Search

Jamie Davis Writes

Tag

St. Albans

Haunted Asylums Journals

Sharing a sample Handmade Haunted Asylums Journal made from photos of an investigation of St. Albans Sanatorium in Radford, Virginia.

The story inspiration of the journal is as follows:

Once upon a time, a younger version of myself set off on an adventure to explore abandoned insane asylums and prisons.  My first book, Haunted Asylums, Prisons, and Sanatoriums was born. But there were still stories to tell. Somehere deep within the innards of an abandoned insane asylum in the Northeastern United States, I made a discovery…

A handmade patient’s journal, taped and stapled together using a culmination of whatever materials were available during art therapy. There were envelopes, photos, and assorted charms hidden within the book.

What you hold in your hands is a copy inspired by the original patient’s journal. Peppered by color photos taken during the course of my own explorations into abandoned asylums and prisons, the journal also features envelopes for holding your treasures (one has been started for you). I have upcycled hardcover books and given them new life with each creation, making each journal a truly one-of-a-kind handmade book.

I hope that it inspires you to document a chapter in your own journey. Create some madness. Make something for yourself. Escape the prison of your own mind. Write your own book. – Jamie Davis Whitmer

Some of My Favorite Photos from St. Albans Sanatorium & Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum

Throwback to traveling days for Haunted Asylums, Prisons, and Sanatoriums. A sampling of some of my favorite exterior photos to get into the Halloween spirit!

St. Albans Sanatorium – Radford, VA 

St. Albans Sanatorium
St. Albans Sanatorium

Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum – Weston, WV

 

Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum
Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum

To purchase your copy of Haunted Asylums, Prisons, and Sanatoriums, head on over to Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Haunted-Asylums-Prisons-Sanatoriums-Institutions/dp/073873750X/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

Major Graham Mansion – Side Trip for St. Albans Sanatorium, Chapter 3

While we were traveling in Virginia for official Haunted Asylums, Prisons, and Sanatoriums business for Chapter 3 – St. Albans, I came across what I swore up and down was the Addams Family House. This is important, because the last time I thought I had found the real house I was five and at Disney World. Fast forward twenty seven years and I am still no further along in my search for those elusive Addamses. According to Sam, there is no REAL Addams Family, no hairy cousin Itt, and decidedly no Thing T. Thing. Right about now is when he likes to compare me to those people who pleaded so passionately to their congressmen when the first episode of Gilligan’s Island aired. “For God’s sake, why don’t we send someone out there to save those people?!”

Major Graham Mansion - Max Meadows, VA
Major Graham Mansion – Max Meadows, VA

Whether or not he’s right about the above, what I saw was actually the Major Graham Mansion, so I will have to continue the search for the Addams Family.

As we were turning around I thought I spotted a sign on the gate. “Beware of the Thing.” That’s what that sign said.

Oh, and I also liked this ramshackle, falling in upon itself place:
DSCN1896

Further Reading:

http://majorgrahammansion.com/

Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com.

Up ↑