The idea of a poor house seems strange for many in today’s modern society, but between the mid 19th and early 20th centuries, it was a very stark reality. Before the welfare system, before public hospitals, before the medical world had a real understanding of mental illness, poor houses and work farms were the answer to proper society’s problem people.
These places were just a bandage on a serious and growing problem. Although some found refuge in poor houses, others were dumped there to be forgotten. The Old Lake County Poor House in Painesville, Ohio was one such place.
The beautiful four story building that was once the local poor house is now a living museum. It is the home of theLake County History Center, a magnificently restored showcase of the area’s past. It holds priceless treasures from the region’s darkest decades. From early American to late Victorian – the LCHC houses artifacts that tell the story of our country and the people who lived, loved, and died there.
One of the most interesting features of the LCHC is tied to its history. It is embedded in the antiques and soaked into the structure itself. The Lake County History Center is haunted.
The Haunted Housewives have worked with the LCHC for years. Ghost Lady Cathi Weber began organizing and hosting fundraisers in 2009. The extremely popular Para-Explorations have raised thousands of dollars with all proceeds going to the preservation and restoration of the building.
The event has always taken place on the first Friday of November, but this year Weber is trying something different – a spring time fundraiser. On Friday, May 1st, Spring Para-Ex 2015 will be held at the LCHC. This event is hoping to raise funds for the installation of an elevator, a much needed amenity for handicap visitors who have trouble accessing the upper floors.
Spring Para-Ex 2015 will feature special guest Michelle Belanger. Author of over a dozen books, Belanger is known for her work on Paranormal State where she served as a psychic investigator and occult expert. Belanger has been a stable at the Para-Ex fundraisers, appearing religiously for the past six years. She generously donates her time and talents to help the LCHC.
Along with Belanger, the Haunted Housewives have recruited some friends to help out at the event. A paranormal speaker’s panel will include myself, Ray Goosby from Dark Alley NEO, Todd Schelat from Tri-C Ghost Hunters, and more. Investigators of the Past will be the team leading attendees on the public ghost hunt.
The event will start with a brief history of the poor house, some of the more interesting personal stories, along with a telling of the buildings most ghostly encounters. The panel will field questions from the audience and explain their individual theories on hauntings. The attendees will then have the opportunity to explore the facility as they break up into small groups for the guided ghost hunt.
The Spring Para-Ex 2015 for the Lake County History Center is a fantastic opportunity to investigate one of the most historically relevant and haunted places in Ohio. The Haunted Housewives have always had amazing experiences there and past events have yielded some incredible findings.
Disembodied voices, class A EVPs, mysterious music, the wispy apparition of the White Lady, and a menacing dark mass that lurks in the basement dungeon – these are just a few of the paranormal events experienced at the Lake County History Center.
Belanger joins guests on the ghost hunt, sharing her impressions and answering questions. She is also on hand to help those who may be struggling or having a more frightening experience. As a skilled energy worker, she guides people on ways to shield and protect themselves from any negative forces.
You can join the Haunted Housewives and Michelle Belanger at Spring Para-Ex 2015 on Friday, May 1st. Previous events have always sold out so get your tickets today. 100% of the proceeds raised goes directly to the Lake County History Center. Please consider attending or making a donation directly to this amazing historic property.
More information can be found here or on the Haunted Housewives web site.
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