Over the weekend my daughter told me that my last two posts were kind of downers and that I needed to lighten things up. I agree. There are tons of "downer" people in the world who like to talk about downer things. I will no longer be a downer. I will be an upper. A lightener upper.
So, a while back I wrote a post about some haunted places that peaked my interest, and one of the places was Starvation Heights in Olalla, Washington (Washington rocks! by the way - - even eastern Washington!). And one of my newest favorite paranormal TV shows, the Dead Files, visited Starvation Heights.
A little history lesson - -
Back in the early 1900s a doctor, Linda Burfield Hazzard, set up Wilderness Heights Sanitarium. Dr. Hazzard (and I use the term "Dr." very very lightly) held the belief that fasting cured all sorts of diseases - - that you could actually starve diseases out of bodies. So, her patients would come to the Sanitarium hoping to be cured of their illnesses. Many patients went there never to be seen again. Dr. Hazzard was really just evil. So many people died, and the good doctor would bury their bodies on the front lawn, and then plant trees on top of their graves, or she would incinerate the bodies. She even threw more than a few bodies off a cliff.
As if being evil and cruel to her patients wasn't enough, she was also a forger. She forged many of her patients' wills and was "heir" to many fortunes - - 40 to be exact.
The doctor was convicted of manslaughter in 1912 and sentenced to hard labor in prison in Walla Walla (my home - not the prison - the town). She was released 8 years later and resumed her practice in a newly constructed sanitarium.
Wilderness Heights Sanitarium became known as Starvation Heights, for obvious reasons. It is now haunted by many who died there, their restless souls walking the grounds, unable to find peace.
Last night my husband said to me - "We need to get away for a weekend. Why don't you think about where you'd like to go." Hmmm, okay. I think I know where I want to go :)
Great place to start your diet.
ReplyDeleteYeah, except you'd probably never leave alive - - That might be a problem for some of us :)
ReplyDeleteI like your reasoning Judy... frm becoming an upper to risking your life at a wilderness sanatorium. I assume your husband had something different in mind.
ReplyDeleteAnni
http://whatisbelgium.blogspot.com
I'm sure he had something WAY different in mind, Anni! I'll think of it as an Olympic sport :)
DeleteSounds like a fun weekend ;)
ReplyDeleteHopefully it will be fun AND creepy!!
DeleteI don't think your postings are downers. :/ Loved the tale of Starvation Heights tho! Can't wait to read the posting on what your hubby says after you tell him about the Dream Vacation you guys are taking! :) Enjoyed reading your posting.
ReplyDeleteThanks, GG!
DeleteDon't worry about being a downer sometimes. If a blogger is positive and happy in every post, it annoys me. Nobody is cheerful all the time.
ReplyDeleteThat doctor reminds me of the one at Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs. He tried to cure cancer in his patients while stealing their money and killing them. Going to that tour this week!
haven't ghost adventures been to Crescent Hotel? I think I watch way too much paranormal TV shows! I hope you have a blast this week! Wish I could go with you!
DeleteGhost Hunters. It was years ago but it was a good episode
DeleteI googled after I posted that reply and saw Grant staring me in the face :)
DeleteHow rude am I!!!???
ReplyDeleteHave fun with your husband wherever you decide to go!
:)
DeleteI would love to go there! Hope you get to go. :)
ReplyDeleteMe too, Dana!
DeleteOH goodness. .. . Not for the faint of heart. (:
ReplyDeleteI wonder if I'm acting braver than I really am??!!!
DeleteYou're introspective. Sometimes that leads you up, sometimes down, and sometimes to very unique vacation locales. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteWho knows? Maybe we'll end up going to the Portland Zoo instead!
DeleteJudy? A downer? Never happen!
ReplyDeleteI don't know, Mark. some of your facebook postings are really getting me down . . . :)
DeleteCOOOOL!!!! I love stuff like this and I remember hearing about this place when I lived in Pierce County. THink I saw a documentary about it once too! My friend Mary & I are heading to the Lizzie Borden house, hopefully early next week. :D It's about 30 miles away. Not to stay the night though; just a day trip.
ReplyDeleteI saw on facebook you were going to the Lizzie Borden house and, I must say, I was quite envious! Can't wait to hear about it!
DeleteGood one ! !
ReplyDeletei will no longer be a downer too , at least i will try :)
Hey, that's all we ALL can do - try!
DeleteNo Judy you are not a downer & we all have those days when ...well...it isn't all cheery and great so what better way to get there then with the help of wonderful bloggee friends??? I love your adventures, you are brave to say the least i can not watch those shows anymore, I scare myself :)) Have a great time where ever you two end up:]
ReplyDeleteThanks! And, yes!! We all have some wonderful bloggee friends!!
DeleteI'm always intrigued by that kind of stuff. That's where it ends with me. I can't even watch scary movies. Looks like job is a yes. Thanks for asking. Though not neat & simple. He will go ahead (to make $) to bring us in a few months. I'm nervous but I know need to be thankful and this is the path God chose for me. Some struggle never hurt anyone right?
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Jennifer!! So excited for you guys!! Some struggle is GOOD for you - - helps you to appreciate the good times! Can't wait to read about your new adventure!
DeleteHum, really ritzy spas charge lots of money to starve their guests. Maybe Dr. Hazzard was just ahead of her time.
ReplyDeleteMaybe, but I don't think the really ritzy spas would kill you and then bury you in their front lawn :)
Deletethe state of washington permitted a convicted felon who was not a doctor to open a health facility????????????
ReplyDeleteShe was a real doctor - - just not a very good doctor OR a very nice doctor :) and remember, this was back in 1920, so who knows what went on back then?!
Delete