Justin Passick
Contributing Writer
(Justin Passick/FAN – Pamila [pictured] and Chris Sturgill provide plenty of information and history when guests visit the historic Stimpson Hospital building in Eaton Rapids, now a host to Parafest and other ghostly events.)
Many people would be wary of purchasing a haunted house. For Pamila and Chris Sturgill, ghost stories and unexplained phenomena are what make the historic Stimpson Hospital building in Eaton Rapids so charming.
Tales of spirits and strange deaths on the property are well-known enough that the couple is featured in a documentary called “Areas of High Strangeness,” available on multiple streaming services.
The colorful background of the building is key to Pam and Chris’ business model, as they regularly host ghost hunts and historical tours.
“Folks find us through odd means,” Pam said. The couple has hosted tours for people from all over the country. Their biggest event each year is the Blood Moon Parafest, entering its fourth year Oct. 16-18.
Neither Pam nor Chris share any deep connection to the Eaton Rapids area. The couple wasn’t raised in Eaton County, and they currently live in nearby Springport. As Pam tells it, the couple “stumbled” into owning the building.
When they purchased the property in 2017, it was used exclusively as apartments. The couple uses every cent made from events to restore the hospital as a bed and breakfast that embraces its historical value along with the supernatural tales.
“It’s not moving as fast as we’d like, but it’s moving,” Pam said of their slow but steady progress.
The Parafest itself started small but grows a bit more each year, with Pam saying, “last year was our biggest yet,” with more than 200 guests. This year’s festival includes ghost hunters, supernatural podcasters and author Don Atter, who will speak on near-death experiences. There will also be tours and meals as well as a selection of vendors and raffle prizes, with some spaces still open as of press time.
Because the bed and breakfast isn’t ready yet, long-distance attendees will have to stay elsewhere; Pam is looking into a package with nearby hotels. That kind of business connection is part of the festival’s growth, with the event opening to sponsors for the first time.
While much of the income from Parafest goes toward restoring the building, the Sturgills partner with a charity each year to help drive awareness and community engagement. This year that honor goes to Laugh and Learn Autism. The group will receive a share of proceeds and will also be on hand to accept donations and share information about its mission.
For those looking to spend a weekend surrounded by the supernatural, tickets are available at thexlhub.com/events. Prices vary depending on days attended. Vendors, sponsors and anyone willing to donate a raffle prize should look for Stimpson Hospital on Facebook.
The Stimpson Hospital is also hosting two masquerade ghost tours – Oct. 10 and 23. These are more expensive, small-group affairs conducted with Chicks & Spirits Paranormal Investigations. Information can be found through the Stimpson Hospital Facebook page.
