Place: Ohio State Reformatory
Location: 100 Reformatory Road, Mansfield, Ohio 44905
Phone: (419) 522-2644
Hours: Varies by season and event; check the official website for current hours
Admission: Prices vary depending on the tour or event; refer to the website for details
Website: https://www.mrps.orgDestination Mansfield+6US Ghost Adventures+6mrps.org+6
History:
The Ohio State Reformatory (OSR), also known as the Mansfield Reformatory, was constructed between 1886 and 1910, opening its doors to inmates in 1896. Designed by architect Levi T. Scofield, the facility showcases a blend of Victorian Gothic, Romanesque, and Queen Anne architectural styles, intended to inspire and reform its inmates.
Originally named the Intermediate Penitentiary, OSR was built to rehabilitate young, first-time offenders by providing them with education, religious instruction, and vocational training. However, over time, the institution’s mission shifted, and it became a maximum-security prison housing violent criminals.
The prison was closed in 1990 following a federal court ruling citing overcrowding and inhumane conditions. It gained fame as the filming location for the 1994 movie “The Shawshank Redemption,” which played a significant role in preserving the building from demolition.
Hauntings:
The Ohio State Reformatory is renowned for its paranormal activity, earning a reputation as one of the most haunted locations in the United States. Reports of hauntings date back to its operational days and continue to this day.
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The Basement: Visitors have reported sightings of a shadowy figure believed to be the spirit of a 14-year-old boy who was allegedly beaten to death in the basement. His presence is often described as flickering across walls or seen out of the corner of one’s eye.
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The Chair Room: This windowless room contains a single chair, and it’s said that if the chair is moved to the center and left alone, it will relocate on its own. Some visitors have reported being scratched or feeling a malevolent presence in this area.
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Cell Blocks: Inmates and visitors have reported hearing disembodied voices, footsteps, and cell doors slamming shut. Some have felt cold spots and sudden drops in temperature, indicative of paranormal presence.
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The Warden’s Quarters: Helen Glattke, the wife of a former warden, died under mysterious circumstances in the quarters. Her spirit is believed to linger, with reports of her perfume scent and apparitions in the area.
Personal Experiences:
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A visitor recounted a chilling experience: “I do not believe in ghosts. At all. But if they do exist, then the Reformatory is absolutely haunted. We went on a rainy day and the wind moaning through the cellblocks was truly unnerving. The chapel and the infirmary both felt very heavy to me.”
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Paranormal investigator Greg Feketik shared his encounter: “As I’m contemplating what I saw, I heard growling coming from the other room,” referring to a shadow figure he witnessed ascending a staircase.
Paranormal Activity Rating: Very High (Constant paranormal activity)
For those interested in exploring the haunted halls of the Ohio State Reformatory, the facility offers various tours, including ghost hunts and paranormal investigations. It’s a must-visit for enthusiasts seeking a firsthand experience of one of America’s most haunted locations.