Sunnyside: A Haunted Hotel in Maine
Sunnyside, a once-grand hotel nestled on the cliffs of Portland, Maine, has been shrouded in mystery and legend since its opening in 1870. For more than a century, guests and locals have reported eerie occurrences and unexplained phenomena, cementing its place as one of the most haunted hotels in America.
The History and Background
Constructed between 1869 and 1870 by the Portland & Kennebec Railroad Company, Sunnyside was originally known for its luxurious accommodations and scenic views. Built to accommodate wealthy travelers and families seeking summer retreats, it quickly gained a reputation as one of Maine’s most impressive resorts. The hotel featured extensive gardens, elegant ballrooms, and spacious guest rooms with stunning ocean vistas.
However, the grandeur of Sunnyside soon began to wane. By 1895, the railroad company was struggling financially, leading to Sunnyside’s decline as a popular destination. Over time, it fell into disrepair and was eventually converted into apartments in the early 20th century. Today, only fragments of its former glory remain, though whispers of its past haunt those who dare explore.
Key Events or Sightings
#### 1875: The Disappearance of Mrs. Hargrave
One of the earliest recorded paranormal incidents at Sunnyside occurred in 1875 when a wealthy guest named Mrs. Hargrave checked into Room 12. According to her diary, she was reading by candlelight late one evening when a sudden gust of wind extinguished all her candles. In the ensuing darkness, she heard footsteps and whispers coming from the next room. She tried to investigate but found that every door leading to adjacent rooms was locked.
Mrs. Hargrave was later discovered dead in Room 12 with no apparent cause of death. The coroner declared it a suicide by gas poisoning, but many guests and staff members believed her death was supernatural. To this day, the room is off-limits, and locals claim that on certain nights, faint whispers can still be heard coming from Room 12.
#### 1937: The Ghost of a Young Man
In 1937, during renovations to convert Sunnyside into apartments, workers reported seeing a young man in period attire walking through the walls. Workers would hear his footsteps and see him passing through doorways, but when they turned around, he was gone. Some claimed that he disappeared into the wall of Room 209.
During one particularly intense night, a group of workers stayed up to investigate. As midnight approached, they heard faint cries for help coming from inside the walls. Rushing over, they found no one but saw a small handprint on the wall near Room 209. The workers reported this incident to the building’s owner, who dismissed it as the result of their imaginations and continued with the renovation.
Witness Accounts or Evidence
#### The Ghostly Presence in Room 304
For decades, guests staying in Room 304 reported feeling a cold presence at night. Many described waking up to find objects moved or rearranged, only to discover that they had been untouched upon their return home. In 1972, a couple reported hearing a woman weeping softly in the room during the middle of the night. They found no one when they returned but were convinced it was the spirit of an old maid who had lived in the hotel many years ago.
#### The Poltergeist in the Basement
In the late 1980s, a group of college students rented out the basement area to use as their party space. They frequently heard unexplained noises and felt the presence of someone watching them closely. One night, they saw a figure standing over a table where beer was spilled, causing it to rise into the air before disappearing back onto the floor.
Investigations or Research
In 1985, paranormal investigators from the Maine Paranormal Society (MPS) conducted an extensive investigation at Sunnyside. Using EMF meters and video cameras, they captured several anomalies in Room 304. One night, a sudden spike in EMF readings was followed by the recording of faint whispering. The team also documented strange movements on their equipment that could not be attributed to physical activity.
Later investigations revealed that the hotel had been used as a storage facility for many years before its conversion into apartments. During this period, various items were left unattended, including old photographs and personal effects from former guests. These artifacts may have contributed to the supernatural atmosphere, as some claim they saw faces in mirrors or felt cold spots in areas where such objects once resided.
The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery
Today, Sunnyside stands as a reminder of its former glory but also serves as a source of local folklore and ghost stories. While it is no longer open to the public, occasional tours are offered by local historians who share tales of the hotel’s eerie past with interested visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions (5 Q&A pairs)
Q: Has anyone successfully communicated with the ghosts at Sunnyside?
A: To date, there have been no documented instances of successful communication. However, some paranormal investigators claim to have recorded EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomena) that appear to be attempts at communication from the spirits.
Q: Are there any scientific explanations for the phenomena reported at Sunnyside?
A: While some may attribute the occurrences to natural causes like drafts or electrical interference, many experts believe that these events could be attributed to residual hauntings. These are typically linked to significant emotional experiences in the past and do not involve active spirits.
Q: Can you visit Sunnyside today?
A: Due to its current status as private apartments, public tours of Sunnyside are limited. However, guided paranormal tours can sometimes be arranged through local organizations or historical societies.
Q: Are there any new investigations planned for Sunnyside in the future?
A: The Maine Paranormal Society plans to conduct regular investigations at Sunnyside each summer as part of their ongoing research into local hauntings. These investigations are open to both experts and curious members of the public who wish to participate.
Q: What can visitors expect from a paranormal tour at Sunnyside?
A: Visitors can expect to hear firsthand accounts from previous guests, view historical records, and potentially experience some of the unexplained phenomena themselves. The tours often include visits to rooms known for their paranormal activity, as well as discussions with local historians about the hotel’s rich history.