Returning To Fernald

[@toothnurse4649]

I worked on the grounds of Fernald in the Withington bldg at Tufts Dental. I have to agree with one of the women who said what a waste it was. I looked out the window of my operatory at the Dental clinic and thought what all of those decrepit buildings could have been had they been maintained and kept up. I'd never gone into the Howe library, it was clearly a beautiful space (in its day) The Green pool was just gorgeous, kept at 98 degrees and pristine clean, it could have been a wonderful place for so many to exercise and just feel relaxed in the water. Those buildings could have been apartments for those individuals who could live on their own with some assistance. It's a shame

[@zachary3352]

Wow, I didn't realize the Greene pool was kept so warm. Another argument for specialized therapeutic pools. Thank you for watching and for sharing your experiences working at Fernald!

[@gailray5484]

I worked there from 1982 to 84 as an OTA. Gained valuable experience with the challenged population. So sad that they have closed it.

[@tjackman]

Having been here countless times in the past year I can say that this place is a hidden gem in Waltham. I wish I could have seen the place when it was in full operation!

[@zachary3352]

I agree, I wish I could see Fernald at a couple key times in its history! For anyone reading this comment, you should know that it is trespassing to be on Fernald's campus without approval. Every time I went to film this documentary, I had permission from the City of Waltham.

[@tjackman]

@@zachary3352 oh definitely, don't go there without express permission.

[@karenhaupt4321]

Thank you so nice to hear from people who worked there! I agree about the pool!

[@zachary3352]

Thank you for watching!

[@kevellin]

Got to use the pool a few times with my son then one day it was just gone.

[@brookspayne1091]

Great 'peek' into the former life of Fernald, the story of John Scott and his drawing only the upper half of his body is very revealing. Thank you for sharing.

[@zachary3352]

Thank you for watching! Even from behind a camera, it was amazing to hear Susan explain John's story in the room where it took place many years earlier.

[@brookspayne1091]

@@zachary3352 You're a gifted storyteller, Zachary, having the sensibility to know that showing us John's name on the written sheet would help us connect to the moment.

[@tamiarguelles5980]

My mom and Aunt lived there from 1956-1965 it was horrific for them.

[@zachary3352]

I'm very sorry to hear that, unfortunately an all too common story of institutionalization in America. Thank you for watching!

[@firstarrivalnews3116]

Wow never knew this video existed! Great job!

[@zachary3352]

@@firstarrivalnews3116 Thank you, sir! :)

[@MaxMiniTV]

Thank you, this is terrific!

[@zachary3352]

Thank you for watching!

[@tazmissionplex]

Great job

[@zachary3352]

Thanks for watching!

[@outdoorswitheli4787]

I worked there for 1 year, the things that I witnessed I will never forget😢

[@zachary3352]

Thank you for watching and for your comment. The more I research Fernald, the more I come to understand how much it changed over time. When did you work there?

[@outdoorswitheli4787]

@@zachary3352 1986. I was fired because I reported a rape. I caught a worker raping a client and when I reported it my supervisor she had me fired. Come to find out her and the worker were best friends.

[@zachary3352]

@@outdoorswitheli4787 That's sad to hear, especially so late in Fernald's history. I know things tended to get better toward the end, especially after Judge Tauro's visits, but obviously there were still plenty of issues. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@lentil_soupp608]

Sad to see what the place has become recently compared to this video. the remaining buildings are torn up and vandalised really bad. spray paint covers most of the walls and only a few buildings still resemble what they once looked like or are at least in more of an untouched state.

[@zachary3352]

It really is sad. Unfortunately, it seems like most who visit Fernald have bad intentions. When I made this film, many of the buildings could probably have been saved, but it's likely too late now. Thanks for watching!

[@joeyc1563]

Apparently it’s all slated for demolition beginning next year and some of it is being slowly torn down now

[@lentil_soupp608]

@@joeyc1563 where'd you hear that? I think there was some community backlash the last time they wanted to demo the old campus but I've not heard anything about demolition going forward

[@joeyc1563]

@@lentil_soupp608 Well I’ve been there around 2 weeks ago and they have crews up front doing demo prep and I hear that they’re doing something there

[@paused1069]

So this place is still here today huh? I’ve been looking for some cool places like this!

[@zachary3352]

Thanks for watching and commenting! Yes, many of Fernald's buildings are still there, but I would highly recommend against visiting without prior approval. Doing so is trespassing, and there is regular police presence on site. Every time I went to film this documentary, I had permission from the City of Waltham. Most buildings are also in various states of disrepair, so visiting without an expert is dangerous.

[@paused1069]

@@zachary3352 oh you got permission from the state. That’s actually awesome, I wish I could or else I would I doubt they would give me permission without a valid reason. I go to these places just for photos and unfortunately take the risk and break the law. But maybe one day I’ll go with permission here place is super neat!

[@danielleprovencher1731]

There was a lot of abuse here

[@evalynemubiru6601]

It's very sad they demolished the pool. It was very nice. 😒

[@keepthemquietxo2332]

I was gonna say!! The rec has been gone for almost a year!! It was wild seeing it and not walking on its rubble.

[@thereadyprepared6144]

This place has a lot of messed up history

[@zachary3352]

Unfortunately it does. I hope the property can be re-used in a way that adequately remembers the people who lived (and died) at Fernald, teaches the public about disability history, and is advantageous to people with disabilities today. Thank you for watching!

[@Maniac1607]

Any way to access it aside from the main entrance on Trapelo Road?

[@zachary3352]

Thanks for watching and commenting! As I mentioned in a previous reply to a comment, I would highly recommend against visiting without prior approval. Doing so is trespassing, and there is regular police presence on site. Every time I went to film this documentary, I had permission from the City of Waltham. Most buildings are also in various states of disrepair, so visiting without an expert is dangerous.

[@andyanderson9833]

Back in the 50's my Grandfather listed the Fernald School as his address when he applied for American citizenship. I assume he must have worked and lived here for a time, I'll never know.

[@zachary3352]

Wow! Thank you for sharing your story. So many people have a connection to Fernald in some way.