Tag Archives: haunted hotel

Ukategorisert

The Singing Ghost of May Yohé Haunting Hotel Bethlehem

Leave a comment
Advertisements

In the historic Hotel Bethlehem in Pennsylvania the famous singer and actress May Yohé grew up, singing and dancing to the guests. Her life didn’t end up as glamorous as she lived and it is said that she is still performing in her afterlife where it all started.

In Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Hotel Bethlehem stands as a historical monument being Pennsylvania’s oldest hotel, a luxurious retreat, and, intriguingly, a haunted haven. 

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from the USA

Among its many ghostly legends lingering in the hotel’s 125 guest rooms, none is as captivating or as tragic as the tale of Mary Yohe, known to many as “May.” Her story, marked by stardom, misfortune, and nostalgia, echoes through the hallways and ballrooms of this grand hotel, particularly around Christmastime.

Hotel Bethlehem: The hotel of how it looked around in 1930.

The First House of Betlehem

Before it turned into the hotel of today, it was a place of Moravian missionaries. They named their new town Bethlehem on Christmas Eve in 1741. The original 1741 house was built by Moravian missionary Count Nicholas Von Zinzendorf. 

In 1794 they built the Golden Eagle Hotel, still a Moravian building. This is also the building and the time where many of the reported ghosts come from.  

The hotel lasted until 1919 when it was destroyed after having been used as a WWI military convalescent home. Then in 1922, Charles M. Schwab, a steel-tycoon, built the luxurious Hotel Bethlehem we know of today. 

May Yohé Rise to Fame

Mary “May” Yohe was born in April, 1866 and was the granddaughter to Caleb Yohe, who operated the hotel when it was called The Eagle. Born Mary Augusta Yohe, she grew up there and from a young age, she displayed an extraordinary talent for singing and performing and there are recordings of her singing and dancing for the guests in the lobby when she was young. 

The Moravians liked her so much their church got their money out and sent Yohéto Europe for a refined education, studying in Dresden and later at the Convent of the Sacré Coeur in Paris.

May’s abilities quickly garnered attention, propelling her into the limelight. Her voice and charm captivated audiences in Paris and across Europe, where she performed with great acclaim. By 1888 she made headlines in the country as one of the biggest stage stars as well as her love affairs. 

Her beauty and talent even caught the eye of a wealthy British lord, who whisked her away into the aristocracy with a lavish marriage. She married Lord Francis Clinton Hope and he gave her the very famous Hope Diamond that she wore many times. The diamond named after him, was thought to be cursed, something she also alluded to in the screenplay she wrote about it. 

May Yohe: A famous singer and actress is thought to be haunting the Bethlehem Hotel, the place of her childhood.

The Tragic Downfall of the Singer

They married in November 1894. She had gained fame on the London stage in 1893 and 1894, especially in the burlesque Little Christopher Columbus. He led an extravagant lifestyle, which the two continued together, and was discharged in bankruptcy in 1896. She ended up in the papers with her divorce in 1902 after they had both squandered away his fortune and Hope had to sell off the Hope Diamond to pay his debts. 

After this she had a string of marriages and affairs that were unhappy and she was stolen from, gave up a baby for adoption and was left broken and destitute. 

She died in poverty in Boston in 1938, having lost all her money and fame. Her husband sprinkled her ashes into the Atlantic Ocean before following her a few months later. Despite the turmoil and heartbreak, May often reminisced about her early years in Bethlehem, calling them the best of her life.

The Ghostly Presence of May Yohé at Hotel Bethlehem

To this day, the spirit of May Yohe is said to linger in Hotel Bethlehem, her ethereal presence felt by guests and staff alike, often appearing as the little girl she was. Visitors have reported seeing a young woman dressed in elegant attire, resembling the glamorous performer May once was, especially on the third floor. 

Guests claim to hear her sing and that the piano starts playing when there is no one there. She is often spotted near the piano, where she used to enchant audiences with her singing, or pacing gracefully beside the Christmas tree, as if lost in the memories of happier times.

The most chilling encounters involve hearing her voice—faint, yet unmistakably recognizable—singing one of her favorite songs. These ghostly serenades often occur during the quiet hours of the night, sending shivers down the spines of those who hear them.

Every year, as Christmas approaches, it is said that the sightings of May Yohe become more frequent. It is believed that the holiday season stirs her spirit, bringing her memories of joy and sorrow to the forefront. Guests staying at Hotel Bethlehem during this time often hope for a glimpse of the glamorous ghost, or to hear her melancholic melodies filling the air once more.

Read more: Check out more ghost stories from the Christmas season

Other Paranormal Activity at Hotel Bethlehem

Many staff report hearing their name being called when no one is there. Shadows, apparitions and reflections are almost common when staying at hotel Bethlehem. A tap on the shoulder, things falling from desks and electrical appliances not working as it should. 

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from Haunted Hotels

A man known as Frank Smith is wearing a suit and shows up on the third floor and a Moravian settler from the 1700s is said to be moving in the basement. In the basement is also the ghost of one of the former caretakers of the Eagle Hotel who is said to guard things in the basement. Mrs. Hops brought slaves from Virginia and hid them in the basement. She is said to still guard them in her afterlife. 

The Ghost of the Town Guide, Francis

Another ghost said to haunt the Hotel Bethlehem is the ghost of Francis “Daddy” Thomas, who was the Bethlehem’s Town Guide for many years. He was born in Wuttemburg, Germany, but moved to the Colonies when he was 6 years old. As many others in the area, he was very much influenced by the Moravian Bishop Spangenberg. He was known as a fearless man, working as a courier, not even almost deaths could stop him from doing his job. 

After many years on the horseback, he settled down as a cabinetmaker and town guide, marrying Anna Graeff. After he died on April 4th in 1822 at the age of 90, it is believed he is the one haunting the hotel, especially being seen around the Boiler Room of the hotel. 

Mrs. Bring – a ghost without socks

In 1833, the Eagle Hotel as it was known at the time, was still owned by the Moravian Church. They had employed Mr. and Mrs Bong, but had no idea of what kind of people they were. Mr. Bong was an alcoholic who never said no when a guest offered a drink. Many times the bartender had to move him to a nearby bench when he was too drunk. 

Mrs. Bong was apparently good at her job as a host, but too much of a rebel for a church owned establishment. She would often show up not wearing shoes or stockings, shocking guests and the rest of the staff. 

They were fired after six months, but to this day, kitchen staff and dinner guests claim to see a woman in period clothing, not wearing shoes or socks, most often seen around the kitchen or restaurant area of the Hotel Bethlehem.

Paranormal Activity in Room 932

Inside Room 932, there have been many strange stories that have no name or story attached to it. A couple staying there were awakened by a man in front of their bed. “Why are you in my room?” he asked, but as soon as they turned on the light, he was gone. 

There have also been stories about guests seeing a reflection in the mirror that isn’t them, lamps start flashing and paper on the desk comes flying off. One time a guest reported opening the bathroom and saw an entirely different bathroom. There are many pictures from guests where people say orbs appear and is today the most requested room in the Hotel Bethlehem.

The Haunted Hotel Bethlehem

For those brave enough to spend a night at Hotel Bethlehem, the possibility of encountering the ghost of May Yohe, Mrs. Bong without socks or experiencing something strange in Room 932, adds an extra layer of allure to this historic establishment. Whether you believe in ghosts or simply enjoy a good story, the legend of Bethlehem Hotel is sure to leave a lasting impression.

More like this

Newest Posts

References:

Who’s Haunting the Historic Hotel Bethlehem? 

Haunted Hotel Bethlehem – Ghosts of Gettysburg 

This 278-Year-Old Hotel Is One Of The Most Haunted Places In Pennsylvania… And You Can Spend The Night 

Haunted Hotels in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 

PAranormal (and True Crime) — Hotel Bethlehem This historically haunted hotel in… 

May Yohé – Wikipedia 

Ukategorisert

The Crescent Hotel Dark and Haunting Stories

Leave a comment
Advertisements

The Crescent Hotel in Arkansas started and ended the 20th century as a luxury hotel among the many healing springs it is known for. In between it was also known as a notorious experimental cancer hospital, women’s college and an abandoned building. This has created a multitude of ghost legends. 

A beautiful spring day in the Ozark Mountains, a couple was trying to check into Room 221 at the old and historic Crescent Hotel. They walk out the elevator on the second floor and are greeted by a man wearing an all black Victorian style outfit. He asks if they need any help finding the room and they follow him, believing him to be an employee in uniform. He leads them to their room and unlocks the door, standing outside smiling, tilting his head from side to side. When they entered, they remembered they hadn’t tipped him and turned around, but he had disappeared. 

Thinking nothing more of this, they spent the rest of the day in the room, only leaving for dinner in the evening. But when they tried to reenter the room in the evening, their card didn’t work. When they asked about it at the front desk, they told them they had gotten the wrong card, as it was for Room 321. Confused, they told about the employee that had helped them. The front desk told them, perhaps knowing full well what had happened: “We don’t have a staff member like that working here”.

A Cure for Wellness at Crescent Hotel

Near the edge of the Ozark National Forest in northern Arkansas mountain region, the Crescent Hotel used to be famous for its healing springs around the city, now it is notorious for its eerie atmosphere and extensive ghost stories that it has accumulated over the years. 

The Native Americans had known about these springs for ages and when bottled water from the springs sold well in the 1800s, people started to flock to the place and by 1881 it was the fourth largest city in Arkansas and a hotel was needed to accommodate the people. 

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from the USA

Since its grand opening in 1886 with all the famous people of the time, this historic hotel has been a hotbed of paranormal activity, earning its reputation as one of the most haunted hotels in the United States within many of the 78 rooms. 

A Haunted Christmas Eve Like No Other

Among its myriad spectral tales, one particular story from Christmastime continues to mystify and intrigue visitors to this day.

It was during one particularly festive Christmas season when an unusual event unfolded within the grand confines of the Crescent Hotel. Guests had gathered to marvel at the beautifully decorated Christmas tree in the hotel’s opulent dining room, adorned with sparkling ornaments and surrounded by an array of carefully wrapped gifts. The tree stood as a beacon of holiday cheer, its lights casting a warm glow over the historic hall. The room known as The Crystal Dining was closed off during the night. 

However, the serene holiday setting was soon disrupted by a perplexing occurrence. One morning, guests and staff were astounded to discover that the entire Christmas tree, along with all its packages, had been inexplicably moved to the opposite side of the room. The initial reaction was one of confusion and disbelief. Who could have orchestrated such a prank without leaving any trace of their actions?

The next morning again, the tree and packages had moved again with the chairs circling it like a new holiday symbol they were facing. 

Read More: Check out all ghost stories set during the Christmas season

As the guests pondered this mysterious relocation, whispers began to spread about sightings of ghostly figures. Several visitors reported seeing apparitions dressed in elegant Victorian attire wandering through the dining room. These spectral figures, seemingly from a bygone era, appeared to be in high spirits, as if engaged in their own Yuletide celebration. Witnesses described the phantoms as playful, with a mischievous gleam in their ghostly eyes, and it was believed that they were responsible for the eerie rearrangement of the room.

The following day, as the Crescent Hotel staff arrived to restore order, they found that everything had mysteriously returned to its original position. The tree and the gifts were once again exactly where they had been before the supernatural intervention. It was as if the ghostly revelers had finished their fun and tidied up before vanishing into the ether.

Year Round Haunting in the Crystal Dining Room

But it wasn’t only this one Christmas day that the Dining room felt like someone was haunting it as dancing and festive people in Victorian clothing can be spotted year round, the golden era of the Crescent Hotel. It is especially here in the room known as the Crystal Dining Room that a lot of the ghost stories come from. Employees could return in the morning and find the menus scattered throughout the room with everything else in place, well knowing that no one else had been inside it. 

A story often circulating comes from a waitress that worked in the Crystal Dining Room. Once, as she was tidying plates, taking orders and bringing food, the waitress caught her own reflection in a mirror between the dining room and the kitchen. Looking back was a man and woman wearing Victorian clothing, facing each other like for a wedding. As the groom caught her gaze, they both disappeared. The waitress quit her job right after. 

Another thing often seen and heard in the room is when a man wearing Victorian clothing again sits at a table by the windows alone. When asked what he’s doing by the unsuspected staff, he answers: “I saw the most beautiful woman here last night and I am waiting for her to return.”

Many of the stories we know of are told by the cook of the Crescent Hotel, Steve Garrison was just slicing up vegetables in the kitchen of the dining room when he saw a little boy. The little boy was weaning old fashioned clothes and knickers skipping around in the kitchen. Another morning as he was turning on the lights all of the pots and pans flew off the hooks and onto the floor. Garrison also would like to point out that he never drinks at all.

The Many Ghosts of The Crescent Hotel

The ghosts of the Crescent Hotel are numerous and varied, like Clifton “Brecki”, the 4 year old child of Richard and Mary Breckenridge Thompson who died in the hotel because of appendicitis, bouncing his ball throughout the Crescent Hotel, wanting to play with the children in the hotel. In the halls there is a waiter carrying butter, or Dr. John Freemont Ellis, who was the hotel’s in-house doctor in the late 19th century with his cherry tobacco smelling close to his office, now turned into room 212. 

In many of the rooms, guests experience strange things as they stay there. A couple said they had been sleeping only with the sheet. The husband woke up and found the comforter having been tucked over them. This happened three more times that night. 

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from the Haunted Hotels around the world

There are also ghosts and things that happen that people seem unable to explain that have no names or history. Each spirit carries a story, adding to the tapestry of paranormal phenomena that envelops the hotel. Let’s have a closer look at some of them:

Morris the Cat Haunting the Crescent Hotel

Many of the ghosts are said to be old ghosts from the Victorian era to pre war times. One of the youngest ghosts though is said to not be a human though, but a ginger tabby cat. Morris, the cat known as the Hotel General Manager for 21 years, was beloved by guests and staff alike. There have been many cats at the hotel, but no one as famous as Morris who came in 1973. When he died over 300 attended his funeral when he was buried on the property. 

Today his picture is in the Crescent Hotel lobby and on the east lawn his headstone can be seen. But it is also said that his ghost can be seen and heard sneaking around the hotel and many guests have reported about a feeling of something feeling like a cat rubbing up against their leg.

Micheal’s Ghost in Room 218

When they built the Crescent Hotel, they brought many stonemasons from Ireland when they started construction in 1884. One of these was a 17-year old, that at least today goes by as Micheal. 

There is also said to be an Irish stone mason who fell to his death in the 1880s when they were building the hotel. He was said to have been attractive and flirtatious and died when he tried to get a woman’s attention allegedly. This is also said to have lasted in his afterlife and he is known for tapping women’s shoulders and even pulling back their shower curtain. 

Where he died is now room 218 and it is said it is one of the most paranormal active rooms at the Crescent Hotel. It is said the red-haired ghost is the most spotted one and the staff simply refer to the well known entity haunting the place as Michael today. 

Guests that have stayed at the place claim to have seen hands coming out of the bathroom mirror, and the screaming of a man in the ceiling falling. The lights and TV go on and off, the door is opening and closing, sometimes even being difficult to even open again. 

Guests sleeping say they have been shaken awake, felt dizzy and nauseated staying in the room or even just passing by, and there is banging on the walls. Once, a guest ran screaming out from the room, claiming to have seen blood splatter all over the walls. 

Crescent College and the Screaming Student

The Crescent Hotel’s haunted reputation is rooted in a history fraught with tragedy and intrigue. Built in 1886 as a luxury resort for the affluent that enjoyed the healing waters in the day, and the elaborate parties in the evening, it later served various roles, including as a girl’s college and a hospital. When some of the tourism to the healing springs dried up at the turn of the century, they made it into The Crescent College and Conservatory for Young Money in the off season to bring in money in 1908 to 1924.

From the time as a college student, people claim to see a young woman that is haunting from the time. This is a bit vague story, but it is said she was a love-struck student and is said to have either jumped or pushed off the third or fourth floor balcony on the east side where she died. 

Those staying close to the balcony report hearing screams as someone is falling, seeing her fall or looking up to the balcony where a shadowy figure is looking back at them. 

The Crescent Hotel as the Baker Cancer Clinic

The most infamous chapter in its history occurred in the 1930s, when the Crescent Hotel closed down in 1934 when the Great Depression hit the tourism business in full. But there were still people in need of a cure for wellness, but this time, it was a cure for cancer that was offered.

In 1937 it was transformed into a cancer hospital by a charlatan named Norman Baker that is seen in the hotel lobby at times, wearing his signature lavender tie and purple shirt. Baker had a strange background as a vaudeville actor, inventor and was a self made millionaire, running a radio show in Iowa. He had already fled to Mexico from Iowa for a time after practicing without a medical license, but now he was back in America about to start his most horrifying adventure. 

He started to claim he had a cure for cancer through his radio show. All five test patients who took the elixir he had made for cancer ended up dead. It was an injectable with a combination of ground-up watermelon seeds, corn silk, clover, water, glycerin, peppermint, and traces of carbolic acid—which he called “Secret Formula Number 5.” 

Baker’s fraudulent treatments and the suffering of his patients are said to have left a lingering aura of despair and unrest.

The Experiments in the Basement and the Morgue

Dr Baker was examining cancer patients in the basement as he was charging their families off all their life savings, making millions of them. A lot of the hotel’s haunted stories come from this time.

At the time on the 3rd floor, they built an annex into the Crescent Hotel that has seen some strange phenomena in later times. Guests seem to have a physical reaction to it, feeling faint and some are even passing out for a moment. It is said to happen very infrequently, sometimes going months and years between each time it happens, sometimes it happens weekly. 

Especially in 2019, when archaeologists found hundreds of bottles of Baker’s “secret formula” and jars of bits and pieces he had surgically removed from patients. Dr. Baker wasn’t known to operate on patients though. According to those working there, it looks like something has stirred up some of the paranormal energy that has been lingering and they claim that sightings of ghosts and strange occurrences have become more frequent. 

How many died is uncertain, although it is certain he didn’t cure anyone. As many as hundreds of patients died during the time under his care. It wasn’t necessarily the cure that killed them, but it definitely happened because they didn’t do any other treatments. When they did die, Baker would write letters to their families and pretend the patient was still alive. 

When they used the old switchboard they used to receive phone calls from the empty basement where the patients agreed to pay for his services. It is also in this basement the ghost of Dr. Baker also has been seen. 

Next to the morgue area is the laundry room and a maintenance man saw once all the washers and dryers turn on in the middle of the night. The laundry room still has his autopsy table and walk-in-freezer. 

The sound of a gurney being pushed by a nurse wearing all white in what was known as the doctors morgue area in the basement is heard, its squeaking wheels and rattling echoing down the hall. It is only said to happen at 11 in the evening as this is when they used to move the deceased out of the hospital so they could do it discreetly without any of the other patients knowing. The apparition vanishes as soon as they reach the end of the hallway.

The hospital was shut down after a few years though, and he spent a couple of years in prison from 1941 to 1945 before being released. He then lived very comfortably in Florida until he died himself, from cancer in 1958. 

The Woman Haunting in Room 3500

One of the rooms that are said to be haunted from this area is the Room 3500 where guests have reported about a lady seemingly wearing what looks like a Victorian nightgown. Today it is one of the hotel’s luxury suites, but back then, it used to be the servants quarter before it was turned into a hospice area for the critically ill cancer patients. 

It is said that she is only standing at the foot of your bed and stares at you. Many claim that there are only women that can see her, and if a man is in the room with a woman, he is unaware of her presence. 

Theodora’s Room at 419

In room 419, the housekeepers keep seeing the ghost they call Theodora who is constantly seen fumbling with her keys. She introduces herself to them as a cancer patient and vanishes after her greeting. 

Those who meet her describe her as a prim and proper older lady. The housekeepers also sometimes happen to find the room tidied up by her before having time to do it themselves, but allegedly only if she enjoys the guests company. She has even been said to have packed the guests’ luggage. 

What is the Cause of the Haunting

What makes this particular Crescent Hotel more haunted than others? Over 35 000 Paranormal investigators come by almost every year to find out, but there is no conclusive evidence. So much has been discussed though they even have two weekends “Eureka Springs Paranormal Weekend” to discuss their findings. 

The Crescent Hotel certainly has many people passing by and even passing on, and some of its history, like the part of Dr. Baker, is so awful that it almost makes sense to be haunted. 

Some point to it being built in limestone that has a particular ability to absorb and release certain electromagnetic and psychic energies. Both the 18 inch thick walls as well as the very hilltop the hotel is built on is of limestone. There are many examples of this, although plenty of brick and wooden houses that are also said to be haunted. 

Some point to the mediums that have come and done a reading of the Crescent Hotel. They claim that the hotel acts like a portal to the other side, most likely because of Dr. Baker’s play with life and death. 

In the end, who can really tell. The Crescent Hotel remains a captivating destination for those intrigued by the paranormal. 

More like this

Newest Posts

References:

Sleeping in the morgue of Eureka Springs’ Crescent Hotel, one of the most haunted places in the U.S. – Roadtrippers 

History of the Crescent Hotel Cats 

https://eu.news-leader.com/story/life/2016/10/14/relive-haunted-history-ghostly-grounds-crescent-hotel/91865592

Ghost Stories – 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa

Ghostly Happenings at the Crescent Hotel 

https://eu.news-leader.com/story/life/2016/10/14/relive-haunted-history-ghostly-grounds-crescent-hotel/91865592

The Haunted Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs – Legends of America 

Ukategorisert

Wilton Castle and the Death Coach

Leave a comment
Advertisements

Every year on a death anniversary, the Death Coach is said to pull up at Wilton Castle. The Haunted castle in Ireland is filled with ghosts in the fireplace, headless horsemen and strange lights in the towers. 

Wilton Castle in Enniscorthy, Ireland, is a storied 13th-century fortress. This privately owned castle has witnessed the rise and fall of generations, hosting tales of prominent families, arsonist attacks, and ghostly apparitions. 

Built in the 13th century by the De Dene family, Wilton Castle has a rich and varied history and went through the hands of several families. For centuries, it served as the proud abode of the Alcock family, who were locally prominent in the 17th century. 

Read More: Check out all of the ghost stories from Ireland

Tragedy struck in 1923 when an arsonist attack left the magnificent house gutted by fire. Yet, hope was not lost for this architectural gem, as careful restoration efforts in recent years have breathed new life into its ancient stones. 

Wilton Castle

Today, Wilton Castle opens its doors to guests, offering exclusive hire, weekend occupation on a bed & breakfast basis, or the option to stay and cater for oneself.

The Ghostly Tale of Harry Alcock

Within the hallowed halls of Wilton Castle, the ghostly presence of Harry Alcock lingers, tethered to the realm of the living. As the sun sets on the anniversary of his death each year, he embarks on a spectral journey on the famed death coach. Riding in a horse-drawn carriage, Harry’s apparition drifts away from the castle in a somber procession.

Read More: Check out all of the Haunted Castles from around the world

While no specific date is recorded for this ethereal spectacle, historical records indicate that Harry Alcock passed away on the 3rd of December 1840. Locals once gathered annually in eager anticipation, hoping to catch a glimpse of this melancholic phantom as he embarked on his spectral journey.

The Irish Death Coach

The “Death Coach,” a prominent figure in the folklore of Northwestern Europe, particularly in Ireland, is known as the “cóiste bodhar,” which translates to “silent coach.” This eerie legend can also be found in stories from British and American cultures. The death coach is typically described as a black carriage, driven or led by a headless horseman known as the Dullahan.

The appearance or sound of the death coach is believed to be an ominous sign, foretelling imminent death either for the observer or a close relative. In Irish folklore, it symbolizes the inevitability of death, signifying that once it arrives on Earth, it cannot return empty-handed. This belief emphasizes that once a person’s fate is sealed by a higher power, mortals are powerless to prevent it.

Accompanying the death coach in Irish folklore is the banshee, adding to the sense of foreboding and dread. In Scottish folklore, a similar entity is said to appear on the Royal Mile of Edinburgh, collecting the souls of the deceased. Additionally, there are stories of a “hell wain” that can be spotted in the Scottish night sky, further contributing to the eerie tales of the death coach.

The Ghosts of the Cromwellian War

In the castle’s dark and oppressive past, Oliver Cromwell infamously employed the cells beneath its formidable walls as grim interrogation and prisoner holding areas. Within these gloomy chambers, Cromwell and his followers subjected countless innocent Catholics to unspeakable acts of brutality and mutilation, leaving behind a haunting legacy of pain and suffering.

Legend has it that the anguished spirits of these unfortunate prisoners still wander the surrounding forests and forlorn corridors, forever trapped in a spectral realm between life and death. Torn and bloodied, these restless souls continue to bear the marks of their torment, their restless footsteps echoing through the ancient halls.

The lingering presence of these spectral figures serves as a chilling reminder of the past atrocities that unfolded within those very walls. Their ghostly manifestations carry with them an undeniable aura of sadness, their ethereal forms drifting silently through the centuries, yearning for peace and release from their eternal anguish.

So, should you find yourself drawn to the castle’s eerie allure and wish to delve into its dark secrets, prepare yourself for an encounter with the spectral remnants of Oliver Cromwell’s cruel reign and the unfortunate souls who suffered beneath its merciless grasp.

Archibald Jacob: A Magistrate’s Haunting

Another ghostly tale intertwined with Wilton Castle is that of Archibald Jacob, a local magistrate notorious for his brutal methods and was known to flog and torture people in the parish. 

In 1836, tragedy befell Jacob as he fell from his horse and met a fatal end while returning home from a ball at the castle. His restless spirit is said to have lingered, manifesting both at the site of his tragic demise and within the castle itself.

One particular legend recounts a chilling exorcism performed within Wilton Castle. As a Catholic priest made the sign of the cross, the ghost of Archibald Jacob allegedly materialized within the castle’s fireplace, only to vanish in a cloud of eerie smoke. Jacob’s lingering presence serves as a haunting reminder of his controversial reign as a magistrate.

The Mysterious Lights from the Ghost of a Star

Beyond the prominent spirits of Harry Alcock and Archibald Jacob, Wilton Castle is steeped in eerie phenomena. Mysterious lights have been reported in the castle tower, believed to be the manifestation of a former actress who perished in a tragic fire when her dress caught fire as she was carrying an oil lamp. This spectral figure continues to cast her ethereal glow on the castle’s ruins.

It is also believed that it is the ghosts from when the IRA burnt the castle down in 1923. Although this news clip from it doesn’t really mention that anyone died. According to this legend, there were three aspiring actors that burnt with it.

The actress’s ghost stands on the balcony, ready to jump, even though she hesitated to do so the night of the fire, and thus perished. It is as if she relives that decision over and over again.

Additionally, the property echoes with the howls of a phantom dog, its mournful cries echoing through the darkest of nights. These enigmatic occurrences serve as a testament to the enduring mystery and rich tapestry of history that envelopes Wilton Castle.

Tales of Tragedy at Wilton Castle

As the sun sets on each anniversary of Harry Alcock’s death, the Death Coach arrives at Wilton Castle, casting an eerie and melancholic atmosphere over the ancient fortress. The ghostly presence of Harry Alcock, forever tethered to the realm of the living, embarks on his spectral journey in the horse-drawn carriage.

As guests venture through the castle’s hallowed halls, they are not only immersed in its rich tapestry of history but also invited to partake in its ghostly tales. Each creaking floorboard and flickering light whispers the secrets of the past, enticing all who dare to enter into the enigmatic and haunting world of Wilton Castle.

So, if you find yourself drawn to its eerie allure, prepare to immerse yourself in the legends and spirits that dwell within. Wilton Castle stands as a testament to the enduring power of history and the ethereal beauty that can be found within the embrace of the supernatural.

More like this

Newest Posts

References:

Creepy Irish Castles & Houses Halloween Irish culture and customs 

Wilton Castle | Haunted Wexford, Ireland | Spirited Isle 

Death Coach – Wikipedia 

The Best Haunted Castles In Ireland 

Ukategorisert

The Headless Bride of Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone

Leave a comment
Advertisements

Within the rustic embrace of the Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone National Park, a haunting tale unfurls—a tragic narrative of love, rebellion, and a spectral bride forever bound to the halls of this historic lodge.

Yellowstone National Park, established in 1872 as the world’s first national park, spans across three states—Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Renowned for its stunning geothermal features, including the iconic Old Faithful geyser, Yellowstone encompasses a diverse landscape of majestic mountains, expansive forests, and picturesque lakes. 

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from USA

The park is home to an array of wildlife, such as grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and elk, offering visitors a rare glimpse into unspoiled natural habitats. With over 2 million acres of breathtaking wilderness, Yellowstone is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, providing opportunities for hiking, camping, and exploring its unique geological wonders. If we are to believe the stories, there are also ghosts haunting the park, with one story being more famous than the others of the ghost of the decapitated bride at the Old Faithful Inn.

The Old Faithful Inn and its Ghost

The story begins with the rebellious daughter of a wealthy shipping magnate from New York, who defied her family’s wishes and married an older servant. Many also said she was a modern woman who rejected an arranged marriage from a young man from a “better” family. When it was difficult to say, in some versions they say it was in 1915. 

Her father tried for a long time to convince her he was only a gold digger, but she refused to listen. In a bittersweet compromise, the father reluctantly granted a dowry for his daughter’s union, and the newlyweds embarked on their honeymoon to the heart of Yellowstone. In some version this compromise was done with her having to give up her family, her inheritance and had to leave New York. Perhaps he hoped this would scare away the man, but the wedding was held and they left for Yellowstone.

Their chosen abode was the Old Faithful Inn, a grand testament to rustic architecture nestled amid the park’s pristine wilderness built in 1903. The hotel was one of the first park lodges in the American west and one of the few still standing. The hotel is still in operation overlooking the Old Faithful Geyser Basin. 

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from Haunted Hotels

However, the idyllic honeymoon took a dark turn when a violent argument erupted between the newlywed couple within the confines of their room. Many say that it was room 127. It was said he was gambling their money away and they argued all the time. This night was the worst thus far though. After a mere month of honeymooning they had run out of money, and her father refused to help them with more. After everything that could kill you in the park—bears, forest fires and avalanches, the most dangerous thing for the bride was the one she was sharing rooms with. 

The Ghost in the Crows Nest

One night the man stormed out and was never seen again. After a few days of silence from the rooms got the staff worried and they opened the door:

The aftermath of what went down revealed a gruesome scene—the bride was found decapitated in the tub, her head gruesomely separated from her body and missing.

The Crows Nest: The head is said to have been found in the Crows Nest where they used to have bands playing. Although the whole detailed story was said to have been a bluff, the staff claim to really have seen something looking like a ghostly bride descending from it. // Source: Wikimedia

As if the tragedy wasn’t harrowing enough, the lore deepens with the discovery of the bride’s severed head in the hotel’s crow’s nest where the band played. The once-celebratory space now harbors the ghostly echoes of a love gone awry, forever etched into the timeworn walls of Old Faithful Inn.

The Haunting of the Old Faithful Inn

Since that fateful night, guests and staff alike have reported chilling encounters with the spectral bride. A phantom figure, adorned in a wedding dress, descends the inn’s staircase with an eerie calmness, her disembodied head cradled under her arm. 

The Crows Nest was damaged in the 1959 Hebgen Lake earthquake and is now not allowed to visit for the guests. So if you see something up there, they really aren’t supposed to be there. 

The Hoax of the Park or a True Haunting?

George Bornemann used to be assistant manager of the inn in 1991. Closing a night in the winter, it was only him and another staff member at the hotel. When investigating the sound of running in the hallway, he saw her on the stairs. After many years he told the story again and added the details, year and room number. 

But then, was it true? George himself said in 1983 that he had made the whole thing up himself to make the hotel seem more spooky and mysterious. According to the story told by Leslie Quinn working in the park, he was chased down by a reporter, and made the whole thing up to get rid of him. Even though he told the reporter to make it to whatever year he wanted, the story stuck as true for a long time. 

But the thing is, he never said that the sound of running in the hallway was false, and still claims that part is true. He is also been rumored to have said to see doors open and close mysteriously. So then, could there really be a true haunting within the Old Faithful Inn?

Other Hauntings at the Old Faithful Hotel

There may be no truth to the tragic tale of the decapitated bride, but the other stories, could there be something about those? 

Another story told from the inn is about a woman that woke up in Room Number 2. She was scared, woke her husband and asked if he too could see the woman in Victorian clothing at the foot of their bed. 

And although the inn itself was built decades after the Victorian area, the hotel was built upon the site of the Fountain Hotel that was destroyed. 

The newer addition of the Inn, the West Wing is said to have been built over some unmarked graves as well. The park is riddled with people that have died, from falling into the springs, eating poisonous mushrooms and in child labor at the inn. So even though the details of the story of the headless bride is made up, could there really be something haunting the Old Faithful Inn?

More like this

Newest Posts

References:

GHOST STORIES GIVE OLD FAITHFUL INN A HAUNTING REPUTATION – Deseret News 

Old Faithful Inn – Haunted Houses 

Haunted Yellowstone | Ghosts of Old Faithful Inn 

https://www.usparklodging.com/yellowstone/old_faithful_inn.php?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwkJm0BhBxEiwAwT1AXO3mvV_n1mnDiaR_2r1884Vq9gEZdPgZuwKVivw0cFQA6OP4-xgDOxoCcZ0QAvD_BwE

Ghost Stories from Yellowstone National Park 

Headless Bride Ghost of Old Faithful Inn 

Ukategorisert

The Ghostly Presence at El Tovar Hotel in the Grand Canyon

Leave a comment
Advertisements

On the southern rim of the Grand Canyon, the El Tovar Hotel is right on the edge. There are many haunted rumors about the hotel, many claiming that the founder of the hotel, Fred Harvey as well as some of those working there must linger as ghosts. 

On the edge of the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon South Rim stands the historic El Tovar Hotel, a timeless gem that not only boasts breathtaking views but also carries with it the whispers of a spectral past. The tale that lingers within its halls tells of a distinguished visitor, none other than Fred Harvey, the visionary founder of the Harvey Company and the mastermind behind the hotel’s elegant design.

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from the USA

Perched majestically on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, the El Tovar Hotel is a testament to early 20th-century elegance and a beacon of historic charm. Opened in 1905, this luxurious hotel was designed to provide an opulent retreat for travelers exploring the natural wonder of the Grand Canyon. Its rustic architecture, inspired by European hunting lodges, blends seamlessly with the rugged landscape. Over the years, El Tovar has hosted numerous dignitaries, celebrities, and adventurers, making it an integral part of the canyon’s rich history. Guests are captivated by the panoramic views, the hotel’s storied past, and whispers of ghostly apparitions said to wander its hallways, adding a touch of intrigue to this iconic landmark.

The Grand Canyon: The National park of the Canyon encompasses over 1.2 million acres of rugged landscape, with the Colorado River carving a mile-deep gorge that stretches 277 miles long and up to 18 miles wide around 5 or 6 million years ago. The park’s striking geological formations, vibrant hues, and dramatic vistas attract millions of visitors each year, offering opportunities for hiking, rafting, and exploring the highs and lows of the Canyon. It is also said to have several haunted places.

The Guest that Never Checked Out

Several years ago, an unsuspecting guest approached the front desk in search of a holiday celebration. “Where is the holiday party?” inquired the puzzled guest, their anticipation evident. The front desk clerk, equally perplexed, responded with genuine confusion, unaware of any festive gathering. The guest insisted, recounting an encounter with an employee in the hallway who had extended a gracious invitation to a grand holiday ball, adorned in fashion reminiscent of the early 1900s.

“I’m sorry,” the clerk admitted, “There is no holiday party, nor is there a gentleman dressed in period clothes working here.” The mystery deepened as the guest described the well-dressed man who bore a striking resemblance to none other than Fred Harvey himself. Could it be that he is haunting his hotel?

This encounter was not an isolated incident; it marked the beginning of a series of ghostly sightings that have left both guests and employees in awe. Mr. Harvey who died in 1901, four years before the hotel opened to the public, it seems, has not departed from the corridors of El Tovar. 

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from Haunted Hotels

Instead, he frequently graces the hallways, the third floor, perpetually adorned in the attire of a bygone era, wearing a very long coat and a prominent black hat, often observed gazing thoughtfully at the expansive beauty of the Grand Canyon from the front stairs of the hotel.

Fred Harvey: Born in England in 1835, he emigrated to the United States and eventually founded the Harvey House chain of restaurants, hotels, and dining cars along the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. Harvey’s establishments set new standards for quality and service in a time when travel accommodations were notoriously poor. He is believed to still be haunting his hotel according to stories.

Legends of the El Tovar and the Ghost Residing there

There is also the legend about the hotel staff seeing a painting followed the guest with its eyes wherever they went. They also claimed to have seen a wandering ghost in front of the stairs before disappearing into thin air. 

There have also been watchmen working nights that have seen the body and left immediately, never returning to the job because of the paranormal fright they experience working the night shift. 

There has also been a female spirit, appearing to be from the 1930s as well as strange silhouettes seen by various guests and staff that have no way of explaining the strange things that seemingly happen in the hotel. 

The Haunted Hotel: El Tovar Hotel is believed to be haunted by more than one ghosts. Here from the front from around 1905 as it was when it opened.

On the premise it is a mysterious grave in the parking lot, only marked “Pirl A. Ward: 1879-1934.”. It is said to be a grave belonging to a Harvey girl, working at the hotel. This looks like it is just a rumor though as according to Find a Grave it is the grave of Mr. Ward, a construction worker at the hotel who stayed for many years and died when he was 55 years, and it is in fact a cenotaph, not a grave since no one is actually buried under it.

But who are these Harvey Girls and who could it be that are reported to haunt the strange grave?

The Harvey Girls Haunting the Hotel?

The Harvey Girls, renowned for their impeccable service and hospitality, played a pivotal role in the history of the El Tovar Hotel at the Grand Canyon. Employed by the Fred Harvey Company at his chain of hotels, these young women were recruited from across the country and brought a touch of sophistication and professionalism to the rugged wilderness. Dressed in crisp uniforms of starched white aprons over black dresses, they provided top-notch service in the hotel’s dining room, serving travelers with grace and efficiency. 

The Harvey Girls: When talking about who is haunting the hotel, people often start talking about the Harvey Girls, working at the hotel. Pictured is the Grand Canyon Harvey Girls pose for a photo in uniform. Circa 1906.

They also had to adhere to strict rules about not getting married and the likes. Although perhaps a bit strict, it really served as a chance for young women to experience an adventure and travel. Could some of them be haunting the premise?

Some claim to have seen a figure in a black cape and veil over the face, standing by the grave or disappearing behind the Hopi House right by. Perhaps a relative of the one working there coming to grieve? Perhaps one of the Harvey Girls that ended her days working in the Grand Canyon?

More like this

Newest Posts

References:

Pirl A. Ward (1879-1934) – Find a Grave Memorial 

The Grand Haunted History of the Canyon’s El Tovar Hotel 

Grand Canyon Ghosts! ooohhh. Ready to go Ghost Hunting? 

12 Haunted National Parks | Shaka Guide

Ukategorisert

The Ghost of Rees Griffiths Haunting the North Kaibab Trail

Leave a comment
Advertisements

A former worker on the North Kaibab Trail in the Grand Canyon died when a boulder fell over him. Ever since, strange lights and apparitions close to his grave on the trail as well as the Phantom Ranch on the bottom of the Canyon are said to haunt the park. 

In the vast expanse of the Grand Canyon, nestled near the iconic Phantom Ranch, lies the North Kaibab Trail—a path steeped in history and tragedy. It is a two day rim to rim trek of the Grand Canyon, but the area you are hiking is thought to be haunted by a former park employee. 

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from the USA

The North Kaibab Trail is the least visited and most difficult trail of the inner canyon in the park. It starts at 305 meters and is challenging with a steep trail carved out bit by bit by those said to be haunting it. 

The Grand Canyon: The National park of the Canyon encompasses over 1.2 million acres of rugged landscape, with the Colorado River carving a mile-deep gorge that stretches 277 miles long and up to 18 miles wide around 5 or 6 million years ago. The park’s striking geological formations, vibrant hues, and dramatic vistas attract millions of visitors each year, offering opportunities for hiking, rafting, and exploring the highs and lows of the Canyon. It is also said to have several haunted places.

The Haunted story of Rees Griffith

Rees Griffith: The man from Pennsylvania was a trail forman working on building the North Kaibab Trail

In February of 1922, Rees B. Griffiths, the 48 year old foreman of a construction crew tasked with blasting out a section of the Grand Canyon, met a grisly end on the North Kaibab Trail. As he was working on a building on the southern part of the trail, a boulder crushed him, ending his life abruptly when it tumbled down the slope. 

He survived the initial crush but died later in the camp on the trail. Griffiths, who had a profound connection to the canyon and loved the outdoors, had expressed a wish to be buried there upon his death. 

Honoring this wish, his grave was situated between Black Bridge and Phantom Ranch, directly across from the Pueblo Ruins on the North Kaibab Trail. His coffin was made from materials they had around the camp and a pile of rocks marked his grave. His burial site remains a poignant reminder of his untimely demise.

Haunted Legends of the Strange Lights

Since Griffiths’ tragic death, the area around his grave has become a focal point for ghostly legends and eerie encounters. Many visitors and hikers have reported seeing the ghost of Rees Griffiths wandering the North Kaibab Trail. 

These apparitions are often described as a solitary figure, appearing just as the light begins to fade. Some witnesses have reported seeing a small, mysterious light hovering above Griffiths’ burial site, which many believe to be his restless spirit. The spectral sightings are not limited to the trails alone; campers in the vicinity of the North Kaibab Trail have also recounted chilling experiences, including unexplained noises and a pervasive sense of being watched.

The Haunted Phantom Ranch

Many of those spotting him are people staying at the Phantom Ranch, east of the Bright Angel Creek, with its eerie name can only be reached on foot or by boat. The little ranch opened in 1922 at the bottom of the Canyon and there are also mules taking hikers out in the wilderness for people that have won the lottery of staying there as they don’t take any reservations. 

Read more: Check out all ghost stories from Haunted Hotels

The ghostly presence of Rees Griffiths is not merely a tale for the campfire. Numerous hikers and visitors have experienced signs of paranormal activity in the area. The ghostly figure is often seen at dusk or dawn, silently walking the trails, but is he haunting the place alone?

According to some sources, another name is said to be haunting the place in a very similar manner and the reason why it got its name. The Phantom Ranch is found in the Phantom Canyon, a side canyon off Bright Angel Canyon. It is said it got its name after John Shane, a prospector died years before the ranch. A stone fell off the wall and killed him at the mouth of a side canyon close to the creek. Hunters and prospectors alike claimed to have seen strange storms and nights. 

Phantom Ranch: Further along the North Kaibab Trail you will find the Phantom Ranch. This place is said to have a haunted atmosphere and is what gave it its name. Overview of phantom ranch swimming pool with entry ladder and waterfall water inlet. Guest cabins behind. Circa 1965.

Caretaker of the Phantom Ranch in the early years, Noah Kelley knew Shane well and after him and others saw strange things, they named it Phantom Canyon. : “I saw what looked just like someone was carrying a lantern going from place to place. Then it would go out and in a minute would come again. It sure would, and sometimes it was just awful dim like and then it would brighten up and the thunder kept on rolling. I just laid in bed and covered up my head. I sure did.” (Source)

The Allure of the Haunted Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon, with its majestic beauty and profound silence, has always held an air of mystery. The haunted legends of the North Kaibab Trail add a layer of intrigue to the natural wonder, drawing both paranormal enthusiasts and curious visitors. The tale of Rees Griffiths and the other ghosts possibly haunting the North Kaibab Trail as well as the Phantom Ranch serves as a stark reminder of the canyon’s dangerous history and the lives that have been lost amidst its rugged landscape in search of adventure and wilderness. 

More like this

Newest Posts

References:

History of Phantom Ranch in Grand Canyon- 1922-1934 

Grand Canyon – Phantom Ranch Information 

Signs of Paranormal Activity in the National Grand Canyon – Part 1 

GRIFFITHS, Rees B. – Ariizona Pioneer & Cemetery Research Project 

Rees Bladen Griffiths (1873-1922) – Find a Grave Memorial 

Ukategorisert

The Ghostly of Gram Parsons at the Joshua Tree Inn

Leave a comment
Advertisements

Haunting music is said to linger in the Joshua Tree Inn, said to be the ghost of the musician Gram Parsons, who died tragically in one of the rooms of the Inn. Now, musicians from all over the world come to the desert in search of inspiration as well as his ghost. 

In the vast expanse of the Californian desert lies a haven for artists, musicians, and free spirits alike – Joshua Tree National Park. Established on the hauntingly fitting date of October 31, 1994, this arid landscape draws thousands seeking inspiration from its mesmerizing rock formations. 

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from USA

Yet, amid the stark beauty of the desert on a seemingly simple roadside motel, a ghostly legend resonates – the spirit of the legendary musician, Gram Parsons. He is said to haunt the motel Joshua Tree Inn, the place he always stayed in for inspiration as well as the place he died. 

Joshua Tree State Park: There are many ghost stories connected to the desert landscape of the Joshua Tree State Park. The most well known is perhaps the ghost of that of Gram Parson who is said to haunt the Joshua Tree Inn.

Country Music Legend Gram Parson

Gram Parsons, left an indelible mark on the industry through collaborations with iconic bands like the Rolling Stones and Emmylou Harris, found solace and creativity in the desert’s embrace. The Joshua Tree Inn became a sanctuary for Parsons and his musical companions, where drug-fueled nights were spent jamming, creating, and forging memories that would echo through time. Tripping on acid, he also claimed to have seen UFOs there. 

He was raised in Georgia and Florida, and was heir to an orange farming empire with plenty of money, but he was drawn to the mostly penniless musical career. His brief career in bands like the Byrds and the Flying Burrito Brothers as well as trailblazing writing some kind of country with a bit of hippie, he wanted to create a type of Cosmic Country genre. Perhaps this was not commercially successful then, but inspired people like Keith Richard with the Rolling Stones and discovering Emmylou Harris is also attributed to him.

Gram Parsons: The musician who died September 19, 1973 is one of the most well known ghost stories in Joshua Tree National Park. //Source: GAB ARCHIVE/REDFERNS

The career was filled with alcohol, drugs, fighting and at least one arrest. Some performances he was almost unable to stay on his feet, some shows were like magic where everything was right and the music was flowing. 

Tragically, the music came to an abrupt halt on the fateful morning of September 19, 1973, when Gram Parsons succumbed to a drug overdose aged only 26, right before his rise to fame. 

He had checked into room 8 at the Joshua Tree Inn in the Morongo Valley in San Bernardino. A highway motel on the side of the road that attracted musicians, poets, photographers and the like, already before he made the place infamous. He had lost his home and belongings in a fire and was planning to go on another tour in October.

After six double tequilas at the bar with friends, he bought morphine from a woman staying at the hotel who injected him. They tried to revive him, but to no end.

Joshua Tree Inn: Found at 61259 Twentynine Palms Highway, Joshua Tree, the Inn is believed to be haunted, most notably by the musician, Gram Parsons.

In a surreal turn of events, his friends, in adherence to his wishes, “kidnapped” his body before his stepfather could intervene. Friend and road manager, Phil Kaufman remembered a promise they had made to each other drunk: Whichever one of us goes first, we’ll cremate the other’s body in Joshua Tree Park.

Chaos ensued when the stepfather wanted to send his body east, something his friends felt it was the last he would have wanted. They stole his casket and brought it into the desert to Cap Rock. There they put on a big fire of the casket, turning the landscape into a final canvas for the artist’s unconventional farewell in a funeral pyre.

The friends were found, charged with grand theft larceny of the coffin and what remained of Gram were sent back east to his family. 

The Haunted Joshua Tree Inn

Guests, unsuspecting visitors to a musical sanctuary, have reported ethereal encounters – the faint strains of singing in the wind, the lingering aroma of cigarette smoke, and even companionship with the ghostly figure of Gram Parsons himself. 

It is especially the Room 8 that people claim strange things happen, like opening and closing of doors, a mirror on the wall rattling and a nightstand that seems to move. 

Read Also: Check out all ghost stories from Haunted Hotels

Outside the room, a small memorial of guitar shaped stones, beer bottles, candles and guitar picks, vinyl records and cowboy boots in honor of the late musician. A note reads: “It’s good to be back in room 8. Five years ago I almost died here. You kept me company in the early morning hours while I recovered and watched the sunrise & listened to the morning doves.”

Room 8: The Joshua Tree Inn is said to be haunted by the ghost of Gram Parson who died in the room after giving his all to country music. // Source: Wikimedia

Another note hinting to the haunted rumors: “Gram, it was a little trippy when you locked me in here,” 

The motel has leaned into the haunted stories and dark tourism, charging well over 100 dollars for a night at the haunted room. According to the man standing behind the desk at the motel, he says it “It’s definitely our most popular room,”  

Musicians in Search for Ghosts

The place has become a cult place, especially for musicians, wanting to make their tribute to his spirit, some park rangers and hikers call them the Grampires. Kacey Musgrave for example told about her encounter with his spirit when staying at the Inn, filming her Follow Your Arrow music video. 

It is also said that his only child, Polly Parsons sometimes takes the trip anc checks into the room to stay and tries to communicate with his spirit.

Other Haunted Rooms

But could it be that Gram is not the only ghost haunting the Inn, and that there are more haunted rooms? According to people working there, some believe there is. There has been a voice of a woman from Room 6 when there was no one there. There have also been said to be some sort of energy and presence in other places of the motel as well. 

In the realm of ghosts, Gram Parsons emerges as a benevolent spirit, offering a hauntingly beautiful connection to the creative energies that flow through the desert landscape. For those who dare to venture into the mystic realm of Joshua Tree National Park, Gram Parsons’ ethereal melodies and timeless presence await in the starlit nights of the Californian desert.

More like this

Newest Posts

References:

A Joshua Tree Motel Room, Haunted by the Ghost of a Country Legend – The New York Times 

 12 Haunted National Parks | Shaka Guide 

Gram Parsons Room 8 

How a beloved L.A. record store unearthed a long-lost Gram Parsons recording 

An evening at the Joshua Tree Inn and the Spirit of Gram Parsons 

Enough About Gram Parsons’s Death. It’s Time to Celebrate His Music. 

Gram Parsons’ Joshua Tree legacy endures 50 years after he died – Los Angeles Times 

https://eu.desertsun.com/story/desert-magazine/2015/12/09/haunting-allure/76982908

Ukategorisert

The Haunting of Fernhills Royal Palace Hotel in India’s Hills

2 Comments
Advertisements

Amidst the green hills is the red Fernhills Royal Palace Hotel which are said to be haunted by people that have stayed there. There are many legends, and there are even rumors that the hotel had to close down for a while because of the paranormal activity going on. 

In the southern state of Tamil Nadu, India, lies the Fernhills Royal Palace Hotel, a luxurious resort that boasts picturesque views of the lush Nilgiri Mountains covered in blue Kurunji flowers in Ooty town, known as “Queen of Hill Stations” in the country. 

Read more: Check out all of the ghost stories from India

Many have reported strange sightings and supernatural occurrences within the Swiss styled hotel’s walls, leading to its reputation as one of India’s most mysterious and haunted destinations. 

Fernhills Royal Palace Hotel: The old hotel is thought to be haunted. This rumor gre popular especially after a horror movie was set there and when the crew claimed to have experienced strange things during filming. // Source

The Haunting of Fernhills Royal Palace Hotel

The most famous ghost story retold from the hotel comes from a Bollywood production. In 2002, the Bollywood dance choreographer Saroj Khan traveled to Ooty to shoot the movie, Raaz. She and her troupe checked into the Fernhills Royal Palace Hotel and expected a relaxing night. During the night however, they were kept awake by the people upstairs where it sounded like they were rearranging the furniture, making such a ruckus that they couldn’t sleep. 

They called the receptionist, but there was no answer, like the phone was dead. They endured the night with all the moving upstairs without making any more fuss, and the next day they complained about it to the receptionist. 

The receptionist was confused and said: But there is no floor upstairs, and even took the time to show them from the outside when they all became confused. Indeed, there was no room above them. But what then, had kept them up all night?

The History of Fernhills Royal Palace Hotel

But let’s have a look at the hotel’s history to understand where the haunted rumors could come from. The Fern Hill Hotel, formerly known as the Palace Hotel, was built in 1844 as the summer residence of the Maharaja of Mysore. The Swiss Chalet gives it an alpine look where it sits in the lush greenery of cardamom and tea plantations. 

The hotel was also initially used as a summer retreat for British officials during the British Raj era and their families as an escape from the heat from the humid plains of the Madras Presidency to the much cooler climate. 

Read more: Check out all of the Haunted Hotels around the world

It was later converted into a hotel in the 1920s and was renamed the Fern Hill Hotel. The hotel has since undergone several renovations and is now a luxurious resort that attracts visitors from all over the world.

Ghost Sightings and Paranormal Activity

Over the years, many strange events have been reported at the Fernhills Royal Palace Hotel. Guests and staff members have reported hearing unexplained noises, seeing ghostly apparitions, and feeling a presence in their rooms. 

There are several theories behind the haunting at the Fernhills Royal Palace Hotel. Some believe that the hotel was built on land that was once a burial ground, which has caused the spirits of the dead to haunt the hotel. 

Others believe that the haunting are a result of the hotel’s dark history, which includes the deaths of several guests and staff members. One rumor of a particular woman who committed suicide at the hotel has been widely spread as well. 

The Controversy Surrounding Fern Hill Hotel

Despite its haunted reputation, there are some who believe that the haunting at the Fernhills Royal Palace Hotel are nothing more than a hoax. Some skeptics have pointed out that the hotel has a financial incentive to promote its haunted reputation, as it attracts visitors and increases revenue. 

As for the filming of the movie Raaz and what the dance troupe experienced during their night, it is worth noting that the movie is actually a supernatural horror movie, and that the stories of the haunted room upstairs that didn’t exist was all rumored to be a part of the movie promotion. 

For a long time the hotel closed down in March 2018. The official reason is that they closed down for renovation. Many claimed it was because of the haunted rumors that had started to accumulate around the hotel and the many incidents of paranormal activity. It has reopened again now however, the question is, with or without ghosts?

More like this

Newest Posts

References:

The Fernhills Palace, Ooty – Wikipedia 

Most Haunted Places in Ooty and Their Spooky Stories 

Secrets behind Raaz and more… | Bollywood – Hindustan Times  

Raaz (2002 film) – Wikipedia

Ghostbusting goals: the most haunted hotels in India 

Ukategorisert

The Haunting of Naggar Castle in the Hills

Leave a comment
Advertisements

In the mountainous hills in India, Naggar Castle is said to be haunted and visitors and staff that have stayed at the hotel it now operates as, talk about their paranormal experiences. 

Sat in the picturesque landscape of Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, India, is Naggar Castle overlooking the green mountain ranges in the Kullu valley on the way to Manali. Although not the biggest castle, this medieval stronghold, which dates back to around 1460 A.D., carries with it not only a rich history but also a spectral mystique. 

The Kullu Valley: Known as the “Valley of the Gods” or “Dev Bhumi” because almost every village in the valley has a local deity and annual festivities around them. Naggar Castle was the seat of the Kings ruling the valley.

Read more: Check out all of the ghost stories from India

Today it is a heritage hotel you can stay in, but Naggar Castle’s history is as captivating as its Himachali architecture of wood and stone. It housed the Kullu kings for almost 1500 years before Kullu Town was made the capital in the mid-1800s. 

The name Kullu derives from the word “Kulant Peeth”, meaning “end of the habitable world” and the secluded place only got a road for cars after Indian Independence in the mid 20th century. Constructed under the patronage of Raja Sidh Singh of Kullu, it has seen centuries pass by from its perch on the hills and the lower rocky ridges. 

Read more: Check out all of the Haunted Castles around the world

One legend about the building of the castle suggests that Raja Sidh Singh utilized stones from the abandoned palace of Rana Bhonsal, known as “Gardhak,” to build this castle. 

The Eerie Echoes of Naggar Castle

As mentioned Naggar Castle is today a heritage hotel and has been so since 1978, so even as a hotel it has a rich and long story. So where do the ghost stories come from? From its time as a castle or as a hotel? 

Naggar Castle: constructed c. 1460 CE in local Himalayan architecture in Naggar, district Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, India. //Source

Read more: Check out all of the Haunted Hotels around the world

Over the years, Naggar Castle amid the pine and deodar forest has acquired a reputation for being haunted, with countless eyewitnesses attesting to the inexplicable and the paranormal within its walls. But what are they seeing and hearing?

Although there is not one single ghost story, the tapestry of history weaved into the old castle-like building is said to linger and strange and ghostly occurrences constantly happening. 

Visitors have reported hearing distinct voices engaging in conversation and witnessing objects mysteriously moving of their own accord in the hotel. Typically classical and vague signs for haunting. But are they true? The visitors checking in and spending time there must be the judges.

More like this

Newest Posts

References:

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/naggar/naggar-castle/ps59178641.cms

10 Best haunted places to visit in Himachal Pradesh 

Naggar Castle – Wikipedia

Ukategorisert

The Ghostly Presence of Beverly at Lake Quinault Lodge

1 Comment
Advertisements

At the old Lake Quinault Lodge in Olympic National Park, it is said that the ghost of Beverly, the former employee that died in a fire, still haunts the suit named after her.

Lake Quinault Lodge was built in a span over 10 weeks in 1926 and still stands like it did then in the middle of nature. The Lodge has drawn people wanting closer to nature for years but also bore witness to a tragic tale that left an indelible mark on its storied history. 

Read More: Check out all of our ghost stories from USA

This remote Lodge far from most things in the In the Pine peaks of Olympic National Park in Washington was built in 1926 and still today it cling to its rustic and spartan way of living with no internet and designed to socialize with other guests. A lot of the conversations are about  the designated house ghost, a former employee called Beverly. 

Lake Quinault Lodge : The old lodge said to be haunted by Beverly, the former housekeeper who died in a tragic fire. // Source: Flickr

The Haunting in The Beverly Suite

One time a guest was unpacking her bag inside of her booked room when she was suddenly face to face with a woman. The woman told her name was Beverly and that she worked at the hotel. The guest got so upset about the unannounced staff and went to complain to the front desk. The ones working behind it had to tell her that they did in fact not have a worker called Beverly, not anymore. The guest checked out the same night. The room the woman was staying in was called The Beverly Suite.

There are plenty of different rooms in the Lake Quinault Lodge, one of them being The Beverly Suite filling up the entire third floor in the Boathouse Building. The staff used to call it that after they noticed that their ghost seemed to prefer to appear inside of it. 

Read More: Check out all of our ghost stories from Haunted Hotels

According to the story, there was a woman named Beverly, once the dedicated housekeeper of this remote haven. However, one night a fire engulfed the lodge’s attic in the Main Lodge, in some versions the Boathouse that used to serve as a kitchen. 

The fire claimed the life of the unsuspecting Beverly who slept soundly in her room, or worked in the kitchen. 

Interior: Inside of Lake Quinault Lodge as it was in 2017. // Source: Joe Mabel/Wikimedia

The Death of Beverley at Lake Quinault Lodge

Beverly’s untimely demise cast a melancholic shadow over Lake Quinault Lodge, but her spirit, it seems, refused to depart from the place she worked. In the quiet corners of the lodge, her apparition is said to wander, a ghostly specter that traverses the halls with a quiet grace and her presence is thought to be most powerful in the attic. 

Witnesses to Beverly’s ghostly manifestations recount the subtle opening of windows as a testament to her lingering benevolence. The gentle touch of her unseen hand, still imbued with the essence of a caring housekeeper, leaves an ethereal trail that hints at her enduring connection to the lodge and its occupants.

Although mostly a friendly ghost it has been said she sometimes throws glasses and silverware. 

The True Haunting of the Lodge

But was there really a fire at the Lake Quinault Lodge that took the life of one of the employees? Was there ever a housekeeper named Beverly? One year we dated was 1924, when the owner of the hotel was Olena Egge. On an August day she brought her family to a picnic of Higley Peak and saw black smoke through the fog.  

In this version Beverley was her cook and chambermaid and the fire had started in the flue in the kitchen. All was gone at the hotel except the fireplace and chimney. After this, the hotel we see and stay in today was built on top of it. 

Lake Quinault Lodge: The original building that was completely destroyed by the fire and the starting point for the ghostly legends of today.

It is said that she watches over the lodge, a silent guardian from beyond the veil, ensuring that the tranquility of this remote retreat is maintained. As the winds sweep through the dense forests surrounding Lake Quinault, whispers of Beverly’s presence are carried through the air. 

More like this

Newest Posts

References:

LeRoy Tipton’s take on local lodge history – Washington Our Home 

Lake Quinault Lodge – FrightFind