Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Milton's Morris Memorial

*There has been such an influx of trespassers to this property during the spring of 2014 that security cameras have been installed and people ARE being arrested.  Please, please, please do not trespass! Trespassing is illegal and inherently dangerous and trespassing in the name of "ghost hunting" reflects poorly on the paranormal research community as a whole and makes it that much harder for legitimate groups who follow the rules to be allowed access to (and to even TALK about) some wonderfully historic locations.  Once again, Theresa's Haunted History DOES NOT condone trespassing in any form.  Please don't let your quest for a cheap thrill ruin it for the rest of us.*


In 1928, Walter T. Morris, an unmarried farmer in the Milton area, had a life-changing experience.  His beloved niece was diagnosed with infantile paralysis...otherwise known as polio.  For many months, the family was emotionally exhausted.  However, proper care allowed Morris' niece a chance at a normal life.

So impressed with her medical care, and recognizing a need for such in the Cabell County area, Morris deeded his 200 acre farm in 1930 for use as a facility for crippled children.  At first, the Morris home was used to treat a handful of patients, until construction on the sandstone structure of today was begun in 1936.
Hundreds of children received care at this state of the art facility, complete with auditorium, full service kitchen, and even a school staffed by the Cabell County Board of Education.  However, when Salk discovered the polio vaccine in 1955, the hospital was no longer needed.  In 1958, John and Rose Green took ownership and opened up a nursing and convalescence home on site.

Today, the building is largely abandoned, and its fate sits in limbo.  Possibly, the fate is not ALL that sits in limbo at this massive structure.  The hospital is widely known to be haunted...a reputation it seemingly acquired during its time as a nursing home.  Former staff members report eerie feelings and paranormal activity in the basement, the chapel, and the south wing in particular.  Shadows have been seen out of the corner of one's eye, and apparitions of patients (or former patients) vanish in hallways.

UPDATE: April 2012  We've recently heard that the local police are really cracking down on alleged trespassers, including those who visit the property during daylight hours.  Several months ago, I noticed that No Trespassing signs are now posted at the entrance to the property.  Theresa's Haunted History and its affiliates do not condone trespassing; please respect all posted laws and obtain permission before visiting this location.





24 comments:

  1. I want to hunt this place sooooo bad!!!! do they let you take tours?

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    1. Hi, Robby! As of right now, the general public is not allowed on the property and tours are not being given. The facility and grounds are currently owned by the city of Milton. However, I've heard from at least one source that there are plans that might FINALLY go through that involve turning the campus into a little shopping center filled with specialty shops. If this happens, it would obviously be open to the public, but its doubtful that they would allow any type of ghost hunt or tour.

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  2. What was the nurses name that wrked there last......

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    1. Sorry, I don't have that information. I know a FEW people who worked there, but not a complete roster of nurses.

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  3. I live next door to one of the nurses that worked there and her stories make your hair stand up

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    1. I can imagine! I've heard a lot of stories from nurses who worked there around the time it closed.

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  4. I spent several years [in the 1940s] there when it was a crippled childrens hospital. I would like to see it before it is tore down. Would this be possible?

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    1. Several years ago a group of former polio patients had arranged to take a tour, but I believe it was canceled because weather was extremely bad that weekend. I honesty don't know if the current administration of the town of Milton would allow it, but it would definitely be worth a shot to contact city hall and make a proposal. If you cannot get access to the inside, you might be able to tour the grounds, which would be better than nothing, I guess.

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  5. I just sent in a submission for to the city of milton to see if they will allow our team to investigate there, hopefully it's a yes, I don't see what harm it would be in allowing us to perform an investigation

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    1. There's been some change in local government, so hopefully they'll accept your proposal! Good luck, and keep me posted.

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  6. I worked there in the early 90s and wish I would have had a cell phone back then to show proof of what I saw and heard in the underground tunnels there.

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    1. Feel free to share any stories you have about Morris Memorial; we'd love to hear them!

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  7. A friend of mine is loI king into turning the building into a retreat. It will have a local organic greenhouse, and different gardens for meditation or just to relax. This will be great for our community as they will distribute food from the location. The bistro inside will offer for to the public also. If anyone has any information on how to help her, please let me know:)

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  8. you will soon be able to stay there again as it is being converted into a hotel. I used to work there myself in the laundry in the basement. http://www.wsaz.com/content/news/Economic-development-project-announced-in-Milton-450461353.html

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  9. I worked there in 1976-77. My mom and aunt used to string and snap green beans to feed the patients.

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  10. I have heard stories about a solid metal door that was welded shut at the seams I am wondering if these stories are true

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