Ghost Hunting in Some of Dallas’ Eeriest Historic Haunted Buildings
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One of the many benefits of historic preservation is that ghosts still have a home! Can you imagine the poor souls doomed to roam the place where they died, then it’s demolished? I feel certain ghosts take a dim view of new construction and never get used to it. So, let’s learn about a few historic haunted buildings that have been preserved, where we know the ghosts are so comfortable they’re never leaving!
Is Karl Hoblitzelle Still Haunting The Majestic?
Probably one of the most famous historic haunted buildings in Dallas is the Renaissance-style Majestic Theater, designed by John Eberson and opened on April 21, 1921. Karl Hoblitzelle built the five-story theater, which was the crown jewel of his Interstate Amusement Company Theater chain.
Originally a vaudeville theater, Hoblitzelle seamlessly moved into showing films at the end of that era. He hosted lavish film premiers with stars like John Wayne and Jimmy Stewart in attendance. The last film was screened in 1973, Brian De Palma’s cult classic “Phantom of the Paradise” was shot there in early 1974, and the Hoblitzelle Foundation gave the Majestic Theater to the City of Dallas in 1976. The theater underwent a substantial restoration and reopened in 1983 as a performing arts venue, and it was named to the National Register of Historic Places.
Our ghost story begins in 1967 when Hoblitzelle died. His body was buried in his hometown of St. Louis, but many will tell you his spirit has quite happily remained at home in the theater he loved.
Employees have shared spine-tingling tales of the auditorium backdrops being raised and lowered when no one was in that part of the building. They’ve felt the eerie sensation of being watched, especially in Hoblitzelle’s office on the fifth floor, where his portrait hung for many years. One employee, tasked with ensuring the office door leading to the theater was closed and secured each evening, had a particularly unsettling experience. Despite dutifully locking it every night, by the morning the door was not only unlocked but also standing wide open, and the office was permeated by a mysterious chill. It’s believed that this was the door Mr. Hoblitzelle used to enter his beloved theater to check on things.
Stories abound about voices, the feeling of being watched, props moving on their own, lights going on and off, and cooking smells emanating from the kitchen. It’s pretty obvious old Karl is still puttering around in his happy place.
The Historic Haunted Adolphus Hotel
The Adolphus Hotel, which is also on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, is one of our most iconic buildings. Adolphus Busch purchased and demolished the old City Hall to build this beautiful Beaux-Arts hotel. It opened in 1912 and has hosted a dizzying array of dignitaries and celebrities, including Babe Ruth and Queen Elizabeth II.
Decades ago, there was a ballroom on the 19th floor of this towering building. It was eventually converted to hotel rooms, but reports of big band music and laughter have not ceased. Former employees have also told stories about a long-dead guest who frequently stayed at the hotel. Long after she died, she still returned to her favorite table to oversee the comings and goings of today’s clientele.
So, while there are plenty of happy ghosts in this historic haunted building, there is one who is terribly sad.
A story has been passed down that in the 1930s, a young bride who was to be married in the ballroom was left standing at the altar. The poor girl left, and the crowd dispersed. Hours later, her body was said to have been found hanging above the altar, and now, in the moments when the party ghosts are having a rest, the sound of a woman crying, her footsteps fleeing down the corridor, and a rope creaking can often be heard. Some guests report seeing the bride’s ghost still in her gown and veil wandering the halls.
The Millermore House in Old City Park
The Greek Revival Millermore House in Old City Park, built in 1861, is reported to be haunted by a woman’s ghost. Many think it to be Minerva Barnes Miller, who was married to owner William Brown Miller. Sadly, she only lived in the home for a year before her demise. Or it could be his third wife, Emma.
We might have some questions about William and why his wives kept turning into ghosts.
“A lot of people claim they have seen a mysterious ghostly woman in the primary bedroom in the window,” Evelyn Montgomery said. Montgomery is now the Director of The Old Red Museum of Dallas County History and Culture, but for 18 years, she was the Director of Collections, Exhibits, and Preservation at Old City Park. So, she has heard a thing or two but never personally experienced a ghostly presence.
“Security guards have thought they felt a presence from that room in the nursery, but we don’t know if anyone ever died in there.” Take into consideration that Millermore Mansion was completely dismantled, stored, and moved to Old City Park. The question is, would a ghost have traveled that far, clinging to the home, hoping it would be reconstructed?
Montgomery said there was definitely another reported ghost in the park.
“A young man was looking after the family store and was killed during a robbery,” Montgomery said. That store was moved to Old City Park and became what’s now the park’s period law office.
Dallas has many more historic haunted buildings, including The Stoneleigh Hotel, The Sons of Herman Hall, The Sixth Floor Museum, and The Sammons Center for the Arts, as well as its share of haunting murder homes.
If you love the paranormal, Dallas will not disappoint! If you have a ghostly historic tale to tell, we would love to hear it. Please share your experiences in the comments below.
