Near
the city limits of Staunton, Virginia, there exists a distinguished set
of buildings not far removed from Richmond Road, also known as Route 250.
Replete with
imposing columns and a full five levels, the elegant complex was
the namesake of Dr. Joseph DeJarnette.
The DeJarnette Sanitorium was established in 1932 as a privately -
operated mental health facility. It offered those who had the
cash an alternative to the former state - supported Western State Hospital located near
downtown Staunton.
Ironically, Dr. DeJarnette himself was the longest - serving
administrator of Western State Hospital. He himself never
occupied an office nor position in the complex bearing his namesake.
Since 2003, PEB has documented the ongoing decay of the buildings which
were closed in 1996. It is our hope that it may be preserved and
renovated in some form, but the chances of it surviving another decade
seem to be slim.
Come along with PEB for an examination of the campus and an analysis of
certain practices once employed by the DeJarnette Sanitorium.
Click on the icon below to view the second PEB clip about DeJarnette's, "The Price of Progress".
