Ohio Northern University - Five-Up

Ohio Northern University – Five-Up

Overview

Five-Up, an all-female residence hall at Ohio Northern University (ONU), was previously a fraternity house. Over the years, stories have emerged alleging that the building is haunted by the spirits of a former fraternity pledge who died in an initiation accident and a young woman who died by suicide after the building was converted into a dormitory.

Location

• Address: Ohio Northern University campus, Ada, Ohio
• City/County: Ada / Hardin County
• Public Access: No (Restricted to university students and staff)

Haunting / Legend Summary

Local legend claims that the building is haunted by two distinct spirits:

• The first is said to be the ghost of a fraternity pledge who died during an initiation ritual in which full kegs were allegedly rolled down the staircase while pledges attempted to run up. The deceased pledge is now rumored to be heard or seen ascending the stairs.
• The second ghost is believed to be that of a young woman who took her own life after the fraternity was closed and the house was converted into a female dormitory. She is reportedly seen in the room where she died.
• Activity is typically reported inside the building, particularly in stairwells and specific dorm rooms, though no consistent time of day or year is noted.

Historical Background

• The building originally served as a fraternity house at Ohio Northern University.
• At an unspecified date, the fraternity was reportedly shut down following the death of a pledge during an alleged hazing incident.
• The university later repurposed the building as an all-female residence hall known as "Five-Up."
• The origin of the name “Five-Up” is unclear.

Reported Phenomena

• Apparitions: A male figure seen on or near the staircase; a female figure reportedly appears in one of the rooms.
• Cold Spots: N/A
• Voices/EVPs: N/A
• Physical Touches: N/A
• Object Movement: N/A
• Malfunctions: N/A
• Poltergeist Activity: N/A
• Shadow Figures: N/A
• Time Anomalies: N/A

Skepticism & Alternative Explanations

• No official records publicly confirm the deaths associated with this location.
• Reports may stem from folklore, urban legends, or campus storytelling traditions common in college settings.
• Alleged experiences could be attributed to natural causes such as acoustics, temperature fluctuations, or confirmation bias.

Visitor Information

• Visiting Hours: Not open to the public
• Fees or Costs: N/A
• Contact Info: Ohio Northern University Administration – [1](https://www.onu.edu)
• Warnings/Restrictions: Access is restricted to university affiliates; unauthorized access may be subject to disciplinary or legal action.

Citations / References

• Campus legend as collected from regional folklore sources and witness anecdotes.