Mansfield Reformatory
THE GHOSTS

The Reformatory is said to be the home of many unknown entities. Shadows and several EVP's have been seen/recorded in the cell blocks. Other paranormal "hot spots" include:

The Warden's Quarters

It is here the Warden’s wife, Helen, was accidentally killed when she pulled a hatbox from the top shelf of her closet. A loaded gun behind a hat box accidentally discharged. Though her death was ruled an accident, some believed her husband (the Warden) may have been behind it. It is believed her spirit remains here. Some believe the Warden's spirit may also reside here.

The Chapel

Some believe this area may be the heart of the haunting. Rumors that the Chapel was first an execution room, where inmates were tortured and died slow deaths while hanging from the rafters, may account for reports of activity in this area.

The Cellblocks

This is an area where frequent prison violence and deaths occurred. Prisoners were known to have thrown other prisoners to there death from multi-story cellblocks. When you visit this area, you'll notice the walkways on the upper floors have bars from floor to ceiling. That was installed to prevent prisoners from falling to their death.

On your tour, the guide will show you one cell with an "X" mark above the door. This is the cell Dustin Pari (SciFi "Ghost Hunters") had marked when he thought he'd seen/heard something. Later, Jason Hawes also experienced strange sounds coming from the cell.

Shadowy apparitions have been seen in this area along with voices and strange lights.

The Hole

Located in the basement of the prison. This dark, depressing section of the Reformatory houses small, claustophic cells. Prisoners were locked away in total darkness for days, sometimes weeks. In its early days, there was no running water or toilets in cells.

During the hot days of summer, these roach-infested, tomb-like cells became infernos of heat with little circulating air. Some reports suggest guards would light the fireplaces to make the heat even more unbareable. In the winter, it would be so cold, water would freeze.

The total isolation, darkness and unbearable conditions would sometimes drive prisoners to insanity. It is believed there were many deaths some from neglect and disease others from suicide and murder. Staff at the prison will tell you this is the most paranormally active location at the Reformatory (9.5 out of 10 for paranormal activity).