Well, it only took me 5 months, but I promised I’d return and I did! After scouting out most of what remains of the Irene Byron Sanatorium site back in July, I was finally able to return to this location to photograph the only remaining building from the original sanatorium/hospital complex! (If you missed the original post, find it here).
On a 28-degree day (Fahrenheit, that is), I ventured for a walk around the fenced-off building that sits to the far west of the property, secluded in derilection until its demolition day arrives. But until then, a walk through time. Join me?
Looking roughly southwest from a small, paved area, we see the final building that remains on the sanatorium property. I wish I could tell you more about what this building was, where the other sanatorium buildings once stood, and lay out the property in organized map-form, but I’m still in the process of determining what and where everything was. For now, you’ll just have to wander with me, and wonder…The southern end of the building, looking west.With the building to my back, this shot looks straight east. Note the fragmented sidewalks, now leading nowhere, that still loop about the property.Looking east/northeast, another look at the sidewalks that creep about the dead grass.The southern end/facade.Still looking at the southern facade, now with the back (west) facade of the building coming into view. This shot looks almost dead north.The back (west) facade. Photo taken looking east.Looking southeast, this shows the north and west facades of the building.North facade, looking south.Due north of the building, there is a copse of old pine trees with something curious between them…An old sidewalk and foundation sit discreetly below the towering canopies.Looking northeast, a sidewalk still runs away from the old building site and takes a sharp right to the east.Looking west, a view of the foundation amongst the trees from the other direction.A final look at the mysterious building.
With the building as thoroughly photographed as possible, I venture east toward Lima Road for a look at the final standing structure on Sanatorium property — a tiny building that previously sheltered visitors awaiting the arrival of the Interurban train, which ran from Fort Wayne north to Huntertown and beyond.
Looking west as a sidewalk leads from the building we just visited toward Lima Road.Looking south at the remnants of the Byron Health Center/Allen County Infirmary complex.Due east: the old Interurban shelter and Lima Road in the background.North facade/entrance.Looking east at Lima Road through the window.Old electrical box on the east wall inside the shelter.Looking out the south window.Looking out the west window, with the building we just came from visible in the distance.Looking out the door on the north wall, facing roughly northeast.View facing west/southwest.
Thus concludes another borderline-legal, short-lived walk through a place that will soon live only in memory. Thanks for strolling with me and farewell til our next adventure.
Foreign and Forlorn 