Western Maine Sanatorium - Hebron, Maine
Opening in 1904, The Maine Sanatorium was the state's first facility for the treatment of tuberculosis. The sanatorium was privately owned until 1915 when it was taken over by the state, along with Chase Memorial Sanatorium in Fairfield. The facilities were renamed the Western Maine Sanatorium and Central Maine Sanatorium respectively. People with the best chance of recovery were sent to the Western Maine Sanatorium. Those who were not expected to recover were sent to the Central Maine Sanatorium.
Practicing an open air policy, patients slept on porches or in rooms that were open the outdoors. It was believed that fresh air, rest and a proper diet would help aid recovery. Dairy cows, a corn silo, creamery and large farm supplied the food for the facility.
The sanatorium was also known for its Fourth of July parades, with floats and participants dressed in a variety of costumes. Games were held and the activities were open to participants who were in good health. The sanatorium was closed in July of 1959.
People have reported hearing the sound of glass breaking at the site of the sanatorium. As the buildings are in ruins, it would seem there would be no source for the sound. When we arrived at the site the first thing we noticed was a large amount of broken glass. Although we felt the claim was debunked immediately, we proceeded with the investigation.
Throughout the course of our investigation we detected no EMF readings or temperature fluctuations. The video, audio and photographic evidence also provided no proof of paranormal activity. The site is large and it is entirely possible for someone to be at one end of the site and hear glass breaking caused by another person or animal.
We cannot say there is no paranormal activity at the sanatorium without further investigation. However we were unable to find any evidence to support the claims. We also feel the most widely reported claim can be easily explained.
Practicing an open air policy, patients slept on porches or in rooms that were open the outdoors. It was believed that fresh air, rest and a proper diet would help aid recovery. Dairy cows, a corn silo, creamery and large farm supplied the food for the facility.
The sanatorium was also known for its Fourth of July parades, with floats and participants dressed in a variety of costumes. Games were held and the activities were open to participants who were in good health. The sanatorium was closed in July of 1959.
People have reported hearing the sound of glass breaking at the site of the sanatorium. As the buildings are in ruins, it would seem there would be no source for the sound. When we arrived at the site the first thing we noticed was a large amount of broken glass. Although we felt the claim was debunked immediately, we proceeded with the investigation.
Throughout the course of our investigation we detected no EMF readings or temperature fluctuations. The video, audio and photographic evidence also provided no proof of paranormal activity. The site is large and it is entirely possible for someone to be at one end of the site and hear glass breaking caused by another person or animal.
We cannot say there is no paranormal activity at the sanatorium without further investigation. However we were unable to find any evidence to support the claims. We also feel the most widely reported claim can be easily explained.
