Rolling Hills

Genesee County Home also known as Rolling Hills has a long tormented history. Over 1,000 deaths reportedly took place within its walls. Genesse County purchased the property in 1826 and opened its doors to the poor a year later. They took in anyone who could not support themselves including orphans, elderly, paupers and the insane. They were self-sufficient farming on 100's of acres of county owned land.

Besides being a poorhouse, it was a hospital, a prison for both men and women, a TB ward, and an insane asylum at the same time as an orphanage. By the 1950s, it was turned into a nursing home, but the residents were moved to a new facility in 1974. For twenty years, the building sat empty until 1992 when it was open as Carriage Village, a mall of unique shops. The name was changed to Rolling Hills Country Mall in January 2003, and became a co-op a year later. In September 2004, overnight ghost hunts began at Rolling Hills making it the first historical site in New York to do so.

There have been reports of figures in windows, shadows passing out of the corner of eyes and strange noises. Jason from TAPS had an interesting experience in a furnace room. A heavy metal door kept closing on him by itself. However, witness accounts such as these may end soon. The owner has supported the upkeep of the building by holding weekly Ghost Hunts. Unfortunately, due to back taxes and other financial obligations, Rolling Hills is currently in danger of foreclosing. The owner applied for National Historic Status in order to save the building, but that takes several years.

In the meantime, a benefit and contest has been planned to save Rolling Hills. On July 14th 2007 at the Days Inn in Batavia, NY there will be a benefit concert featuring Penny Whiskey along with several other bands. There will also be a cash bar, raffles, 50/50 Split Club Tickets, silent auctions, and more. All this for only $12.00! Online donations are also being accepted. For more information contact email: mcrecord@rochester.rr.com or visit the website, http://www.rollinghills-ghosthunt.com/.

There will also be a contest on July 14th. About twenty winners will have dinner with Steve Gonsalves from TAPS in September at the Days Inn in Batavia, NY. Visit the Rolling Hills website for more information on this and other ways you can help.


Source: Rolling Hills Ghost Hunt

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