The beautiful City of York, South Carolina, is home to a picturesque, walkable downtown area with eateries, a rich history, and a few notable haunts. One place with limited information available online regarding its paranormal dark side is the McCelvey Center, located at 212 E. Jefferson Street.
The building once housed the Yorkville Female Institute, also known as the Yorkville Female College, which was founded in 1852, constructed in 1853, and opened on January 16, 1854. During the Civil War, classes were suspended to house refugees.
The building burned down in a chimney fire in 1900, and a new brick school was erected and opened in 1902 on its original foundation. In 1922, the school’s central portion and east wing were added, including an auditorium, a new classroom, and a new entrance.
Rumors have swirled through the years of the long-term ghostly residents who call this place home. Much information is not readily available about what caused them to be forever stuck, but the two events listed above may help to provide answers.
One person who attended school here stated that the children were asking a teacher about ghosts during class one day, when he became infuriated, not wanting to answer. The teacher slammed his hand on the desk and screamed THE BUILDING IS NOT HAUNTED! At that moment, all the windows in the classroom slammed with force.
Others have claimed to feel uneasy, being watched and hearing their name called when entering the building. Another claimed to have witnessed a figure floating through a door in the basement, with many sending us messages claiming that the boiler room may be the most active.
Are the spirits locked inside the ghosts of refugees who faced harsh living conditions, disease, and even abuse during the Civil War, or are the forever residents linked to the fire in 1900? Unfortunately, the only ones who know are floating through the halls and not talking.
Written By: John G. Clark Jr.
Images By: John G. Clark Jr.
(Disclaimer) Paranormal stories are alleged and meant to be fun.
