National Park Seminary at Forest Glen, MD

Around the turn of this century a Maryland resort hosted its farewell fete, with eclectic architecture and secluded grounds that were the pride of Forest Glen. It soon reopened as National Park Seminary, and evolved into a finishing school for young women. Yet the Army had other ideas, and during wartime annexed the property to Walter Reed Army Medical Center for convalescent soldiers and psych patients. The seminary withdrew into ivy and rumors. Eventually even the Army forgot what it had in Forest Glen, or why.

I used to explore the bridges and dorms and pagoda, the expansive ballrooms and winding tunnels, in wonder at the hush of vibrant decay and history. Folks sometimes strolled there walking dogs--but only in bright day, because like most lonely old places the Seminary breathed at dusk: a fluttering curtain or dim footfall...a creaking shutter or a doorway that was not open just moments ago. Sure, kids liked it as a hangout. Yet maybe there lived on a strange soul...you did not want to be caught there in the failing light.

When last I visited National Park Seminary in 2005, signs announced developing apartments and luxury condos that by now must be built and bought. "Historic living!" hawked a bit of mortgaged mystery.

That rainy Saturday I made these images of the Forest Glen I remember.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• national
• park
• seminary
• army
• forest
• glen
• short
• film
• travel
• log
• nature
• adventure
• cityscape
• culture
• destination
• landmark
• maryland

[Tentaclethulhu]

Explored this place a few years back, when they had started tearing down one of the dormitories. Just fantastic.