The Grand Finale: Jackson Sanatorium, Dansville.
I learned of this ruin well over a decade ago, owing to its association with one of the first ruins I photographed. Bernarr McFadden operated his Physical Culture Hotel here from 1929 to 1955. McFadden also operated a military academy, the Tarrytown School, on the grounds of the former Graystone estate in Tarrytown. That property later fell into ruin and is one of the main chapters in our book Hudson Valley Ruins: Forgotten Landmarks of an American Landscape.

Abandoned since 1971, the sanatorium is truly a picture of decay. Every piece of glass has been knocked out, anything not nailed down has been taken out, and the floors are covered in a thick pile of plaster dust from the walls and ceilings. The sturdy iron construction of the staircases thankfully keeps them in place, making it possible to explore the upper floors.

 




For the encore, I spotted this gem (a coal depot) from Route 17/Interstate 86 in Sayre, PA, east of Corning. Not abandoned, still an active business.

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