Address: 400 Bensinger St, Big Bay, MI 49808, USA
Official Website: http://bigbayinn.com/
The Tale Begins
Welcome to the mysterious and enchanting world of Thunder Bay Inn! The inn boasts a history as rich as the tapestry of stories across its almost century-long existence. The whispers of a ghostly presence surround this iconic landmark, making it more than just a getaway but a journey through time and an encounter with the unseen. As you step into the inviting ambience of this magnificent inn, be prepared for an exciting mix of chills and thrills. This blog isn’t just about your typical travelogue; we are about to unearth a spectral narrative that echoes within the hallowed hallways of Thunder Bay Inn. Are you ready for an adventure? Stay tuned and remember, there’s more than meets the eye. Let’s reveal this hidden spectral tale, while you sit back and enjoy the thrill of the unknown!
The History of Thunder Bay Inn
The history of Thunder Bay Inn is quite rich, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of the establishment through the years. Its roots go back to the 1920s in the small city of Big Bay, Michigan.
Originally built by auto pioneer Henry Ford, it served as an appliance and radio store. It also used to be a dormitory for workers from Ford’s nearby lumber plant and almost served as a hideout for Chicago gangsters during Prohibition. After Ford sold his operations in the 1950s, Louie and Karlotta LeVeque purchased it and converted it into a hotel.
Over the years, the Thunder Bay Inn became known for more than just its unique origin. In 1959, it gained prominence when it was featured in the film “Anatomy of a Murder,” based on a novel by Michigan Supreme Court Justice John D. Voelker. The novel itself was based on a real-life murder case in 1952, where the attorney used the Inn as his office.
Through its history, the Thunder Bay Inn has evolved to fit the needs of the time, becoming a multifaceted establishment that realizes the importance of history, functionality, and the entertainment industry. Today, the Inn continues to operate as a hotel, offering accommodations, dining, and a museum-like quality showcasing its fascinating past.
Is it really haunted at Thunder Bay Inn?
The Thunder Bay Inn, located in Big Bay, Michigan, has a reputation for being haunted that draws both curiosity and skepticism. It has been the subject of numerous ghost stories and paranormal investigations.
The Inn initially served as a “company town” store for the lumber and mining industries in the 1800s. Later, it was converted into an Inn. Several incidents contribute to the belief that the Inn is haunted.
1. The Murder and Execution: In 1952, a murder took place at the Inn. A man named Mike Chenoweth was killed by the towns’ Constable, John Robertson in a card game dispute. Later, Robertson killed himself in the Marquette County Jail before his trial. Since then, guests and staff have reported unexplained phenomena such as the sound of shuffling cards, whispers, and faint laughter, believed to be related to these tragic events.
2. The Redheaded Woman: There are also stories about a mysterious redheaded woman who roams the inn. She’s mainly seen on the staircase and has been reported by numerous guests. Her identity is still a mystery, and many believe she may be a former resident or worker at the inn.
3. The Crying Child: Some report hearing the cries of a child in the Inn, especially in room #11. The cries often come late at night, but when checked, there is no child present. This phenomenon has never been linked to any specific event, but it remains one of the unexplained incidents perceived by guests and staff.
4. The “Presence” in the Big Bay Suite: Located on the third floor of the inn, the Big Bay suite is reported to have an “uneasy” feeling. Guests have noted a sensation of being watched, and belongings moved or disappearing altogether.
But it’s important to note that while the Inn is ripe with stories and accounts of purported hauntings, none of this has been empirically confirmed. Personal experiences vary greatly, and what one person might attribute to a paranormal encounter, another might dismiss as the tricks our senses can play on us in unfamiliar environments, especially those steeped in local lore and tragedy. The Thunder Bay Inn remains a historic, active lodging and dining venue and continues to intrigue its guests with its hauntingly rich history.
Wrapping Up
The Thunder Bay Inn, located in Big Bay, Michigan, is renowned for its mysterious history and claims of paranormal activity. Today, the building stands as an embodiment of the region’s rich past, closely intertwined with the lumber industry and the judicial history of the United States.
Built in 1911, the Inn initially served as a company store for the logging community. However, after severance from the industry, it was later repurposed into a hotel to accommodate local travelers in 1952. Most notably, the inn was used as a shooting location for the 1959 courtroom drama film, “Anatomy of a Murder,” based on a real-life murder case that happened around the inn in 1952.
Regarding hauntings, the Thunder Bay Inn has a long-standing reputation for strange occurrences, making it a popular location for ghost hunters. Guests and staff alike have reported unexplained incidents and claimed to have seen apparitions. The most frequent account relates to the ghost of a woman who is believed to be the late “Julia,” a housekeeper who worked at the inn during her lifetime. Distinct aromas of perfume, unexplained breezes, moving objects, and cases of unplugged appliances starting up are cited by many as proof of this spectral phenomenon.
Another reported figure is of a mysterious gentleman seen late at night, believed to be the accused murderer on whom “Anatomy of a Murder” was based. There are also tales of children’s apparitions playing in the hallways, believed to have drowned in the silting basin during the lumber era.
Due to its immense historical and paranormal significance, the Thunder Bay Inn continues to be a popular destination for tourists and ghost hunters alike. It stands as a unique emblem of the region’s past, offering travellers more than just a comfortable stay. The charm lies in its layered history and the mysterious encounters one may experience while staying there.
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