Whether you have lived in the Ohio area your whole life or you are newer to the area, you may have read about some of these historic landmarks deemed as spooky, or even seen videos. From the Greater Cleveland area to the Mansfield, OH area, and every place in between, there lies a story or two, about the places we visit. Some are considered haunted. Read on to discover places to visit this time of year, as Halloween is around the corner!
Mansfield Reformatory
Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield is also known as the Mansfield Reformatory and is historically well-known. It is a historic prison located in Mansfield, Ohio, was built between 1886 and 1910. In 1990, it was ruled to be closed by the U.S. Federal Court due to its notable inhumane conditions. It is open for tours throughout the year, as well as special events, including Halloween festivities. On occasion, cast members from the movie Shawshank Redemption have gone to the prison for special guest appearances. Shawshank Redemption was filmed in the prison in 1994, featuring Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins.
People who work there have noticed paranormal activity such as sounds of footsteps, chains being dragged around, and moans and groans. Others have noticed a campfire type of smell and paranormal enthusiasts believe this may be from when the state prison in Columbus caught fire and inmates had to be transferred to the Mansfield Reformatory.
“Old Sparky” the electric chair was transferred from the Old penitentiary in Columbus to the Reformatory in 2015 and is part of the tours that happen nearly daily. It’s hard not to glance away as you see Old Sparky, equipped with sponges, mask, helmet and gear lying near the partially wooden-metal chair. 315 killers between 1897 and 1963 were executed by “Old Sparky”.
Squires Castle
Fergus Squires lived in the Willoughby, Ohio Gatekeepers’ Lodge with his wife and children until he retired from the Standard Oil Company in 1909. The rustic castle design was inspired by German and English castles; however, the larger living quarters was never built because Louisa was not fond of the solitude environment the countryside provided. It lacked luxuries such as running water, electricity, and gas. There are myths that Fergus’ wife Louisa was startled one night as a thunderstorm made loud crashes in the night. She was rumored to have fallen and broken her neck from the fall down the flight of stairs. However, she died at another estate that they moved to after Fergus’ retirement. Another urban legend states that the ghost of Louisa can be seen wandering the estate with a red lantern, as it was believed that she was easily startled and disliked the quiet, country landscape.
Whether you believe Squires Castle is haunted or not, it is open to the public to find out for yourself as you tour the enormous grounds owned by North Chagrin Metroparks system. The 525 acres are open to picnic shelters, hiking, and touring the facilities.
Franklin Castle
Franklin Castle was built by successful grocer and Union Bank and Savings Co-Founder Hannes Tiedemann, a German immigrant in 1881. Franklin Castle is located in Cleveland’s Ohio City area, on Franklin Blvd. In the 1960s a secret passage door was discovered that was used by servants.
Legend has it that bad luck seemed to strike the Tiedemann family throughout the years of living there. Their 15-year old daughter, Emma died of Diabetes. Shortly after Hannes’ mother Wiebeka died, and between 1886 and 1888 three more children died. Paranormal sounds of crying babies, children running the steps, giggling, and seeing a woman standing in the window have all been noted on the premises, along with one room feeling peculiarly chilly.
According to the Cleveland Historical Society, the family lost children due to illnesses such as Typhoid, Measles, and Diabetes that were prevalent during that period of time. None of the children lived in the home until 1883, and thus had not died inside the home.
Legend has it many of you will take a journey with your families to visit one of Ohio’s spookiest places this Halloween season. Someone may discover something seemingly amiss as they wander the grounds at one of these architecturally built historic homes. They mustn’t wander too far into a prison cell at the Mansfield Reformatory or they may notice those rusting doors start to creak and crackle as they shift to close in with one swift sudden slam. You may feel a pulling sensation drawing you to the winding hike behind the Squires Castle, where others have lost their footing, much like the late Louisa herself. Finally, the passageway door at Franklin Castle holds the most secrets just waiting for victims like you to explore, if you dare!
