A couple of months ago, I was fortunate enough to get a chance to check out Eloise Asylum in Westland, Michigan. It was an investigation with hockey legend Darren McCarty, as we also did one of the escape rooms. That was so much fun! A big shout-out to Kirsten Olson, who operates those. You can see pictures of that night here or below.
Jenny Hand
Here’s the crew triumphantly escaping Eloise. That was so much fun! Everyone should do it! Kirsten Olson did a great job of prepping us for this.
Meltdown
Some of the architecture is so cool! This is in the main lobby when you enter Eloise.
While I was there, I had the chance to meet Jenny Hand, Danielle Boura, and Lauren Banach, who acted as our tour guide on that first visit. I thought it would be fun to talk with all three of these ladies about the history of the building, sightings, and paranormal activity that’s taken place there.
The History Of Eloise Asylum
In our conversation, Lauren talked about Eloise’s history. “Eloise established the hospital and infirmary in 1839.” Almost 200 years of spirits and souls have gone through the famed building, and not all of it was happy. There have been many accounts of torture and medical malpractice that took place at Eloise.
Personal Paranormal Experiences At Eloise Asylum
Each of them spoke of personal experiences they’ve had in Eloise. From the “hat man” that roams the halls, who doesn’t have a name, according to Jenny, “I don’t think he has a name, to be honest. Hat men are not typically known spirits that were once living.” She said they’re known as “watchers” and seem to appear in places that have had a lot of traumatic experiences in the past.
Meltdown
The front of Eloise as we walked in. My first trip to the famed building. I cannot wait to get back.
There’s also the “creeper.” Danielle said she ran across him while working in the basement. She said it felt like a twenty-minute episode but probably only lasted thirty seconds. She also spoke of something stalking her and other people as recently as a few weeks ago.
Lauren had this to say. “I was alone on (floor) 5, did not realize I was alone, and started hearing footsteps.” She said that the steps got louder and more raucous. That freaked her out, as she explained in the interview.
There’s much more with the ladies in the interview, which you can watch above. THANK YOU to the ladies for the time and the great stories! Lots are going on throughout the year at Eloise Asylum; see it for yourself!
Meltdown
Another look down the hallway at Eloise. I can’t wait to get Jenny, Danielle, and Tom on my Haunted Michigan podcast.
When I found out that Darren McCarty was hosting a night at Eloise Asylum in Westland, I had to visit the place myself. I’d heard so much about Eloise that I had to see it. This was my first trip there; I will be back. More on that later.
Before I go any further, a huge THANK YOU to Jenny Hand and Danielle Boura for the invite and being such gracious hosts; those two have a passion for the paranormal and Eloise. Look for them on an upcoming episode of my Haunted Michigan podcast. They have some great stories to tell!
The Escape Rooms At Eloise Asylum
Before the investigation, I must tell you that if you go to Eloise Asylum, do the Escape Rooms! I’ve only done one other escape room, so I wasn’t sure about it. I went with a group of about 15 people, including Darren. At the beginning, they split us up into two separate rooms. We would get back together to escape the room with about 11 1/12 minutes left. Yes, I had a smart group! You can see a picture of the victorious team below!
Into Eloise Asylum
I haven’t been on a ton of “paranormal investigations,” but I’ve been on a few. There were some indications of some activity according to some of the devices, but overall, it was pretty quiet while I was there. We were hoping that there may have been a little uptick in activity with the northern lights, but it never happened. We did catch a name or two and had lights go on and off on devices, but nothing too crazy. That doesn’t mean I won’t go back… I will and am.
Below are some pictures from my fun night there, searching throughout the old building.
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The front of Eloise as we walked in. My first trip to the famed building. Cannot wait to get back.
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The warning as you make your way into Eloise. It may not be for everyone.
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Some of the architecture is so cool! This is in the main lobby when you enter Eloise.
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Some history and items found at Eloise are on display in the lobby area. It's really cool to see some of this old stuff.
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More from the lobby area. The x-rays on the right are from actual patients at Eloise. You can see them lit up on the table.
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It's always fun when I hang with Darren McCarty. Throw in a ghost investigation and I'm all in. This was before we dominated the Escape Room!
We Are The Champions!
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Here's the crew that were triumphant in escaping Eloise. That was so much fun! Everyone should do it! Kirsten Olson did a great job of prepping us for this.
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Our tour started on the 5th floor. They say the higher you go, the more activity they've found. Lauren Banach was our guide.
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Here's the first group that visited the 5th floor with Darren and myself. We stared the 5th floor in the surgical room.
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This is an unobstructed view down the hallway of the 5th floor. This is where the criminally insane men where kept. Just creepy!
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This was interested. Lauren took us into the Hydro Therapy Tub. People could get in, put on the headphones....more on that coming up.
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Another angle from the Hydro Therapy Tub. DMac wanted me to get in. I was good watching! LOL
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Darren McCarty in the Hydro Therapy Tub. This is the "Estes method" The person listens to a spirit box with noise cancelling headphones and repeats what they hear as the people in the room ask questions. The name "Gary Clark" came up in one of the sessions.
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Another look from the 5th floor.
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Our group investigating the 5th floor of Eloise Asylum. Something did make the music box go on a couple times.
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This was across from an area where multiple beds were put. There are some areas that are off limits because of safety reasons.
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Another picture of our groups. Sometimes you take pictures to see if anything shows up that you can't see with the naked eye.
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Another look down the hallway at Eloise. I can't wait to get Jenny, Danielle and Tom on my Haunted Michigan podcast.
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A creepy, lone wheelchair. I believe this was on the 3rd floor, but don't quote me on it.
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This was interesting. Guide "Ace" had people get into a bed and see if he could get any of the spirits to react. We did get some lights on the devices to come on a few times.
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My first time at Eloise won't be my last. Hoping to record an episode of my Haunted Michigan with Meltdown podcast in the future. Thank you to the great staff for a fun night!
Meltdown started on the mighty WRIF on the evening of Halloween, 1995. Technically, his first on-air shift was the morning of November 1st. Moving to the Motor City from Buffalo, N.Y., he has built a career and family. Over his almost three-decade stint at RIFF, he's had the privilege to work with some of the biggest personalities in Detroit radio history. He boasts of being just the second-afternoon drive jock in the station's illustrious 53-year history.
Along with his love for rock music and attending concerts, he's also an avid Harley-Davidson enthusiast and hockey player. He plays year-round and manages to squeeze in a few charity games throughout the year. Meltdown writes about the Detroit Red Wings, rock music, and Detroit concert venues.
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