Lima Tuberculosis Hospital

Lima Tuberculosis Hospital

Overview

The Lima Tuberculosis Hospital in Lima, Ohio, was one of the first facilities in the state dedicated to the treatment and isolation of tuberculosis patients during the early 20th-century epidemic. Due to the high mortality rate associated with the disease, many patients died within its walls. Reports of paranormal activity have persisted since the building was abandoned, contributing to its reputation as one of Ohio’s more notable haunted locations.

Location

• Address: 2001 Garden Boulevard, Lima, Ohio
• City/County: Lima, Allen County
• Public Access: No (Trespassing is strictly enforced)

Haunting / Legend Summary

The hospital is reputed to be haunted by former patients who succumbed to tuberculosis. Common accounts include:

• Sensations of being watched or followed
• Unexplained noises, particularly footsteps and disembodied sounds
• Visual phenomena such as shadowy movements in peripheral vision

A frequently reported phenomenon is a loud, rhythmic pounding noise heard on the third floor. While this has been interpreted as paranormal by some, investigator John Albrecht, Jr. has attributed the sound to the nearby Lima Oil Refinery, located a few miles away.

Historical Background

• Construction Date: Opened April 5, 1911
• Original Purpose: Tuberculosis treatment and isolation facility
• Notable Events:
  • Renamed Ottawa Valley Hospital in January 1960
  • Closed permanently in 1972
  • Sold at auction in 1978
  • Used briefly as a paintball arena in 1990
  • Purchased by Allen County Demolition in 1992
  • Land purchased by Lima-Allen County Landfill in 2000
• Current Status: Vacant; no known plans for renovation or demolition

Reported Phenomena

• Apparitions: Fleeting shadowy figures reported in hallways and rooms
• Cold Spots: N/A
• Voices/EVPs: Unexplained noises have been reported, but no EVP evidence is documented
• Physical Touches: N/A
• Object Movement: N/A
• Malfunctions: N.A
• Poltergeist Activity: N/A
• Shadow Figures: Reported by witnesses as fast-moving dark shapes in peripheral vision
• Time Anomalies: N/A

Related Legends / Lore

There is not enough available information for this section.

Skepticism & Alternative Explanations

Paranormal investigator John Albrecht, Jr. has claimed that one commonly reported phenomenon—a steady pounding sound on the third floor—is not supernatural. He attributes the noise to mechanical activity at the Lima Oil Refinery located nearby.

Visitor Information

• Visiting Hours: None — property is closed to the public
• Fees or Costs: N/A
• Contact Info: Not publicly available
• Warnings/Restrictions: Allen County Sheriff's deputies regularly patrol the property. Trespassers will be arrested and fined. First-time offenders typically receive a 30-day suspended jail sentence and a $250 fine, along with an overnight stay in jail.

Citations / References

• Haunted Toledo Facebook page on November 7, 2016

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