Thoughtful Thursday-The Waverly Hills Sanatorium and Disrespect for the Dead

Photo courtesy of Kris Arnold via Wikipedia

The Waverly Hills Sanatorium located in Louisville, Kentucky is believed to be one of the most haunted locations in the world. It operated as a hospital for tuberculosis patients from 1910 to 1962. Later, it reopened as a nursing home before finally closing its doors in 1982.

New owners, Charlie and Tina Mattingly, hold tours of Waverly Hills and host a haunted house attraction each Halloween. The proceeds are being used to renovate the building into a hotel, after which they will continue to host paranormal enthusiasts. They have been quoted as stating, “People won't come here just because they need a room. They're going to come here because they want to have an experience for the weekend.”

My raised eyebrows aren't towards the fact that they're making use of this building. I understand the value of land. However, touting it as a "haunted hotel" is not only asking for trouble, it's disrespectful to the people who died (records estimate an average of 100/year when it was a hospital) and whose spirits supposedly remain. Several paranormal investigators have suggested that the spirits at this location aren't at rest. I'm not sure they need to be bothered by hotel guests looking for an "experience for the weekend." Instead, it may be the obligation of the living to help these spirits move on--not exploit their suffering. 

I leave you with 1931 Government Tuberculosis film featuring The Waverly Hills Sanatorium. A slice of history involving real people in what must have been a terrible situation.