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The story of McFinigon Manor is an unspoken tale, so unspoken some think of it as no more than a legend. Is it a legend? No, McFinigon Manor was the name of a great mansion no longer standing today. Why was it was torn down?

            Many, many years ago, two young adults married. Their names were Frank and Claudia McFinigon. Claudia was soon to give birth to a baby boy named Fred. Fred, Frank, and Claudia all lived peaceful and happy lives together as a carefree family. Everyone seemed to be happy for the new McFinigon family, except one.

            James McFinigon was the father of Frank McFinigon. James was exceedingly disappointed in his son Frank, because his wife Claudia came from a very poor family and James believed Claudia was only interested in Frank for his wealth.

            When Fred was only thirteen months old, tragedy struck. He and his parents were in a horrible automobile accident. His parents didn’t make it, but Fred was fortunate. From then on, Fred lived with his grandfather James McFinigon in his mansion out in the country. James treated Fred unfairly for being Claudia’s son. Fred lived eighteen miserable years in the mansion with his grandfather, and then deserted it in an angry rage. Fred rented a nearby apartment and began college.

            Fred was on to bigger and better things. He was a strangely tall person and naturally good athlete. Fred’s name soon became well known throughout town as he gradually became more and more successful in athletics. His fame became so well known, his grandfather James soon heard of his success.

            The more James thought about it, the guiltier he felt. His grandson was a very successful athlete, known all around the district. James knew he was unfair to Fred when he was a young boy, and didn’t want Fred to speak badly of him.

            James decided to invite Fred to the mansion for lunch, as a way to congratulate Fred on his success, and apologize for treating him so unfairly. James wrote this letter to Fred,

Dear Fred,

            This is your Grandfather James. I would like you to join me September 13^th for lunch at the mansion, because I am very proud of your athletic success. Please arrive at 11:00 sharp.

Sincerely,

James McFinigon

When Fred read his grandfather’s invitation, he was absolutely appalled that his grandfather, who treated him horribly for all those years, would have the nerve to invite him to lunch. Fred even thought his grandfather might be mocking him for his success.

            When Fred wrote back to his grandfather’s invitation, the reply was shocking. Fred let James know how much he despised him for how awful he treated him when he was a young boy. James was deeply hurt by Fred’s response. As days went by, James began to question if his life was worth living with the knowledge that his only living relative hated him.

            James began to feel depressed, eventually worthless and overwhelmed with guilt. Without the forgiveness of his only living family member, James felt there was nothing more to live for.

On September thirteenth, James took his own life.

            At the time, Fred was engaged to a young lady named Emily Thompson. He and Emily needed a new home, and he soon heard about his grandfather’s death. According to McFinigon family tradition, Fred had rights to the mansion. After police confirmed James’s death was a suicide, Fred and Emily began packing their belongings to move into the mansion.

            Fred and Emily were supposed to move to the mansion November 5^th. Five days before they moved in, Fred wanted to visit the mansion alone, to explore the rooms and corridors he hadn’t been allowed to see as a child. The night he left, Fred promised Emily that he would only take an hour to visit the mansion. Although, he underestimated the time.

Fred never returned.

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