The 1877 version of Worcester State Hospital featured a large chapel in the central administration building situation just behind the clocktower which still stands.  The chapel and its artwork were destroyed in the fire of 1991.  This central meeting place was used not only for religious...

Ground view of clocktower building which opened in 1877 as the admitting building for new patients at Worcester State Hospital. Old stones from the demolished buildings will be made into roadbed for the new hospital, but some will be saved for making special souvenirs as part of the fundraising effort for the refurbishing of this much-admired landmark.

The new Worcester Psychiatric Hospital is rapidly moving forward as the foundation walls rise.  In this photo, the central administration building (1875), also known as the clocktower, and Hooper Turret are well seen.  In the distance, in the valley, one can distinguish the buildings of University of Massachusetts Medical School.  

On May 14th Massachusetts officials broke ground for a new public mental hospital, which will take about three years to construct.  It will replace Worcester and Westboro State Hospitals, which are becoming obsolete.  The new hospital will accommodate 320 patients, including 60...