Overlee Community Center

Posted: 06.25.2025 | Updated: 06.25.2025

Alexandria, Virginia. It’s one of the more populous cities in the Old Dominion, and yet, it’s not exactly top of mind for people living outside of Virginia. However, Alexandria is steeped in colonial history, houses some of the government’s most vital employees (including many Congressmen), and is the highest-income independent city. 

Of course, you could also add “filled with ghosts” to that list of accolades because Alexandria boasts some truly bizarre and eerie hauntings. And, unlike most ghost stories, which take place in creepy graveyards or in long-abandoned buildings, the ghost in this tale haunts, of all things, an upper-class suburban neighborhood.

Not only that, but the ghost is even HOA-approved! 

Yes, this is the strange case of the Febrey-Kincheloe House (now known as the Overlee Community Center), and it’s a twisted tale.

Read on to learn the full story: this ghost’s history, the house’s transformation, and more!  After you’re done, we’re sure you’ll want to learn even more about haunted Virginia. The best way to do that is by booking an in-person ghost tour with us at Alexandria Ghosts.

Is the Overlee Community Center haunted?

We’d say so, but don’t just take our word for it. If you’re in the area and ask around, the locals are sure to tell you about all of the ghost stories and sightings that the area is known for. 

Community Center History

The Overlee Community Center in Arlington can trace its origins all the way back to the 1800s. At the time, the land it occupied was part of a 176-acre piece of property that was purchased by the Febrey family in 1849. 

One of the Febreys – a man named Ernest – was a steamfitter by trade. At the time, a steamfitter was a craftsman who specialized in installing and repairing steam pipes. Ernest Febrey, ever the craftsman, excelled in his trade and utilized his funds and expertise to construct a Queen Anne-style home on a grassy knoll. In terms of location, the place couldn’t be beat, as it overlooked a winding creek and an apple orchard, too. 

This piece of property came to be known as the Febrey-Kincheloe House. However, despite the beauty and economic success of the Febreys, the winds of change began to blow in Alexandria and, indeed, throughout the country. In the early 20th century, the economy began to shift heavily from rural to urban-based, and thus, the original Febrey property was parceled off and sold in 1919. 

Ownership of the Febrey property would change hands a few times, including its use as a sanitarium for retired Washington politicians and dignitaries in 1947. However, given Alexandria’s increasing youth population, the sanitarium struggled and was sold off again after a decade of operation. 

In 1957, the house and surrounding lot were purchased for just $60,000 by the homeowners association of Overlee. The Overlee Community Association, much as HOAs are wont to do, turned the place into a neighborhood clubhouse with a swimming pool, athletic fields, and other communal amenities.

Hauntings at Overlee Community Center

However, the original Febrey house began to deteriorate, as did many homes built during that period. Despite its deep-rooted presence, it lacked a recognized historic designation, and, sadly, it was decided it’d be best to demolish the aging house and replace it with a more modern facility. 

Demolition began in 2012, and the new clubhouse stands as a symbol of the Overlee community and its progress. However, despite the spanking new clubhouse, there are still a few remnants from the past lurking around the Overlee Community Center. 

One of these specters from the past is young Margaret Febrey. She was the only daughter of Ernest, the original builder of the Febrey house, and his wife, Grace. By all accounts, they were rather doting parents over her, as they were always chasing her and her strawberry-blonde ringlets up and down the property.

However, the happy days were not to last. On January 15, 1913, tragedy struck, and Margaret died from Pott’s disease. Pott’s was a rare form of spinal tuberculosis that ultimately proved fatal. Her death deeply affected her parents and, unable to live in the house that used to be Margaret’s home, they stopped using the Febrey house as their residence. 

However, despite the Febreys moving out of the home, Margaret never did. In fact, it’s thought that she might still be on the property, even though her original house has long since been torn down.

Rumors of Margaret’s ghost inhabiting the property have persisted for decades, ever since the place transitioned from Crestwood Sanitarium to the Overlee Community Center it is today. 

The Girl in The Grey

These rumors started out as just whispers, at first; whispers of a playful spirit tormenting some of the sanitarium’s former residents. Caretakers and residents both reported that the being, despite being somewhat of a prankster, was never all that malicious. Pranks like lights switching back on after being turned off, lifeguard chairs turned round the wrong way, and music that seemingly played from nowhere. 

These pranks were hardly the work of an evil ghost but seemed very much in line with what a child might find funny.

Over time, actual sightings of the girl began to emerge. She was always seen wearing a grey dress and sported strawberry blonde ringlets, just like the ones Margaret had. Once the sanitarium transitioned into a neighborhood clubhouse, this “girl in the grey dress” was often seen lounging around by the pool area. 

Curiously, these pool sightings were usually seen by children. Margaret’s ghost evidently was quite fond of talking to other children, but was shy when adults approached. In fact, some have reported watching her sink into the ground when adults come near. 

However, one adult was able to speak to her…for a time, anyway. A construction worker during the 2012 renovation swears that he encountered the ghost of Margaret, recognizing her dress. He spoke with her for a few moments, only to see that she had vanished into thin air when he turned around. Although he said the ghost girl was friendly, he was shaken enough by the encounter to quit the next day. 

The residents of Overlee, though, know to pay their respects to Margaret. When they were tearing down her old house, they left her a note, inviting her to enjoy the luxury of the new one!

Haunted Alexandria 

Maybe you’ll be able to get a glimpse of Margaret if you take the road up to the Overlee Community Center. Just be sure not to get too close too fast if you’re an adult. Otherwise, you’re liable to scare her off, and who knows when she’ll feel comfortable enough to pop back up? 

If you liked this story and want to learn similar tales, check out our Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. They spotlight other offbeat ghost stories all over the United States. Checking our blog is another good way to stay up-to-date with all the latest ghost stories and haunted spots in Virginia.

If you want to explore Alexandria ghosts up close, a ghost tour with Alexandria Ghosts is the best way to do that. Our guides are knowledgeable and enthusiastic and can provide even more information on the area. 

Sources:

• https://offbeatnova.com/2021/08/06/offbeat-postscripts-a-haunting-at-the-overlee-community-center/
• https://www.washingtonpost.com/haunting-at-overlee-pool-in-arlington-shows-past-is-still-part-of-communitys-future/2012/06/13/gJQA4GPyaV_story.html
• https://library.arlingtonva.us/2019/10/28/rediscover-haunted-arlington/