutionary concept. It’s a testament to the idea of doing something truly special to help those in need.
This incredible site, with its blend of history, natural beauty, and lessons in human endeavor, truly embodies a mix of travel, history, and leadership.
This is Dan Blanchard from the Travel in Time Show, encouraging you to check out this Connecticut historical gem
Thanks for joining me on today’s Travel in Time journey, where travel, history, and leadership intertwine with me, Dan Blanchard. See you soon.
*Check out Dan’s historical leadership book series: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BN8XS8XS?binding=kindle_edition&searchxofy=true&ref_=dbs_s_aps_series_rwt_tkin&qid=1746200479&sr=8-1
*Watch Dan’s YouTube video about this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5NLYMMxTGw&t=1s
*Listen to Dan’s podcast about this: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/daniel-blanchard84/episodes/Travel-in-Time-Episode-10-CTs-Seaside-Sanatorium-e33sq7m
*Learn more about Dan: www.GranddaddysSecrets.com