History of Undercliff Sanatorium
Undercliff State Hospital, or Meriden Sanatorium, was a 37-40 acre hospital on Undercliff Road, Meriden, Connecticut, United States. It was erected and established as Meriden Sanatorium in 1910 to serve children with tuberculosis, German measles, chicken pox, or smallpox. In 1922/1924 the name was changed to Undercliff Sanatorium. In 1939, the hospital began accepting adults. In 1967 the name was changed from Undercliff Sanatorium to Undercliff Mental Health Center. As of 1976, the facility was discontinued.
Timeline of Undercliff Sanatorium
Source: Connecticut State Library |
History of Undercliff Sanatorium
According to the Connecticut State Library, Undercliff was originally opened in 1910 as the Meriden Sanatorium and in 1918, became the first facility in the nation dedicated exclusively to treating children afflicted with tuberculosis. The name was changed to Undercliff Sanatorium in the early 1920s, and about two decades later, it began to accept adult patients. In 1954, the tuberculosis patients were transferred to other state facilities, with many children going to Seaside Sanatorium in Waterford. Two years later, the property became part of the state Department of Mental Health and was rechristened Undercliff Hospital; more buildings were added to the main hospital, including residences for staff, and soon thereafter, it started accepting patients with mental diseases from around the region. Undercliff served in this capacity until 1976, when on May 28, the last patient was discharged and the staff was transferred to other facilities across Connecticut. It has essentially remained empty since, although a few buildings on the property are used by various state agencies, including the Department of Developmental Services. Like many mental health facilities, even though many people were treated well and cured here, there are still dark stories attached to the property, including tales of abuse and horror, although no actual evidence of any such activity has ever been uncovered. Considering that Undercliff served for decades as a refuge for those afflicted with turberculosis and other serious diseases, no doubt that more than a few people have died on the property. Further adding to the creepy mystique of Undercliff is that it’s rumored to be tied to notorious serial killer Hadden Clark. In April 2000, Clark, who evidently had lived in Meriden with his grandfather back in the late 1970s and early 80s, was taken from his prison in Maryland and brought by authorities to Connecticut to show them where he had possibly buried one of his victims, but no body was ever found. Although never stated officially exactly where the search was made, it’s been speculated to have been on the grounds of Undercliff. Source: Connecticut State Library & DamnedConnecticut.com |
Information on Other Buildings on Undercliff Site
Cliff HouseInformation Coming Soon!
|
Altobello Children and Youth Center
Information Coming Soon!
|
The "Poor House"Coming Soon
|
CottagesComing Soon
|