Haunted New England? : Long Lane Correctional Facility, Middletown ,Connecticut

If you live anywhere in Connecticut, or if you've seen any of the plethora of cop shows on TV, youve most likely heard about Long Lane. Long Lane was first opened in 1868 under the name "Connecticut Industrial School For Girls". In 1921, the building was signed over to the state. It was renamed "Long Lane School" in 1943, then in 1972, it was combined with the "School For Boys", in which is was then used as a correctional facility for juvenile delinquents, and referred to as "Long Lane" or "Connecticut Juvenile Training School"

, until it was officially closed for good in 2003. The entire property is now owned by Wesleyan University. 

The rumors about negative energy residing inside the facility have been circulating not only around the town, but the entire state (it seems) since knowledge of the numerous deaths and questionable practices that took place in the facilities early years. Not to mention the fact that, the minors that were kept here, we usually violent, angry, stressed, misunderstood and unfortunately unstable. This caused major negative energy to culminate and stick to the buildings themselves. 

Background:

Original building as it appeared as an "Industrial School For Girls". (1874)

When the building first opened, it was used to "rehabilitate" girls that were thought to be headed down a destructive or "improper" path in life. 

The girls were made to do practical chores that were geared toward helping them build skills that were thought to help them in everyday life. In addition to the multiple chores, religion was pushed on the girls. They were required to go to church and attend Sunday School sessions. 

During the 1950's, more control was given to the girls who had to attend to reform / training school. They were allowed to take academic classes, equivalent to High School or take training/vocational classes in areas such as Makeup & Beauty, Dress Making, Art , etc. 

In the 70's, the facility was officially renamed as "Long Lane" and teamed up with the new Department Of Children and Youth Services, which was later renamed, and is still referred to as the Department of Children and Family (DCF - 1993). 


Connections To Possible Haunting / Residual Energy :

• Tabatha Anne Brendle (1998) - 15 - suicide ( Upon investigation it was found that there were numerous policy violations, and understaffed areas. Unqualified clinicians and abuse and neglect by certain staff members contributed to her death )
• 1998- 2003 Closing ( Certain staff members/teacher were found making inadequate long term plans, or no long term treatments at all for the inmates. Improper restraint techniques, and improper seclusion was also a big problem, causing injury not only to inmates but to officers as well. Investigators found saggy beds, tattered blankets, trash littered in certain holding areas, unsanitary fridges and bathrooms/toilets.
• Allegations of inappropriate relationships, secret "deals" and mistreatment of inmates and officers were also reported during different times during the facility's run. However, these events are not really reported or recorded in public record. 
• This was a rough place, especially after it turned over to more of a prison than a rehab center. There were numerous cases of negative / troubled individuals. Numerous violent fights and out bursts. Individuals with depression, anxiety and other unfortunate issues. 

Personal Connections:

I also developed a distant, but strong connection with a few of the female inmates there. I would collect books for a few of the girls that enjoyed reading, because the facility's library and academic fields werent very strong or abundant. 

We have a Christmas ornament that one of the guys made for my dad, and I hang it up every year. 

You might be wondering why this section is relevant to the article. Well, I have my own theories and evidence that the original buildings held some major residual energy...

Personal Evidence Of Haunting/Residual Energy From The Area:

I personally developed a connection to the buildings and people there, even though I never set foot inside. I had a connection to the girls I gave books to. The energy from that building , I believe, attached to my Dad to a degree, and in turn caused paranormal activity in our home and lives.  

*All information such as dates, names and timelines were taken from public record (http://ctstatelibrary.org/RG178_002.html). Any other information cannot be found on record and is only sourced from personal knowledge*

More Images and Bits of Info Below:

The above pictures show how the building looked after its last remodel, this is the part that was merged with the School For Boys, to become CT Juvenile Training School/CT Juvenile Detention Center.

Old land layout of Long Lane