HauntBound archive · catalog record
Reported phenomena — as catalogued
South Bend's 1898 endangered Victorian mansion where paranormal investigators report being physically thrown and scratched during weekend overnight ghost hunts
517 N Notre Dame Ave, South Bend, IN 46617
Research updated June 2026
Age
18+
Cost
$$
Weekend overnight ghost hunts approximately $100 per person; contact tour operator for current pricing and availability
Access
Limited Access
Abandoned multi-story Victorian mansion with deteriorating interior; requires physical mobility
Equipment
Photos OK
Est. 1898 · Indiana Landmarks 10 Most Endangered Historic Sites · South Bend Industrial Era Architecture · Victorian Residential Heritage
The Birdsell Mansion at 517 N Notre Dame Ave dates to 1898, built for J.B. Birdsell during a period when South Bend's manufacturing sector was generating considerable private wealth. The Victorian structure reflects the architectural ambitions of the era, with the characteristic complexity of late-19th-century residential design.
The property's trajectory in the 20th century followed a pattern common to large single-family Victorian mansions: as maintenance costs grew and ownership changed, the building fell into progressive decline. Indiana Landmarks, the state's primary historic preservation organization, placed Birdsell Mansion on its annual 10 Most Endangered list, a designation that draws attention to sites at risk of demolition or irreversible deterioration.
A break-in at the property in 2024 generated local news coverage, which also confirmed that haunted tours were continuing despite the security incident. The building's abandoned state has made it a destination for paranormal investigators, and regular overnight investigation events have been held there under the organization of local investigators.
Sources
The paranormal accounts from Birdsell Mansion are distinguished by their physicality. Where many haunted sites report auditory or visual phenomena, Birdsell investigators describe direct physical contact: objects thrown in their direction, one investigator reportedly thrown down the stairs, and scratch marks appearing on participants during investigations.
Investigator Corbyn Bentley, who organizes the overnight ghost hunts at the mansion, has been documented in local television coverage discussing these incidents. The reports are consistent across multiple investigation sessions rather than isolated to a single event.
The wkdq.com write-up on the mansion focused on the atmospheric quality of the abandoned Victorian interior, including artwork left behind and the general state of the building, while corroborating its reputation as a site of unusual activity. The property's endangered status adds an element of urgency to its documentation — the building may not remain standing or accessible indefinitely.
Weekend overnight paranormal investigations led by investigator Corbyn Bentley. Participants explore the abandoned Victorian interior where investigators have reported physical contact from unseen forces, scratch marks, and objects thrown. Approximately $100 per person.
Every HauntBound history is researched from documented sources. We clearly separate verified historical fact from paranormal folklore.
Hartford City, IN
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Mitchell, IN
Whispers Estate was built in 1894 in Mitchell, Indiana. Dr. John Gibbons purchased the property around 1899 and established his medical practice on the first floor while his family lived above. The Gibbons family was known locally for adopting orphaned and abandoned children. Three family members died in the house within a short period: ten-year-old Rachel (burned in a parlor fire), infant Elizabeth (unknown cause), and Jessie Gibbons (double pneumonia).
Atchison, KS
The Dilgert House was built in 1890 by Adam Dilgert, described by local sources as one of Atchison's original stonemasons. Frances Dilgert, a resident of the home, died at the age of 22 from double pneumonia. The property operates as a paranormal tourism destination, bookable through Visit Atchison, offering 2- and 4-hour investigations to the public.