While Waverly Hills has a reputation as one of the scariest places on Earth, to me it seemed more sorrowful than frightening.ДЄs we entered the fifth floor, though, a friend in the group whispered to me that he suddenly felt an oppressive weight. But I must admit my primary reaction was a blend of creepiness and sadness. As we walked its hallways and rooms, the only illumination came from Clark's flashlight and a half moon barely visible through the trees.ДЄlong the way, Clark frequently stopped to tell us about paranormal happenings that had been reported in the building - voices in empty rooms, ghostly apparitions caught on cameras and other recording devices, odd smells and unexplained physical sensations. The abandoned building was even more eerie on the inside than it appeared on the outside, with rusted lighting fixtures hanging from the ceiling, paint peeling off its graffiti-marked walls and a musty smell. During Waverly Hill's 35 years of operation, thousands of patients died within its walls. The hospital was built between 1924-26 to accommodate the large numbers of area residents with tuberculosis, a malady that was particularly deadly in Louisville because of its humid climate.

Once we had agreed to these guidelines, Clark launched into a history of the sanatorium. No yelling вЂњbooвЂќ at other tour members or tapping them on the shoulder from behind. No lingering behind the group or poking into areas that are off-limits.

Then our guide, Dale Clark, gave us the ground rules. Our first step was to sign release forms (I didn't read the fine print but I assume it included clauses keeping us from suing in case of ectoplasm stains or damage to our etheric field).

Waverly hills