Saving the Old Properties, Inc, also known as S.T.O.P., is a non-profit organization working to ensure the conservation and preservation of historic buildings in the state of Indiana. The organization also works to inform the public of the need to preserve local cultural heritage and to educate our youth of the value of these historic buildings. S.T.O.P collects information from respected local persons to learn the history and stories of these local historic buildings and to tell the true history of these irreplaceable architectural treasures.
Our mission is to instill an appreciation of history through the acquisition, restoration, and preservation of endangered historical buildings with architectural significance in the State of Indiana before they are destroyed by time or developers. Saving the Old Properties is also dedicated to the education of future generations by showing them the history in the physical form, allowing the youth to see and feel these buildings and to hear the stories they tell, and to instill pride for our country in the youth by showing the value of the past.
Saving the Old Properties, Inc currently has five locations in East Central Indiana open for tours, minihunts, events, and private overnight investigations.
The Randolph County Asylum in Winchester, Indiana was built in 1899. The Asylum served as the county poor farm, providing a home to the disabled, the chronically ill, and the extreme poor. With a 350 acre farm, the Asylum was nearly self-sufficient. The building closed in 2006. Over its more than 100 years in service, nearly 1500 people called this place home.
Information regarding bookings and the availability calendar can be found here: Paranormal Investigations – Haunted Randolph County
The Stone Mansion in Winchester, Indiana was built in 1871 by General Asahel Stone. The general was an influential man in state politics and as a businessman in Winchester, Indiana. Elected to State Senate prior to the war, General Stone served as the Quartermaster General for the Indiana troops. After the war, the general began work to build the Stone Mansion. He personally designed the home, adding little touches that made the building very personal to both himself and his wife, Lydia.
Information regarding bookings and the availability calendar can be found here: Calendar – Haunted General Asahel Stone Mansion
The Jim Jones Boyhood Church was built in the early 1900s. Rev. Jim Jones of Kool-aid infamy attended this church as a child. The church members took great care of the young Jim Jones, who by all accounts had a difficult childhood. Later in life, after becoming a pastor but prior to his cult leader days, Jim Jones returned on serveral occasions to guest pastor at the church he grew up in.
We do not currently have a website for the Jim Jones Boyhood Church. If you would like information about bookings, you can contact us at 765-808-8730.
The Center Church was built at the turn of the century. This quintessental country church remained open until the 1990s. The church then served as a venue for funerals of people who were buried in the graveyard behind.
For more information regarding bookings at Center Church, you can look here: Welcome to the Historic/Haunted – The Center Church
