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S. Ridge StreetHauntings
For many years, there have been myriad rumors swirling around about whether or not the Loop-Harrison mansion is haunted. Staff, volunteers, and visitors have had many fascinating experiences in the house; the sorts of little encounters that make you scratch your head and wonder. There have been unexplained aromas, voices, apparitions, furniture and object movement, footsteps, clock chimes, and music.
In November of 2007, Port Sanilac painter, Joe Bulone, was turning 85 and his family threw him a fabulous birthday party in the museum mansion. Family and friends came from all over. Joe's godson from downstate, who had never been to the museum and knew nothing whatsoever of the stories surrounding the house, was standing talking to friends when he blanched. Someone had brushed against him as sure as he was standing there, except, there was no one there. This incident prompted us to contact Michigan's best paranormal investigating team to either endorse or end the speculation about otherworldly activity. The team has now been to the museum complex twice; the second time to survey the outbuildings. Their professional approach and equipment impressed the volunteers and made us confident that their conclusions would be reliable.
Over the years, every time anything odd happened, we would say, "It must be Ada." Ada Loop Harrison had died tragically in an auto-pedestrian accident in front of the residence in 1925 and we'd just always assumed she was the most likely and sole presence. The paranormal investigators, when they arrived, had all commented that there was a warm and welcome feel to the house from the other side. The ghost-hunters made it clear that there are many benevolent spirits within the walls - not just those of family members. So, when you drop by for a tour to see for yourself, all you need to know is that whatever unseen presences may be here in the residence, they will be happy to see you enjoying the beautiful home that they love so dearly.
Genealogy
There is a small, library-like room near the back of the Loop-Harrison mansion that we have dubbed the Archive Room. Over the years, the Sanilac County Historical Society has been given massive amounts of paper records, scrapbooks, family histories, plats, publications, and other items of interest that are currently in the process of being organized. A goodly amount of material and resources are already available. Much of what is in the room is fragile, so the archives are not open to the public per se.
When you come to do a family search in person, a volunteer will bring the relevant material to you from the Archive Room. Researchers enjoy sitting at the huge kitchen table and reading through whatever items are of interest. Copies are available on site. Fees for these services are very affordable - a full search of all available materials is just $25, plus copies. Searches can also be done by mail. Please call ahead for a research appointment. Contact us via e-mail with your genealogy questions.