RE-POST-MCPIKE MANSION-THE SPIRITS HERE LOVE TO BE SEEN!!! DARK PAST...CREEPY FUTURE

   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.  

 

OMG!!!  It's time of year when I head up to Alton, Illinois for the Annual Haunted American Conference!!!!  I have made so many good friends that I only get to see once a year at this conference!  I CAN'T WAIT!!!!

One of my FAVORITE haunted "hot spots" in Alton is the VERY HAUNTED McPike Mansion.  I go to McPike every year and it has yet to disappoint me!

So, let me tell you how I first met...will "visited"  McPike Mansion.....

It was one of the very first times I went up to Alton.    I went up for one of the annual American Ghost Society's Conferences (that's what it used to be called).  At the conferences you can register for "after hours" events which is usually an investigation at a haunted location.  Well I registered late, and therefore, I missed out on an investigation of the famous "McPikes" mansion.  I was soooooo bummed!!!  So, on my way to the airport, returning from my trip, and 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 at the old McPikes Mansion.  He said, well no problem.  I know where it is,  and if you would like to go there before catching your flight I'll take you.   ARE YOU KIDDING!!!!! YESSSS I would love to go!!!!!!!!!!!! 

So, off we went. After a short drive, we pulled up in the driveway of the McPikes Mansion.  This is an abandon mansion so no one was there. It sits quietly just a little ways back from the street and I can honestly say that even just passing it or pulling up to the house.....you definitely feel this house is NOT EMPTY!!!!  When we pulled up in the driveway I noticed the cab driver didn't pull up very far.  He turned and looked back at me and said "this is as far as I go".  The funny thing is that he said it sooooo seriously that I just died laughing.  As I started to open the door his eyes got so big and he said "your NOT getting out are you"???????  I said "of course I'm getting out".  Are you CRAZY!!!  I got out of the cab and could not take my eyes off the mansion!!!!  It was almost as if IT was staring back at me or "wondering" who was in "their" front yard.  Now there are NO TRESPASSING signs posted everywhere.  So I respected that and just kinda walked around the front yard taking pictures.  I could hardly pull myself away.....but I knew if I didn't I would be late for my flight so I got back in the cab and said my goodbyes to the McPikes and off I went.  Needless to say......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 again 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!!! So the feeing that someone was staring back at me......well you tell me!!! 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.  And a video of one of the best EVP's I have ever heard!!! Get ready to feel that "chill run down your back" as you can plainly hear in the CREEPIEST voice ever say the word HENRY after the guy ask "what is your name?".  Don't miss it.

 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.

Original photo of faces

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.  There is even two small tombstones that are located at the back of the house .  Who they belong to or who may call them "home" is unknown.

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.

Can't wait to get back and write about my next trip!!!!  See you next week HENRY!!!!!!