Located at 1340 Pennsylvania Street, Denver, Colorado, the Haunted Margaret “Molly” Brown House Museum stands as a testament to the remarkable life of Molly Brown, a woman of resilience and philanthropy. The historic house, known as the “House of Lions,” was purchased by Molly and her husband, James Joseph “JJ” Brown, in 1894.
Molly Brown’s early life was marked by humble beginnings as the daughter of Irish Catholic immigrants. Despite the challenges she faced, she married JJ Brown at a young age, even though he had no savings despite working as an engineer in the silver mines. Their fortunes changed when JJ led a successful search for gold, amassing considerable wealth. Molly utilized their newfound riches to support charitable causes and assist destitute families in their community.
Tragedy struck the couple when their daughter Catherine Ellen died at a young age. Following their separation, Molly embarked on a life of adventure, traveling extensively and embracing the joys of life to the fullest. Her most famous ordeal came in 1912 when she survived the sinking of the Titanic, rowing for seven hours in a lifeboat to safety after the ship collided with an iceberg. Molly’s captivating tale captured the attention of her affluent friends, who were amazed by her courage and resilience.
After Molly’s passing in 1932, the details surrounding her death remained undisclosed, adding an air of mystery to her story. Reports from locals suggest that the blinds in Catherine’s room within the house often move up and down on their own, evoking a sense of spectral presence. In addition to Molly and JJ, the house is said to be inhabited by at least six other spirits. After 1932, the house was converted into apartments and later served as a gentlemen’s boarding house. Recognizing its historical significance, the city of Denver purchased the property in 1970 to prevent its demolition and undertook extensive restoration efforts, returning the house to its original grandeur.
Today, the Margaret “Molly” Brown House Museum serves as a tribute to Molly’s charitable endeavors and extraordinary life. Visitors can explore the house and learn about Molly’s philanthropic work, as well as the fascinating history of Denver during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Sources:
– “The Unsinkable Molly Brown: A Titanic Survivor’s Life in Denver” – Molly Brown House Museum, https://www.mollybrown.org/about-molly-brown/
– “Margaret “Molly” Brown House” – Historic Denver, https://historicdenver.org/visit/molly-brown-house/
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