Rolling Hills Asylum, located in East Bethany, NY, was established in 1826 as was originally known as the Genessee County Poor Farm. The poor farm was an institution to provide housing to orphans, widowed women and their children, mentally ill, the disabled and minor criminals. This was an actual farm with the residents having the chores of tending the land and animals.
On the grounds, is a hidden cemetery. The county would bury those who had no family right on this location’s land.
In 1827, Genessee County Poor Farm opened its doors. Also, a notice was given to the Poor Farm that the Overseers of the Poor in several Genesee County towns will remove the paupers with their belongings (clothing, beds, bedding & other articles) from the County Poorhouse and will be sent to live at the Poor Farm. These consisted of lunatics, habitual drunkards, blind, sick, diseased, old, weak, disabled, lame and people with no means of income.
The Asylum witnessed over 1,700 documented deaths taking place on the property with hundreds more unrecorded. With so much despair taking place, it’s no wonder these spirits are constantly seeking attention and crying out behind the closed doors of Rolling Hills Asylum.
One of these spirits you may have the privilege of meeting is Roy. Roy is a gentle soul who suffered from extreme gigantism, a physical deformity. His height was well over 7-feet. If you want to get Roy’s attention, bring a book and read him a story. He loves to read, just visit his room to take a glimpse of his bookshelf, filled with books, stretching from one side of the room to the next. Guests of the Asylum see his enormous shadow lurking throughout the building.
Some other souls roaming the Asylum are children running through the dark, frigid tunnels. Venture into the morgue to lay on the embalming table, see if your breath is taken away. Next, call out for Nurse Emmie or visit “Shadow Hallway”. Doors opening by themselves to invite you in.
This is just a small portion of the paranormal experiences you will have with us. Are you ready to be committed to the Asylum…..
