The following is the story of a real paranormal investigation conducted at the Manteno Insane Asylum in Manteno, IL on March 14th, 2009. This location is supposedly one of the most haunted in the state. This was also my very first ghost hunt and one of the last ever conducted at this location. .

All photos have been approved by and are courtesy of the Illinois Ghost Society and the Confidential Paranormal Investigators. All audio / EVP clips are posted on and linked to my personal web site.

The Invitation

For the past seven years I have become among the millions of people who are completely enamored by the paranormal. I am not an investigator nor do I belong to any paranormal group. I simply consider myself a very intrigued student who cannot get enough of this amazing field.

Besides watching all of the popular paranormal shows religiously, I do quite a bit of networking with people involved with the paranormal field including investigative teams, psychic mediums, ghost hunters, authors etc. I do this through My Space, a community called Super Natural Connections and a writing community called Triond.

A few months ago I was fortunate enough to befriend Laura of Illinois Ghost Society (IGS) and Mary from Confidential Paranormal Investigators (CPI) . Over the course of a few weeks we exchanged emails, comments, thoughts, articles and ideas. I had no expectations other than to learn from them and become friends. They were both very sweet, friendly and open with sharing whatever information they could, including their ideas, views and beliefs on various topics in the field.

After a few weeks, Laura extended a very gracious invitation to accompany her team (Illinois Ghost Society) on their follow-up investigation of the Manteno Insane Asylum in Manteno, IL. Needless to say, I was honored and excited. I had been dying to go on an investigation for years! She told me to do my own research on the site because it has quite a history of paranormal activity. This would give me a feel for what I could be facing and would help get me prepared, which I did.

During my communications with Mary, she told me that CPI would actually be leading the investigation and Laura was a member of that team as well. She seconded the invite and thought it would be a great first experience for me. She also advised me it would be good because she was bringing her daughter Jackie on her first investigation. So, I would not be the only first-timer, which made me feel much better.

Fueled with excitement, it did not take me long to decide I really wanted to do this. I have never had any kind of paranormal experience in my life. I am not a sensitive nor do I have any kind of psychic abilities. I needed to find out what this was all about. The hundreds of episodes of Ghost Hunters, Ghost Hunters International, Paranormal State and Psychic Kids gave me an idea of what it would be like, but I assure you, there is nothing like the real thing.

After graciously accepting the invitation, both Laura and Mary left me with these instructions. Dress warm in layers. Bring a flashlight. Bring any kind of equipment I wanted including digital camera, audio recorder, video camera etc. Be respectful of the process and the spirits. Go with an open mind. Do not go anywhere alone.

For some company, I invited my good friend Mark, who also has a passion for the paranormal. We were both very excited, but agreed that we would know our role and place. We would be students and observers, who would not get in the way, would follow the rules and would help in whatever way we could.

The Manteno Insane Asylum

The Manteno Hospital / Insane Asylum dates back to 1929 when it was first built. It closed in 1985, but for sure remnants of its past roam throughout the grounds to this day. There are several buildings including underground tunnels. The tails of abuse, pain and suffering are numerous. So, it is easy to understand why spirits would linger. For years there has been documented evidence of strange sounds, EVP’s, apparitions, strange mists etc. So, it is rich with paranormal history.

There are several web sites that detail the history and haunting of this location. Just click on these links for more info: The Unexplained World of Manteno and Manteno Hospital. There are also various EVP’s and videos available on You Tube. Just got to You Tube and perform a Manteno search. For those that do not know, EVP stands for Electronic Voice Phenomenon. This is a disembodied / unexplained voice or noise, captured by an audio recording device. In the case of voices, they usually cannot be heard by a human ear.

Below are some photos of the outside of the buildings at night. Notice the orbs. Although orbs have never been proven to be entities, and are very questionable evidence, they do make you wonder some times, as you will soon find out.

Image courtesy of Laura of the Illinois Ghost Society

Image courtesy of Laura of the Illinois Ghost Society

Preparation

A few hours before the actual investigation, we all met at an IHOP restaurant near Manteno. This gave us time to say hello, meet everyone and get a feel for what really goes on within in the inner sanctity of a paranormal group. Both Mark and I were very impressed. The enthusiasm and passion were inspiring and contagious.

Everyone greeted and treated us warmly. None of the team members complained that first-timers were on board. As a matter of fact, most of them jumped at the opportunity to not only welcome us with open arms but to share some of their experiences and ask us about our interests.

Kathy of CPI led the meeting. Although the contents are confidential, as they should be, we both learned quite a bit. Everyone was very gracious with answering our questions and explaining things, which really made us feel included.

As we prepared to head towards the location, Kathy gave instructions that were pretty similar to what Laura and Mary had informed us earlier. However, we were told that a group prayer would be conducted before we entered the buildings, and after we exited. This is standard procedure for these folks and with good reason. You want protection going into an investigation, and you do not want to take spirits home with you, which has been known to happen.

A Walk to Remember

Everyone arrived in a convoy of vehicles. All totaled there were twenty-four people and four paranormal teams. Along with IGS and CPI were members from TRAP (Tyszko’s Research About the Paranormal) and JPS (Joliet Paranormal Society). The TRAP team has some documented evidence on You Tube and on their web site from other visits to Manteno.

Everyone geared and bundled up. Mark had his digital camera and I had an audio recorder. We decided that one of us would take pictures and the other would handle the audio, instead of us trying to fumble around with both. One piece of equipment and a flashlight each were enough for two rookies.

Within minutes we all headed out on a long walk to the asylum. This was the only time things felt kind of eerie to me. The quietness spoke volumes and voices turned to whispers. I simply assumed that many of them were mentally preparing themselves for any kind of paranormal encounter. After the first block the streetlights ended and the only lighting came from flashlights.

I thought I would start to get nervous or become a bit scared, but to be honest, I didn’t. I felt very excited, but not afraid. I usually do not scare very easily, but then again, I have never had a paranormal experience, nor have I ever come face to face with a ghost, so I do not have a reference point. We’ll see if that changes over time.

A Prayer

After about a half a mile walk, we approached our destination. With no working lights around the building, we all gathered around the entrance using our flashlights as guides. Below is a picture of the main entrance that night.

Photo courtesy of Laura of IGS

We quickly broke up into four groups. Mary and her daughter Jackie offered to work with Mark and I. Then Michael another member of CPI, and his friend Mike, joined up with us to make six.

Before entering the building, Laura led us in the opening prayer of St. Michael the Arch Angel. So, when you hear this prayer on television programs like Paranormal State, it is not just for show. It is something most investigating teams do for real, and with good reason.

After the prayer, we were all reminded to not leave the premises without saying the closing prayer. Spirits are known to attach to people. So, as a defense mechanism you need to let them know they are not welcomed.

The Investigation

Michael and Mary were the veterans of our group. Between them and Michael’s friend Mike, they had some serious equipment: digital cameras, digital audio recorders, KII meter, video camcorder, infrared video, and a ghost box.

At this point my heart began to race a bit and I took a deep breath. I looked around to catch my surroundings and for the first time I realized it was pitch black and we were about to enter a beat up, old building that is known to be extremely active with paranormal activity. Mark stood to my right, and I caught him looking around as well.

I patted him on the shoulder. “You ready for this?”

He turned and grinned. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”

As we reached the doorway Michael hesitated for a second and turned around waiting for us to catch up. He then gave some further instructions. “I only ask one favor guys. If you are going to take a picture please warn everyone by saying flash. This way when we are going through evidence we know what it is and no one gets surprised by the light.”

The inside of the building was completely falling apart. There were concrete, drywall, wood and porcelain pieces all over the place along with dangerous ruts and holes in the ground. Most of the windows were busted out or cracked. Several areas of the ceiling were caved in, some to the point of being able to see right through to the dark evening sky. There were also ice patches in various spots so we had to be extra careful. We walked slowly trying to take in as much as we could without tripping or missing anything.

We made a few turns and came across a few small rooms that were used for various therapy treatments and bathrooms. Graffiti from previous visitors appeared all over the walls. We then entered one of the main hospital rooms.

Photo courtesy of Laura of IGS

Photo courtesy of Laura of IGS

Photo courtesy of Laura of IGS

There were several of these rooms throughout the buildings, each the size of a basketball gym. I could just picture beds lined up along the walls like you see in the movies.

We spread out and kept quiet for a while trying to pick up noises or movement. Every few minutes a picture would be taken. After about twenty minutes of roaming trying to see or hear something and letting recorders do their work, Mary suggested that we conduct an official EVP session. So, we separated along the walls leaving the middle unattended. I stood in the middle of the left wall. Mark migrated to the corner on my right and Michael to my left. Mary and Jackie stood in the corner across to my left and Mike stood in the corner diagonally to my right.

Mary and Michael alternated with the various standard questions.

“Is there anyone here with us?”

“Please make yourself known to us.”

“Can you make a sound, so we know you are here?”

After just a few minutes I heard something. Mark made his way over to me, so I thought he heard something too.

“Did you hear something?” I whispered.

“No.”

“Wait. Shh. Shh. Listen”

Mark shrugged his shoulders.

I held my one finger up. “Oh shit. That’s one of the other groups talking. Damnit!”

The session continued with more questions. Each question followed with a pause long enough to get a response.

“If you want, we are open to being touched.”

“Can you please show us a sign of your presence?”

“Are there any past residents here?”

“Are you stuck here? Do you feel trapped here?”

“Can you knock on something for us?

After about ten minutes, Mary decided to end the session. “Okay. We’re going to move to a different room.”

As soon as she finished her sentence, BANG!!

Click on the word BANG to go a recording of this EVP. Scroll to the bottom left of the web site where it says Ghost Hunt Evidence and click on the first link called Loud Bang EVP. There is some vulgarity in the recording and I apologize for that. The voice is mine, and it just shows my initial reaction.

“Are you okay?” Mary calmly asked us.

I kept my composure. “Yep.”

Mark happened to be standing about ten feet to my right, and we both immediately looked in the direction from where the sound came from, which was down from our right. “That was from down there.” I said. We both immediately headed in that direction.

Everyone followed. “Was that one of you?” Mary asked us.

“Nope.” I replied.

I asked Mark. “Was it right here or what?”

“Down there, but I felt it hit the ground.”

Mary came closer. “Alright. That was not you?”

“No. Absolutely not!”

“Cool”

We all gathered in what used to be a bathroom.

Photo courtesy of Laura of IGS

I remembered seeing a wood pallet resting up against the far wall during our walk through. I thought for sure that’s what the noise was. But, when we got there, the pallet was still upright and leaning against the wall.

“Thank you!” Mary said to the possible spirit.

We collaborated and deliberated for a few minutes. We tried everything we could think of to reproduce the noise, but we could not do it. None of us really knew if this was paranormal, but it sure gave us something to think about. The timing to me was impeccable because it occurred exactly as Mary began to end the session.

We found out later that just about everyone heard this noise, and no one could duplicate it or figure out what it was.

After a few minutes we decided to move on to allow another group to come in. We spent some time in what is called a therapy room.

Photo courtesy of Laura of IGS

In the middle of the room were structures that looked like tubs that were supposedly used for bathing and some kind of water therapy.

Michael took out his KII meter and set it in the middle of the floor. Mary started another EVP session. Both Michael and Mary asked all kinds of questions geared towards patients, their experiences, how they were feeling, what the room was used for etc. But, none of us caught or felt anything. After about twenty minutes we moved on to another large hospital room.

We all spread out again. This time I stood near the middle of the right wall. Mark hung right next to me. Mary and Jackie were in the corner to our right with Michael a few feet from the corner across the room. Mike stayed in the back of the room by the entrance.

We agreed to shut off all flashlights, which made it pitch black and impossible to see. Within seconds Mary spoke up.

“Michael can you please point your infrared to the corner by you?”

Michael quickly turned. “Did you see something?”

“Yes. Just point your infrared there please.”

Michael obliged, and we all stood perfectly still.

“What did you see Mary?” Michael asked.

“A figure, like a man standing there.”

Mary was absolutely right. There was something there. Within minutes of Mary’s sighting Mike took a picture of the corner where Mary saw the full bodied apparition of a man. This picture produced the image of a dark shadow man. Look closely at the two pictures below. A ghostly figure sits in wait way in the back of the room on the left. The second picture highlights the figure with a blue outline.

Photo courtesy of Kathy of CPI.

Photo courtesy of Kathy of CPI

About twenty minutes later another group came into this room and started taking random pictures. They just happened to take a picture of that same corner in which there was a sighting. The picture they took showed the corner now void of any apparition, shadow, or discoloration of any sort. This clearly indicated that our ghostly friend had moved on.

After Mary’s apparition encounter, Michael took out a gadget called a ghost box. Simply put these are radio type contraptions that perform linear sweeps of AM or FM bands. Voices can be heard as they happen. Supposedly ghost voices can be carried through the audio fragments with white noise. However, the difficult part is deciphering what is a radio voice and what is a ghostly voice.

After numerous attempts to get a response, and getting nothing but radio voices and white noise, we were on the verge of ending the session. In a last ditch effort, Mike posed this question. “Can you say the name of someone in this room?”

Mike was standing right next to the box so no one picked up on what he heard, but he thought he heard the name Dave. “Did you say Dave?”

Then Mary asked, “Who is Dave?

Mike followed with, “Do you want us to leave?” Then it happened. Click on EVP to hear a recording of this exchange. Scroll down to the third link called Ghost Box EVP.

“Leave.” Said a voice.

Michael questioned. “Leave?

The voice responded again. “Go away.”

Again Michael asked. “Go away?”

Mark turned to me. ”I heard go away.”

“So did I”.

Jackie turned towards the both of us wide eyed. “Then lets go!”

We walked around a bit more trying to find new rooms to investigate, but it was getting late and cold. Besides, many people, including us, had long rides home. All of the groups gathered around and Kathy asked us all to gather in one of the hospital rooms for one big, final EVP session. Unfortunately, after even trying to provoke the spirits with comments like: “You worthless spook!” “We ain’t afraid of you!” “Come out you chicken!” Nothing happened. With that my first paranormal investigation ended.

Other evidence:

A few days after the investigation, other evidence started to filter in to CPI and IGS. Here is what the teams captured. .

At one point, while standing in one of the large rooms, Kathy felt like someone touched her elbow. At that moment she asked someone to take a picture. Below are two photos. The first has an orb and the second, taken seconds later does not. As stated before, orbs are controversial and when captured alone are rarely considered evidence. However, when they are captured in conjunction with some other kind of evidence like a personal experience, it does give reason for thought.

Photo courtesy of CPI

Photo courtesy of CPI

Laura felt someone pull at her hair. Instinctively, she did the same thing and immediately asked for someone to take a picture. That picture is below. Again, you see an orb with a trail right by her head.

Photo courtesy of IGS

Finally, Carol and Cindy of CPI managed to capture another very impressive EVP while in the basement of the complex.

Carol: “My name Carol. This is Cindy. Can you tell us your name? Can you tell us now?”

Click here for the actual EVP. Click on the second link called Name EVP

Reply: “Butch”

Recap

This investigation lasted only about 2 ½ hours, but for such a short period of time, some pretty impressive evidence was captured:

1. Our group heard a loud, unexplained bang EVP
2. Mary saw a ghostly figure
3. That same ghostly figure was captured in a picture
4. A voice from a ghost box said, “Leave” and “Go away.”.
5. Kathy felt touched. A picture taken at the second showed an orb by her arm.
6. Laura felt her hair tugged. A picture taken indicated an orb with a tail by her head.
7. An EVP was captured giving a name

I’m no expert, but I am very comfortable saying the Manteno Insane Asylum is for sure haunted.

Special Note:

We have come to find out that this investigation was one of the very last full-blown ghost hunts at Manteno. It has since been locked down. No one can get in anymore. Below is a picture of Joe, a member of IGS, trying to get into Manteno about a month later.

Photo courtesy of Laura of IGS

Maybe one of the famous paranormal Groups like TAPS through the show Ghost Hunters or PRS through the show Paranormal State can pull some strings and do an investigation for television. It is certainly a prime location for activity. If they do, they should call in IGS and CPI to help them.

Thanks

I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to Mary and Laura for making my (and Mark’s) first ghost hunt possible. Offering up an invitation to complete strangers that are not affiliated with a paranormal group is not a common thing. Mark and I both realize that and will be forever grateful.

We also want to thank Kathy, her CPI Team, the IGS Team and everyone else that we met for making us feel so welcome. Everyone was patient, gracious, friendly, informative and helpful.

To everyone who took part in the investigation, your passion and enthusiasm for this field is contagious and extremely respected. I am still learning about the field, but I know for sure, I would recommend either of these teams in a heartbeat if I needed something investigated.

For more information about these paranormal teams please click on the hyper links below.

Illinois Ghost Society / IGS

Confidential Paranormal Investigators / CPI

Closing Thoughts

I have no idea what the future holds for me as far as ghost hunts and paranormal investigations go. I am certainly wide open to the idea of going on others. Every location with paranormal activity certainly has a story to tell.

I for sure have a better feel for what real investigations are all about. Watching TAPS and PRS perform investigations for television is one thing, but being on one for real is something else. As much respect as I had for all investigators, I have even more now.