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Feature The Haunting of Kearny Mansion Mendy Baker The Kearney Mansion sits atop 225 acres of pristine agricultural land. The designs for the two existing structures, constructed in 1903 by Fresno’s King of Raisins, M. Theo Kearney, were inspired by the French Renaissance. The structural aesthetics were also influenced by the Schwab Family residence in New York City, which was a replica of the Chateau de Chenonceaux. Kearney came to Fresno in 1869 and, by 1892, he was creating the park. His family immigrated from Liverpool England when he was just 12-years-old. A self-made man, Kearney started the movement for Fresno’s agricultural developments, specifically raisins. From this, he envisioned what we now know as Kearney Park. Construction was completed on the mansion in 1903 which was intended to be the manager’s residence. The second structure on the property was the servant’s quarters that now serve as the Fresno Historical Societies headquarters. Kearney’s dream involved a larger complex, with the Mansion merely igniting project. While in San Francisco during the earthquake of 1906, Kearney suffered a mild heart attack. He travelled back to Fresno to recuperate and plan his annual trip abroad, where he suffered a second, this time fatal heart attack. Kearney died before his Chateau Fresno Park was completed. Haunted claims Trying to locate true haunted claims at the Mansion was a challenge. From documented reports, no one has investigated paranormal activities. A few amateur videos, most of which feature the Mansion’s exteriors, have been posted, with light refractions and significant “feelings” but nothing of substance. Allegedly, Kearney’s spirit roams the grounds, perhaps dismayed that his dream materialized. He left his estate to the University of California Berkley with instructions to build an agricultural college in Fresno. However, the property was retained as a ranch, and the Chateau was never completed. Is this why he sticks around? Possibly. Others say they have seen his housekeeper, Nora, wandering the halls. Some also tell of a white witch by the train tracks. However, when TCTN investigated the grounds, there were no train tracks on the 225 acres of land. In reality, they are a mile north of the Mansion property line. When crossing the railroad tracks at night, the witch will apparently materialize, dressed in white, and beg passing cars to halt. There are also reports of hearing disembodied laughter of children in Kearney Park, usually around 1:30 in the morning. Is the Kearney Mansion haunted? Does Mr. Kearney wander the property to keep his dream alive? Does Nora stay with him to make certain the house is properly cared for? What about the white witch? Where did she come from? Until we can conduct a further, complete investigation we may never know. Although make no mistake: we will get in. Check out Season One of Then Again with Herbie J. Pilato, starring classic TV stars like Ed Asner and Burt Ward. Find it on Amazon Prime. For more information, visit ThenAgainTV.com. 9
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