H H Holmes/Elmwood & Chicago

[faith2]

I happened across this article of one of the most prolific serial killers in American history. In it, several haunted places were mentioned--including the grounds of the infamous castle which is now a post office. The "murder" castle was built by Holmes in Elmwood/Chicago where Holmes tortured, murdered and destroyed numerous victims. The castle was oddly built with trap doors, a crematorium, airtight rooms with gas-pipes that suffocated or burned victims, and many other contraptions. The castle was used as a hotel for the world's fair in the late 1800's and it's unknown how many unwitting tourists were never allowed to check out of the hotel.

H H Holmes was entombed in cement (by his request) after his execution in Philadephia, PA. He was convicted of insurance fraud but claimed to have killed 28 people (but investigators think it was no less than 50). Several people involved in his prosecution died under mysterious circumstances soon after his death.

I'm posting the link to the story for those of you who have never heard it. I'm also interested in any "hauntings" any of you may have heard of because I couldn't find any in shadowlands (maybe because I don't know the area or what it might be under).

Here is the story:
www.prairieghosts.com/holmes.html

[cerberus]

I just heard of H.H. Holmes this afternoon finally. I'd have to imagine that the house that he built must have at the bare minimum some sort of spiritual activity within its walls..
Is there anyone out there who knows if they have tours of this place or anything?

[carol]

I just saw a documentary on H.H. Holmes on google video and was fascinated. Some of his killing spree took place in the same year as Jack the Ripper of London. Being a post office/federal building now, I highly doubt tours would be allowed. The old castle supposedly burned to the ground, but then again, residual hauntings could occur.

In October, 2010, the Alchemist Theatre in Milwaukee -- Bayview area -- is having a play called H.H. Holmes. Tickets cost $15 per person. Check out their website www.alchemisttheatre.com for showing dates/time. One of the owners wrote the play based on this serial killer and the place is suppose to be decorated for it including catacombs in the basement.

Just another note: The Alchemist Theatre is really haunted including the ladies' room in the basement.

[LadyOfTheLake]

I read the book on Holmes... quite an interesting man, that's for sure.
If you have not read the book on Holmes, it's worth reading (in my opinion)!

Carol, thanks for the informaton on this show. Depending on how things are in a month or so, it might turn into a road trip!

[jonnyblaze]

H. H. Holmes was one very crazy guy..The worlds first known or named serial killer..Ladyofthelake,what is the book called??Carol,good find and I hope it's still playing..I'd like to see it..

[jonnyblaze]

Haha..Just posted about the play and a second later I find out all the remaining shows are sold out and that every night it was sold out..Hopefully they do it again after recieving such interest in the play this time around..