Adventure at the Famous Eloise Asylum
One lonely, boring evening about 20 years ago, I convinced a friend to go on a ghost hunt. I had never done a ghost hunt before, mind you, but I had a solid plan. Step 1: Go somewhere people claim is haunted. Step 2: Look around. On our way back home from William Ganong Cemetery, the most haunted cemetery in Michigan, I got a little lost. I was heading back toward the freeway when I came across a complex of buildings surrounding a tall, brick smoke stack. My Spidey senses made me turn into the driveway for my first Adventure at the Famous Eloise Asylum.
The History
Below is a summary of all the facts I could gather on-line and most especially at site, Tales of Eloise.
It all began in 1839 with the best of intentions. At first it was the Wayne County Poorhouse, taking in a few hundred folks who were down on their luck. Over time expanded to include a post office, a farm, a hospital, an asylum and a power plant. At its peak, during the Great Depression, over 10,000 people resided in its walls.
But as is often the case, best intentions can lead to very bad results. The staff at Eloise were the first in our nation to use a kidney dialysis machine and also the first to use electroshock therapy for mental illness. They offered “open air” treatment for patients with tuberculosis. This treatment method meant that the sick were left outside to breathe the air and get better. Or not.
Serving the public for over 100 years, Eloise left behind mementos like leather restraints and a Potter’s field with over 7,000 burials.
Knowing this information, you can OBVIOUSLY understand why I felt I had to go and see for myself.
The First Adventure
The sun had just set and we were at least an hour from home. Two women in an unfamiliar town, turning into a driveway that was clearly marked “Private Property”. My friend immediately began the grilling. “What are you doing?” “Why are we here?”
The Convincing
For some reason, she seemed reluctant to join me on this leg of our ghostly adventure. As we passed the Lutheran Family Services building, I began to share my knowledge of Eloise and my suspicion that somehow this collection of buildings was it.
She added, “You see that’s a police station just over to our right, right? And you saw the ‘No Trespassing’ sign, right?” Eager to prove to her that I was up to the challenge and aware of the dangers, I turned off my headlights and continued to drive.
The Warning
As the buildings became more and more derelict, she became more and more alarmed. When we were safely out of view, I parked the car and opened the door. I was sure I was right about this place, but I needed confirmation. Somewhere somehow I would find the name, “Eloise”.
My friend grabbed my arm and warned me that this place could be full of vagrants. I could see she was clearly afraid now, so I told her just to stay in the car and lock the doors.
Moments later, I saw light behind me and heard the car door closing. Apparently she brought a heavy, metal flashlight for this trip and she thought she could use as a weapon, if needed.
The Encounter
As she caught up with me, I saw something out of the corner of my eye. It wasn’t a vagrant, in fact, it wasn’t human. It was fast and it was low. On impulse I ran to catch it. I mean, it could be some sort of weird crawling spirit that I wouldn’t want to miss seeing.
As I reached the corner of the building, I began to feel a little apprehensive myself. I couldn’t hear anything and I was questioning what that thing could have been. Quickly I adopted a new strategy. 1. Sneak up on it. 2. Scare it. I know, looking back I can see this was clearly a terrible plan.
The Scaring
My back to the wall, I soundlessly made my way to the front door. I steeled my nerves and jumped on the landing with the flashlight and yelled “hah!” A raccoon raised on its hind legs and began screaming in fear. My solid reaction…was to scream in response and laugh once he ran away. Here is the doorway he was standing in, just after our brief encounter.
The Discovery
After this encounter, I realized my friend was right. This environment was far less safe than I allowed myself to admit. After all, both the raccoon and I screamed and no police came to our rescue. A little defeated, I walked back to the car. And then I saw it – sweet confirmation…
The Second Adventure
This summer, I went back to Eloise with a different adventurous friend. This time I knew things would be different. Because this time…it would be legal!! She grabbed her boyfriend and her son for an attempted escape from the asylum.
Having never done an escape room before, I had no idea what to expect…but it was ah-mazing!! Some of the building was redone to fit the story of the escape but other areas were left alone to let Eloise tell the story.
When we left, my soul felt like I had been let outside for recess. Which might say all sorts of things about me. Also I know that I will go back again. They offer an after hours paranormal tour, which might be great from an optics standpoint. And a morning historical tour, which could be fascinating depending on the docent. So Eloise, I will be back. It’s only a matter of time.
Post-logue
If all this wasn’t quite enough to raise the hairs on the back of your neck, check out this fun take on the old girl – Eloise, movie trailer.
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