LEWISTON, N.Y. -- The historic Frontier House in Lewiston, which has been vacant for nearly a decade, has found new purpose for Halloween.
"Have I seen the ghosts? Not really. Have I heard them? Yes. Sounds, screeches," said Frontier House co-owner Richard Hastings.
Built in 1824, it operated as a hotel and restaurant for nearly a century. There was a private lodge on the top floor, where a man named William Morgan got himself into trouble.
"He blackmailed or threatened to expose the secrets of the lodge. Found him guilty of breaking the oath, put some concrete shoes on him, and he disappeared," said Hastings.
"We have done a haunted house in another city for the past three years, seeking a new building, the Frontier House we heard it was haunted. It seemed like the perfect venue for us," said Rivershore Inc. Community Support Supervisor Barbara Gray.
The building has been vacant for the past 10 years, but there's an old rumor in the village that there might still be some spirits floating around.
"There's been certain things and times that I've heard noises and doors moving," said Hastings.
Richard Hastings bought the property in 1999 when it was a McDonalds. He was hoping to develop the building and add an addition, but his plans haven't gotten off the ground yet. Now for the first time, it's being used for a good scare for Halloween.
"This town embraces this building for some reason. They've told us how thankful they are that we're using it that it's getting used for any reason," said Gray.
There's handmade artwork throughout the haunted exhibit made by adults with developmental disabilities. Money raised will go towards supporting the Artisans Edge program.
The Frontier House will be open from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday and also Halloween night.
The Frontier House has been listed for sale for the past six months. There are no official takers yet.