Frankenstein's Castle in Kettering Ohio?

If I told you that Frankenstein had a castle in Ohio, would you believe me? Well it's true!

In the heart of the Hills and Dales Metropark in Kettering, Ohio is a tower commonly referred to as 'Frankenstein' Tower. More than just a picturesque ruin, this stone landmark is steeped in history, local legend, and a persistent, spooky nickname that begs to be explored.

What Exactly Is the 'Frankenstein' Tower?

The structure is not actually a tower in the traditional sense, but the dramatic remains of a grand, open-air pavilion. It consists of a large, circular stone foundation, often clad in ivy, which is the most recognizable feature today.

Its imposing, slightly decaying appearance—especially when seen through a fog or at twilight—is what earned it the evocative, albeit unofficial, moniker of the "Frankenstein" Tower.

The Nickname and Local Lore

How did a genteel picnic spot get such a dark, theatrical nickname?

1. The Appearance: Its rugged stone construction, stark height, and isolated location make it look like something out of a classic Universal monster movie set. It has an architectural style reminiscent of a crumbling European castle ruin.

2. The Mystery: Because it stands apart from the park's main amenities and its original purpose is not immediately obvious, the tower fosters a sense of mystery. In the absence of clear historical signage, local rumor steps in to fill the gap, naturally gravitating toward the dramatic and spooky.

3. Local Legend: While there are no credible historical accounts linking it to Mary Shelley's famous novel or any mad scientists, the name is firmly embedded in local lexicon. It's often associated with high school urban legends and local ghost stories, particularly around Halloween, adding a layer of thrilling fun to a visit.

The persistent legends of the 'Frankenstein' Tower (also known as the Lookout Tower, Witch's Tower, or Patterson Tower) being haunted are largely rooted in a single, verifiable, and tragic incident that occurred at the structure decades ago, combined with the tower's already spooky, isolated appearance. Here are the main reasons the tower is supposedly haunted:

1. The Tragic Lightning Strike of 1967

The most powerful source of the haunting legends is a real-life tragedy that occurred when the tower was still open to the public:

• The Incident: In May 1967, a 16-year-old girl named Peggy Ann Harmeson and her 17-year-old companion, Ronnie Stevens, took shelter inside the stone tower during a severe thunderstorm.

• The Death: A bolt of lightning struck the tower. Investigators theorized the electricity traveled down the metal stair railing inside. Peggy Harmeson was tragically killed, found lying on the steps with severe burns. Her companion was severely burned and reportedly incoherent and in a state of shock.

• The Closure: This incident directly led to the tower being permanently sealed off, first with metal plates and later with concrete, further cementing its eerie status and isolating the structure.

2. The Persistent Ghostly Legends

The circumstances of the death fueled several key paranormal stories:

• The Ghostly Girl and Boy: The most common haunting claim is the sighting of the ghostly figures of the young girl and boy near the tower, particularly during thunderstorms or when lightning flashes.

• The Scorched Silhouettes: A prevalent urban legend states that after the lightning strike, visitors found charred, human-like silhouettes or impressions permanently burned into the stone walls of the interior. Even after scrubbing, the marks supposedly remained, believed to be the images of the victims.

• Other Apparitions: Other less-specific stories mention shadowy figures, black mists, and the sighting of a "woman in a black robe" haunting the tower's vicinity.

3. The Appearance and Atmosphere

Even before the tragedy, the tower had a mysterious aura:

• The Architecture: Its rugged, decaying stone construction, resembling a Norman keep or a European castle ruin, naturally lends itself to ghost stories and the "Frankenstein's Castle" nickname.

• The Isolation: Perched high on a hill in a remote section of the park, the tower is easily associated with isolation, mystery, and foreboding—the perfect setting for local urban legends.

  
  

In short, the 'Frankenstein' Tower is considered haunted primarily due to the tragic and dramatic real-life death of a teenager inside the structure, which provided a powerful and memorable foundation for generations of local ghost stories.

Visiting the Ruin Today

The "Frankenstein" Tower remains one of the most popular and scenic spots in Hills and Dales Metropark, attracting hikers, photographers, and history buffs alike.

• Access: It’s located near the heart of the park and is easily accessible via marked hiking trails. The park's main trails are well-maintained, but be prepared for some moderate elevation changes as the park is quite hilly (hence the name!).

• Photography: The tower is an incredibly photogenic ruin. Photographers love to capture it against a moody sky or bathed in the golden light of the setting sun. The surrounding woods make for a gorgeous natural frame in any season.

• Enjoying the Park: After visiting the tower, take time to explore the rest of Hills and Dales. The park offers beautiful wooded trails, glacial kames (small hills left by glaciers), and connects to the larger Grant Park system, making it a perfect destination for a full day of outdoor exploration.

My husband and I recently found the Hills and Dales Park, whether you are on a trail or just driving through it is totally worth the visit. Driving through also gives you a great look at not only the foliage but also some of the beautiful homes in the area.

The next time you find yourself wandering the paths of Hills and Dales Metropark, take a moment to pause at the 'Frankenstein' Tower. Whether you see a spooky movie ruin or the historic hearth of a Gilded Age retreat, this enduring landmark offers a fascinating link to Kettering's past and an unforgettable view. I highly recommend taking a little hike and seeing the tower or just visiting the park!

Suggested For You: Would You Visit The Northern Michigan Asylum?