J.N. Adam Memorial Hospital
10317 County Road 58, Perrysburg, NY
Status: Former Tuberculosis Sanatorium; Former Home for the Developmentally Disabled; Abandoned; Private Property
History
In early1909 Dr John Pryor suggested that the city of Buffalo needed to construct a facility for the care of people suffering from tuberculosis. Dr Pryor recommended a hillside area near Perrysburg.
In December of 1909 the Buffalo mayor – James Noble Adam (the facility would be named after him) – bought a 293-acre (119 hectares) area including Dr Pryor’s chosen site. He then donated it to the City of Buffalo.
In October of 1910 $160,000 ( $5,300,000 in 2024 dollars) was given to begin construction of the buildings. In the end the facility cost $300,000 (almost $10,000,000 in 2024 dollars).
When it opened in November of 1912 the hospital was state of the art with sun filled common rooms and many other facilities providing the best care of it’s 140 patients.
In 1948 ownership of the facility was transferred from Buffalo to the State of New York.
By the time it closed – due to the discovery of antibiotics – in 1960 there was room for 420 patients.
The site was then changed to an institute for the care of the developmentally disabled.
In 1993 the site was closed down permanently and left abandoned. Due to the high cost of refurbishing or demolishing this site has left still standing while nature reclaims it a little more every year.
Paranormal Activity
There is an unproven legend that several nurses committed suicide inside the buildings.
The most commonly reported paranormal activity is phantom screams coming from the buildings and shadow figures seen moving past the empty windows.
Other reported activity includes: apparitions of former patients and staff; cold spots; unexplained gusts of wind; phantom footsteps; disembodied voices and cries; light anomalies; electrical disturbances and feelings of being watched and not being alone.
Molly Stark Sanatorium
(Molly Stark State Park)
7900 Columbus Road NE, Louisville, OH
Status: Former Tuberculosis Sanatorium; Historical Landmark; State Park; No Entry to Building
History
Opened on August 23, 1929 this institution was one of the 25 sanatoriums built in Ohio in an attempt to win the war against Tuberculosis (The White Plague, Consumption). It was named after the wife of General John Stark; a revolutionary war hero.
This was fitting as Molly Stark devoted part of her life to soldiers suffering from the red plague: Smallpox.
At the time of it’s construction Tuberculosis was the leading cause of death in the State killing one in every nine people in some areas.
The patients in Molly Stark – as with all the sanatoriums – were prescribed fresh air, sunlight and lots of fresh air. For this reason, this sanatorium – against as others – was built in a rural area.
Originally there were other buildings on the campus and in 1938 a tunnel system was built to connect all the buildings underground.
By the mid-20th century with the invention of x-rays and the discovery of anti-biotics the fight against the disease began to be won.
Once there was no longer a need for a tuberculosis sanatorium a rehabilitation hospital was opened on the site. The rehab center closed in 1995.
The building remained abandoned until 2009 when it was bought – for a dollar – and converted into a State Park. The building itself is now behind a fence and there is no public access.
In 2023, in typical government fashion and despite repeated promises that it would not happen, the former sanatorium was slated for demolishment. At this time (August 2024) it is still standing due to the money it will take to demolish it.
Historical tours of the outside of the building were once offered but do not seem to be any longer.
Paranormal Activity
While there is no official death count for the facility it was probably quite high; in the hundreds and possibly thousands. Until the use of antibiotics getting tuberculosis was almost tantamount to a death sentence.
Rumors abound of an unmarked cemetery on the grounds where the deceased patients that were not claimed by family were buried.
The basement – despite it being used for the most healthy and likely to live patients – is said to be the most paranormally active. Both a heavy energy of sadness and a feeling of being watched is frequently reported there. Disembodied voices – which are reported throughout the building – are said to be nearly constant in the basement. Phantom footsteps are also frequently heard down there.
Other reported activity includes: apparitions of former patients looking out of the empty windows on the upper floors, the 1st floor windows are all boarded up; disembodied voices and other unexplained sounds; light anomalies (most commonly seen on the second floor); unexplained mists; touches, pushes and pokes by unseen presences and feelings of being watched and not being alone.
henry overholser mansion
by toni shapiro
405 NW 15th Street, oklahoma city, OK
(405) 525-5325
Status: Former Residence; Museum
All Photos Courtesy of T Shapiro
Oklahoma City is a city of shadows, secrets and whispers of paranormal activity. Join me as we explore the most historically haunted locations in the city of mysteries and supernatural events.
Step back in time to the year 1903, a time of prosperity and envy for Mr. Henry Overholser. Henry commissioned the creation of this enchanting 11,700 square-foot Chateau style Victorian mansion for his wife, Anna. This magnificent structure is known as Oklahoma’s first mansion, a testament to the grandeur and elegance of the era. Every intricate detail of this mystical masterpiece was meticulously crafted by the talented London-trained architect W. S. Matthews, with no expense spared. The magnificent mansion is a true symbol of opulence and splendor.
Mr. Overholser envisioned a legacy of grandeur, aiming to inspire the creation of exceptional mansions in Oklahoma City. His dream has blossomed into reality, as the Overholser Mansion now stands proudly withing the illustrious “Heritage Hills” Community. Each estate encircling the mansion is a stunning testament to architectural magnificence, contributing to a breathtaking tapestry of sophistication and luxury.
As with many historical sites, the Overholser Mansion holds a wealth of memories from years of life-changing events, both positive and negative. It is believed that the inclusion of personal items, such as Mrs. Overholser’s personal scrapbook, that have been preserved within the walls of this elegant mansion may increase the likelihood of paranormal activity.
Legend has it that the spirit of Anna Overholser, the queen of Oklahoma City Society, still roams the halls of her beloved home.
Some guests who have toured the mansion claim to have caught a fleeting glimpse of a petite woman in a white gown, her hair elegantly styled. This ethereal figure can easily be identified as Anna Overholser herself. Her image is captured in haunting photographs, as she wears the same attire she donned during a prestigious 1900 reception for President and Mrs. William McKinley.
The ominous mansion with its gables and rose stone pillars have long been a source of intrigue and mystery. Curious neighbors and passersby have shared tales of witnessing curtains mysteriously opening and closing on the third-floor windows, although no one has lived in the mansion for several decades. In the 1950’s and 1960’s, US Senator Mike Maroney and his wife Mary Ellen were invited to stay at the magnificent estate. Their host was the only child to the Overholser’s, a daughter, Henry Ione and her husband, David Perry. It is said that Mrs. Maroney, descending the stairs one evening, caught a glimpse of a woman in a white gown gracefully moving from the front parlor to the music room. Many believe it to be none other than Mrs. Overholser herself.
Those who have encountered the spirits of the Overholser Mansion describe them as more benevolent than malevolent. One guest at a wedding held at the mansion shared that her photographs of the wedding party had a mysterious black cloud floating in them. Initially, she attributed it to a problem with her camera lens, but the cloud seemed only to follow in photos with the groom. Many of the guests who attended the wedding were not pleased with the match, and the photographer believed that Mrs. Overholser was expressing her disapproval as well.
While it was once discouraged to speak about these hauntings, the growing interest in the paranormal has actually helped raise funds to restore and maintain this magnificent mansion. Beginning in the 1970’s, the mansion was opened as a museum with daily tours to the public. The tours have been temporally suspended for renovations and maintenance, but once they begin again, we will be sure to visit.
Mr. Henry Overholser died August 25, 1915, and Anna Ione Overholser died April 29, 1940, leaving their entire estate to their daughter, Henry Ione.
Henry Ione Overholser-Perry died in 1959. Her husband David Jay Perry was left as the sole heir to the Overholser estate.
The Overholser family was laid to rest at Fairlawn Cemetery, Oklahoma City.
The Haunting Legacy of Salem
All Photos are Courtesy of Stranger Mindz
Welcome everyone to Strangers Mindz and join me on this trip to one of the most historical places in the United States. We will discuss its rich history, the downfall of it’s reputation and what happened due to the poor actions of a few.
Salem holds a unique place in American history due to the infamous Salem Witch Trials of 1692. This dark chapter in the town's past continues to haunt its present, with tales of witches and their curse lingering in the collective memory of both locals and visitors.
The legacy of the Salem witch trials serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of hysteria, intolerance, and the consequences of ignorance. The events that unfolded in Salem in 1692 were fueled by fear, superstition, and religious zealotry.
Accusations of witchcraft were rampant, leading to trials that often resulted in wrongful convictions and executions. The trials exposed the dark side of human nature, as well as the fragility of justice in the face of mass hysteria.
Today, Salem embraces its history as a way to educate and remember the tragic events that took place over three centuries ago. The town has become a mecca for those interested in the paranatural, witchcraft, and the occult.
Tourists flock to Salem to visit historical sites such as the Witch House, the Salem Witch Museum, and the Salem Witch Trials Memorial.
Despite its commercialization, the town of Salem has not forgotten the lessons of its past. The haunting legacy of the witches serves as a constant reminder of the dangers of prejudice and misinformation.
Ultimately, the tale of the Salem witches is a reminder of the importance of tolerance, compassion, and critical thinking. By remembering the past, we can learn from it and strive to create a more just and understanding society.
The ghosts of Salem's witches continue to haunt us, urging us to confront our fears and prejudices, and to stand up for truth and justice.
The story of the Salem witch trials will continue to captivate and educate generations to come,ensuring that the lessons of this tragic chapter in history are never forgotten.
Paranormal Activity
Real paranormal activity in Salem, Massachusetts has long been a subject of fascination and intrigue for many people.
Known for its infamous witch trials in the late 17th century, Salem is a town steeped in dark history and has since become synonymous with witchcraft, ghosts, and the paranatural.
Over the years, numerous reports of paranormal experiences have been documented in Salem, leading many to believe that the town is indeed haunted by spirits from it’s past.
One of the most well-known sites for paranormal activity in Salem is the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, a tribute to the victims of the witch trials that took place in 1692. Visitors to the memorial have reported feeling a sense of unease, cold spots, and hearing whispers and disembodied voices. Some have even claimed to see apparitions of women dressed in old-fashioned clothing wandering among the memorial stones.
Another hotspot for paranormal activity in Salem is the Joshua Ward House, a historic building that was once home to George Corwin, the sheriff responsible for carrying out the witch trials. Many visitors and residents have reported hearing footsteps, feeling cold drafts, and seeing shadowy figures within the house. Some have even reported objects moving on their own or feeling a presence watching them.
In addition to these well-known locations, Salem is also home to various haunted hotels, shops, and restaurants, each with its own share of ghostly encounters.
The Hawthorne Hotel, for example, is said to be haunted by the ghost of a former sea captain who roams the halls, while the House of the Seven Gables is believed to be inhabited by the spirits of the original residents.
While skeptics may dismiss these reports as mere folklore or the result of overactive imaginations, the sheer number of accounts of paranormal activity in Salem cannot be easily disregarded. The town's dark history, combined with its atmospheric cobblestone streets and historic buildings, create the perfect setting for ghostly encounters and unexplained phenomena.
Whether you believe in the supernatural or not, there is no denying the allure of Salem and it’s reputation as a hub for paranormal activity.
For those brave enough to explore its haunted sites and delve into its dark history Salem offers a truly eerie and unforgettable experience that will leave even the most skeptical observer questioning the boundaries between the natural and the supernatural.
Kennebec Arsenal
(Maine State Hospital)
211 Arsenal Street, Augusta, ME
Status: Former Insane Asylum; Former Military Arsenal; Historic Site; Under Development; Private Property
History
During the War of 1812 it became obvious the United States of America needed to improve it’s coastal defenses against potential attacks by foreign nations. Maine was singled due to having it’s territory invaded in the war and a border dispute with the New Brunswick Province of the British colony in Canada that flamed back up in 1820s.
A decision was made to build a major arsenal in Augusta on the Kennebec River. Plans were developed in 1827 and construction began in 1828.
By 1831 the arsenal was complete, but enlargements continued until 1838.
In 1838 troops were sent to the border with New Brunswick when tensions suddenly escalated. Thanks to US General Winfield Scott a stand down of forces on both sides was negotiated. In 1842 the border was solidified – where it still is in present day – by treaty.
The arsenal manufactured weapons for both the Mexican-American War and the Civil War but was closed in 1901 when it was deemed insufficient for manufacturing weapons in future wars.
The federal government transferred ownership to the state government who, in turn, expanded the grounds of the Maine State Hospital – an insane asylum – onto the arsenal property. All the wooden buildings were torn down, but the granite buildings were used by the hospital.
In 2004 the hospital – now called the Augusta Mental Health Institute – was shut down and moved to a modern facility. The grounds were sold to a developer under conditions to preserve the historical integrity of the site.
In 2012 the Attorney General of the State of Maine sued the developer to regain ownership of the site. It claimed the developer was not taking care of the property and over $1 millions of damage had occurred in the past 4 years.
The developer said the downturn in the economy had stalled their plans and disagreed with the State’s decision. By the end of 2013 the developer had replaced roofs on the 6 of the buildings and the State had agreed to mediated sessions to solve the dispute.
The dispute is ongoing with the Augusta City Council declaring the developer once again in fault of not taking care of property as well as it being a significant fire hazard in 2022.
2024 maps indicate at least one of the buildings has been converted into condos.
Paranormal Activity
The property cannot be entered and must be looked at from outside the fence.
It is reported that over 11,000 people while under the care of the asylum. There are almost no records as to where this people were buried probably all over the property. Many people think the majority were buried along the riverbank.
Many of the deaths were from suicides.
There is also a long history of incompetence by the staff that led to patient deaths.
Reported Activity: apparitions of both former staff and patients; shadow figures; time and dimensional slips; cold and hot spots; unexplained mists and fogs including ones human shaped and moving against the wind; disembodied voices; phantom footsteps; unexplained sounds from whispers to loud bangs; objects moving on their own including doors and windows opening on their own; there are rumors of things being captured on the security cameras that are unexplainable; an powerful empathic sensations of sadness and anger; phantom laughter, screaming and weeping; unexplained physical symptoms including migraines, nausea and vomiting; light anomalies and feelings of being watched, not being alone and not being wanted.
Old SSA Convent
(Old St Scholastica Academy Priory)
30.529746N-90.063429W
Queen of Peace Parkway, Covington, LA
Status: Former Abbey; Abandoned; Urban Legend
History
There are numerous addresses given for this location so we have provided the co-ordinates.
Originally founded in 1902 or 1903 by Mother Mary Benedicta for an order of St Benedictine.
For many years it was the center of Catholic life in Covington.
Until the 1960s the building continued to grow adding new wings to house new sisters.
1990s many of the nuns had either passed away or become elderly and the decision was made to close the convent.
Since it’s abandonment the building and grounds have slowly deteriorated and returned to nature.
There is a cemetery behind the convent containing the remains of many of the sisters who passed away.
Paranormal Activity
The Urban Legend factor at this site is the “Doorway To Hell” a doorway where it is said if you walk through you disappear and never return. Based on reports on the internet this is just a doorway someone has spray painted Doorway To Hell over top of; if you walk through it you enter another room, nothing more and nothing less.
Apparitions of nuns have been seen both in the building and on the grounds. Witnesses say they seem to float just above the ground and will disappear if approached by the living.
Uncomfortable energy is reported in certain parts of the building.
There are reports of lights turning off and on by themselves; which is very strange given that there is no power in the building. Doors and windows will also open close on their own.
Disembodied voices and EVPs have been heard and captured throughout this building.
Unexplained misty forms are seen moving in the building where there is no air movement. One investigator had one pass through them resulting in an extreme temperature fall.
People have heard blood curling screams rip through the building with no explanation. Many explorers have cited this as enough to send them fleeing into the surrounding woods. Many other unexplained sounds have been heard from whispers to laughter and crying to loud bangs.
Toronto Power Generating Station
7230 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara Falls, ON
Status: Former Hydro Electrical Generating Station; Heritage Building
History
Completed and opened in 1906 by the Electrical Development Company of Ontario. Unsurprisingly this station was created to bring more power to the rapidly growing city of Toronto.
The plant was built on top of a deep pit with turbines at the bottom of the pit. The water ran down vertical pipes driving the turbines before coming out again at the bottom of Niagara Falls. At it’s prime it was generating 137,500 horsepower.
The plant was closed on February 15, 1974 when it was replaced by the Adam Beck Station downriver in Queenston.
In 2007 ownership of the site was passed to the Niagara Parks Commission. They are now in the process of
Paranormal Activity
Since it’s closure urban explorers have explored the property – which is trespassing – and when they returned with ghost stories paranormal investigators followed suit.
A strange energy wraps itself around this building after the sun sets – an energy our Founder Craig and Co Founder Elizabeth have experienced multiple times – an energy generally associated with buildings that are haunted.
Phantom sounds of the frozen and abandoned turbines – which haven’t moved in over 50 years – suddenly turning on are frequently heard. For that matter there is no power wired in the building at all; hasn’t been for decades.
People need the former offices in the building have reported hearing sounds as if desks and being moved and scraped along the floor. When they enter the offices there is no one present.
Disembodied voices are often heard coming from unoccupied rooms. One urban explorer was so sure there was someone else in the building talking he went looking for them. The room the voices had come from was completely empty; the voices stopped the moment he entered the room.
Seal Island
(Great Seal Island)
43°24'56.1"N 66°00'37.4"W, Nova Scotia
Status: Natural Wonder (Island)
Only Accessible by Boat
History
This island is the second most southernmost point in the Province of Nova Scotia (by 250 metres {820 feet}).
The island was settled in 1828 by 2 families the Hichens and the Crowells.
They used it as a base for their fishing business and helped the survivors washed ashore from the numerous shipwrecks on the island’s treacherous reefs. They also built the lighthouse on the island which still stands and is one of the oldest wooden lighthouses in Canada.
Until 1950 there was 2 settlements on the island. In 1990 all year round habitation ceased and the lighthouse staff moved off the island.
Only a birding group – dating back almost 3/4 of a century still use the island.
Paranormal Activity
On October 31, 1891 the brand new steamer SS Ottawa left Halifax for Saint John, New Brunswick.
Although the Seal Island lighthouse had been in sight for over an hour – there was a storm with a light drizzle and high winds – the Ottawa hit Blonde Rock at 5am during low tide.
The ship had begun to go down by the stern when a large wave capsized the ship trapping most of the crew and passengers below it and beneath the surface.
Two men managed to get out from the ship and into a lifeboat but a stewardess with them died while they escaped. Her name was Annie Lindsay and she was buried on the island. Her grave marker can be seen to this day.
Many believe her coffin was later dug up and there was evidence she was actually buried alive.
Annie’s ghost haunts the island to this day. She seems to repeat the night over and over again although she is said to be most active on Samhain and All Saint’s Day.
Kobarid Museum
Gregorčičeva ulica 10, 5222 Kobarid
+386 5 389 00 00
Status: World War I Museum
History
First opened in 1990 this museum tells the history of the Isonzo Front in the First World War. It particularly on the 12th battle of Kobarid called the Miracle of Kobarid.
For most of it’s history the museum has only been open to government officials including 2 Presidents of the European Parliament, Presidents of Countries and Nobel Prize winners.
Now it is open to the public.
Paranormal Activity
The museum has many personal items from soldiers from soldiers killed in the battle. It is believed that the souls attached to these items are the reason for the paranormal activity.
The phantom sounds of battle including marching soldiers and shots being fired are reported.
Cold spots and sudden temperature changes with no explanation are felt.
Objects have been seen moving on their own.
Southern Grace Distilleries
(Mt Pleasant Prison)
130 Dutch Road, Mt Pleasant, NC
(704) 622-6413
Status: Former State Prison; Whiskey Distillery
Paranormal Investigations and Ghost Tours can be Booked
History
The Cabarrus State Correctional Center (Mt Pleasant Prison) opened in 1929.
Fittingly enough, considering it’s present use, many of the inmates were moonshine runners.
It remained open until 2011 after nearly a century of imprisoning North Carolina’s criminals. It’s history is generally called dark and brutal at best.
The site was then used for weapons training ground for the soldiers at Fort Bragg.
Southern Grace Distilleries – which was established in 2014 – leased 4.5 acres (1.82 hectares) of the original 22 acres (8.9 hectares) as well as the remaining 14 buildings in 2016.
They distill their 130 proof clear whiskey here – which has won numerous awards, give historical/tasting tours and give ghost tours in the haunted prison buildings.
Paranormal Activity
Apparitions of both former staff and inmates have been reported.
In solitary confinement people report feeling the presence of something unseen but clearly felt.
There have been physical attacks upon the living by unseen entity.
There are large amounts of negative energy on site that has become overwhelming to some sensitives.
One of the dorm washrooms has caused anxiety in sensitives.
Objects have been reported as moving on their own as well just disappearing never to be seen again; although some will show up later at another location on site.
Disembodied voices – including full conservations – have been heard and recorded. Other unexplained sounds from whispers to loud bangs are reported.
Phantom footsteps and loud thumps are often heard at night.