Memories of Roosevelt Island's "Spooky House" - Lifelong Dream to Vist The Renwick Ruins Smallpox Hospital Fulfilled

Image of lit up Renwick Ruins from the Bowery Boys

Just A Mommy, a reader of this post, shares these childhood memories of driving on the FDR and seeing Roosevelt Island's Renwick Ruins across the East River from the car window and wondering what monsters dwelled inside.

Thanks for the inside view.
As a child who grew up in Manhattan my family and I used to drive alot on the FDR and I remember looking out the window to my right and seeing what was left of this building. My brothers would say it was a crazy house where monsters lived and my older brother would tell the younger one if he misbehaved he would be shipped there permanently. I always found it very pretty and I envisioned it a castle and I would one day grow up and restore it and live there.

That was many years ago and I no longer live in Manhattan but do pass it on occassion and I noticed lately at night its lit up making it even prettier. I told my husband and kids my ' spooky" house, as my brothers called it memories.

Today I had the pleasure of touring Roosevelt Island and in my life long search to see ' spooky' house up close my husband drove us as close as possible and a resident led the way in. After almost 30 years and even though there is a big fence around it I came as close to it as I could.

Its hollowness made me wonder what those remaining walls would say if they could only speak. I read the signs and realized ' spooky' house was just a remnant of an old hospital. I was still glad I went and I hope one day its somewhat restored so people can actually go inside and if that happens I will be first in line.............

Thank you for the video~

Below are the videos mentioned of a visit inside the Renwick Ruins Smallpox Hospital. Do not go inside yourself now because it is dangerous. Take this virtual trip inside.

You Tube video inside the Renwick Ruins Smallpox Hospital (Part I)

You Tube Video inside the Renwick Ruins Smallpox Hospital Part 2