DVDizzy Forum

Hey everyone! Just recently got back from my day trip from the Easter State Penitentiary here in Philadelphia, and thought maybe I would share some photos from my trip for anyone interested. For those who want information, Eastern State Penitentiary is one of the oldest standing prisons here in the United States, and one of the most influential. In the 1800s, it was one of the most famous prisons in all of the world, with many celebrities such as Charles Dickens requesting to visit here for its sheer design. It operated from 1829 to 1971, when they finally closed the prison doors and left it abandoned for over 20 years. Eventually it was reopened to the public and claimed as a "historical ruin", meaning they mean to leave it in its deteroriating condition as is with little renovation, but planning to upkeep from crumbling further for historic and safety reasons. It's also become a famous place now for many films to go out on location and shoot here, as well for having the infamous nature for being haunted and having many ghost stories. And having been in the place I can certainly see why, with how eerie and decaying it is. Anyway, enough of the talk, here are some photos from around the prison. I hope you enjoy them!



One of the few examples of a completely renovated cell, restored to look as it opened in 1829.




Al Capone's cell when he was in the Penitentiary for a year. Even in prison he lived a swanky lifestyle.


One of the few places that was completely restored to its former glory, the Synagogue of the Penitentiary as it supposedly looked in 1960 with the Torah Ark. Above are the Ten Commandments written in Hebrew, and the lighting fixtures read "Shalom" in Hebrew as well.


Various shots from around the prison showing its current creepy state.


















And finally what I think is perhaps one of the creepiest shots I took, the remains of the old barber shop.

Why exactly did you want to go there? Just because it's a cool place to spend a day, or are you interested in historical buildings, or what made you want to go?!?

It looks pretty warn down...It does kind of remind me of a castle, though!

Why else do people go to see Independence Hall or the Betsy Ross House or Franklin Court when they come to Philly? Eastern State is just a well known historical landmark, since it was a prison that was one of its kind when opened and still one of the largest prisons in the world, as well as being one of the most infamous having housed many famous criminals, such as Al Capone and the "Babe Ruth of bank robbers" Willie Sutton. Also the fact now its one of the most haunted spots in America, especially with how many have died in Death Row there or in the prison. Also it just looks cool and really friggin' creepy now in its state of disrepair.

That is a creepy place, but I'm guessing that you like those kind of places since HM is your favorite DL attraction, too bad there aren't 99 ghosts over there to sing "Jailhouse Rock" or something, that would have been fun.

I'm into historical buildings as well, I've been to many castles in France, it's a great alternative to modern-day activities like shopping at the Champs Elysees (very over-rated) or whatever it is my sisters force me to go during the summer.

I really want to see Anne Frank's house at Amsterdam, I've read her diary just last year and I just can't imagine living there for all those months during WWII. Since I'm gonna be in the U.K then I guess a 1 hour flight wouldn't be so impossible.

I would love to be able to see some of the old structures in Europe myself too. Neuschwanstein and the Parthenon are at the top of my list.

And I don't know what it is, but I've always loved creepy/haunted places since I could remember - Salem and the Witch dungeons and court house, the Winchester Mansion, Myrtle Beach, Gettysburg, St. Augustine. Something always has attracted me about paranormal and foreboding historic places.

And here I thought PrincePhillipFan was going to jail .

This place looks really cool! I like visiting historical places since its the closest thing to reliving the past (which is always interesting to revisit, warts and all).

I watched "Public Enemies" yesterday, and the movie started at Eastern State Penitentiary.
I wouldn't know where that is if it wasn't for this thread. lol

BTW I've been to the Parthenon (it was amazing), and Neuschwanstein is on top of my list as well.

pap64 wrote:And here I thought PrincePhillipFan was going to jail .

Thankfully not. I have yet to land myself in jail and I hope to keep it that way.

And Ahmed, I am incredibly jealous. I would love to go to Greece myself some time but probably won't be for a long long while.

Very cool pics PrincePhillipFan! It looks like you had a great time. I love historical places like that. Very interesting!

Thank you, Disney Villain! Glad you enjoyed the pictures!

As I love historic ruins, I find this place simply beautiful.

As a relative and friend of people who have been imprisoned, oftentimes unjustly so, I find this place sadly haunting.

Gorgeous pictures. Absolutely gorgeous.