Haunting the Ladd School
New England Legends Podcast
Deep Dive
What was the original purpose of the Ladd School when it opened in 1908?
The Ladd School, originally called the Rhode Island School for the Feeble-Minded, opened as a farm colony in 1908. It was designed to help individuals with mental disabilities learn farm work, trades, and become self-sufficient.
Why did the Ladd School gain a reputation as a 'dumping ground for the unwanted'?
By the mid-1900s, the Ladd School housed not only individuals with mental disabilities but also unwed mothers, immigrants, criminals, and others who couldn't advocate for themselves. Overcrowding, lack of proper facilities, and neglect contributed to its dark reputation.
What controversial views did Dr. Joseph Ladd, the school's superintendent, hold?
Dr. Joseph Ladd advocated for eugenics, including sterilization laws to prevent the propagation of what he called 'mentally deficient' individuals. He believed this was necessary to maintain a 'viral and sound' population.
What happened to nine-year-old Gary Heyman at the Ladd School?
Gary Heyman, a mute nine-year-old boy, disappeared from the Ladd School in September 1952. His clothing was found near the Queens River, and a year later, his skull was discovered hanging from a tree. The rest of his remains were never found.
How did Lady Wonder, a horse, become involved in the search for Gary Heyman?
Lady Wonder, a horse in Richmond, Virginia, known for making psychic predictions, was asked about Gary Heyman's disappearance. She spelled 'YES' when asked if he was alive, 'HURT' for his condition, and 'KANSAS' as his location, leading to a fruitless search in Kansas.
What led to the eventual closure of the Ladd School in 1986?
The Ladd School closed in 1986 due to widespread health violations, patient mistreatment, and the U.S. government's deinstitutionalization movement. The buildings were abandoned, later razed, and the site is now an empty field.
What is the significance of Rhode Island Historical Cemetery number 35 in relation to the Ladd School?
Rhode Island Historical Cemetery number 35 contains the graves of 84 individuals who died at the Ladd School and were either unclaimed by families or couldn't afford burials elsewhere. It serves as a somber reminder of the school's tragic history.
How did the 2015 horror movie 'Exeter' relate to the Ladd School?
The 2015 horror movie 'Exeter' (titled 'Asylum' in the UK) was based on the Ladd School's history and filmed on its premises. The movie's release coincided with the final demolition of the school's buildings in 2013.
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