Belchertown State School

In 1969 right after graduating from high school I worked there in the building called Tavel 3 & 4. Things at that time finally brought about changes. I was given 10 boys that were my responsibility during my shift. Inhumane treatment stopped thankfully. I loved all 10 of my boys and now 44 years later I still remember their names.

The worst thing I witnessed was when I 1st started working there - one of the boys fell and cut his head- I was assigned to take him to the hospital- they stitched his head with no anesthesia! I cried and held his hand and kept telling him he would be ok!

I worked with my boys and taught them how to use utensils and no their hands - how to use the bathroom - I treated my boys with love and I got so much back from them in return

Yes in the early years , like all state institutions, it was horrific- but it did change and I left shortly before they closed as they were in the process of closing and finding new placements for the residents

Another sad thing is during my interview I was told that sadly there were people admitted there simply be a unwed mothers did not want their child - I saw evidence of that - one of my boys was hydrocephali’s and had a shunt put in so his head was only a little bigger than normal- he was beautiful and so smart- his parents never visited him on Saturday’s which was visitation day.

I was told by a stranger that I had to be very cold hearted to work there! I was upset and said, “no, you have to be a caring and loving individual “ He never said anything after I said that

Am I glad they closed the place? Yes but I still wonder where and how my boys are - wish I could find out

Renee

May 2023

My younger sister was a patient there. It was horrible and she was taken out of there and placed with a loving family who helped care for her for 23 years until she passed away in 2011. Mercifully her memory of that place was gone and she was loved. Many didn't have that luxury. I saw many spirits there and hope they find peace.

March 2023

My friends and I went through a paranormal phase and would drive up to the state schools every weekend. We have only had two undeniable experiences. One was when we were in the cafeteria section of the hospital and we heard a woman sigh. The second encounter was on the baseball field where we saw a silhouette of a woman crossing the field.

August 2022

My boyfriend and I got tagged for trespassing. Had to go to court. Ended up having to pay almost $400 each in court fines.

October 2021

Smelled like shit and rotting blood and guts. Decapitated, a lot of stuff and equipment was left. Chairs that looked like people were tied to and tortured, just so weird. I felt hollow inside, like I could hear screaming and crying, I wanted to cry

July 2021