The Story of the Haunted Odd Fellows Home (Liberty, MO)

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The Odd Fellows Home, now known as Belvoir Winery, has a rich yet eerie history that dates back to the early 20th century.

Established by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F.) on a 240-acre farm in Liberty, Missouri, the complex was designed to care for members of the fraternity, as well as their widows and orphans.

This self-sufficient community included several facilities: an orphanage, a nursing home, a hospital, and a school, all built in the distinctive Jacobethan Revival architectural style.

The I.O.O.F. had a unique tradition of caring for those in need, a concept that was reflected in the construction of the Odd Fellows Home. At its peak, the facility offered a safe haven for hundreds, including children who had lost their families and elderly members who needed long-term care.

The Home was largely self-sufficient, operating a farm that produced a variety of goods to support its residents. During the Great Depression, the population swelled as impoverished families sought better living conditions for their children.

Throughout the 20th century, the facility provided education, healthcare, and a sense of community. The administration ensured that children received quality schooling, with many even progressing to high school or college—a rare opportunity for orphans at the time.

However, by the 1950s, the need for such large-scale homes declined due to the advent of modern social programs and local care facilities. Eventually, the Odd Fellows Home ceased its original operations, and the site was mostly abandoned, except for a few parts still in use.

Today, Belvoir Winery has transformed part of the historic property into a welcoming inn and event space. The restored orphanage building is the centerpiece of the winery, where visitors can enjoy wine tastings, overnight stays, and weddings.

Despite the beautiful renovations, the site has retained its reputation for paranormal activity. The remaining abandoned buildings, including the old hospital and nursing home, add an unsettling backdrop to the otherwise serene surroundings.

Numerous ghost stories have emerged over the years, with reports of mysterious sounds, sightings, and even televised investigations by shows like Ghost Adventures and Kindred Spirits.

Guests and staff alike have encountered unexplainable occurrences, such as flickering lights, the sound of footsteps in empty hallways, and even apparitions of children and adults believed to be former residents. One of the most curious artifacts is "George," a skeleton once used in the Odd Fellows' initiation rituals, still on display at the winery.

Interested in more spooky history from Odd Fellows? See the below video from the Travel Channel, if you dare...

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This Week's Featured Home

2201 Stratford Rd, Mission Hills, KS 66208​
Built in 1926 · $5,500,00
Listing/Photos Courtesy - Sara Bash Reda, Compass Realty Group

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