I posted this a long time ago on another forum. It is one of my earlier and more affirming tales of the supernatural, and one of the most rewarding.....

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Koch Hospital was a reportedly haunted dilapidated hospital in south St. Louis County and I have a VERY good story concering Koch that I have got to share. In what I think was the year 1987 I was spending a night at a friend's house which was on a street that ran into Koch Road. This was of course, too tempting a opportunity for four adventuresome boys to pass. After some planning, we set out for Koch the next day. Fortunately my friend (at whose house I was staying) had a camcorder which we brought along. Now, it's been a long time, but we entered through a ground floor window and found ourselves in what I believe was something like a shower room in the basement (like what you'd see in a gym). From here we made our way into what resembled a "boiler room". We decided that to get to the heart of the hospital we had to go this way. We went through the "boiler room" atop what appeared to be a large tube or pipe inside a tunnel. The camcorder was on despite the fact that this room was bathed in complete darkness. For several minutes all that is discernable on the tape are the voices of four high school age guys carrying on and displaying typical machismo. At least until a FIFTH unknown voice is heard in the tunnel with us. Instantly, one of our group hushes the others. The tunnel is pitch black and completely silent. Then we hear the voice again. Only for a few seconds more. It is a voice that is both near and far and indecipherable. Again excitement and hushing. Seconds later all resumes like normal. We "tour" the old hospital. We find many interesting things, among them: an old wooden leg, the chapel on the premises, dental x-rays and some patient files. Years later, the four of us have gone our separate ways, but when we DO meet, and the talk turns to Koch Hospital, each of us explains the same facts, that, 1. None of us is the source of that fifth voice., 2. None of us saw or heard anyone else in the hospital before entering the tunnel. And, 3. Koch Hospial was always said to be haunted. For several years prior to this experience my friend had informed me of all the stories he knew of Koch. That a night watchman in the early 80's heard a sound inside one night and took a look around inside to see what was the matter and found a jar containing a human fetus. That a deranged patient had escaped to a local grade school where he proceeded to enter by putting his hand through a glass window in a door. (His location was later discovered by authorities following the trail of blood left by his injured hand.) As to the authenticity of these other claims I will admit to being somewhat incredulous. But as to my own experience there was no room for doubt; something supernatural had definately occurred.

I remember this one Tyco that sure must have been an eerie night. Over the years I have done mass clearings in a few hospitals all but one of these are now closed down themselves, I would like to see what this hospital you speak of looks and feels like.

This is the front entrance to Koch. That day so long ago, we entered through one of the sides. The hospital was torn down in either '99 or 2000. The neighborhood is suburban, about 30 miles from downtown St. Louis. The area around Koch Road always had a "country" atmosphere to me.

Also, I almost forgot to mention there was a criminally neglected cemetery in the woods surrounding Koch Hospital. Here is a link with pictures from the abandoned cemetery. http://kochhospital.blogspot.com/search/label/pictures

http://www.therazor.org/?p=1062

I enjoyed reading comments from the locals on that last Link, Tyco. Thanks for sharing it. Someone may just make a documentary or movie about the place one day. I especially liked the entries from the woman who went with her husband on night security detail.

Hearing the children crying must have been heart breaking.

I cannot think of anywhere around where i live similar to this place and with history of been haunted.

Mind you now I woudnt of gone on an investigation anyway. Since me and Spiritlady had a chat, Im not doing anymore. Dont want to be bringing anyone or anything home.

Nonsense POD, the UK is notorious for hauntings. And though St. Louis may not outdo London when it comes to spectres and the like, it certainly rivals it.

Yeah Tyco. Thats London though. I meant actually around where I live.

I wouldnt go to London with a free ticket. I was scared the last time I went,
and its put me off. I would maybe go with Spiritlady who knows her way as she is from there OR pay for two burly minders to stay by my side. I didnt feel safe at all. Too many gangs around Kings Cross area, and if you dont know your way, I seriously consider it dangerous and I dont scare easy.

I use London as the most haunted example. That's not to say Brighton, Hull, Manchester, or Liverpool aren't equally as haunted. I was going city for city, ghost by ghost. I know Spiritlady is put off by the gang activity of London as well. Shame really, I don't think most Americans are aware of that.

It was May 2003 when I was in London last, doing a tv documentary, and thats when i got scared, was around Kings Cross, had some time before my train back to Hull, and went for a walk around to pass the time, was back within twenty minutes. Seriously scared. said never again.