Dutton House

Dutton House

Overview

The Dutton House, once located near Dutton Road in Mendon, Ohio, was a locally known site of alleged paranormal activity. According to legend, a man and woman were murdered on the property in the early 1900s, and their spirits are said to have lingered long after. Though the structure has since been torn down, stories of strange lights and supernatural occurrences continue to persist in the area's folklore.

Location

• Address: No confirmed address; formerly located on or near Dutton Road
• City/County: Mendon, Mercer County, Ohio
• Public Access: No (structure no longer standing)

Haunting / Legend Summary

According to local legend, the Dutton House was the site of a double murder in the early 20th century. The woman is said to have been hanged from a tree in the backyard. Witnesses have claimed to see a rope hanging from the tree that disappears without explanation. Strange lights have also been reported coming from within the house when it was still standing, despite the absence of electricity or intact windows to reflect external sources.

Historical Background

• Construction date: There is not enough available information for this section.
• Original purpose: Private residence
• Notable events: Alleged double homicide in the early 1900s
• Key timeline moments:
  • Early 1900s – Legend states a man and woman were murdered on the property
  • Unknown date – The house was eventually abandoned and later demolished

Reported Phenomena

• Apparitions: N/A
• 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
• Light Phenomena: Reports of strange lights were seen in and around the house while it was still standing.

Skepticism & Alternative Explanations

Local legends surrounding the Dutton House may be influenced by the region’s broader tradition of ghost stories and haunted folklore. The appearance of a rope hanging from the tree could be attributed to natural phenomena, such as vines or broken branches being mistaken for a noose, particularly under low-light conditions. Reports of lights within the house could have been caused by natural reflections, animal movement, or distant headlights, especially considering the structure lacked electricity. The absence of historical documentation supporting the alleged murders suggests the legend may be more folkloric than factual.

Visitor Information

• Visiting Hours: Not applicable (location no longer standing)
• Fees or Costs: N/A
• Contact Info: N/A
• Warnings/Restrictions: Property has been demolished; trespassing is not advised

Citations / References

• Information derived from local folklore and oral history circulated in Mercer County
• Mendon-area legends documented by the Ohio Exploration Society and regional publications