Most Haunted Place in America: Von Minden Hotel
There are a few reasons the Von Minden Hotel stands out in Schulenburg, Texas. Built in 1927 it stands four stories high and is a dominating presence in the landscape, it is the only hotel left in Texas that features a movie theater that still plays the latest films and it is considered one of the most haunted places in America.
Some may recognize this as the hotel holding a paranormal conference in 2003. It is there that the Von Minden starting getting its reputation of having a lot of paranormal activity. Since it was built the building has changed hands only once but when a hotel has been around as long as the Von Minden, you can bet it also has seen its fair share of deaths.
One of the most notable apparitions seen is a woman in a polka dotted dress. This story is of a WW II paratrooper returning home after his plane was shot down. He had lost his leg and was badly disfigured as a result of the crash. His mail had caught up to him as he stayed a night at the Von Minden Hotel on his was back home. The letters were in a mess and one contained a Dear John letter which upset the soldier so much that he threw himself out the window of room 37.
Unfortunately for him the letters were out of order and a further letter revealed his girlfriend had changed her mind and was on her way to meet him. She showed up in a polka dotted dress only to find out that her boyfriend had committed suicide. It has been reported by guests and staff that a woman in a polka dotted dress has been seen in the hallways looking around, presumably for her boyfriend.
In room 23 a railroad worker suddenly died in his room close to the door which he blocked closed. Once the body was discovered it took a small hotel worker to climb in through the transom located above the door, move the body and open the door. The railway worker is also reported to be seen in and around the room.
Some also believe that Gerhardt Von Minden’s daughter Leonida and her husband are still wondering around the theater next door. There have also been reports of voices within the rooms, air conditioners being turned off and on, doors opening and closing, knocking sounds coming from within the rooms and pictures coming out with blue streaks in them.
Since the paranormal conference held there by the Spring Texas Spirit Seekers, the hotel has been a favorite for paranormal investigations to stay for a weekend. The investigations have revealed many photos containing orbs as well as EMF detectors recording unexplained spikes. If the reports hold true, it seems that you get a little extra company when you book a night at the Von Minden.
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