Brandi Duggins, Director of Library Services, reveals spine-chilling ghostly tales, Mansion history, and never-before-told stories
Spooky things are happening over at Spalding’s Mansion! According to Colleges of Distinction, Spalding’s campus was ranked one of the most haunted college campuses. One of the many unique things about our campus is our Mansion building which we use for classes, offices, and tours. The Tompkins-Buchanan-Rankin mansion is the oldest building on our campus located on 851 South Fourth Street in Louisville, Kentucky.
In the spirit of Halloween, we wanted to unveil the secrets and mysteries of our Mansion. We interviewed Brandi Duggins, Director of Library Services, about the Mansion’s history, ghostly tales, and never-before-told stories.
Most people who frequent the Mansion have had some ghostly or paranormal encounters. Some campus safety officers, staff, faculty, and students have sensed a feeling of “being watched” when walking through the halls. The Mansion is full of rich history in Old Louisville with many haunted and ghostly stories. Naslund-Mann School of Writing Alum David Dominé recounts a bone-chilling encounter at the Mansion in his book “Phantom of Old Louisville: Ghostly Tales from America’s Most Haunted Neighborhood.”
Enter if you dare and visit us in person to see the Mansion. We offer campus tours and Brandi offers mansion tours (ghostly and non-ghostly) year-round!
For those unfamiliar with the Mansion, could you provide a brief history of its origins and its evolution into its current state?
Brandi Duggins: The Mansion is a unique 1800s Victorian structure, originally a private residence. Over time, Spalding University has expanded the building with various wings and extensions. Despite these additions, the core of the Mansion retains its old Victorian charm, constructed with limestone, which some believe can absorb and release past memories and trauma.
Initially granted to Dr. John Connolly, a British spy, it later belonged to the Commonwealth until 1870 when it was divided. Joseph T. Tompkins acquired it in 1870 and had architect Henry Whitestone, known for his work in Old Louisville, designed the house. It featured innovations like indoor bathrooms and running water, considered luxurious at the time. Unfortunately, Tompkins passed away shortly after moving in due to an unknown illness. In 1880, the Mansion found a new owner in George C. Buchanan.
The Tompkins were not part of high society, but the Buchanans were. George Buchanan, a whiskey distiller, faced financial troubles due to questionable accounting practices, leading to the stripping of the house and a big auction. In 1886, Rhodes B. Rankin and James Shuttleworth acquired the property, but it became solely Rankin’s in 1905. Rankin’s prolonged, agonizing death in the house foreshadowed future events.
Following Rankin’s passing, the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth purchased the Mansion in 1918, establishing Nazareth College, now known as Spalding University.
What are some ghostly encounters and paranormal have you heard about the Mansion?
Brandi Duggins: As a researcher, I have received the most haunting reports about the 2nd floor chapel area in the Mansion.
Spooky sights and sounds:
- First is hearing voices in the Mansion. For example: hearing voices in the basement with footsteps above when nobody else is in the building. People will wear headphones to drown out the voices!
- Second is feeling an eerie presence walking in the Mansion. People might feel they are “being watched” or sense some paranormal activity. However, when walking outside in the courtyard, this feeling goes away.
Ghostly Encounters on the second floor and kitchen:
- The chapel, particularly around the sacristy, has a high number of reported haunting incidents. Campus safety officers have experienced sensations of being touched on their shoulders.
Brandi says:
“When I’m sitting in the chapel and hear about this, I get goosebumps. As I was researching for this event originally, I would convince somebody to go with me to the Mansion because I was scared to be there by myself.”
- One instance involved a staff member who saw a woman in the chapel in the early morning, only to find no one there upon approaching. Originally, this area likely served as the master bedroom, where previous owners Tompkins and Rankin may have passed away.
- Interestingly, a vault in the kitchen, not part of the original design, was used by a church to store investments. People have reported seeing faces in the courtyard, suggesting a rich history of the Mansion, serving as both a residence and a chapel over the years.
Where have you heard these ghost stories?
Brandi Duggins: My best source for ghost stories has been from the Spalding campus safety officers. They patrol the buildings all day and night. They make their rounds quickly in the Mansion and intentionally avoid going in between 1 am and 3 am because of the eerie presence.
As you researched the Mansion history, ghost stories, and archival material, what does this reveal about the overall history of Spalding?
Brandi Duggins: As we delve deeper into our archives and engage with our community, recurring themes of social justice, charity, and peace emerge. These timeless narratives hold great significance.
Brandi says:
“Preserving these stories is crucial. I value building relationships, finding joy in welcoming individuals to the library and fostering a sense of community. Being a part of the Spalding community allows us to connect with others, share our rich history, and explore the stories that bind us together.”
As we step into the past and look into the future, our Mansion has lived through momentous events throughout Old Louisville’s history! Whether you believe in ghosts or not, our Spalding community continues to dig into the secrets of the strange and paranormal activities. We are here to help you navigate our campus, the Mansion, and any ghostly encounters you may come across. Ask any staff member, faculty, or student about the Mansion– this is just the start of your spooky journey. Contact Brandi Duggins ([email protected]) if you have any questions or to have a ghostly encounter!
Share with us, use the hashtag #SpaldingMansion, and tag us on Spalding’s social media channels anything to do with the Mansion! Contact [email protected] to share pictures or ghostly stories, too.