The Redbird Word 2022 Halloween Issue

McPike Mansion home to many spirits
By: Bowie Chappee
The McPike Mansion has long entranced locals and those states away. Its guests' ghostly stories only make
the mansion more intriguing.
Built in 1869 and now residing on 2018 Alby St, the mansion has been at the forefront of paranormal minds
for years. It was built and owned by Henry McPike and his family during the late 1800s.
According to the current owner of the McPike Mansion, Sharyn Luedke, she said that Henry and many
members of his family are now said to haunt the mansion. From his son and daughter-in-law, Jenny and James
McPike, to unknown spirits whose bodies were buried in the backyard long ago, all haunt the halls of McPike.
“The spirits are gracious and kind,” Luedke said. According to her, all they want is for the house to be
restored to its former beauty. She recalls many times when the spirits would try to get her attention, either by
making noises or calling to her, to alert her of something that needed attending to in the mansion.
Guests of the mansion report feeling tugs at their shirts or their hair. Though no guests have ever spoken of
any malicious attacks, many still speak of feeling an overwhelming presence in the mansion's cellar.
The house's cellar is the only part open to the public due to most of the mansion being unsafe for people to walk
through. Luedke said that she hopes to get more of the mansion in shape so that people will be able to explore the
mansion to its fullest.
The mansion is not just a local phenomenon but a global one. It has been featured on paranormal shows such
as “Scariest Places on Earth” and “Ghost Adventures.”
The mansion is offering haunted tours from the weekends of Sept. 30 to Oct. 29 at 7:30 p.m.. The tickets are
$20 per adult, $10 for teenagers, and $5 for children. More information for tours can be found at
http://www.mcpikemansion.com/tours_events.html.
1
Mcpike mansion is
located at 2018 alby st.
9