Address: 134 N Mill St, Santa Paula, CA 93060, USA
Official Website: https://www.officialglentavern.com/
The Tale Begins
Welcome to a place nestled in the heart of Santa Paula, California– the Glen Tavern Inn. It’s not just the location that’s steeped with Victorian era charm, but also a chilling allure that entwines the material world with the ethereal. Built in 1911, this storied establishment has played host to an intriguing cast of characters both of this world, and allegedly, of the next. This landmark, an architectural masterpiece with its blend of Craftsman and Tudor Styles, invites you with her warmth and hospitality. But deep within its beautifully adorned walls, spectral stories swirl and come to life, adding to the intriguing history that envelops us. Are you ready, fellow night owls and lovers of the paranormal, to pierce the veil of the other side? Let’s journey together down the corridors of the supernatural, where the past and presence of the Glen Tavern Inn intermingle, creating tales that’ll send a delicious shiver down your spine. Brace yourself, as we unravel the mystique of this timeless haunted icon.
The History of Glen Tavern Inn
The Glen Tavern Inn is a gem of historical significance located in Santa Paula, California. Built in 1911, it was strategically situated to be midway between Santa Barbara and Los Angeles, two popular destinations of the time. The inn was designed in the Tudor-Craftsman style by famed architect Albert C. Martin.
Throughout its lifetime, the Glen Tavern Inn has seen quite a vast range of patrons. During the roaring 1920s, it was a bustling venue, playing host to a variety of Hollywood stars, oil tycoons, and gamblers, due to its proximity to Hollywood and the discovery of oil in Santa Paula. It was during this era that it underwent significant expansion, including the addition of a third story.
However, when Prohibition hit, the inn’s prosperity took a severe hit. The third floor, once a glamorous destination, purportedly transformed into a speakeasy and brothel.
The inn continued operation through the Great Depression and both World Wars. The Glen Tavern Inn was mentioned in the New York Times in 1940, when it was utilized as a boarding house for pilots during World War II.
The Glen Tavern Inn was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1983, cementing its place in history.
In recent years, the Glen Tavern Inn has attracted attention due to reported ghostly activity – it is now considered a popular spot for paranormal investigators. Despite this, the establishment continues to provide a unique and historic experience for its guests, offering a restaurant, rooms for overnight stay, and event hosting.
Overall, the rich and colorful history of the Glen Tavern Inn makes it a notable point of interest in the landscape of America’s historical architecture and cultural past.
Is it really haunted at Glen Tavern Inn?
Yes, the Glen Tavern Inn in Santa Paula, California is said to be haunted. Built in 1911, the inn has a long and varied history, playing host to a wide array of guests including oil barons, movie stars, and even alleged outlaws. Over the years, it has collected many stories of paranormal activity that has left guests, employees, and paranormal investigators convinced that the Glen Tavern Inn is indeed a hotspot for the supernatural.
One notable instance occurred in Room 307, which is perhaps the most famous room in the inn. It’s commonly referred to as “the Poker Room”. According to legend, this room was the site of a high-stakes poker game gone wrong. A cowboy who was caught cheating was murdered and decapitated, and his body was found in the large wardrobe in the room. Today, many hotel guests report feeling an unexplained coldness when entering the room, while others claim to have seen the ghostly figure of a headless cowboy.
Another room, Room 218, is said to be frequipped with paranormal activity. Guests who’ve stayed here have reported a variety of encounters, including hearing the laughter of children when there are none present and seeing the apparition of a woman in period clothing. Even scarier, some have reported feeling a weight press down on their bodies when there’s no one else in the room. Meanwhile, other guests claim they have been locked out of their rooms from the inside.
In addition, Room 107 is also reportedly haunted by a spirit called “Calvin”. As per the tale, Calvin was a former worker at the inn who hung himself in the room. Guests staying in this room often report hearing footsteps in the hallway outside, when there’s nobody there, and knocking sounds coming from the inside of the walls.
Lastly, The Dean’s Room, located upstairs, is believed to be haunted by the spirit of a young girl called Elise. Guests and staff alike claim to have seen Elise peering out of the window, and her laughter can often be heard echoing through the hallway. Some guests have also reported seeing a spectral woman in a white gown wandering through the halls during the late-night hours.
In 2013, the Glen Tavern Inn was featured on the TV show “Ghost Adventures,” where the investigators experienced firsthand some of the paranormal activity described by the hotel’s numerous guests over the years. Their experiences added yet more tales to the many that surround this infamous inn. While these accounts are all based on personal experiences and stories passed down through the years, they certainly build a compelling case for the Glen Tavern Inn being one of the most haunted places in California. However, as with all matters of the paranormal, experiencing is believing.
Wrapping Up
The Glen Tavern Inn, located in Santa Paula, California, is a historic landmark with a rich and fascinating history that dates back to its establishment in 1911. Initially serving as a getaway for Hollywood stars, oil barons, and weary travelers, it subsequently evolved into a Prohibition-era speakeasy, gambling den, and eventually, a reputedly haunted hotel.
A blend of Craftsman and Tudor styles, the Inn has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places, preserving its captivating and storied past. The legends and hauntings reported around Glen Tavern Inn are aplenty. Over time, the hotel has been the subject of numerous paranormal investigations due to reports of apparitions, unexplained sounds, and other eerie phenomena.
One consistent figure in the paranormal tales is that of Calvin, a former gambler who is believed to have been murdered in room 307 during a poker game gone awry. Many guests have reported encountering Calvin’s spirit, often accompanied by strange disturbances. Another frequently reported apparition is a woman in white, alleged to be a former prostitute named Elsie, also said to have met a tragic end at the inn. Her specter has been spotted numerous times, particularly near room 307 and on the third floor.
Despite the spectral sightings and unexplained events, the Glen Tavern Inn continues to attract travellers and adventurers worldwide for its unique blend of history, Hollywood legacy, and potential for paranormal experiences. Whether you’re a ghost-hunting enthusiast or a history buff, the Glen Tavern Inn indeed promises a visit like no other.
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