Old Harriman Hospital

History

Harriman General Hospital, also known as Roane Medical Center, in the city of Harriman (Roane County, Tennessee, USA), opened its doors in 1939 as a two-story brick building that grew into a massive, city block wide campus that served the city until closing its doors permanently in 2013.

The cornerstone of the Harriman Hospital was laid July 23, 1939 in downtown Harriman (1). The hospital estimated cost was $200,000 (about $4.3 million in 2020 currency), with $50,000 provided by the City of Harriman and Roane County, and the remainder donated by the Commonwealth Fund, headquartered in New York City (2). The hospital quickly outgrew its space, and in 1953 a new wing was added, such that by 1957 it was a 52-bed facility. The hospital closed its maternity ward in 1986. An additional 4-story wing opened in 1991, resulting in a 168,000 square foot location. The hospital became affiliated with Knoxville-based Covenant Health in May 2008, and, in April 2011, obtained approval to build a new campus away from downtown, in Midtown, to replace the aging structure, at a cost of $72 million (3). By February 2013 patients were transferred to the new Roane Hospital and the downtown campus shut its doors (4). Harriman Industrial Development board took sole possession of the hospital in 2021 (minutes of the board are unavailable), and sold the property to Ronnie Dee. Mr. Dee is involved in restoring the hospital and opens the site to paranormal investigators.

Claims

Old Harriman Hospital was reputed to have unexplained occurrences while its doors were still open, claims that are now added to. Below are claims that could potentially be witnessed by other investigators (5, 6, 7):

New Building (1990’s wing)

Whole Building

• Full figure apparition in recovery/OR area/across ER door (Second Floor) and throughout building; sometime strikes a superman pose; wears overalls (maintenance staff?)

Second Floor

• Shadow figure near Kid’s Room
• Ten to fifteen second scream, once
• Shadow crossed laser grid

Third Floor

• Little boy and little girl run around hallway (patient rooms)
• Lady in white/white man seen outside from street level (Highway 27) in Third Floor window at far end window (Room 317)
• Shadows walking through hallway

Fourth Floor (ICU/CCU)

• Footsteps, EVP, blood pressure cuff thrown off the wall onto floor

Original Hospital (1930’s)

First Floor

• Joann: Cardiac ICU nurse; office was Room 133; 1950’s; “When I pass away, I am never leaving this place.” Seen by other nurses around the cardiac ward; seen at nurses’ station (opposite Room 136), near incident command center; as a nurse, Joanne spent much time in the original ICU, a 3-bed unit; claims of “much activity” in that general area by investigators, although the type of activity is ill-defined; Joanne died of cardiac arrest in the new ER; Joanne only worked at this hospital.
• “Shadow hallway;” many shadow figures, tall shadow man (First Floor; near Room 120)
• Sounds of monitors at Nurses’ Station (First Floor)

Second Floor

• Children running up and down hallway
• Cabinets found open when they should have been closed (after a public event)
• “We have heard the cabinets slam shut.”

First addition (1950’s)

Top Floor

Geriatric/Dementia/Psych ward: many voices

Arrival

The team arrived to Old Harriman Hospital at around 5:00 pm on August 18, 2023 and was met by the two managers of the building. Tom and Gravy went outside and collected outside weather conditions with a Kestrel 2500 Weather Station. The Kestrel Weather Station is a tool that measures temperature, wind speed, barometric pressure and humidity. At about 6:00 pm baseline EMF readings were taken inside the building with a single-axis EMF Mel-8704R Meter (see link below) and the PIM team started preparing equipment for the investigation.

Environmental Data

First, every PIM member activated their personal equipment. Each member carries a control recorder, a Zoom H1 digital audio recorder, that goes everywhere with the investigator. The control recorder is started and time stamped prior to all other equipment being started and time stamped. Also, it is the last piece of equipment turned off at the end of an investigation. Control recorders are used not only as another recording device but also to capture sound contaminations that an investigator might create during an investigation.

All audio recorders used on an investigation including the control recorders are placed in a Faraday cage. A Faraday cage is a container that can block EMF frequencies. The construction of the cage will determine how many different EMF frequencies the cage will be able to block. Faraday cages work by generating an external static electrical field which causes the electric charges within the cage’s conducting material to be distributed such that they cancel the field’s effect in the cage’s interior. PIM’s cages are designed to specifically block out FM, and some AM, radio frequencies from interfering with their audio recorders, thus creating false EVPs.

In addition to control recorders, every PIM member is equipped with an Extech RHT50 or SD700 datalogger and a Boblov video camera. The Extech datalogger measures humidity, temperature and barometric pressure at one-minute (RHT50) or five-second (SD700) intervals. This device allows us to graph these readings and compare data to other devices that might have measured or recorded an event. The Boblov body video cameras can record in visible and infrared lighting. Both the Boblov video camera and the Extech RHT50/SD700 datalogger are turned on at the same time as the Zoom H1 control recorder.

Time stamps, from a designated atomic watch, are used as a point of reference and make cross referencing easier during evidence review.

Once the personal equipment was on, the team went throughout the building to setup equipment.

In the 1990’s Building, on the Fourth Floor Nurses‘ Station (ICU), a Sony HDR-CX160 multi-spectrum camera, a Zoom H1 audio recorder, an EDI+ datalogger, a Phantom Science data station along with a Trigger Object Bank consisting of touch flashlight, two bullets, one cigar, a deck of cards with the ace of diamonds face up, a pair of di with the 2s face up on both pair, a small Bible, a crucifix, Holy water, harmonica, and a PIM platter of letters and numbers with the spinning needle placed on a line separating the letters and numbers. Trigger objects are miscellaneous items that are strategically chosen in hopes to invoke a response.

The EDI+ datalogger is a device that datalogs temperature, EMF, and humidity, and also has a geophone built into it. This device datalogs for the entire investigation, and records the data to an SD card that can be used to generate graphs of each variable over time on a computer after the investigation. If anything in the Trigger Object bank was manipulated, the EDI+ datalogger could be used to see if any of the variables it was recording changed when the event occurred.

The Phantom Science Lab is device that is used to capture readings from ten different sensors, including radiation, touch, light and magnetism – this allows the team to gain a more complete understanding of the space in which paranormal activity may be happening, and help them gain insight into the environment a haunting creates or is most likely to occur within.

The touch flashlight is activated by two contacts being touched, thus completing a circuit and turning the light on. The touch flashlight is used in lieu of a flashlight that has had the battery compartment or on/off switch manipulated to function in a way that is not intended and as a result, can create false positives.

The PIM Platter is a plate with letters (A-Z) and numbers (0-9) around the outer rim of the plate. A metal rod on a swivel in the middle of the plate is positioned in a neutral location of the rim. The premise of the PIM Platter is to allow something to manipulate the metal rod in the direction of a letter or number in response to questions asked by investigators.

In the 1990’s Building on the Second-Floor Operating Room (OR) suites, at the Nurses’ Station, a Sony HDR-CX160 multi-spectrum camera was placed to cover the station and the hallway.

In the First Floor Ramp between 1990’s building to 1950’s building, a Sony HDR-CX160 multi-spectrum camera, a Zoom H1 audio recorder, an EDI+ datalogger and a Mel-8704REM/SDD “shadow detector” were set up.

In the 1950’s building Second Floor OR (Green tile OR), a Sony FDR-AX100 4K with wide angle lens, a Mel-8704 single-axis EMF meter, and an EDI+ datalogger were positioned to cover the OR and the hallway.

In the 1930’s building, on the Second Floor Hallway Children’s Room (“Clean Utility Room”), a Ghost-Pro multi-spectrum camera, a Zoom H1 audio recorder and an EDI+ datalogger were positioned to cover the hallway and the Clean Utility Room.

In the 1930’s building Second Floor Hallway a Sony HDR-CX160 multi-spectrum camera, an EDI+ datalogger, and a Mel-8704REM/SDD “shadow detector” in view of the camera were set up close to Room 218.

The setup on the First Floor 1930’s building Nurses’ Station (that is dedicated to nurse Joann) consisted of a Ghost Pro multi-spectrum camera focused on a Trigger Object Bank, a Sony HDR-CX160 multi-spectrum camera, and a Zoom H1 audio recorder. The Trigger Object Bank on the counter consisted of a touch flashlight, Dark Matter Detector, magnetic levitator, three glass syringes balanced upright, four empty medical vials, a tongue depressor, a soft plastic 100 ml bag of saline, and medical tape balance upright.

The Dark Matter Detector is a device that measures EMF, temperature, barometric pressure and has a high-quality audio recorder. This device also datalogs these measurements for later review should something occur and would need to be referenced.

The magnetic levitator is a device that generates a magnetic field that levitates a small dumbbell shaped object. Since this object is suspended in the air, it makes it very easy to manipulate, thus making it a good item to ask whatever might be present to move.

The 1930’s building First Floor setup in the long hallway near Room 123 consisted of a Sony HDR-CX160 multi-spectrum camera, a Mel-8704REM/SDD “shadow detector” and an EDI+ datalogger.

Once all equipment had been placed, the team went around and started and time-stamped all equipment throughout the building. By 8:00 pm the team left the building to eat. The two mangers were in their quarters on the First Floor and remained there until the end of the investigation.

At 9:10 pm the team return and began the investigation.

Investigation

9:27 pm – Joann’s Hallway and Nurses’ Station, First Floor, 1930’s building

Gravy was sitting on a chair at the Nurses’ Station, Noah was in front of the Nurses’ Station and Tom and Marilsa were in the short hallway near the Nurses’ Station. At 9:27 pm the investigation began with control silence. At that time Tom’s Bablov personal camera began acting out and was turned off.

Control silence is the practice of sitting quietly and getting accustomed to the normal sounds of the building. It allows for investigators to get a baseline of normal building sounds.

Tagging is the process of calling out noises investigators make during an investigation. Noises investigators make can be anything from bodily sounds, such as stomach or breathing noises, to external noises, like squeaky shoes, shifting or chairs creaking. Tagging is required from the moment a piece of equipment is recording to the time it is turned off. This allows for easy identification of noises heard when reviewing evidence. When an investigator makes a noise, it is their responsibility to tag it or say “that was me”.

At 9:31 pm Noah started the EVP session.

At 9:45 pm the team heard the sound of a door closing. The team believed it was most likely a car door outside.

No other events occurred during this session and the team decided to move to the next location.

9:55 pm – First Floor, 1930’s building; long hallway behind Joann’s Station; Rooms 122-121 area

Everyone was dispersed evenly along the hallway. At 9:55 pm the investigation began with controlled silence. Traffic noises and many building sounds were noted. During the control silence Gravy, located closest to the area connecting the long hallway and Joann’s Station, heard a distinct thump, but the team concluded it was a building noise.

The EVP session began at 10:00 pm. At 10:13 pm the team heard a popping sound, like one would make with one’s mouth, as well as the sound of an object falling around Joann’s Station. The team looked for anything that may have caused the noise but did not uncover anything out of place.

The EVP session continued, but no other events of note occurred and the team moved to the next location to continue the investigation.

10:20 pm – Second Floor Hallway of 1930’s building near middle of hallway (near dark stairwell), close to Room 218

Everyone was evenly dispersed along the hallway. Investigators noticed that when walking by that section of hallway, their footsteps generated an echo with enough delay that the sound could be interpreted as someone else walking near-by. At 10:20 pm, during control silence, sounds of nature (crickets, frogs, dog) and of traffic were noted. The EVP session began at 10:23 pm.

At 10:29 pm the infrared lights at the far end of the hallway near the dark stairwell appeared to dim or fade. The light bank was used to illuminate the hallway between the Nurses’ Station and the “dark stairwell “of the 1930’s building. The hallway was covered by a camera, and review of the footage did not show a shadow or flickering of the lights. Marilsa’s Boblov body camera was focused on the hallway where the lights were, catching them on the right side of the frame. Her footage did not show the lights fading or flickering. However, the intensity of the light may have precluded a more subtle fade that the human eye may perceive. Also, no flying insects or animals were noted in the footage. The team could not reproduce the dimming light effect, either by waving or by stepping in front of the lights, and it was concluded this was probably a trick of the eye.

At 10:32 pm Noah heard a pipe being hit. At 10:35 pm Marilsa and Gravy heard a loud metallic noise. After some investigation it was determined both noises were just normal building noises.

At 10:38 pm Tom saw some lights and shadows but noted that the effect was from a car passing by.

No other events occurred during this session and the team decided to head to the next location.

10:46 pm – Second Floor Hallway of 1930’s building near middle of hallway (near dark stairwell), close to Room 218

Everyone was evenly dispersed along the hallway. Control silence began at 10:46 pm, yielding sounds of traffic, a dog barking, crickets, and building sounds.

The EVP session began at 10:48 pm. No events were noted.

10:57 pm – Second Floor near 1950’s building and crossway to 1990’s building, in the OR with green tile

Tom sat in the OR with green wall tile, Noah was located at the entrance to the OR room, while Gravy and Marilsa sat in the hallway. Control silence began at 10:57 pm.

An EVP session began at 10:58 pm, but no events were noted during this session.

11:12 pm – Second Floor Nurse’s OR Station of 1990’s building

Gravy was at the entrance to the hallway, Noah was in the hallway, Marilsa at the Nurses’ Station, and Tom sat at the entrance to the stairwell.

Control silence began at 11:12 pm and building sounds and traffic noise were noted. In addition, noise coming from the floor above, like feet dragging was reported.

The EVP session began at 11:15 pm. At 11:18 pm, Gravy heard a hollow thump near him, but could not locate the source.

The EVP session continued but no other events were noted and the team decided to head to the Fourth Floor.

11:34 pm – Fourth Floor Nurses’ Station 1990’s building

The team was evenly spread out on the floor perimeter. Marilsa was located between the ICU rooms on the side of the parking lot and the Nurse’s Station. She noted shadow play on the walls that she later noted was from the combination of the flags waving in the wind and the spotlights shining on the flags that cast a moving shadow on the inside walls.

Control silence, began at 11:34 pm, revealed building contraction, stairwell noises, water dripping and traffic noises.

The EVP session began at 11:37 pm and ended at 11:49 pm. No events were noted during this session and the team decided to take a break.

BREAK – 11:49 pm to 12:22 am

The team headed to the break room. Marilsa went outside to confirm that the spotlights and flags created shadows on the building wall and in the windows of the Fourth Floor ICU while Tom took some photos of the building.

After the break the team decided to head back to Joann’s Hallway.

12:27 am – Joann’s Hallway and Nurses Station, First Floor, 1930’s building

The team was in the same locations as earlier, but each member was in a different spot.

At 12:27 am, the EVP session began with no control silence. At 12:35 am the sound of a fingernail tap on a desk was reported by Marilsa, who was sitting behind the Nurses’s Station. A concentrated review of Marilsa’s Boblov body camera, that was specifically focused on the counter and trigger object bank, revealed no movement at the time of the tap. Also, the microphones of the Boblov camera and of Marilsa’s control recorder did not pick up the sound.

No other events occurred during this session and the team decided to break down the equipment in this area and leave it on the hallway ramp since they would not return to investigate this area further. Once done, the team moved to another part of the First Floor.

12:40 am – First Floor 1930’s building; long hallway opposite of Joann’s Nurses’ Station, near Room 124

The team was evenly dispersed along the hallway. The EVP session began immediately at 12:40 am. No events were reported, and the team decided to end the investigation at 12:46 am.

The team packed up the equipment and headed out.

Conclusion

The history of Old Harriman Hospital is fascinating, and many important events occurred in the buildings. The structure itself is a complex of three different sections built at different times, and the sprawling campus required a lot of time to move between the different sections of the building during the investigation. In addition, the many windows and the location of the hospital in an active downtown allows for multiple chances of sound and light contamination, with possible misinterpretation of these events as paranormal. The team did note many building sounds, as the structure expanded and contracted with the change of outside temperature. Also, the team noted many instances of light and shadow play inside the buildings coming from outside sources during the investigation. Nevertheless, one event merits note.

The flickering of the infrared lights in the 1930’s building on the Second Floor was observed by Gravy, a senior and experienced investigator. His first impression was of a shadow passing in front of the lights, but no one in the team was moving at the time. Review of the footage did not reveal any insects or flying animals present, and attempts to reproduce the event by waving or standing in front of the lights were unsuccessful, as the maneuvers resulted in just blocking the lights rather than causing a flicker or fade. Review of footage from two different cameras from two different angles did not show any shadow or dimming of the lights. However, the intensity of the lights may have prevented the camera sensors from picking up a more subtle fade that the investigator’s eye could perceive. It is possible that the flicker was an optical illusion perceived by Gravy, that his eyes deceived him. However, the event is not fully explained at this time.

References

1. Harriman Hospital – laying of the cornerstone. The Knoxville News-Sentinel, Knoxville, Tennessee, Sun, Feb 26, 1939 · Page 11
2. Hospital Sought For Roane County, Chattanooga Daily Times,27 Feb 1938, Sun, Page 7
3. Covenant Health gets OK to build hospital, The Knoxville News-Sentinel (TN), Apr 28, 2011,By Carly Harrington
4. Patients moving into new Roane hospital. Oak Ridge Today, Posted at 12:53 pm February 18, 2013, by John Huotari
5. The Haunted Hospital in Harriman: Proof of Paranormal Captured. UTube (1:15:10) (feat. @SpiritStalkers) March 18, 2023
6. Roane Medical Center. Private Tour With The Owner. Old Historic Harriman Hospital. UTube (42:17) by Kevin The Custodian Ghost Hunter. July 29, 2022
7. Destination Fear, Old Historic Harriman Hospital in Harriman, TN, season 4, episode 4, December 16, 2022.