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Streets, sits the famous Monte Vista Hotel, where several spirits like to show themselves. Room 305 is where much of the action takes place, with an old lady often spotted sitting in a rocking chair staring out the window for hours. Other times this chair rocks itself, and staff claim that whenever they move the chair, it somehow always returns to its original location.

Another apparition here is "The Phantom Bellboy", first seen by John Wayne, who knocks on guest doors to announce room service, but when the door is opened no one can be seen nearby. Room 306 is inhabited by the ghosts of two prostitutes murdered in the 1940s by their male patron. Men staying in the room have reported feeling like someone was trying to smother them. Others have seen these ladies in the lounge and pool hall.

In addition, the cocktail lounge is the site of strange happenings. Reportedly a bank robbery took place nearby in the 1970s, after which the robbers came into the lounge to drink and hopefully remain unnoticed, and one of them, who had been shot during the getaway, died. Staff claim a disembodied voice often greets them when they open the bar for the day. Glasses and bar stools have been seen moving on their own, and many report feeling uneasy while in the room.

Flagstaff Public Library, located at 300 W. Aspen, is another haunted spot. The library building itself is new, but built on the site of the Emerson School, which stood there from 1896 until 1980. Reportedly a school janitor murdered his family, then committed suicide by hanging himself in a second floor stairwell. His figure has been seen climbing the now non-existent stairs, books and other items move on their own, and strange noises are often heard there.

At the Milligan House, now the Flagstaff Convention and Visitor Bureau at 323 W. Aspen, at least one haunting is frequently reported. It is surmised that Mabel Milligan, who died there unexpectedly in 1923, has not left her earthly home. People have heard footsteps late at night, there are cold spots, and visitors have that feeling of being watched.

Other strange happenings there include incidents with coffee makers in the kitchen that malfunctioned even after being replaced, until they were relocated across the room, and an employee who claims the ghost changed an image on her computer while she was out of the room.

The last stop on this tour is the Doris Harper-White Playhouse, near the corner of Beaver and Cherry Streets, where three hauntings, including the one malevolent spirit in our repertoire, take place. The first is an old woman who appears to watch rehearsal performances without any movement or sound. The second is an older gentleman who wanders around the basement area. But the third spirit of the playhouse is both feared and unwanted.

In the late 1970s, a man hung himself from a loading dock at the top of the north stairway into the basement and still stays in that area. He has a history of scaring people with violent behavior (unfortunately no further details were given) and is reportedly an angry, dangerous spirit to be avoided.

Flagstaff is a city trying to reinvent itself, but its long history has left a strong mark on the present. Hopefully nothing spooky will happen to you during your visit.

Learn more about this author, Tammy Winand.
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