When I think of the Malvern Manor, the best way I can describe it is to compare it to what many of us know as an “Inkblot Test” today. It seems everyone has their own perception as to what it really is. When some hear the words “Malvern Manor”, they're reminded of stories they've heard through the years of a place called “The Cottage Hotel”. When others hear the words “Malvern Manor”, they think of a place that either their family may have worked, or possibly could have even lived. For most of us, “Malvern Manor” came into existence when the hit show “Paranormal Lockdown” done an entire show inside the historic landmark. I remember as it was airing, my girlfriend said “Hey! That's only fifteen minutes from where I work!” Little did I know that the show we were watching on television would very soon become my reality.
On February, 6th, 2018, I woke up to attend my monthly board meeting. As we discussed important topics, in the back of my mind, I couldn't help but wonder what I would soon be getting myself into. “Is the place really haunted? What if it isn't? What if it is?! Will this even be worth our time and money??? Well, if anything...I can say I visited a place that was on national television, I suppose...” After the meeting, I came home and woke my girlfriend up. “Babe, get up! Let's go! We're late!!!” After showering and getting dressed, we jumped in the car. However, before making the drive to this “allegedly haunted location”, as I liked to call it, we had one stop to make. We swung by our local Hyvee, and picked up a big, pretty, purple balloon for a girl named Inez.
During the show, something I heard caught my attention. I learned that there was a girl who lived at “The Manor” named Inez Gibson. Inez was a twelve year old girl, who, according to the owner, had a pretty tough life. Her parents, like mine, weren't the best, and when Inez learned that she may soon be forced to live with her mother, she ultimately ended her own life. My heart broke for her, as I've been to that point of escape. I felt her pain, and, in a very weird way...I felt I could help After the thirty minute drive, we were finally there. We stood outside for a few minutes, taking selfies in front of this huge, intimidating building before going in. Were we procrastinating? Maybe. Upon entering, we wandered for a few seconds, until Josh, the guy we had seen on television just weeks prior, met us in the lobby. We were taken to his office, paid the twenty dollar fee, signed our waivers, and was on our way for our very first tour. My heart felt as if it were going to beat out of my chest. I couldn't believe the energy I felt flowing through my body. Was I nervous? A little. What I truly found odd is the feeling I felt. It wasn't a feeling of “someone watching me”. I didn't feel as if I were going to be attacked, either. What I felt was totally the opposite of what I was expecting. When I walked through those doors, I instantly felt like I belonged. Something I never expected to happen.
We began our tour in the huge lobby, where we again heard the story of Captain Cullers. Apparently, the fearless Captain wasn't ready to abandon ship, and his spirit still roams the historic hallways. After the lobby, we headed down a cold, dark hallway and made a stop to the right. We were then introduced to a lady named Gracie. Allegedly, Gracie was a very troubled lady. She suffered from schizophrenia, and is rumored to have had up to thirteen different personalities. Upon hearing about her, sadly, all I could think was “Ha! That's nothing! I'm sure my girlfriend's mother has AT LEAST twenty-four!” We then began to move down a much colder part of the building. This part of the building was really the center of attention on the show I had watched. We were in the Nurses Wing, where the “Shadow Man” stays. As he was telling us about this six foot seven shadow that loves to charge at you from the opposite end of the hall, in the back of my mind, all I could think of is “WHEN DO WE GET TO GO SEE INEZ'S ROOM???”
After we were done with the Nurses Wing, we went up the winding steps that led to the second floor. We passed through the halls that were blood and mucus stained, and before I knew it-There I was. Standing in her room. My heart, as it did on my sofa nearly twenty miles away, felt instant sadness. “How could a little girl do that to herself? What could she have experienced in her life that would take her to that point???” Sadly, I stood there with many more questions than I had answers. After seeing her room, we went to the attic. We heard how a man was killed up there, and his spirit now lingers as well. Interestingly enough, he thoroughly enjoys alcohol and cigarettes. He's even been known to ask visitors to supply him with booze and smokes. While I found all of this to be extremely interesting, deep down, all I wanted to do was go back and talk to Inez.
As he wrapped up, he went downstairs, and we were free to roam the ten thousand foot building. I instantly headed back downstairs and found my way back to Inez's room. I sat on the floor, and I told her exactly how I felt. I told her that no one deserved to be treated the way she was treated. I told her I, too, had been the victim of crap parents. More importantly, I told her that she was a very special human being, who is still missed over a hundred years later. She never responded to me that day, but, deep down...I knew she was listening.
So, what exactly is the “magic” behind the Malvern Manor? To many, the Grand Dame that towers over a flat piece of Iowa land, is a place that is haunted by the spirits of yesteryear. When they go there, they can experience first hand lights turning on and off by themselves. They can catch orbs, and listen to EVPs. If they're really lucky, they can even catch a glimpse of who is infamously known as “The Shadow Man”. For me, however, it's become something totally different. The Malvern Manor is a special place. It's a place where people come together, friendships are made, and strong bonds are built. Just like the spirits that dwell there, the times shared in that beautiful building, I believe, shall live on forever.
Happy Hunting!-
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