Following my documentary and recent exploration of Century Manor, I spoke to a local historian to find one more piece to this dark puzzle. The photographs below are etchings on the back wall of the building. Patients carved their names, year and sometimes identification numbers, some dating back to 1899. This displays a true historical carving and a stamp in time. It is unclear as to why these etchings are there. Unfortunately over time vandals have defaced and graffitied over most of this wall.
Research to other Canadian asylums suggest some patients were used as unpaid labour in building walls of asylums. Due to the many time stamps on this wall, it is unlikely this is the case. Yet, just another historic insight into a patient’s life in this asylum.
If you missed my documentary on Century Manor it can be viewed here:
For the petition to preserve Century Manor, visit: https://www.change.org/p/infrastructure-ontario-save-century-manor
