Location: Between Newcomerstown and West Lafayette, Ohio
Sources: Newcomerstown Digital Archives, “Haunting of Shady Bend” (2010)
A Tranquil Beauty by Day
The stately brick mansion at Shady Bend appears calm and serene under daylight. Surrounded by colorful flowers and rare plants, it feels like a scene from another time—an idyllic sanctuary where worries seem to vanish.
Origins and Early Ownership
Built in 1874 by John Hardy, the mansion has passed through several owners and served many purposes over its 136-year history. After the deaths of John and Emily Hardy, the Lovelace family acquired the home and lived there until the early 1900s.
In the decades that followed, the mansion’s purpose shifted:
- Late 1920s–1930s: Operated as a children’s receiving home
- 1938–1942: Known as the Pine Manor Inn, run by the Osmus family
- Mid-1950s: Functioned as an antique shop owned by Thelma Harding
One unusual feature during this time was a “ratskeller” (a basement tavern) with illegal slot machines.
The Downer Family’s Restoration
In 1968, the mansion was purchased by Charles and Linda Downer, who undertook an extensive 30-year restoration. After a devastating fire in 1971, much of the interior woodwork had to be replaced. The Downers sourced period-appropriate trim and details from nearby historic properties—including the Miskimen House, once used as a school annex in Newcomerstown.
The Downers made the mansion their residence starting in 1989, working passionately to restore its former grandeur.
A New Chapter
Just a few months ago, the property was purchased again. The new owners are now working on refurbishing the mansion, continuing its long legacy.
Ghost Stories and Paranormal Activity
The Hardy Presence
According to Charles Downer, the house transforms after sunset. Footsteps, doors opening or closing on their own, and an eerie sense of being watched have been reported.
One of the most compelling encounters occurred during a New Year’s Eve party in the parlor. A guest—unaware of the home’s haunted history—claimed to see a reflection of a figure in a black coat in the dining room mirror. No other visitors were found in the house. Downer speculated it may have been John Hardy himself, continuing to watch over the home he was once so proud of.
The Cursed Vagrant
Local folklore tells of a bitterly cold night in the 1880s when John Hardy refused shelter to a vagrant. The man was later found frozen in a barn across the road and, before dying, is said to have cursed Hardy. Since then, sightings of a spectral figure believed to be the vagrant have been reported.
The Tower Room Murder
In the 1930s, a man was allegedly shot to death in a third-story tower room during a poker game dispute. Bloodstains on the floor reportedly remain visible to this day, and some speculate that his spirit still lingers.
Haunted Attic and Family Reactions
During the Osmus family’s time operating the Pine Manor Inn, their daughters complained of an unseen presence in the attic where they dried laundry. Years later, during the Downer family’s restoration period, Charles and Linda’s twin sons, Adam and Mark, would cry and scream uncontrollably whenever they were inside the house during evening hours. This strange behavior persisted for years but faded as the boys grew older. While they don’t remember why, they admit to being terrified of something in the house.
Unseen Visitors
Charles Downer recalled a recent evening while reading in a downstairs room when he heard distinct footsteps on the floor above. Assuming it was a friend of his sons, he went upstairs to investigate—only to find the entire house empty and the only entrance door securely locked.
Final Notes
With a rich history dating back to the 19th century, the Shady Bend mansion holds both architectural charm and an air of mystery. Having served as a family residence, a children’s home, a tavern, and more, its walls have seen generations pass through—and perhaps some spirits remain.
According to locals, it was recently purchased once again, and the new owners are actively working to bring the mansion back to life. Whether drawn by its beauty or intrigued by its ghostly past, Shady Bend continues to capture the imagination of all who encounter it.
