What was once one of the most well-equipped and modern tuberculosis facilities in the world is now considered one of the most haunted places in the world. Waverly Hills Sanitarium functioned as the primary tuberculosis care center from 1910-1961.
During its 51 years in operation the “white plague,” tuberculosis, claimed over 8,000 lives. After the invention of antibiotics, which ended the tuberculosis epidemic in the United States, Waverly closed in 1961.
After being renovated in 1962 to serve geriatrics, Waverly was finally closed down by the state in 1980.
Since its closing, many people have experienced “paranormal” things while touring the building or the area around Waverly. This lead many to believe that the old sanatorium was haunted. Since 2001 Waverly has been used as a haunted house attraction, which funds the ongoing restoration of the facility.
James P. Sohan, a major in the LMPD and a part-time security worker at Waverly, patrols the grounds often. “I’ve been a policeman for over 20 years. I’ve seen a lot, so not a lot scares me, but it is still pretty spooky to patrol there at night,” Sohan said.
“What freaked me out the most was knowing that thousands of people died here.
“The ‘body chute’ also freaked me out,” said Chase Bennett, an annual tourist at Waverly.
The “body chute” was a chute designed to transport supplies form the bottom of Waverly to the main building by a pulley system.
That was its main purpose until it was used as a way to move deceased tuberculosis victims out of the sanatorium without the other patients noticing.
Not having dead corpses rolled out of the front door of the hospital boosted the morale of the other patients.
“It was pitch black and all of the paint was chipped off of the walls. Just being inside the place gave me an eerie feeling,” Trinity senior Ben Brislin said.
Waverly is a haunted house that doesn’t have to use tricks or gimmicks to try and scare you.
Waverly is a place where the spookiness is in the walls, all around you.