 |
| Graff Building |
A few of my favorite places to investigate are the old sanatoriums
and state hospitals in Pennsylvania. My first ghost hunt actually
took place at on of the hospitals known the Torrance State Hospital.
The hospital was originally built-in the early 1900’s due to the
increase need for care of the mentally ill. Torrance Hospital started
with a few patients that were transferred from the Danville Hospital
and patient census continued to grow to over 3000 by the 1960s. After
understanding and treatment for mental illness improved,
deinstitutionalization came into effect in the late 1960’s and
early 1970s. The move was to provide quick stabilization of mental
illness and offer community and outpatient care. Now only a few
hundred patients are currently admitted to Torrance State Hospital.
Over the years some of the older builds had been torn down or abandon
and a new hospital was built. Some of the old buildings remained used
but primarily for storage.
 |
| First Floor |
As for the hauntings associated with the Old Torrance Hospital,
they mainly circulate around the Graff Building/Cottage. The Graff
building provided a place for staff to reside, did some patient
intake, and housed the print shop. The Graff building is often
referred to as the staff quarters and is where many people go to get
a glimpse of the afterlife. This site is directly across from the
Army Reserves station in Torrance and a short distance down the road
from the current Torrance Hospital campus. The Graff Building has
been privately owned for years. Years ago the past owner allowed WW2
reenactments to take place on the property and was lenient with
people who investigated the building. However, for the past several
years the current owner has taken a stand against people trespassing.
The grounds have been cleaned up and many of the tress have been
removed that people used as cover to get into the building. The owner
has now installed a waist-high fence and reportedly motion sensors.
 |
| Basement Hallway |
The Graff building has many claims of haunts. Some believe the
souls of people are restless because of the primitive therapies used
on them that included Electroshock therapy, Hydrotherapy, and even
Lobotomies. Some reports that people were even placed in locked rooms
without windows or lights, or restrained for long periods of time.
Wittiness of the paranormal activity report seeing lights in windows,
mist figures and shadow apparitions. Noises of disembodied voices,
crying, and doors slammed have been heard. People have also
reportedly been hit by gurneys, feeling cold and warm spots, getting
grabbed at the ankle, and feeling suddenly weak and unable to move
their arms or legs. The epicenter of the activity seems to take place
in the basement in the boiler room. The first floor and basement are
easily navigated. The 2
nd floor of the Graff Building is
falling apart with the ceiling caving in at areas.
 |
| Boiler |
Besides the Graff Building, other areas of the Hospital have
claims of a haunting as well. Former residents have been seen roaming
the halls and property. Elevators have been known to open and close
by themselves. An old woman is said to haunt one of the private
rooms. The old tunnels that once connected the buildings are also
claimed to be haunted.
The Old Torrance State Hospital is still in operation and cares for patients while the Graff building is on private property. Neither of
these locations should be visited without proper authority and
permission. To get to this location, from Blairsville, PA take 217
south and make a left hand turn at the abandon gas station onto
Torrance Road. Approximately after one mile the old Graff building
will be on the right-hand side and the Torrance Hospital Campus will
be on the left-hand side a short distance up the road.
 |
| Boiler Room |
