1869 Mystery House

It might just be that time of year with but it seems articles like these are quite interesting.  We know in the world of gossip with the added media connections those whispers behind cupped hands aren't just between the few doing the gossiping.  I just can’t help but wonder in the world as we know it today what lengths the townspeople would go through to get their answers. 

Salt Lake Telegram, Salt Lake City, UT

Saturday, March 7, 1914

MYSTERY HOUSE

STILL MYSTERY

AFTER 17

YEARS

Erected in 1896 and Elabo-

rately Furnished, Mansion

has Never Been

Occupied.

(Special to the Telegram.)

Bloomington, Ill., March 7. – The

Mystery of the “house of mystery” at

Chrisman, Ill., is still unsolved after

seventeen years.  It is now the resort

of bats and owls and rapidly going to

decay.

   It was in 1896 that the “house of

Mystery” was erected. Without any

Previous announcement one spring

Morning, a gang of workmen from

Some outside point arrived in Chrisman.

simultaneously came carloads of build-

ing material. Upon a large lot on the

main street of the town there was

speedily erected the structure that was

to create so much gossip in succeeding

years. The townspeople quizzed the

workmen concerning the ownership of

the house, but learned nothing. All en-

gaged were sworn to secrecy, and none

broke faith. The progress of the struc-

ture was watched with curious interest.

It was surmised that some well to do

bachelor of the town was preparing a

home for a prospective bride, but all

such pleaded “Not guilty.”

   Decorators and furnishers followed

upon the heels of the carpenters, plas-

terers and painters. The house was

fitted up luxuriously and with every up

to date convenience. It was now felt

that the mystery would soon be solved.

   The dining room was a marvel of

luxury, with carved table and chairs

and a buffet filled with expensive china.

The parlor was equipped with expen-

sive rugs, a grand piano and silk up-

Holstered furniture. The library and

bedrooms corresponeded in magnify-

cence with the other rooms. The sleep-

ing apartments varied in color and fur-

nishings, from the palest blue and

bird’s-eye maple in rich green tones

and heavy walnut.

   After the final touch of the outfitters

and decorators the house was closed.

Time passed and no one appeared. No

blushing bride and happy bridegroom.

There were no developments of any

kind. Weeks, months and years slipped

by and the mystery deepened.

   Six years ago an incendiary set fire

 to the house before the flames were

extinguished the kitchen was badly

damaged. A few days later workmen

appeared from some neighboring city,

repaired the damage and went their

way. Although plied with queries by

The residents, no one would furnish any

information calculated to clear up the

mystery. About the time a municipal

electric lighting plant was installed

by Chrisman and electricians wired the

“mysterious house.”