On Aug. 21st 2007, a large fire later ruled as arson ruined the once great Thornwald Mansion. It's located in Carlisle, PA. The mansion was built in 1909 for Lewis Sadler, according to Cumberland County land records.
Sadler once lavishly entertained national politicians and the elite in the dining room. The house included secret rooms behind a wall, a rathskeller (beer hall) and wine cellar in the basement, and ornate wood and masonry work. At one point every room was stocked with antique furniture and oriental rugs, according to a document on file at Cumberland County Historical Society.
The same document says the house was built with concrete floors and enforced steel. Iron grates that could be pulled over the first-floor windows made the mansion “practically impregnable from the outside.” It was once boasted that the house might “stand for at least a thousand years.”
Secluded among trees and behind homes, the mansion had become a destination point for partiers. In 2006, Carlisle police charged some local juveniles with criminal trespass after they entered the 9,000-square-foot landmark and posted images of themselves on the Internet.
From what I understand the Mansion was abandoned for years. It was donated by the last owner to the people of the park. I had moved to Carlisle,PA November 2007 and I wished I would have gotten a chance to see it before the fire.
I found a spot where the fence can be entered, but I had my daughter with me today, so I didn't get a chance to get closer. I will make a part two to this post if anyone is interested. It was hard to get any really good pictures from behind the fence.
Pictures from March 8th 2009.
( I bet it was amazing )Also in Carlisle, there is an old warehouse in the historic district a few blocks from where I used to live. I'm not sure what it was for, and from what I understand was not used for many years.
I plan on doing some more research if I find anything interesting, I'll update on it. Enjoy!
Pictures from March 7, 2009;
( a few more )