2008 Woodie Awards
RSSEerie Pennsylvania
By Ava Miller
Issue date: 10/30/07 Section: Lifestyle
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"In general I think people listen to ghost stories because they're unusual, and maybe subconsciously people want to believe in ghosts," Kevan Hosseini, '10, said.
Lehigh is no exception, and with a campus and town so rich in history, it's no surprise that legends of ghosts exist. These legends tend to be rekindled as Halloween approaches, and even some of Bethlehem's business owners have decided to display their spooky side this October.
Hotel Bethlehem's vast history renders it particularly prone to reports of paranormal activity. Bethlehem's "First House" occupied the site beginning in 1741 until the establishment of the Eagle Hotel in 1823.
Hotel Bethlehem replaced the Eagle Hotel in 1922 when Charles M. Schwab, the president of Bethlehem Steel in its prime, decided he needed a more modern hotel to accommodate his customers. According to Natalie Bock, hotel historian and special events manager, a barbershop, coffee shop and club room were included in the modifications, and the hotel was advertised as "even having running water to all floors."
Today, Hotel Bethlehem is allegedly home to four spirits who have made their presence known over the years. According to Bock, one ghost is believed to be "Daddy" Thomas who once resided where the hotel now stands. Thomas is reputed to have been a jovial colonial character and now enjoys playing small pranks on staff members in the boiler room of the hotel.
Another spirit has been identified as Victorian actress May Yohe. Yohe grew up in the hotel in the 1800s during the time that her grandfather owned it. She has been heard playing the piano in the lobby and seen in the windows on the third floor.
"I believe in ghosts to some extent because I feel like there's something more than just what we see," Erica Fratz, '09, said.
Although one of the hotel's engineers refuses to go to the boiler room and guests have requested room changes on occasion, the ghosts are deemed as friendly and do not pose a problem for the hotel.
"We haven't had anything truly scary happen to frighten staff and guests," Bock said. "People are generally here on vacation, and the hotel is a very happy place."
