The Hill I Will Die On
Previously known as the Lawrence County Home for the Aged, which initially housed the county’s mentally ill, severely destitute, and elderly residents who didn’t have any known family, Haunted Hillview Manor is now one of the most visited haunted locations in the Keystone State. The Lawrence County Home for the Aged opened its doors in 1926. Visitors have reported that this venue is incredibly active with reports of voices, footsteps, uninvited touches, slamming doors, things moving on their own, and the sighting of various apparitions. Of the thousands of people who lived at the home during its 78-year history, an estimated 10,000 have died on the property. Suicides were not uncommon, and a number of people jumped from the roof to their death.
According to local lore, if you happen to see a little boy called “Jeffrey,” who appears to be about six or seven years of age, you would die soon after – although no alleged Jeffrey-related deaths have been documented. There is no record of the exact room Jeffery inhabited, however there are toys scattered throughout one of the second floor rooms for him to play with.
Eli is another resident spirit. He was a former inmate (Aside: although that was the vernacular they used, he was not really an “inmate” as we know them today, meaning he did not commit any sort of criminal activity. That word was just used as a substitute for the word “resident”) at the home. Eli was a recovering alcoholic, which the building commonly housed, however, alcohol was forbidden in the facility. Due to the strict no-alcohol policy, he decided to get his fix by leaving the building in order to go out for a night of boozing. Eli came home drunk that night, and his friends sent him down to the boiler room to sober up, but instead of sobering up, he wasted away and died down there, likely of alcohol poisoning and/or hypothermia. But that doesn’t mean he left. The ghost of Eli enjoys teasing and taunting women- there are many reports of women saying they were touched, grabbed, and pinched by an entity that they believe is Eli.
A third, fairly “famous” resident is an elderly lady who never left. Room 105 housed a former patient named Mary Virginia, a cerebral palsy patient without any known family, who spent most of her life at Hillview. This is what the official website says about her:
“Many people are mesmerized to see all of her jewelry, baby dolls, stuffed animals and storybooks. Some think she was doing well at Mardi- Gras celebrations but the truth is she loved to play dress-up. Everyone who has some previous knowledge, whether from repeat visits or word of mouth, bring her many trinkets and special gifts to show their love of her. The amount and large array of things prove how much she is loved. Mary Virginia was born on Christmas Eve 1917. She was an orphan who came to live at the location for most of her life, until the building was closed in 2004. Records state she adored Christmas, her favorite holiday of all. She was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and remained in a childlike state all of her life. She loved to play dress-up and all the generous gifts help her to continue to enjoy one of those joyous past times. Her favorite story, “The Night Before Christmas” can be read to her and open up the interactions with her a little bit more. At bedtime, she insisted when she was getting her night clothes on for bed the staff had to dress her baby doll as well so they could go to sleep dressed properly. She will swing her favorite necklace when you ask her to let you know she is with you and trying to communicate. Always a gentle spirit in life she was reportedly sweet to all the staff. As much as we all enjoy visiting with her, taking in the wonders of her room she also enjoys all of our visits.”
Although Hill View closed in 2004, there is a pretty active stream of visitors, paranormal investigators, and curious locals (and out-of-towners like me, for that matter) who come to visit. I was here for Hill-Con earlier this month, which is an annual summer paranormal convention hosted at Haunted Hill View Manner. There is also a cemetery around back, which I didn’t really even see when I looked, but I recently found out that it is unmarked. The entire area is full of activity, apparitions, lights, and sounds that have been detected out there. Creeeeepy. I’ll need to come back. Even if you don’t believe in ghosts, the venue certainly has a dark, eerie vibe to it. Back inside I spotted an old activity calendar from 2004, likely just months before the facility closed. For some reason seeing this calendar seemed so melancholy to me. What ever became of the residents who lived there and participated in bingo, crafts, and baking lessons?
There is no air conditioning and the atmosphere felt very warm and still. I love going to paracons- they are full of interesting vendors and speakers, and I always learn something new. I listened to a few different speakers: one on Bigfoot; one named Alex, who spoke on respectful investigations (my favorite- she brought up some great points!) She survived a very traumatic car accident years ago and the man who died in the hospital in the bed next to her tormented her after his death. She wrote a book about it, so it is now on my list of things to read.
And then the most famous speaker of the lot- Heather Taddy, who was part of the show “Paranormal State”. I thought she was interesting too. She had been at a couple other paracons I have attended, but this was the first time I’ve had a chance to hear her speak.
She spoke about another haunted venue she visited as an episode of the show “Portals to Hell” in Pennsylvania, the Stephenson Building. It is in an old mining town and it houses a creepy clown named Peasebottom. Heather captured a very clear EVP from him saying “I’m trapped in this box”. The owner collects a bunch of creepy dolls, but Heather said he doesn’t really entirely know what he is doing with them. Sounds like another interesting place to visit, nonetheless. Interesting stuff.
More than the vendors and speakers at the event, I really just enjoyed the ambiance of the building. I really need to come back and spend more time exploring and learning about the history. If only the walls could talk…….well, wait…..maybe they do.
