Stephanie's Frightful Friends: The McInteer Villa

Driving down Kansas Avenue toward 1301 one can’t help to notice the sprawling Victorian-style mansion that is becoming nationally known as the McInteer Villa. Built in 1889 by saddle maker John McInteer for his wife Alice, the immigrants from Ireland had experienced such success being the last stop for supplies before heading west they were able to move from their home above his shop to a beautiful new home. Some say the residents of Atchison, specifically, the rich townsfolk in Old Atchison, did not want John to build in their area and forced him to build further out west and so out of spite Mr. McInteer built his house on a hill facing east as if to look out over the people who snubbed him.

With nine documented deaths in the home, the house is the perfect setting for the all things that go bump in the night. Those deaths include John McInteer, his first wife Alice, his second wife Anna, Anna's mother, and Anna's son Charles who took his life upstairs in one of the rooms. Other deaths include an infant whose parents were borders, among others. Which of the friends are lingering and longing to tell their story?

My investigation team has visited the Villa on four occaisions now, twice staying a couple of nights. We have experienced more activity at this location than any other location we have explored. The basement houses a spirit who loves dirty jokes...the dirtier the better! He will light up spirit balls by touching them in various locations in the room to show he is pleased. Another more uncomfortable spirit also resides in the basement and enjoys when people feel frightened. There is not a location in the house where Stephanie, the owner, or investigators who visit haven't experienced activity. The attic door opens on its own and many hear voices with the naked ear there. The first floor has a piano that plays itself, or a rocking chair that will move to its spirit inhabitants moving foot. The most active location is the second floor. Captured in photos, a large shadow figure hangs out in one of the rooms painted green affectionately known as "Lucy's Room" after the owner's sweet puppy. Our team has caught him in the same room from the outside of the home peering out the window. We have heard loud knocks when requested, and when it wasn't asked for as well. We have had balls sent hurdling down the back stairs, lights turned on, cords moved on camera, but the most interesting incident is what happened while we were sleeping. That is right, when one is at their most vulnerable. One of our team members awoke to two hands grabbing her blanket and her stomach. It is unclear if it was meant to be playful, but in the middle of the night, nothing feels playful when you are being touched.

This is one of many home and locations that will be featured in my book to be released this winter called Haunted Atchison. The book will include much more about both the history of the house and hauntings experienced. However, don't take my word for it. Go book the McInteer and go experience it for yourself....