The official page for the upcoming Images of America: Essex County Overbrook Hospital by Arcadia Publishing. Join us to explore over 150 years of colorful New Jersey history surrounding the rise and fall of the Essex County Hospital Center. Full details regarding release date and upcoming events to be announced soon! What was founded as the Essex County Lunacy Asylum evolved from a single
building on South Orange Avenue to city within itself in Cedar Grove. Construction began on the hospital's iconic brick buildings in 1896, and they were prominent features on Fairview Avenue for the next 100 years.The hospital produced its own food, housed its own police and fire department, and sustained its own power sources. The Essex County Overbrook Hospital was recognized through the world as a leader in psychiatric care. In later years, overcrowding began to plague the institution.However, after the advent of modern psychiatric drugs, many patients were able to be discharged back into the community.In 2007, the hospital was closed and relocated to a newer establishment nearby. The grounds have since been plagued with vandalism and neglect, with a final deal for demolition having been solidified in 2015. Author Kevin Kowalick, photographer and historical preservationist, has had a particular fascination with the hospital for many years. He has spent those years researching and documenting the historical facility. Co-author Kathryn Cataldo has worked with numerous media outlets to gain historical recognition for this facility and other similar institutions.
