Hillview Manor Investigation

Hillview Manor was built in 1925 and its doors opened October 19, 1926. It was originally called the Lawrence County for the Aged and was built to replace the New Castle City Home. Perry and Mary Snyder took up residence within the building and lived there for a number of years. In June of 1944, the Snyder’s were charged within incompetency and eventually were retired with pensions but allowed to remain at the facility.

In the late 1960s the building was remodeled and turned into a skilled nursing center under the supervision of Clarence E. Covert. When 1970 came along the house faced severe overcrowding issues and due to lack of support or funding, Covert resigned in January of 1973.

In December of 1974 the county added on the North Wing and also refurbished some of the other floors. A new kitchen, dining room and other occupational rooms were also added during this reconstruction. The new North Wing was officially opened in mid-1977. On March 22, 1977 after a contest to find a new name for the building, it was officially titled Hillview Manor. Hillview Manor closed its doors in 2004 due to financial problems. In 2007 thieves broke in and stole almost all of the copper pipe and wiring within the building.

Located at: 2801 Ellwood Rd. (Hillview Manor Rd.), New Castle, Pennsylvania 16101

Telephone: 724-657-6934

Website: www.hauntedhillviewmanor.com

Hauntings:

Third floor: contained most of the surgical rooms. Grump EVPs of an old man have been recorded here and they don’t like other men.

Joe Miller’s Room: Miller used to enjoy Kayak brand of tobacco and used a walker. Shadows have been seen peeking out of his room and throughout the building.

John Robinson Room: Robinson was said to have jumped out of the window of his room but didn’t die immediately but on the way to the hospital. EVPs captured in this room claim that he didn’t jump but was pushed out the window.

Jimmy’s Room: Jimmy lived at Hillview from when it was a poor farm till its closure in 2004. He was here almost his entire life. He had a speech impediment and eventually lost his voice and used to just grunt. EVPs in this area often produce a grunting sound when reviewed. He shared a room with either Jewels or Lester. Jimmy always carried a camera with him wherever he went and was nicknamed “Jimmy Snaps.” He used to steal golf balls off the golf course and try to sell them back to the golfers. He would also take pictures of people and attempt to sell them for a dollar each even though his camera never had any film in it.

2^nd floor: This floor had apartments for the staff and later became office space after this became Hillview Manor. One side of the corridor was the Men’s and Women’s Cafeteria when it was the poor farm. The men’s was larger because men outnumbered women 10-1. In the back of the Men’s Cafeteria was the original kitchen. A dark shadow often is seen walking around this area. Hallway right above the current break room downstairs is creepy. Doors are heard slamming and the sound of bowling balls being dropped have also been reported. EVPs of a woman who says she was raped, beaten and always sound frantic have been recorded here.

The stairwell near the Women’s Cafeteria is very active with the sounds of someone dragging something across the floor. A patient named Angels hung himself from a door that is no longer there. Guides have reported hearing things in the hallway with the suicide took place. It has been nicknamed the “Knock-knock Hallway” and if you try to entice the spirits with “A Shave and a Haircut” often you will get a reply.

2 West: a blind woman named Mary Aeillo was moved to a room with closer access to the washroom just across the hall. The rocking chair today was actually used by her while she was alive.

Jeffrey’s Room: EVPs recorded claim to be that of a little boy named Jeffrey. He apparently likes things that light up like K-II meters, Rempods, etc. People would report seeing a little boy and die a few days later.

Chapel: Ghost box sessions are great within this room. Reports of a doctor dressed in white have been encountered here.

Embalming room: Room 110 was the embalming room when it was still the poor farm. When this became Hillview, it was used as office space. There is a rocking chair there and past reports include the chair rocking on its own and even a visual apparition sitting in the chair and lifting their arms up over and over.

Old boiler room: This room was used as a boiler room from 1926 to 1977. An inmate, Eli Sorry, became inebriated and passed out just outside the building. Some people dragged him inside by the stairs where he later died from either intoxication or exposure. He was known for groping women inappropriately. A past EVP session was conducted where a question was asked, “Why do you do that to woman?” The response was, “I like to fuck with women!” He will also sometimes pull on men’s pants legs.

Shadow hallway: A nearby organ makes sounds of the pedals being used. In Mary’s Room, staff have seen a shadow head peek around the corner. Some believe he could be a former maintenance man who had cerebral palsy. During experiments here, flashlights get knocked over on occasion and REM Epod’s often react.

The GRS investigated the Hillview Manor September 21, 2016 and the team included: Stan Suho, Chuck Williams, Randy Liebeck and Dale Kaczmarek

Equipment setup: A Command Center was setup in the Break Room just inside the main door. Infrared and full spectrum cameras were deployed in one of the long hallways on the 2^nd floor, just outside the embalming room, Mary Virginia’s room and another full spectrum was placed facing into a patient’s room.

Experiments performed: EVP, Ghost Box, Ovilus X and Echovox sessions were conducted in Mary Virginia’s Room, hallway near Room 140, 2^nd floor nurse’s station, John Robinson’s Room, 2^nd floor 2W near a room where a suicide took place and in the Basement Boiler Room. A quiet time session was also performed in on the 2^nd floor near a bathroom where a suicide took place.

Personal experiences:

Stan Suho: Another very big very old hospital like building in western Pennsylvania. Two floors, long corridors, a big basement, and I don’t what’s on top. Our small group was joined by one of Dale’s friends from N.J. With this small group we set out to cover as much of the building as possible. Left to myself, I set to work to set up a small command post with two IR cameras recording. The first was another long hallway camera supported by one of Dale’s big IR lights. These big IR lights make it possible to see all the way to the end of the corridor with only one camera. The second one was set up in an area I could never resist, right outside of the embalming room. I all ways expect these areas to be very active. With both cameras recording, I grabbed my walk around camera and set out in search things that go bump in the night. It’s interesting how all these big old buildings are laid out on the same floor plan. No exception here, same plan, different ghost. I was going from room to room taking photos. I didn’t spend much time in any one room and still only made it only part way through. I finally caught up with Dale’s EVP vagabonds and joined up. This is a great group to follow around with all their high tech EVP gadgets.

Conclusions: As expected, nothing turned up on my video cameras. Not even on my embalming room camera. This is a good haunted place for a visit, but being 500 miles from Chicago, a bit far for only one investigation.

Chuck Williams: Cameras- Sony Nightshot, Go Pro, Panasonic 4K, Full Spectrum digital camera, IR Lighting, Zoom recorder, Mel Meter, Laser grid pens, Ovilus 5, Echovox app, Rem Pod.

During the walk through, the host commented she had been touched on the arm, and a few seconds later the same thing happened to me.

A thorough walk through was provided by our host. This was a huge facility for such a small crew, but we covered it as best as possible with multiple cameras and visiting as many areas as possible with the time we had. Because of our numbers, we pretty much stayed together as a small group, Stan manning the command center, and joining us when he could.

Mary Virginia’s room on the 1^st floor felt calm and peaceful will have to wait for evidence review. The second floor had a “Loud Hallway” which lived up to its name, a lot of tiny noises heard throughout investigation. The shower room where the man hanged himself felt creepy.

The 2^nd floor nurses station near Jimmy Snaps room was active with many small noises. Disembodied voices, and whistling were heard with naked ears, Randy reported seeing shadow figures.

Dale heard singing as soon as we opened the basement door. The boiler room, where a former employee who loved the Steelers hangs out also felt calm and peaceful, even though provoking by Randy took place over the Steelers.

Conclusion: This was a good hunt, even though it felt short, due to the large space, and amount of crew to cover it. I feel this place bears a repeat visit, if only to cover the areas we didn’t cover more fully, or even at all.

Randy Liebeck: In a room down the hallway from the 2^nd floor nurse’s station, I saw something just inside the doorway of Room 313 and later upon entering the room, I briefly saw what appeared to be two green dots (like laser dots) on a curtain hanging in the room. I still don’t know if it was real or if it was a product of my eyes trying to see in the darkness.

Down the hallway from the 2^nd floor nurses station, and inside Room 301, my color FLIR camera picked up what looked like a human figure sitting near a chair, leaning forward. I suspect it was an imaging artifact (as the figure dissipated as we got closer to the room), but it sure did look weird at the time.

As we conducted a “quiet time” while sitting in a hallway on the 2^nd floor, I heard a number of strange noises, clanks and even what sounded like a door slamming. I could not be absolutely sure that the sounds weren’t from the expanding and contracting of the building due to the heat and cold or even sounds from Suho as he wasn’t with us during this time.

Dale Kaczmarek: While conducting our initial walk-through of the building I clearly saw what appeared to be a shadow figure’s head peek around a corner near Room 126. The camera was running but not facing in that direction. I turned the camera and slowly walked down the hallway towards the anomaly, turned the corner but saw nothing.

While sitting in the Chapel, I suddenly felt a very cold breeze brush past me. The building is not air-conditioned and it was a warm day. Pictures and FLIR images were shot but nothing conclusive was picked up.

While sitting in the 2^nd floor hallway near Room 202 and a bathroom where a suicide took place in the past, I heard a number of strange sounds emanating from down the corridor and even in a room directly in front of us. Some of the noises sounded like metal clanking and doors opening and closing. I also heard something that resembled footsteps in the distance.

Evidence collected:

Breath Hillview.MPG – while in between EVP sessions near the 2^nd floor nurse’s station, a deep breath was heard and recorded.

Butter jam Hillview.MPG – while conducting an Echovox session in Mary Virginia’s Room, a comment was made, “I like French toast with bacon.” The Echovox said what sounds like, “Butter” and “Jam.”

Clatter Hillview.MPG – while conducting a quiet time session in the 2^nd floor hallway, a loud clatter of noises was heard and recorded.

Door shut Hillview.MPG – while conducting an Echovox session near the 2^nd floor nurse’s station, the sound of a door was heard and recorded directly in front of the group.

Door shutting sound Hillview.MPG – while conducting an EVP session near the 2^nd floor nurse’s station the sound of a door closing was heard and recorded.

Footsteps Hillview.MPG – a static full spectrum camera picked up the sound of footsteps near the 3^rd floor nurse’s station.

French knows you’re going out of here Hillview.MPG – while conducting an Echovox session in the basement, a question was asked, “Our time grows short here, do you have any messages to carry away?” The Echovox says, “French knows you’re going out of here.”

Hello Hillview.MPG – while conducting a quiet time session on the 2^nd floor hallway, William’s 4k Panasonic camcorder picked up a hello in the distance.

Hello2 Hillview.MPG – while conducting a quiet time session on the 2^nd floor hallway, William’s 4k Panasonic camcorder picked up a faint hello in the distance.

Hey Hillview.MPG – while conducting a quiet time session on the 2^nd floor hallway, a distant yell was recorded that says, “Hey.”

Hi Hillview.MPG – while conducting a Ghost Box session in Mary Virginia’s Room, a question was asked, “Hello?” The Ghost Box responds with, “Hi.”

Hi2 Hillview.MPG – while conducting an EVP session in Mary Virginia’s Room, a question was asked, “My name is Randy…” A “Hi” is heard right after that comment.

How did that go Hillview.MPG – William’s GoPro camcorder located in Mary Virginia’s Room picks up a voice saying, “How did that go?”

I’m coming Hillview.MPG – William’s 4k Panasonic camcorder located in the basement picks up a whisper that says, “I’m coming.”

Me Hillview.MPG – while conducting a Ghost Box session in Mary Virginia’s Room, a question is asked, “Is there anyone here?” The Ghost Box responds with, “Me.”

Merry Christmas Hillview.MPG – William’s 4k Panasonic camcorder located at the 3^rd floor nurse’s station picks a voice that says, “Merry Christmas.”

Mumbling Hillview.MPG – while conducting a Ovilus X session in the 2^nd floor hallway, a low mumbling was recorded.

Noise2 Hillview.MPG – William’s Sony Handycam located at the 3^rd floor nurse’s station picks up a noise.

Noises Hillview.MPG – while conducting an EVP session near the 3^rd floor nurse’s station, a few noises were both heard and recorded.

Pete Hillview.MPG – while conducting an Echovox session in Mary Virginia’s Room, a question was asked, “Who’s in Room 140?” The Echovox responds with, “Pete.”

Pete2 Hillview.MPG – while conducting an Echovox session near the 2^nd floor nurse’s station, a question was asked, “What’s your name?” The Echovox responds with, “Pete.”

Pick up Hillview.MPG – while conducting an EVP session in Mary Virginia’s Room, a whisper was recorded that says, “Pick up.”

Please help doctor Hillview.MPG – while conducting an Echovox session in Mary Virginia’s Room, a question was asked, “Are you a doctor or a nurse?” The Echovox responds with, “Please help.” A follow up question, “What kind of help?” The Echovox then responds with, “Doctor.”

Sancho Sancho Hillview.MPG – William’s Sony Handycam located at the 3^rd floor nurse’s station picks up a whisper that says, “Sancho, Sancho.”

Tea yeah yeah Hillview.MPG – while conducting an Echovox session in the basement, a question was asked, “What was the menu for today?” The Echovox responds with, “Tea.” A follow up question was asked, “I like fruit for desert. Do you like fruit?” The Echovox responded with, “Yeah yeah.”

Um show Hillview.MPG – while conducting an Echovox session at the 3^rd floor nurse’s’ station, right after Suho yawns, “Um show” can be heard.

Walker sound Hillview.MPG – while conducting a quiet time session in the 2^nd floor hallway, William’s Panasonic 4k camcorder picks up the sound of a walker being moved along the floor in the distance.

Whistling sound Hillview.MPG – while conducting a quiet time session in the 2^nd floor hallway, a whistling sound is both heard and recorded.

Whooo Hillview.MPG – William’s Panasonic 4k camcorder picks up a strange whooing sound.

Who’s there Hillview.MPG – while conducting an EVP session near the 3^rd floor nurse’s station, a knocking sound was made by one of us, followed by a voice that says, “Who’s there?”

Yeah Hillview.MPG – while conducting the initial walk-through with our host and right after she says, “Right in that area,” a voice is heard that says, “Yeah.”

Conclusions: This was a great place to investigate. There were occurrences happening just about everywhere we visited within the building. Many intelligent responses and, I believe, residual sounds were recorded and, several times, heard by investigators. The location is a maze of hallways and rooms but the nice part is that most of the rooms have plaques at the entrance describing who might have inhabited the location and the paranormal phenomena that has been reported in the past. In this way, even if an investigator did not remember what the guide had told us, this served to refresh our memory and was quite useful!

This building is just too large for just four people to investigate and deserves a more thorough investigation with a larger group, more equipment and cameras to monitor multiple areas. I truly believe that if the noise level and background contamination could be eliminated or at least reduced, a lot more paranormal activity could have been collected. It would be essential to use 2-way radios within the building if a follow-up investigation would be planned because in some cases where noises were heard, it was difficult to discern if these were truly paranormal or caused by living persons.

Our host and guide for the evening, Rachelle Rozzo, was extremely informative and really knew a lot about the location. I guess that comes all the years of directing tours and paranormal groups through this most haunted location.