Most Haunted Places in America: Phillips Mansion
Sitting on a hilltop in the Heritage Hills section of Grand Rapids stands Phillips Mansion, which is one of the haunted places in Western Michigan. Built in 1864 it was purchased by Grand Rapids Clock and Mantel Company owner James T. Phillips in 1880. The home came with gaslight fixtures, an attic, 19th century paintings and sculptures, and period furniture. The grand appearance was created with the four large pillars in the front.
Originally, Phillips Mansion was built with eight rooms with the kitchen and shed attached to the home. James Phillips and his family remained residents of the mansion for 32 years until he passed away in 1912. It is said that he still haunts the place to this very day.
Dr John Burleson and his family purchased the mansion in 1912. Rumor had it that one of his daughters was a spiritualist and contacted the dead on several occasions by holding séance’s. This was said to have caused a mysterious fire which drove the family out in 1934.
Phillips Mansion became a nursing home for elderly women during the 1940′s and was so for around 12 years. By 1952, the home became a private residence which was purchased by investors and transformed into an apartment complex. However, the haunting’s began in 1973, when there were apparitions spotted by two female roommates, which drove them to move from the home. It was purchased again in November of 1973 by Ward Paul and Chuck Schoenknecht, who again restored the mansion to its original beauty.
Both men had experienced strange occurrences throughout the house. One time, Chuck was pushed by something that wasn’t there, while something jerked Wards big toe when he was in bed reading a book. During this time, they both realized that caring for the old mansion was very costly, therefore they let a friend of theirs Rick, come to stay with them on the second floor. He used his room as his living quarters and an art studio.
These spirits were not very fond of Rick as they played several tricks on him. On one occasion, Rick had gone to bed, and suddenly he heard his bedroom door slam shut. When he got up to check on what caused the noise he discovered that the door was opened by three inches. However, nothing was there to open or close the door. Another incident was while Rick was painting, he kept hearing noises throughout the room. He was tired of the noise and screamed for whatever it was to shut up.
Obviously, the ghost did not like his bad manners, because he saw his red paint cup float in the air which the entity dumped the paint right on him, and then it took the painting board and smacked him in the back while he was removing the paint from his head. Rick learned to control his temper around the spirits.
Others have witnesses the ghost of James T Phillips himself by the fireplace, on the second floor landing, and in the entry hall. Guests have witnessed glowing images in the bedrooms; have felt vibrations and violent shaking, loud banging, and heavy male footsteps along with much more. As of today, the Phillips Mansion is a privately owned residence. For those who decide to take the trip up to Heritage Hill, make sure that the apparitions are respected, and in return, they will respect you.
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