Hill View Manor

Located in New Castle, Pennsylvania, Hill View Manor was originally known as The Lawrence County Home for the Aged, also known as the poor house or poor farm, and housed the county’s mentally ill, severely destitute, and elderly residents that didn’t have any known family. It was built to replace the aging New Castle City Home and consolidated various small institutions around the county.

The facility opened it’s doors on Tuesday, October 19, 1926. Perry D. Snyder, and his wife Mary A. Snyder, who were first elected in March 1913 to serve in respective posts of the New Castle City Home, took up residence in the Lawrence County Home for the Aged. Along with Mr. and Mrs. Snyder, their two children, about 12 staff members, and the first twenty inmates, left the old City home and also took up residence in the Lawrence County Home. A young boy was among these first twenty inmates, although the home did not generally take children.

In June of 1944, county welfare officials and the Snyder’s were accused of incompetency at the home. During the hearing, the Snyder’s were retired with pensions but permitted to stay at the home. By late August, the Snyder’s were given three weeks to vacate the premise. The Snyder’s run of over thirty years of service to the community had ended, and Mantz B. Hogue, the longtime director of the welfare department, took over operations at the home.

The home continued to operate for many years and in the latter half of the 1960s was remodeled and slowly changed into a skilled nursing center while under the supervision of Director Clarence E Covert. By 1970 the home was facing severe overcrowding issues, and Covert became bitter about the lack of county support and resigned in January of 1973.

Medical records and reports document that many patients committed suicide while staying here, which is believed to be the reason for the hauntings. Paranormal investigators and staff members have reported various incidents while exploring or working here, including disembodied voices, foul smells, poltergeist activity, cold spots, loud bangs and knocks, and frequent interactions with paranormal devices.

One well-known spirit, Mary Virginia, is said to be one of the most active spirits in the hospital. Mary had a child-like nature about her and often loved playing with dolls, beaded necklaces, and other small toys. Visitors often bring Mary gifts as an offering, and her former room is full of them. One staff member notes that if you ask Mary which necklaces are her favorite, oftentimes one will start to swing from the bed frame it hangs on.

Hill View Manor is private property and can be rented for private investigations. They also offer public tours, investigations, and events. Visit their website for more information.

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