Mansfield Reformatory

There are many places that claim to be haunted and to have paranormal activity, but few can compare to Mansfield Reformatory. Not only does the number of strange occurrences reported make it stand out, but also the large number of individual ghosts that seem to keep reappearing to investigators and visitors.

Construction on Mansfield Reformatory began in 1886, but due to funding problems and delays the building was not ready to house inmates until 1896. Even though the prison was officially open it was not finished. One-hundred and fifty prisoners arrived at the prison and were recruited to help with the final stages of construction. Between the time of its opening at its official closure in 1984 the prison saw more than its fair share of deaths and tragic events.

Tales relating to this prison include the death of a warden, his wife, a nurse, and a number of guards who were killed on a duty. There are also countless prisoners who died, either by their own hand, at the hands of guards or by other prisoners. The prison was also the sight of numerous state executions, that were carried out by the electric chair.

The warden’s room is considered to be one of the most active points of paranormal activity. It was here that the warden’s wife Helen Glattke died under strange circumstances. The official report states that she was reaching into a closet to retrieve a hatbox, when a gun that was hidden behind fell off the shelf and discharged resulting in her death. Rumours that her husband was somehow involved in her death were rampant but no proof of this was ever discovered. Warden Glattke suffered a fatal heart in this same room a number of years later.

Many people claim that they smell strange rose perfume in the warden’s room or that they have caught the scent of cigars, which Warden Glattke was known to smoke. Others report that they have heard the voices of a man and a woman arguing within the office. Inmates often spoke of the feeling that someone was tucking them in at night and many of them believed that this was the ghost of either Helen or the nurse.

Mansfield Reformatory Prison – East Cell Block

The nurse in the Mansfield Reformatory is another abnormally active ghost. She was said to have been killed by an inmate while she was working. People visiting the infirmary will often hear strange sounds, experience equipment failure and/or see orbs drifting around the room. They may also experience drafts and feel cold spots in the room as they pass through.

Another area that is said to have particularly strong energies is the area that was called the hole. The hole is what is more commonly known as solitary confinement. Prisoners who had committed an offence or had broken prison rules were sent here for punishment. There are reports that many an inmate was tortured and died within this small area of the prison. People who have gone into this area report feelings of overwhelming nausea and discomfort. Physics attribute these feelings to the negative energies that linger in this area.

Particularity noteworthy, is the basement of the prison. A ghost of a young boy and a former employee of the prison have been regularly sighted here. Other highly charged areas in the prison include the chapel and the library. Although there is no documentation, it is thought that the chapel was used as an early execution room. Numerous ghosts and misty beings have been sighted lingering in these spots.

Throughout the entire building strange noises and cold regions have been reported. Voices, lights, footsteps and drafts are commonly reported. Equipment failure is a regular occurrence as are drafts and smells. If you are lucky enough to go the Mansfield Reformatory be prepared.. for anything.

Investigation At Mansfield Reformatory Prison 2009

Pictures of a recent tour of The Ohio State Reformatory

Mansfield Reformatory is located at 100 Reformatory Road, Mansfield, Ohio. Take Interstate 71 to the U.S. 30 West exit to State Route 545. Go North on State Route 545 for about ½ mile to left on Reformatory Road.