Strangely enough, the most beautiful places are often home to the most frightening history. This is certainly true in the case of one mansion and estate here in the Great Lakes State. While you might not believe in real-life paranormal activity, there’s something undeniably intriguing about a creepy urban legend.
The Felt Mansion is located at 6597 138th Ave on the outskirts of Holland.
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Despite the strange tales surrounding it, the mansion is undeniably gorgeous.
Facebook/The Felt Mansion
In fact, it’s a popular wedding venue and hosts all sorts of special events throughout the year. Under most circumstances, the Felt Mansion is a place of celebration.
Facebook/The Felt Mansion
But if you’re a paranormal enthusiast, this historic estate and its surrounding wooded property takes on an entirely new mood and meaning.
Facebook/The Felt Mansion
The Felt Mansion was constructed in 1928 as a stunning seasonal homestead for Dorr Felt and his wife, a local couple who wanted to spend their summers relaxing amidst West Michigan’s beautiful nature.
Facebook/The Felt Mansion
During the late 1940s, the 3-acre estate became the St. Augustine Catholic Seminary, which remained open until 1977. Following the closure of the seminary, the building was purchased by the State of Michigan.
Facebook/The Felt Mansion
Sounds like a completely harmless history, right? Think again. Legend has it that the Felt Mansion has long served as a hiding spot for “melon heads.”
Facebook/The Felt Mansion
Stories about the melon heads vary, but many state that these large-headed beings are actually the descendants of children afflicted with hydrocephalus who were mistreated during their time at Junction Insane Asylum near the mansion.
Facebook/The Felt Mansion
At some point, these children were released from the asylum and sent to live in the woods, where they developed their own society and ultimately evolved into feral beings.
Facebook/The Felt Mansion
Some legends even assert that melon heads have been known to reside inside the mansion itself and attack unsuspecting visitors, but most renditions of the tale hold that they live deep within the woods around the estate. Throughout the years, melon head sightings have been reported throughout the area.
Facebook/The Felt Mansion
Another version of the melon head legend claims that the original group of children returned to the asylum and murdered the doctor who had cruelly mistreated them — they chopped his body into pieces, which were scattered throughout the mansion.
Facebook/The Felt Mansion
While the origins of the melon head story are undoubtedly sad, there’s no denying that this uniquely spooky legend is enough to send chills down your spine.
Flickr/Norm Hoekstra
Whether you believe in such stories or not, one thing is for sure: the Felt Mansion has an utterly fascinating history — and you should experience it for yourself.
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For more information about the Felt Mansion, click here. Have you experienced any frightening sightings or sensations in the area surrounding this Michigan estate? Share your stories in the comment section below.
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