A few seasonal pictures from my Pennhurst Visit (2024). I always love the sky above the buildings. It adds a kind of ambience over the location.
Although this is an older picture, it is still one of my favorites. Hopefully, Pennsylvania will see some snow this season.
PENNHURST GHOSTS OF MAYFLOWER 11
by Author Tamera Lawrence
AMAZON & OTHER FINE RETAILERS
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| PATHWAY PAST OLD HOSPITAL |
On September 29th, "Pennhurst Asylum" opened for their 2023 season. Two of my adult children and another friend accompanied me. The weather was beautiful, calm and a bit overcast. It perfectly set the mood.
Over the years, I have seen many changes in the actual haunt itself- including new and better scenes and animatronics. And as amazing as these ADDITIONS can be, there is nothing like the actual physical aspect of an actor dressed in disguise, leering and doing something incredibly horrid -especially if they can get a jump scare out of your hide.
"ASYLUM" Before we entered the Asylum, our four person group was also gifted with the addition of four 13 year old girls. This was the first time these young ladies were touring the haunt. After being greeted in the entrance way by a wicked nurse, we began moving through the building with all the gory displays. Now I am a seasoned haunter and there isn't much that scares me, but it was a really crazy experience with two out of the four girls hanging on to me for dear life. Claw like fingers dug into my arms and back. My shirt was twisted, my coat half ripped off. I began to laugh as they fell to the floor or refused to even walk. One screamed at me, "Why are you laughing?" I could only shake my head as one burst into tears. We all managed to get through the horror show and once outside, the foursome thanked me for my "motherly" service.
"THE MORGUE" After touring the Asylum, came the MORGUE. We were able to tour it with our small group. Once again, the actors out did themselves and managed to give me a couple of scare jumps. Screams, groans and eerie displays kept my feet moving in stride. Screams for help and a supposed dire situation took hold of the actors as they did their best to bring you into their imagined terror.
"TUNNELS" There is something very unnerving about the tunnels - even without the exhibits. I know from personal experience and revealing eye witness accounting, that the tunnels are often the target of paranormal mayhem. As you walked down the staircase, you are quickly overcome with the dark, damp atmosphere. You check your step, wondering if you'll disappear into the darkness. Fog, lighting and shapes lurking in the atmosphere giving you pause - not to mention a few hideous creatures. I found myself watching my footing or what I was touching as the dark worked over your imagination. The misty atmosphere messes with your mind as you strain to see your mystical surroundings. Just as you think you are finally escaping the underground corridor intact, a murderous surprise roars out of the final darkness - a nice ending to your feat.
"PATHWAY" At the end of our tour, we were greeted with a spooky trail, complete with surreal lighting, hanging pumpkins and large animatronics that would come to life. This was a nice touch and I enjoyed the tranquility after just experiencing the crazy mayhem.
*There is an additional attraction "CATACOMBS" offered but we didn't opt for it this particular time but will in the near future.
Out of the three attractions, "ASYLUM" was by far "my favorite" for I am easily drawn into the vivid creepiness of the endless rooms and corridors set amongst the historical relics of a bygone era. The actors are top notch pros. I was impressed.
Author Tamera Lawrence
GHOSTS OF MAYFLOWER: A PENNHURST HAUNTING BOOK 1&2
ASYLUM- A FICTION HORROR BASED ON SOME OF THE TRUE HISTORY OF PENNHURST
Pennhurst books: GHOSTS OF MAYFLOWER I & II (nonfiction)
Asylum (horror- based on some of the true history of Pennhurst)
The Pond (Paranormal Mystery)
Wrecker Creeper (Suspense)
The Serpent's Mark (Paranormal Romance).
There will be plenty of special guests, paranormal and history tours and vendors. Check out Pennhurst Asylum's website for more information.
https://pennhurstasylum.com/paracon/
Located at Bridge St & Church St, Spring City, PA 19475
During the 1950's, Anna Miller and her husband, Dennis worked at "Pennhurst State School and Hospital." Anna was their head dietician and Dennis was the farm manager. They both fondly remembered working at the campus.
Pennhurst grew their own crops and raised pigs and steers. They had dairy cows and a slaughter house. Meals were delivered to the large mass of residents.
Below is a picture of one of the Pennhurst Cookbooks used during the 1950's. It was simply called "Large Quantity Recipes" by "Margaret E Terrell, M.A." 1951
After her death, Anna's son inherited the old cookbook and shared it with me.
Recently, my book "Asylum" had been chosen to be read by this awesome group of people "The Novel Tourist" from Philadelphia. This book club group completed the historical tour of the Old Pennhurst State School & Hospital grounds & museum. Afterward, we met up at the Spring Hollow Golf Club for lunch and a great chat about Pennhurst, the paranormal & a bit of history.
The group had been very enthusiastic about "Asylum" and it was great to receive feedback on the book.
On another note, for anyone who has read the book, you will understand that while on the tour, this group had discovered a boot laying on one of the staircases, which gave them a start and a nervous laugh. They thought at first maybe it had been staged. Nope. Just a weird fluke.
In any event, I want to thank this awesome group. If you are interested in reading Asylum, the book is on Amazon & other major online retail outlets.
Author Tamera Lawrence
GHOST OF MAYFLOWER: A PENNHURST HAUNTING (Nonfiction)
PENNHURST GHOSTS OF MAYFLOWER II (nonfiction)
ASYLUM (thriller/horror: if you like clowns - this book is for you.
THE POND (paranormal mystery, also a first place winner in Reader's Favorite Book awards
