Like many old towns that are not “ghost towns” because they are still in existence, Columbia State Park, a preserved California gold rush town in the western foothills of the Sierra-Nevada mountains has its share of ghosts. This post I am going to share a bit about the Fallon House and Fallon Theater.
Remaining since the days of the California Gold Rush, the Fallon Hotel was built by an Irish stone cutter in 1859. Original owner, Owen Fallon expanded the hotel in 1863 by purchasing an adjoining building and later the Gunn Saloon. These three buildings became Fallon’s Hotel and Fallon Theater.
The hotel was later owned by James Fallon. Fallon was born in Columbia. In addition to becoming a hotel owner, he was also a noted artist. Some of his works are on display at the nearby St. Anne's Catholic Church.
In the theater, which still offers live performances during the summer months, visitors and patrons still claim to experience ghostly manifestations. Although smoking is not allowed, guests can often smell the odor, along with that of whiskey. A female apparition is often seen in Room 9, and in the theater lights seemingly turn on and off of their own accord and shadow images are often spotted.
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| Rear of Fallon House Hotel & Theater |
Visitors and guests often comment on a strong odor of smoke in different parts of the hotel, although California does not allow smoking in any of its public buildings. Many feel it is reminder that during the course of its history, the building has burned down twice. Also, its owner, Mr. Fallon was known for smoking cigars. Guests also detect the smell of whiskey even though the saloon was replaced by an ice cream parlor long ago (a must-see place to stop by for a wonderful treat, by the way). During the remodeling, a phantom youth was often seen climbing through a back window. When the construction crew rushed inside, there never was anyone around. They came to the conclusion it was a youthful spirit searching for a sweet treat.
Guests in Room #13 are often startled by a young woman wearing a Victorian gown who disappears as quickly as she appears. She moves from room to room. Also, a little boy has been seen in Room #3 and the second-floor hallway. He likes to play and takes other children’s toys and hides them. In Rooms #1 and #6, guests have seen shadowy apparitions. Strange noises and cold spots in the halls and guest rooms have lead visiting paranormal experts to conclude the building is definitely haunted.
The original of most of this post was published on October 15, 2018 on the Prairie Roses Publications blog.
Ardith Yosemite Bride take place in Yosemite Valley, which is not too many miles south of Columbia, California. It is available for sale as an ebook and at no additional cost with a Kindle Unlimited subscription. For the book description and purchase options, please CLICK HERE.
Same for Emily Yosemite Bride, although this story takes place decades after the busy days of Columbia. This romance is for sale as an ebook and available at no additional cost with a Kindle Unlimited subscription. For the book description and purchase options, please CLICK HERE.
Sources:
Williams, Nancy K.; Haunted Hotels of the California Gold Country
http://fabulousfoods.com/articles/21946/true-ghost-stories-of-tuolumne-county-california
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