WILDWOOD SANATARIUM
Nestled in the quiet town of Salamanca, New York, Wildwood Sanatarium stands as a haunting tribute to the past. Built around 1900, the three-story Victorian house, complete with an attic and basement, was once a beacon of hope for the sick and ailing. In 1903, Doctors John Henderson and Carroll W. Perry purchased the building, which was later opened as the ‘Sunnyside Sanatarium and Bath House’ in 1906. Operating as the state’s only osteopathic infirmary, it prided itself on offering individual care and healing rather than luxury.
Its history took a dark turn after being converted into a tuberculosis clinic in 1923. During an era when tuberculosis treatments were primitive at best, the death toll within its walls began to rise, leaving behind an unsettling energy that lingers to this day. Decades after its closure as a medical facility, the Wildwood Sanatarium passed through several owners, even serving briefly as apartments where tenants never seemed to stay long. Now privately owned, the building has found a new purpose as a hotspot for paranormal investigations. Visitors from all over flock to it, hoping to encounter the spirits rumoured to roam its corridors.
SPIRITS OF WILDWOOD SANATARIUM
The Wildwood Sanatarium earned its reputation as a paranormal haven, with countless visitors reporting strange encounters. Shadow figures and full-bodied apparitions are said to appear within the building, while glowing orbs are often seen drifting through the air. Disturbing EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) recordings have captured disembodied voices, adding an unsettling feeling to the already chilling atmosphere.
Doors are said to open and slam shut on their own, accompanied by persistent footsteps and mysterious knocking that seem to come from nowhere. Many visitors have also reported feeling touched or pushed, leaving little doubt that the spirits of former patients, nurses, and doctors still roam the halls of Wildwood Sanatarium.
Among the lingering spirits are two that stand out to paranormal investigators. The ghost of ‘Tommy,’ a young boy, who is believed to inhabit one of the rooms, his presence is often sensed by visitors who feel an undeniable chill. Another space, known ominously as ‘Linda’s Room,’ tells of the tragic tale of a middle-aged woman who succumbed to severe burns from a kerosene lamp, she is often sighted near the window of her room, her anguish leaving a permanent mark on the building.
Deep in the basement lies a chilling reminder of the unconventional healing practices once employed in its heyday. Patients were subjected to experimental therapies such as UV light treatments, electric battery baths and bone stretching. This eerie location, steeped in history, has not gone unnoticed by the paranormal world and holds a heavy energy that feels dark and uninviting.
On the second floor, guests often report an unsettling sensation, as though unseen eyes are constantly watching them. Some even experience a creepy claustrophobic feeling while daring to explore the rooms. Wildwood Sanatorium has firmly earned its reputation as one of the most haunted locations in New York.
VISITING WILDWOOD SANATARIUM
A visit to Wildwood Sanatarium isn’t just a step into one of New York’s most haunted landmarks; it’s a glimpse into a shadowy past. From the soft whispers of unseen spirits to the uncanny feeling of being watched or even touched, every corner of this infamous building holds the promise of an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a seasoned paranormal investigator or simply drawn to the eerie allure of Wildwood, its chilling legend will completely surround you. The real question is, do you have the courage to face what lies within? Book your visit today and uncover the secrets hidden within the walls of Wildwood Sanatorium for yourself.
If you found the hauntings at Wildwood Sanatarium intriguing you may also enjoy learning about the spirits of the haunted Indiana State Sanatorium.
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