Historic Haunted Mansion of Joliet Looking Just as Shabby a Year After Sale

When the historic, probably haunted Hiram Scutt mansion was sold last summer, the realtor who listed the property told of the buyer’s plans to restore the landmark to its past glory.

But a year later it looks like nothing much has changed with the 19th century mansion on Joliet’s Broadway.

Realtor Maria Cronin declined to name the buyer when she struck a deal for the Scutt mansion in May 2014 but county records identify him as a New York doctor who paid $175,000 for the foreclosed property. The mansion had been listed for $159,900.

The doctor, George Krol of Mamaroneck, failed to respond to numerous calls for comment on what he intends to do with the Scutt Mansion, which appears to remain vacant.

Kroll bought another 19th century property in 2011, according to Chicago Magazine. He paid $599,000 for the Wood-Maxey-Boyd house on Chicago’s Prairie Avenue.

“George Krol, a New York doctor with family here in Chicago, says that he bought the 24-room home to restore its proud heritage and be near his grandchildren,” the magazine said.

The Scutt mansion’s eerie past began in 1882, when Civil War veteran and barbed wire magnate Hiram Scutt had the 4,960-square-foot residence constructed. After Scutt’s death, the home passed to his son, Frank W. Scutt.

Real estate broker Brian Kearney acquired the mansion in 2004 with plans to turn it into a bed and breakfast. But two years later, Joliet teen Steven Jenkins was shot to death during a party hosted by current and former football players from the University of St. Francis who were living in the mansion. Two players, Donald Motley and Jerod Milian, were convicted of Jenkins’ murder and sentenced to prison.

Local historian and John Wilkes Booth impersonator Seth Magosky bought the mansion within a year of Jenkins’ murder. Magosky had hoped to open the P. Seth Magosky Museum of Victorian Life & Joliet History in the mansion but died there suddenly in March 2007, less than six months into the endeavor. He was only 39.

A January 2013 post on the P. Seth Magosky Museum of Victorian Life Facebook page said, “It is with great sadness, I have to inform you the museum is closing. If anyone is interested in any of the furniture, books or dolls please let me know.” A post three months later said the contents of the house were to be auctioned off.

Various paranormal investigators believe the mansion is haunted. Before selling the mansion to Krol, Cronin said she fielded calls from three paranormal groups and allowed two to tour the possibly haunted house.