Most Haunted Places in America: The Oxford Saloon and Eatery
Since its establishment in 1910, The Oxford Saloon and Eatery has become one of the biggest attractions in Snohomish, Washington. It was originally housed in the Oxford Building, which was built-in 1889 and then known as the Blackman Dry Goods Store. With over 100 years of history as a drinking establishment, today there is one more name being used, the haunted Oxford Saloon and Eatery.
Around the year 1910, the Dry Goods store turned into a drinking establishment. To this day, it remains one of the few venues in Snohomish with more than one story. Both the upstairs and the downstairs have a lot of history behind them.
Much of the original furniture has survived and is still in use. The main floor especially has its share of original furnishings, including the oak back bar and the moose head. The back bar was brought to Seattle from Cape Horn, before it found its home at The Oxford. In the early days, patrons would pitch coins at the moose head whenever they wanted beer.
There is also a knight statue, decked with a sword and shining armor, hanging from the ceiling. Historic photographs cover the walls on both floors.
The tradition of providing guests entertainment continues to this day. The Oxford Saloon and Eatery has been well-known as a blues venue for many years. Top bands from all over the state can be found playing to the crowd every weekend.
It’s not just a place for adults, either – The Oxford is one of the few establishments in the area offering kids’ karaoke. Since 1997, the venue has been dedicating a night for families on the first Wednesday of every month.
Beer and food aren’t the only things patrons have experienced at the Oxford. This saloon and eatery has been rumored to be haunted over the years. As many as 18 ghosts have been sighted by employees and patrons.
One ghost claimed to be seen is of a female spirit named Kathleen, who can be seen on the second floor in Room #5, which was once used as a brothel. Many people have claimed to see her wearing a colonial dress.
Another ghostly inhabitant is said to be that of a police officer named Henry who was killed at the bar. He was working as a bouncer at the saloon one night, and tried to break up a fight. During the attempt to break it up, he lost his life. According to legend, he is still hanging around, all these years later.
Other paranormal claims are of employees getting their names called and no one there, objects falling of the bar for no reason, pictures being crooked after being straightened just moments later and smelling the occasional scent of lavender perfume.
Go for the food, entertainment and good times but keep in mind the haunted Oxford Saloon and Eatery could offer more than whats on the menu.