PARANORMAL DIARY: HUMBIRD HOTEL & BAR
- Matt
- Nov 27, 2023
- 13 min read
Updated: Nov 28, 2023
575
Now we have arrived at our wonderful haunted property, Team H only find it right to keep a diary of all the paranormal experiences that we encounter, either by ourselves, staff, or by bar patrons and hotel guests.
NOVEMBER 27, 2023
Just before 8:00am Elizabeth heard a thumping noise but could not tell if it was from the hotel or the bar. Our youngest cat, Selina' also heard it as she went to the door that leads to the hotel/bar from our apartment on site. Elizabeth then went into the hallway to listen to see if she would hear anything else (in which Selina joined her) but no more noises were heard.
At around 8:20pm Matt was in the bedroom and noticed the older cat, 'Willow' wide eyed and staring intently as if she sensed/saw something. Matt thinking it was probably the youngest cat, Selina' was stalking her. After looking in that direction there was no cat to be seen hiding. Elizabeth walks in to talk, but Matt is distracted by the cats intense stare. After mentioning Willows behavier a loud thump was heard. The direction sounded like it was possibly the closet or in the hotel room above us. After investigation, nothing was seen to have fallen over.
At around 11:00pm both cats were still roaming the hallways upstairs. Matt decided it was time for them to come down as we were going to bed, so went to find them. Both Willow and Selina seemed amped to be up there and would go between the far room on the north side (which is above our bedroom) and the furthest room on the opposite south side of the the hotel (Red Room). Both even went into the concession room as there is a locked door which leads into the Red Room also, where they loited in front of it as if they wanted to go inside. Eventually I had to pick up Selina and then managed to herd Willow downstairs, even though they protested. Once inside both cats were sitting at the door to be let back out. We truly believe that they interact with the spirits here.
NOVEMBER 20, 2023
Whilst lying in bed at around 7:00am, Matt heard what sounded like a door closing out in the bar or hotel area. Laying in bed listening and waiting for any other noise, he decided to get up and investigate in case it was an intruder. He told Elizabeth what he heard, but she said that she had not heard it. Both cats were at the door leading to the hotel, and on opening the door they both bolted out and up the stairs. After investigating the bar and hotel corridors with torch in hand, nothing was seen or heard. All the hotel doors are locked and everyone handle was tried to make sure it was not open.
NOVEMBER 8, 2023
It was around 6:15am and Matt was lying in bed when he heard what sounded like a young girl crying or whining in pain. Obviously first reaction was that it was one of the cats, but they were accounted for in the downstairs area and the sound was more distant, as if it was coming from upstairs. Was this one of the ghostly children that died during the smallpox epidemic? Perhaps.
OCTOBER 31, 2023
Our first ever ghost hunt was a huge success! We got some great evidence and it was awesome to see others experience and feel the vibe of The Humbird. Hopefully we will find the time to get some footage uploaded of the event. Many thanks to all those that came and made the event truly fantastic, your energy and enthusiasm was wonderful.
OCTOBER 12, 2023
We heard a series of knocks coming from the hotel that came in three's, which also happened three times over the course of a half hour. We weren't sure exactly where they were coming from, but it sounded that it was possibly the stairway to the hotel. Matt's first thought that it was one of the cats running up the stairs, but on investigating, our youngest little kitty was happily chilling out on a box at the bottom of the stairs and looking towards them whilst the oldest was in the living quarters. This incident then reminded us of another story we were told by a local named Kelly:
"Something is up with the front room above the bar. I've experienced this both inside and while standing outside the building. I have heard three loud knocks on the right window of the 'Red Room.' Slow heavy deliberate knocks that are so loud they make you jump. After the three knocks I can see the shadow of a man in a cowboy hat standing in the window. Once I see him, he disappears. The cleaning staff confirmed one time there was a fist print left on the window the next morning."
Who is this mysterious cowboy looking for attention? Was he a client of the Bordello at the turn of the last century? Hopefully we find out on our ghost hunt on Halloween!
OCTOBER 11, 2023
We're being told many haunting stories of The Humbird Hotel Bar & Grill and are excited to share these as we hear them. This story is from one of our locals named Sue:
"Years ago there was only a men's room in the bar so the ladies had to go upstairs to use a hotel bathroom. One night I got a little tipsy and went up to use the bathroom. Three ladies were in front of me waiting. I was bummed but I had to go so I waited in line. I noticed every lady was wearing different period clothing and thought 'gee, I didn't know there was a costume party tonight.' I tried talking to them but no one answered. One by one they went into the bathroom. When it was my turn, the door opened but no one came out. It wasn't until then I realized none of them walked out! They entered and never exited. It was then I realized I had stood in line waiting for the bathroom with three ghosts."
How exciting! Hopefully we will see these ladies as we go about our daily lives in the property! Or maybe someone else will on our ghost hunt this Halloween!
OCTOBER 7, 2023
We had a customer attend the bar that had stayed in the hotel a few times during hunting season, and he preceded to recount the ghostly experiences that he had.
The first was when he was staying in what is currently called the
OCTOBER 2, 2023
Elizabeth was outside talking with a customer whilst they both were smoking/vaping. All of a sudden the customer jumped slightly a said it felt like someone had ran past behind them really quickly.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2023
The soft opening of the bar finally arrived on a stormy morning, and ironically on National Ghost Hunting Day, which seemed just so right. During our opening Elizabeth's family was with us to help celebrate our success. At one point Elizabeth was approached by her mother who pulled her to one side and said, "You may think I'm crazy, but I'm sure I felt someone pat me on the back". Over the last few months the family have been here to visit and help us with some of the cleaning and repairs, we can only suspect that one of the spirits here was thanking them, or expressing the pride in that we now have the property back open, bringing music, laughter, and people together. We do believe the spirits that reside here have missed it.
SEPTEMBER 25, 2023
Our electrician was back in the property to do some more work for us. He is also a volunteer firefighter, so always has his radio on his person in case an emergency arises. He asked us "This place is haunted isn't it?... I only ask as my radio only gets random static when I'm here". And sure enough, random static was coming through periodically as he worked and talked to us. Pretty cool we thought.
AUGUST 26, 2023
Just before 8 P.M. Elizabeth went into the hallway to move a delivery that had arrived earlier in the day. She heard a faint girls voice saying "What ARE you doing?" as she was moving the box. At the same time our youngest cat Selina, who is normally adventurous, was acting strange. She loafed down on the mat in front of our residence doorway, refusing to budge trying to block Elizabeth's path. The box being heavy (68lbs) and Selina blocking the path, ELizabeth started to walk it or flip it end to end to control it best. It was then she heard a faint girl's voice, clear as day say "What ARE you doing?" Followed by a slight giggle. Selina then darted up the hotel stairs and just sat there staring at Elizabeth. In the same area where she tripped and fell a few weeks back.
AUGUST 26, 2023
Team H went out for the evening and Matt got talking to a member of a band that had previously played at The Humbird in the past. The subject of our property being haunted came up and Matt told him about his experience of the black mist that he saw on the first night that we arrived in our new home. The band member said, "I'm so glad that someone else has seen that too!." Apparently, after one of their performances at The Humbird, the band members stayed in the hotel upstairs. It was here that he also saw a black shape/mist in the vicinity of the stairway.
AUGUST 14, 2023
Tonight we decided to do our first ghost hunt since moving in, if only it was a short and sweet affair compared to what we are used too, but we do live in the property, so I guess everyday is a ghost hunt.
Ghost hunt details to be written up soon.
OVILUS LIST 08/14/23
8/14/2023 - 8:48 PM: LILLIAN (.51)
8/14/2023 - 8:50 PM: HANG (.46)
8/14/2023 - 8:50 PM: FLAT (.48)
8/14/2023 - 8:51 PM: SILENCE (.47)
8/14/2023 - 8:52 PM: CONTROVERSY (.63)
8/14/2023 - 8:53 PM: COLTON (.46)
8/14/2023 - 8:53 PM: MANAGE (.51)
8/14/2023 - 8:59 PM: TIMBER (.46)
8/14/2023 - 9:01 PM: FOREIGNER (.48)
8/14/2023 - 9:01 PM: HERSELF (.57)
8/14/2023 - 9:02 PM: DESIGN (.52)
8/14/2023 - 9:03 PM: GREATLY (.49)
8/14/2023 - 9:04 PM: POLE (.5)
8/14/2023 - 9:06 PM: ENVIRONMENT (.47)
8/14/2023 - 9:09 PM: DEPARTURE (.5)
8/14/2023 - 9:10 PM: RAISED (.5)
8/14/2023 - 9:11 PM: BRAYDEN (.46)
8/14/2023 - 9:11 PM: READ (.5)
8/14/2023 - 9:12 PM: KILL (.53)
8/14/2023 - 9:12 PM: BRADY (.48)
8/14/2023 - 9:14 PM: BELT (.45)
8/14/2023 - 9:14 PM: IMPROVED (.5)
8/14/2023 - 9:14 PM: SCRIPT (.47)
8/14/2023 - 9:16 PM: LISTEN (.5)
8/14/2023 - 9:18 PM: SITE (.47)
8/14/2023 - 9:18 PM: STATISTICS (.52)
8/14/2023 - 9:18 PM: RESULT (.48)
8/14/2023 - 9:19 PM: SCENARIO (.46)
8/14/2023 - 9:20 PM: CHOOSE (.58)
8/14/2023 - 9:20 PM: UNEMPLOYMENT (.55)
8/14/2023 - 9:24 PM: AHEAD (.45)
8/14/2023 - 9:27 PM: WEEK (.46)
8/14/2023 - 9:29 PM: LANGUAGE (.46)
8/14/2023 - 9:30 PM: RIDICULOUS (.5)
8/14/2023 - 9:32 PM: MOM (.47)
8/14/2023 - 9:32 PM: EASE (.87)
8/14/2023 - 9:32 PM: IRONY (.57)
8/14/2023 - 9:33 PM: DIZZY (.46)
8/14/2023 - 9:35 PM: THROAT (.46)
8/14/2023 - 9:36 PM: TONGUE (.63)
8/14/2023 - 9:36 PM: IMPOSE (.58)
8/14/2023 - 9:36 PM: KORAN (.52)
8/14/2023 - 9:37 PM: FASTER (.5)
8/14/2023 - 9:40 PM: SUBURB (.51)
8/14/2023 - 9:41 PM: THOUGHT (.45)
8/14/2023 - 9:43 PM: BOXES (.47)
8/14/2023 - 9:45 PM: JUNIOR (.46)
8/14/2023 - 9:46 PM: CLOCK (.5)
8/14/2023 - 9:47 PM: BIOLOGICAL (.47)
8/14/2023 - 9:48 PM: SEPTEMEBR (.48)
8/14/2023 - 9:49 PM: PROGRAM (.46)
8/14/2023 - 9:50 PM: DAM (.49)
8/14/2023 - 9:53 PM: VIEW (.46)
8/14/2023 - 9:53 PM: HIGHWAY (.5)
8/14/2023 - 9:54 PM: ABUSE (.5)
8/14/2023 - 9:55 PM: FLOWERS (.45)
8/14/2023 - 9:56 PM: SEBASTIAN (.5)
8/14/2023 - 9:58 PM: STICK (.51)
8/14/2023 - 9:58 PM: SEEK (.57)
8/14/2023 - 10:02 PM: JACOB (.46)
8/14/2023 - 10:03 PM: WRONG (.47)
8/14/2023 - 10:03 PM: BROUGHT (.68)
8/14/2023 - 10:04 PM: BATH (.46)
8/14/2023 - 10:05 PM: DIVORCE (.47)
8/14/2023 - 10:09 PM: SLEEP (.46)
8/14/2023 - 10:10 PM: BIRTH (.46)
8/14/2023 - 10:10 PM: GROUND (.45)
8/14/2023 - 10:11 PM: DEATH (.52)
8/14/2023 - 10:11 PM: RED (.8)
8/14/2023 - 10:11 PM: BLACK HEART (.61)
8/14/2023 - 10:12 PM: COLLECTOR (.49)
8/14/2023 - 10:13 PM: BELLA (.5)
8/14/2023 - 10:14 PM: EXCEPTION (.5)
8/14/2023 - 10:14 PM: HARM (.52)
8/14/2023 - 10:15 PM: DEBUT (.46
AUGUST 8, 2023
We had a visit from our contact at the DNR and we got talking about the the property, and yes, also the ghosts. Whilst we chatted the Ovilus was put on to show him how it worked as he was really interested and loved to watch the ghost hunting TV shows.
It took a while for the Ovilus to get going with any responses, so we continued to chat amongst ourselves to see what would happen. Sure enough, it started to light up and we had Note and Music. This we asked was it to do with the jukebox we had recently installed as we had been blasting out some pretty loud tunes when testing it out. When asked if they wanted a drink, Eager came up. It seems they are just as excited to get the bar open as the town folk are!
But what amazed us most was that as we started to talk amongst ourselves about why we moved here, our background and the history of the property, two of the prominent names of the founders of the township were listed in succession. The first was George. George King named the township of Mentor, this was the name of the town before it was renamed Humbird. He also built the property we now reside in and the street it is on is also named after him (King Street). The next name was Jacob. Jacob Humbird was a railroad contractor and was responsible for the railway line being constructed through the town. The town was then renamed after him. Practitioner also came up in the list and we wondered if this was to do with Dr. Russell Alderman, a physician who resided in the town and who also now has a street named after him.
We talked about Lake Emerson which is just across the street which is used for fishing, to our surprise Fisherman came up. Also the name Morgan was shown. After doing some research there were a few Morgan's that lived and died in the town, so we shall ask more questions about this name in the future.
Ovilus List 8/8/2023
AUGUST 3, 2023
7:55 P.M. and without fail, Selina is doing her usual meowing and pawing at the door to the hotel wanting to get out, so, we decided to get the Ovilus out tonight whilst Selina was doing her daily door thing. Questions were asked regards the time 8 P.M., if they were from the local area, any connections with the house, and if they liked to talk to the cats.
The words Technician, and Wreck we thought may have been associated with a car accident that happened in 2005 , Kurt B. Luedtke, 41, of Neillsville and Marilyn E. Colwell, 37, of Humbird were killed instantly in the crash about three miles southeast of Humbird. Kurt's obituary states that he loved to fix mechanical things like tractors and other machinery. The newspaper noted that 'It is too early to tell if drugs or alcohol played a role in the crash'. But drink came up in the list too. Could this be related?
There was also a train wreck nearby, but the date of this is unknown and not much details can be found regards it. It was in the steam era, so would be from the 1800's we are guessing. Maybe the Ovilus was picking up that?
Ovilus list 8/3/2023
AUGUST 1, 2023
Around 8 P.M. and again Selina is pawing at the door to the hotel and meowing wanting to get out. Even when picking her up, stroking her and walking away from the door, she wriggles to get free to go straight back to the door.
JULY 29, 2023
Whilst sat in the bedroom area we heard the sound of what was like glass falling, clinking, or breaking in the kitchen. Our first concern was that is was one of the cats jumping on, or knocking into the shelving where we are currently storing our glassware. We ran in and neither of the cats were in the kitchen area. This incident is very similar to one that the SIMS paranormal group had experienced on one of their investigations in the same area.
JULY 28, 2023
Elizabeth was in the shower and she heard a thump in the bathroom but could not identify where it came from, but it was definitely inside the bathroom. About 10-15 seconds later the shower curtain moved so quickly it made the end shower curtain hook audibly loud as it moved.
On the evening we both delved deep into the history of our new town and home. It's hard to piece together as many historical articles are from verbal stories passed down from generations through the years, but we think we're finally piecing some of it together.
Humbird was first called Rocky Mound City by the original settlers (Rocky Mound is the nickname they gave the bluff which overlooks the town). Our home was the first building to go up in the entire town and was originally called Rocky Mound House. It was built to function as a hotel by one G.W. King (we live on King Street btw so this totally tracks). Now this is where is starts to get weird for us:
G.W. King (George W King) was a lawyer and a land developer. In tracing back his lineage we discovered he originally came from the UK, and immigrated to the US through Massachusetts and settled first in Ohio before moving and settling in Neilsville which is just down the road from us. Why is this weird you ask? Well, Matt came to America and emigrated through Massachusetts. After WWI Matts Great-grandfather emigrated to Ohio. His grandfather was born there but then moved to England, but he still has American family in Ohio. It certainly seems that this property called us and wants us here.
JULY 20, 2023
Another former longtime employee of the bar, Sue Bishel, came to see us. She walked through the hotel and bar to be reaquainted and tell us of her own paranormal experiences.
The shadow figure (creeper?) that came towards her at the backdoor to the bar and grill.
She saw the shadow figure (creeper?) come out from underneath one of the beds in what was the New York room.
On going into the New York room the bedsheets on both beds were ruffled and the pillow on the left hand bed had an imprint as if someone's head had been lying on it.
Photo's showing both beds with indentations as if someone had sat on them. The pillow on the left bed in the room had an indent as if someone had rested their head on it.
Since moving into our new haunted property our kitty cats, Selina Kyle and Willow, have been acting mighty strange when it comes to the door that leads from the living quarters to the hotel. They are both obsessed with sitting and staring at the door at certain times of the day. It seems as if they sense someone, or something, the other side of the door. When given the chance, (when we are not paying attention usually) they will venture out, our youngest, Selina Kyle will usually run up the stairs. Neither of them seem distressed, which we are grateful for. We really do think at times they are also protecting us both too.
JULY 17, 2023
We had a visit from a former longtime employee, Sue Zee. She walked us through the hotel to tell us about her personal paranormal experiences:
The shadow figure that appears in mirrors and portraits.
A painting that seems to be clawed at, leaving bits on the floor as proof.
The room where someone sits on the bed leaving indentations.
The room where someone touches you.
The chair that moves and the evidence of it's behavior.
Sue has not come across any names of the entities, or how many there are, but whilst we were talking the Ovilus gave us the name Walter. This will shall research more.
The previous owners moved a chair from a certain area on the north landing. As we walked around upstairs the chair was spotted by Sue, which was put in the opposite south corridor, and she was delighted to have us put it back in it's rightful place. It is said that a female spirit sits in this chair and looks out of the window which overlooks the railway line and that she is possibly waiting for a relative or lover to arrive on the train. The chair has also been known to sometimes move, where it will be found facing towards the window. Sue was overwhelmed with emotion, and she said that she felt like she was being hugged as we talked to the spirit, hoping that she is now happy, and deeply apologizing for the chair being moved.
On Sue's visit we saw evidence of The Sitting Ghost'. The sheets were smoothed out to see if any more indentations came back, and we totally forgot to take photo's to document this evidence at the time.
As we talked about the history of the building, and it being used as a Small Pox hospital, Sue told us that one of the old owners used to have a book with some of the names of the people that died in the building... then the word Database came up on our Ovilus.
Ovilus list 7/17/2023
JULY 15, 2023
Our arrival to our new home was pretty late and it was already dark by the time we got here. We were both standing in the living quarters, Elizabeth had her back to the door that leads to the hotel whilst I was facing it. As we were talking, I saw what looked to be black wisps that floated quickly across the doorway from the stairway and towards the outside hotel door. After driving over 500 miles that day, not to mention the previous two days driving, I was not sure if it was just tiredness and exhaustion that caused me to see what I saw? I did jokingly say, "Maybe the ghosts saw us arrive and thought we were a right couple of weirdo's so bolted out the door!".
I’m looking forward to hearing more! There’s some weird goings on, thats for sure.