So, this is McPike Mansion in Alton, Il. I had a great time here. For a small town, it is covered with haunted history. So much to do here. Ok. I know the above pictures are hard to make out and I am hoping you can enlarge them on your computer to see the faces better.
The second set of pictures are the same photo I just enlarged the one that has the "faces" in it.
Now, here's my story. I went up to Alton, Il for one of the annual American Ghost Society's Conference. I registered late, and therefore, missing out on an investigation of the famous "McPikes" mansion. I was soooooo bummed!!! So, on my way to the airport, returning from my trip, I was talking to the cab driver. He asked me if I got to do everything I wanted and I said "no". I missed out on an investigation on the old McPikes Mansion. He said, no problem. I know where it is, if you would like to go there before catching your flight. ARE YOU KIDDING!!!!! YESSSS I would love to go there.
So, off we went. After a short drive, he pulled up in the driveway of the McPikes Mansion. No one was there because it is abandoned and most people go at night. I got out of the cab and walked just a little ways up in the front yard, because there are NO TRESPASSING signs posted everywhere. I just kinda walked around the front yard taking pictures. I got back in the cab just feeling awesome that I got to at lease see the outside of the mansion. Of course, that cab driver got a GREAT tip!!!!!
When I got home I downloaded my pics and my last pics were of the mansion. My first thought was, wow what a beautiful old mansion and what it must have been like to live here. THEN.... I looked at my pictures and little closer and couldn't believe my eyes! I believe there are two people, well one man and a young girl in the window on the second floor. I could see them clearly!!! I was sooo excited!!!
If you look close, (may have to enlarge) you can see a little girl's face and to me, appears to be screaming... or with her mouth open. And right behind her, standing up, looks like a man, maybe with a beard, one of those that goes around the sides of a mans face up to his sideburns. I don't know. What do you think? Mr. McPike or another resident ghost?
I have included below some information about the McPikes Mansion. Please, Please go to their site and listen to the EVP they have. You will just click on the Photo's, Orbs and EVP tab on the left. It is one of the best EVP's I have ever heard. Nick(Ghost Adventures) has got nothing compared to this. Plus I think that Ghost Adventures show is entertaining, but it's crap! lol Just my option. Anyway, you can plainly hear the word HENRY after the guy ask "what is your name?". Don't miss it.
Ok. Everybody, this is a long post and I am sorry. There is just lots to talk about on the subject of the McPike Mansion. Until next time.........
The house was built in 1869 by architect Lucas Pfeiffenberger. Original owner of the Mansion was Henry Guest McPike. The McPike family owned 15 acres of land, then known as Mount Lookout Park. Here McPike, a horticulturist, perfected his McPike Grape. The family lived in this, their country home, until 1936.
The house has changed hands several times since its original owner Henry McPike. The building has been home to Browns Business College and was later owned by Paul Laichinger, who rented rooms in the house to other occupants.
The house has not been occupied since the 1950's. Before weather and vandals brought extensive damage to the structure, it was a regal addition to the Illinois town of Alton.
The mansion featured 11 marble fireplaces and beautifully carved stairway banisters, all of which have been stolen during its abandonment. Intricate carved trim still border the ceiling in one of the front rooms.
McPike Mansion today is owned by Sharyn and George Luedke who have been trying to nurture this great house back to its regal state. It is readily known today for its hauntings in paranormal circles. The grounds are often visited by ghost hunters and haunted tour groups in the area.
It is not uncommon to find in photos of the mansion, orbs, balls of light, even figures appearing in the windows that were not seen by the human eye when the photo was taken.
This Grand Ole House is thought to still house many of the spirits that once lived here. Many Psychics and Mediums have felt the presence of what they believe to be McPike family, servants, as well as some of those who resided in and owned the house since 1936.
I have only seen the McPike Mansion from the road while I was driving by, but I would love to do a tour of the house even just to get to see the entire outside and grounds surrounding the house. As I know people are not able to go in the house now because of it's condition. However I read somewhere that there is a cemetery behind the house so does anyone know if that is true? and if so then who was buried there?
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