In the early years, they helped grow food, tend livestock, and make toys that were sold during the holidays. But by the 1920s, reports of mistreatment began to emerge.
Conditions worsened in the following decades. Dormitories became overcrowded, with up to 70 beds crammed into small rooms.
Many residents, including children, were reportedly left unclothed and unbathed, with little access to education or medical care.
In some cases, staff members also claimed they faced abuse from co-workers.
The facility finally gained national attention in 1972 when journalist Geraldo Rivera exposed the poor conditions in his investigation Willowbrook: The Last Great Disgrace.
He visited Letchworth Village and similar institutions, revealing overcrowding, neglect, and a lack of basic care. The report caused public outrage and led to demands for change.
Despite some improvements, Letchworth Village remained underfunded and struggled to provide proper care.
It eventually shut down in 1996, leaving behind crumbling buildings and an abandoned cemetery.
The cemetery is hidden in a wooded area and contains graves marked only with numbered metal stakes. In 2007, a memorial plaque was added listing the names of those buried there.
Over the years, the site has attracted urban explorers and paranormal investigators.
Some visitors claim to hear strange noises or feel an eerie presence.
Locals have even called the place a “snake pit,” a term first used by Senator Robert F. Kennedy to describe inhumane conditions in similar institutions.
Today, much of the land remains abandoned, though some parts have been turned into a golf course and recreation area.
There have been discussions about redeveloping the site, but many of the original buildings continue to decay to this day.
