Sunday, February 3, 2008

The Buck Hill Inn



Buck Hill Inn
The Buck Hill Inn


Built in 1901 by Quakers as a 20 room mountain retreat in Monroe County, the Buck Hill Inn grew into the biggest resort in the Poconos with a four story hotel made of stone and 270 rooms. It eventually closed in 1991 and sits deserted and partially burned out now, waiting on its' fate - either restoration or the wrecking ball. In its' heyday, violence, murder and suicide along with other assorted mayhem were well known within its' walls.

It was supposed to be a place that the Mob liked to frequent, and the owners were more than willing to bend a rule or three themselves. It's said that in 66 years of operation, 73 people died at the hotel. Five, in fact, died in one room, #354.

A bride named Lorna Kilpatrick was murdered there by the very priest that married her the day before at the resort. He committed suicide, and Lorna's ghost has haunted the room ever since. A maid slit her wrists in there while clutching a rosary. People refused to stay in the room because of the constant freezing cold, doors that wouldn't stay shut - and the ghosts. The hotel had to shut the room permanently.

There's a small room in the basement that's spooked by the spirit of an accountant who was supposedly murdered there. He was cooking the books and the owner found out. One bathroom saw three murders committed in it, and was haunted by a ghost evoked in a seance gone haywire. It had to be exorcised, and poltergeist activity still took place in the restroom.

A maid's closet was the scene of a strangulation, and it was said you could hear the maid gasp and her labored breathing and death rattle afterwards. The spook of an elderly soldier in an old uniform was reported wandering in the servants quarter's on the third floor. He has a gaping hole in his chest from a musket wound. He once strolled through a garden party and then vanished.

An Indian spirit has been seen roaming the area, too. In fact, the Native Americans believed the whole area was evil and populated with spirit shamans and creatures. Certain psychics agree, saying the East Room is the center of lay lines that mark evil. It may be. One owner's wife used to sleep in a room where the lines converged. She ended up schizophrenic.

There are also lots of poltergeist activities. One guard said during his nightly rounds lights would go on and doors open in buildings that he had secured earlier. Some guests reported hearing voices, shaking beds, opening and shutting widows, electrical devices going off on their own, and ghost sightings - even of spooks hovering over their bed. It was featured on MTV's Fear series, and Kelly Weaver, Paraseek investigator, was part of the show.

The site has been investigated, both privately and by ghost hunting groups, and they've collected photos and EVPs they claim support Buck Hill's paranormal lore.

However, we've also received several comments from former staff members of the old Inn, and they say the stories are all news to them. They've never heard of any murders or spooks associated with the Buck Hill, with several suspecting that the MTV show initiated its lore, and say several incidents were just college kids who worked there playing around after hours. But they do agree that the complex is thick with memories, if not spirits, and in one voice hope that it's restored again to its former glory.

101 comments:

Anonymous said...

They should never tear the Buck Hill Inn because it was a beautiful place.

Anonymous said...

they shouldnt tear it down because my friends live there if they tear it down i wont have no more friends

Anonymous said...

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ron Ieraci said...

Preservation PA has it on their list - "Recent proposals for the demolition of the 500-room Inn and redevelopment of the site alerted many residents and community groups in the region, and initial steps were taken to build support for preservation of the Inn, including potential listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Demolition of the Inn would also impact the surrounding 5,000 acres of recreational land, protected under easement by the Buck Hill Falls Company, and the historic summer cottage community, represented by the Lot and Cot Association. It is hoped that continued public awareness and National Register listing will encourage present or future ownership to explore rehabilitation of the historic Inn and re-establish one of the Pocono region's most identifiable landmarks."
But there's some debate about the title to the property, and if it continues to crumble, it'll be a tough road to hoe to restore it. Help your friends out by hooking up with a restoration group and saving the old resort from the wrecking ball.

Anonymous said...

buck hill in was featured on MTV's Fear where some teens visited it and reported how they felt staying inside it for a couple of nights. spooky!

Keetly M. said...

I just passed this place while taking a drive today, and found it to be a very strange and mysterious place now that it is closed and some parts in ruin. Immediately after I got I did a search on it and found multiple sites about paranormal disturbances, which is why it closed. Though even after reading this, I do not think it should be torn down. It truly is a magnificent structure, whether it is abandoned or not.

Ron Ieraci said...

I hope it does stay upright, Kay. Everyone I've heard from said it's a grand old place. But there's some kinda battle over the title, and in this climate, it's hard to drum up the financing it would take to refurbish the Buck Hill when ownership is decided. If you're a local, hook up with the preservationists that are trying hard to keep the resort standing.

Keetly M. said...

Thanks, Ron, I'd be interested in joining with the preservationists, and my dad might too. Do you of any websites I could visit to find a little bit more info about preserving the Inn?

Ron Ieraci said...

Kay - You can try:

http://www.preservationpa.org/
or http://conserveland.org/landtrust/one?conservancy_id=4191

Also, give the local paper a call; they should know who's most actively involved in trying to save the Buck Hill.

Keetly M. said...

Thank you, Ron, both of these sites give plenty of information about preserving the Inn.

I'll be sure to talk to my dad about calling the paper as well. Thanks again for the help.

Anonymous said...

Hey does anybody know who owns the Buck Hill Inn. I'm a paranormal investigator and I wanted to get in contact with the owner. To get premission. If any body has any info they can contact me at my yahoo email. djmixakilla@yahoo.com thanks

Keetly M. said...

This might help -
http://www.buckhillinn.com/index.html

Ron Ieraci said...

Thanks, Keetly - that's the link.

"Falls Road Funding, LLC ("FRF") is the current owner of the historic Inn at Buck Hill Falls, together with an adjoining tract of land of approximately 134 acres. FRF is seeking a purchaser for the Inn."

teresa said...

On 09/31/09 by boyfriend & I stumbled onto the Inn while out taking photos of the area on vacation. We fell in love with the main building. I hope they can restore it. though I know it would be a horrendous amount of money. They should never tear it down.

Ron Ieraci said...

Yah, spooked out or not, Teresa, the site features some great architecture and has tons of history.

But, unfortunately, no one has come up with the loot to buy it, and the longer it's left unattended, the closer it gets to being another name on the list of "places that used to be..."

Anonymous said...

Drove by the back of this amazing building today when we were forced to detour from the main highway. Stopped on the road to get some pictures of it and a security guard gave us a hard time about being on the street. Is there a public street in front of the building? I'd love to get some pics of the front. I sure hope they save the building...such history! ... and beautiful architecture!

Ron Ieraci said...

Anon - I'm not from around the area, but Google maps shows Falls Drive running in front of the Inn, though I'm not sure how much of the property is private now. Any locals have an answer?

Anonymous said...

this place is great and they should never knock it down. my boyfriend and i have been inside it a few times. on a few of the floors the beds and still made and toilet paper is still on the rolls. There is so many cool things is this place. I hope they redo it and open it back up. I would stay there even thought people say its haunted

Keetly M. said...

I agree; it would really be a shame to demolish such an architectural masterpiece. I'm rather curious, anon, how did you manage to get inside the place after it was closed and abandoned?? I've always been interested in seeing what it was like inside, but have no idea how to go about it.

john wood said...

I found this place with a friend and now im in an in school suspention doing some reaserch on it and i am very interested in the place, i dont want to see the buck hill inn torn down it is truley a amazing place

Ron Ieraci said...

John - Buck Hill is a pretty cool place, and there are people trying to save it, although the odds are kinda iffy at this point. And I'm glad to see you're putting your suspension to good use; the teachers made us do homework when I sat through mine back in the day.

Anonymous said...

The buck hill in is sooo cool. It sits right up on the hill and is known as the "Castle on the hill" your able to see it from 191 and it sits so proudly on that hill. Im interested in buildings like this and I really hope that the historical socitey fights to keep this building up. I would love to go inside and see it but idk if the owner is so willing to that idea and now it is patrolled because of people tresspassing and destroying the place. I really hope to see the castle remain on the hill its a beautiful sight to see.

Anonymous said...

Viewing photos of The Inn today makes me sad and empty. I worked there as a caddy in the summer of 1959. The pay sucked but the place was impressive and massive. It was where I discovered that the rich are cheap and the people who had to save all year to afford a week there weren't. The falls were beautiful and fun to swim at. I guess the main reason seeing that huge place empty and abandoned bothers me is that I lost my virginity there...and had some great moments with four different women who were all older than I was at 15!

Anonymous said...

I really do not think anyone should go into the Buck Hill Inn my themselves or at all. Yes, as beautiful as the Poconos are there are places in the woods you dont want to be. From Pocono Farms to Canadenis there is so much history, blood,and paranormal activity that you need to be every careful. I grew up in this area, now there is casinos, mini malls, and such a cluster of people its not what it once was. My parents moved there to raise a family being better than Philly where my father is from he wanted the best for us. They moved to the Poconos back in the 70's it was cheap, it was gorgeous back then was all dirt roads and one supermarket thats it. So growing up there was nothing to do but spending a lot of time outside. I went to Pocono Mountain High School. It was the years in Middle School certain events and nights I will never forget.In fifth grade about to go to sixth summer hit and it was a great summer but I remember hearing a story about group of seven High Schoolers in a truck coming leaving from the The Buck Hill Inn to get more beer and never came back later that night bodies were found all over the woods 3 found dead four alive. The driver lived and got 20 years jail time. People don't know that they were coming from the Inn only close friends. Fast forwarding to 7th grade Archery deer hunting season. My father an avid hunter in the area meet an Indian woman walking back to his truck from his tree stand in the woods one night empty handed. He stopped at her drive way and they got to talking so he asked her "You ever see anything cross the road from Pocono Farms golf course into the State Gamelands?" Her reply made his mouth drop. "Yes of course I see spirits and animals cross the road all the time." This made his eyes huge and sent a chill down his back, but confused and curious by her response and posed a second question "what tribe are you from?" she answered and also she told my father she was a decedent from a tribe and is a native american shaman." He came home I waited up that night to see if he got anything I heard the garage door open so I ran down stairs. Looked up at him and he was pale white I said what happened did you get one (a deer) he replied "I don't want to talk about it." He went upstairs and went to sleep the next morning and he told me what happened in a very serious voice, my father is a small guy he is well built and nothing gets to him but this did. The next week went by and he took me to her house she gave me a Dream Catcher that we still have. We spoke with her more and I was a kid excited to hear more I said "What else do you see besides spirits?" The Shaman said "I see spirits,Bobcats, Black Bears, Deer and The Keeper of all game I see in the woods on walks. The Keeper of all game what is that? She said I'm sorry you know him as Big Foot. I was so excited. Went home amped up and road my bike and my buddies house and told them what happened they laughed and then I forgot all about the Shaman.One night my father and I were watching a special on "Bigfoot" so I turned to my dad after it was over and said you remember that lady. I said what would you do if you saw it in the woods would you kill it?" He said "Before you were born...I was in those Gamelands, in shotgun season, hunting past the three swamps,which is at least takes you two hours of walking.

Anonymous said...

I was walking and felt like something was following me. Now for those of you that are reading this keep in mind he has a loaded shotgun in his hands. My father continues. So I am walking and just turned around once look around nothing and then not two seconds later turns around again and he is now standing in arms length away is it the keeper of all game. he said "Its eyes were so piercing something in his body told him to just get out. It took him about 20 years to go back there. Never told anyone just kept it to himself. He was a business man and a hunter he said no one would have believed him if he did. So I'm sitting on a couch stunned "What did he look like?" Father said "BIG, STRONG musk scent, but I just couldn't get past his eyes. I made him bring me to the spot 24 years later. I asked then why didn't you shoot him he replied "I just needed to get out of there." We rarely ever talk about it. The last time was in 10th grade when he had a business friend fly to the house for a hunting trip. This man was in The U.S. Navy's SEa, Air, and Land (SEAL) Team. So of course I wanted to meet him. He was a small and stawkey guy half black half Native American. He told some great stories and some that just scared the hell out of me. They woke up at 4:00 AM out in the State Gamelands by 4:30 AM and I woke up at 6:30 for school and I come downstairs, he is sitting on the couch. I said you'd get one? "No. There is something in those woods and I will not hunt there." I said "What do you mean..." he said "Its haunted. Something is in there and something came over my body so I came back to the house." They no longer work together but still stay in close contact. He moved spots and came back to the house a bunch of times and was fine. Also, there is a spot in Buch Hill where many locals go to look at UFO'S if you don't believe this go into some bars up there get friendly with them and ask where it is. I've been there but personal I think those objects I saw might have something to do with the Tobyhanna Military Base that is so close by. Just another peace of information for you this base has some of those larger underground shelters in the US. Think about a nuclear warhead hitting New York you are 2 hours away thats why it was built. I use to workout there and play basketball. Back to Buck Hill Inn I would pull my car around it all the time and just look. The power was shut off along time ago and in high school 11th grade couple kids said they saw lights on. I hope that is restored I think it would be great for Mount Airy to buy it, just talk to Lisa at the Casino she might buy it.

Ron Ieraci said...

I sure hope the place can be saved. Spooked out or not, it's pretty obvious that it's a tight part of the local fabric.

Anonymous said...

I live in Mount Pocono and I went to the Buck Hill Inn about 3 weeks ago. It was pretty warm out, but when we got next to the Inn we were freezing! I got such an eerie feeling and just had to leave. Last night I went back there. I was about to walk to the back (from the front), when I saw a white figure walk across the driveway and towards the Inn. That made me wait there while a couple of my friends went in. My one friend said that she looked in the window and saw a white figure right next to her face inside the Inn. She moved her head to make sure it wasn't her reflection; and sure enough it wasn't. They weren't able to get in so we started to walk away towards our car and half of the lights in the Inn went on (keep in mind there is no electricity there, obviously). I thought it was the moon's reflection until I noticed all of those light go off and te other half lighting up. The lights in the room were a yellow-ish colour. When one of my friends went to try and get in, he started breathing really heavy and said "I see dead bodies burning!" We never told him the story about the Inn so we found this frightening. We all were walking to the car when we noticed our other friend wasn't with him. We were calling his name for about 10 mins and we saw him walking back towards the hotel. He later said that he just felt something pulling him in and keeping him there, but he eventually came. It was a frightening experience! We are going to try to go in again tonight. It's such a beautiful, but extremely frightening place.

Anonymous said...

Restore it . It such a landmark for our history before it's too late,and getting help lots of help to historicly restore . Willing to learn more about restoring it . SAVE THE INN

Anonymous said...

J&L
Do not tear it down. We spent our honeymoon there 48 yrs ago. July 8,1962
Last time we visited the inn was closed and the tables were all set with dishes but no one was there. So sad.It was a beautiful resort. Had talked about returning for our 50th anniversary until we found out it was closed.

Anonymous said...

With all the negative publicity surrounding the place it might be hard finding paying guests, except perhaps ghost hunters. After years of trying to find someone with the resources to restore the inn to it's former status, I think the time is past. Every year the repair bill gets bigger and bigger, so if it hasn't happened by now, it probably won't. For what it's worth, I think the current owners should cut their losses and start over. It's time to move on and put something there that will no longer detract from the appeal of the Buck Hill Falls community. I am not a local, but if I were I would be lobbying for its demolition.

Ron Ieraci said...

Anon - that's always the problem with historic structures; preservationists have the ideas but not the resources, and the longer the debate goes on, the more decrepit the building becomes; nature often ends the argument.

I've seen it many times in Pittsburgh. It doesn't make it any easier to accept, but often demolition through inertia is the eventual end result.

Anonymous said...

now is there anyway to get in there? are you able to get permission, cause all that activity kneeds to be documented, that is a paranormal investigaters dream! and i must go. could somebody please get back to me on this if you know anything, my email is garrygirard@aim.com, THANKYOU!

Ron Ieraci said...

Anon - Falls Road Funding, LLC is the current owner of the historic Inn at Buck Hill Falls. They're on the BHI website, but don't seem to interested in having folk snoop around, both for convenience and liability concerns, I'd guess.

Anonymous said...

ok so i live no less then a half hour way from the buck hill inn so me an 4 friends went there tonight (9/6/2010) we didnt see anything but heard a women screaming from the left side of the inn when you walk up the driveway. the place is huge an beautiful but i say for noone to go there becuz yes it is dangerous an you will get in trouble there.... no less then 5 minutes of bein there an just listenin to the place an everything around us the cops rolled up on us an we all got charges for trespassing the cops check the area all the time they are always aroud so if you do go be careful an i hope you enjoy what your in for but i do think they SHOULD RESTORE IT BACK TO THE WAS IT WAS IN 1901 AN REOPEN IT...LET IT STAY ITS AMERICAN HISTORY LET THE STORY LIVE ON

Anonymous said...

Buckhill Falls Inn is probably owned by a bank if they have been paying the reale estate taxes. It has beautiful antique plank and peg flooring. A beautiful upstairs lobby. I wonder if the antique furniture is intact? What about the golf course. Is tha separate? It has an indoor pool and lockers. What about the roller skating rink?

Anonymous said...

I grew up right next to the Inn. The Inn currently is owned by a bank, and cannot be torn down because of the Buck Hill Falls Easements. On the other side of the spectrum, no one can afford to buy it because it will cost tons of money. The arch bridge, the Inn, and the large house to the left of the Inn are all built from stone---all of those stones were taken from local creeks to build each structure. For the people asking about the road in front of it: yes it is a private road, and is not a township road so they have the right to pull you over. There is no way to get permission to enter the Inn, many people have tried to call. Also, you may no longer hunt anywhere on the property. The area is patrolled 24/7 by both security and Barrett cops. As stated, the Inn closed in the early 90's and all electricity was shut off. Growing up, we used to to go to the Inn just past midnight. Every Friday night at 1 AM (Sat morning) a bedroom light and a large decorative star hanging on the lodge would turn on. They removed the star in 2000 or 2001, and I havent seen anything since. The golf course is still operating successfully. The roller rink closed along with the Inn and is deserted as well. There is still a great deal of antique furniture, paintings, and other items inside.

Ron Ieraci said...

Anon - thanks; that's a pretty thorough description of the Inn's status. It is a pity it's in limbo; the laws that protect also make it prohibitive to buy. And that's not a local situation; it's like that just about everyplace.

Anonymous said...

i visited there last year and looked inside the pool area and saw all the chairs still set up but couldnt find an entrance. the hill is very hard to run on btw if u get chased by security. and also the security guard is such a dick

Unknown said...

I just have to say that i would be absolutely devastated if they tore down the inn. i spent a good part of my early childhood livin on the grounds. my father was the residential manager for the inn in the 80s. so ya, the place has seen some misfortune and is most definitely haunted, but it was the most beautiful place ive ever seen. i remember running through the woods with 1 of the employees sons, jason, and skating at the roller skating rink every night i could. i had some terrifying memories there, some that still wake me up at night at the ripe old age of 30, but yet i have more happy memories than anything else. And i wish i could thank those who helped create those memories, like jack and astrid, jason even though he was a pain in the butt :), and the man who ran the skating rink. people have great memories from visiting or ghost hunting there, but this was my home. i really hope someone could fix it up.

Ron Ieraci said...

Sarah - as u can tell form the comments, many share your feelings. But it is a huge property, and quite expensive to rehab. If it's to be saved, someone with deep pockets is going to have to become its angel, and probably soon.

Anonymous said...

They shouldn't tear it down, where else would the spirits go?

Anonymous said...

Not to burst anyones bubble, but even one of the former owners of the Inn told me that he deeply regretted letting MTV film there because of the "negative attention" it drew to the place by amatuer ghost-hunters and thrill-seekers and attributed that to the 2004 fires that claimed the employee rec hall and the 5-story Feildstone building which once housed the female staff members. After the fires, the owners were forced to abandon their plans for rehabilitation of the property. I have been to the former, now-demolished Philadelphia State Hospital ( AKA Byberry) and the Pennhurst State School and Hospital in Spring City, PA. and explored and photographed both these locations, extensively, and I can tell you this: getting in these places was stricly forbidden and was an " enter at your own risk" sorta deal. Running, evadeing the police/security was commonplace in entering these locations, as would it be if you would attempt to enter the Inn now. I am also an avid Ghost-hunter, although lately I have been leaning more towards the Urban-exploration thing. No question, the Inn is a beautiful structure and NEEDS to be preserved, but speaking from a personal relationship with the former owners and locals I spoke with on my many visits there, coupled with personal research, 90% of what MTV said was fabricated in order to make the location seem "creepier" then it was. For instance: Basement men's room? Buck Hill Inn has no basement. It was built on a hill so when you enter in the one side it seems like you do go downstairs, even though you are on the first floor already. The floor you go into after entering from around the back is actually called the "Exchange floor" and if you go in the front entrance where the carport is, you have to go upstairs to get into the main lobby area. The former owners wife was not "committed" to an insane asylum and a good poirtion of what MTV said happened there, did not. Like I said, it is a beautiful place, but haunted? I don't know about that. I have some stories of strange occurences when I was employed there for the "Haunting at Buck Hill Inn" back in October 2002 but I also spent some nights alone there in the winter/summer of 2000 to 2003 and NEVER heard any screams or dis-embodied voices. Sorry folks, but as my friend Jon used to say: "it is what it is." Anyone who has any questions for me, feel free to drop me a line at: hellraisr1981@yahoo.com. Hope this helps clear up any misconceptions you may have had about the Inn and I hope something is done to restore it and return it to it's former glory.


Happy haunting,

Caleb D. Abolis

Ron Ieraci said...

Caleb - thanks for adding some more history to the Buck Hill; it really seems to have a place in the heart of the locals and everyone who has been associated with it. We share your hope that it can be restored to its former glory. Judging by all the comments, it must have been a tres cool place in its heyday.

Anonymous said...

I was able to get into the buck hill inn last night through a small window, im not one of those people who spray paint on the walls or destroy windows or walls. i went in to explore and look for paranormal activity. inside it is extremely nice (besides all of the vandalism) if you are going to enter the inn, be careful, some of the building is unstable and very dangerous. i did not see or hear anything in the inn, it just was very eerie because of the emptiness, i am hoping to go back soon, because i was successful in entering and did not come in contact with any security or police, the only thing is, there is houses right next door, the only security i saw was a jeep, that passed us as we hid in the woods (as we did from all cars.

Ron Ieraci said...

While as a rule we're opposed to our readers trying to outwit security - and we understand that Buck Hill's are particularly surly - thanks for the report. And stay safe.

Anonymous said...

anytime and what makes them so bad tempered? aanyone know?

Ron Ieraci said...

Be careful. As to the guards, that's just the nature of the beast, and they're probably grouchy from tossing people from the grounds. Usually they take their cue from the owners, who don't seem to want people wandering about.

Anonymous said...

might go back to check out 354 eventually but we reviewed the video and in a room with an old pair of shoes in it on the 2nd floor, on the video we heard laughs and voices, but we didn't hear it in person, any ideas why?

Ron Ieraci said...

You recorded an EVP - Electronic Voice Phenomena - that's a tool many paranormal investigators use. Why it works is a matter of debate, but many voices that the human ear can't pick up are captured by tape. It's a fairly old technique, started in the eighties, and part of every ghost hunters investigative process.

As far as who you're hearing, got me. But a lot of rooms there have a history, and you seem to have found one.

Anonymous said...

if i end up going back ill let you guys know the room #.

leon ward said...

I used to caddy each summer in high school in the 1950's at the Buck Hill golf course. Paid my college tuition with the money I saved (You could do that back then). I also worked in the Blue Stone room off the Buck Hill Inn lobby in 1964. I was a soda jerk there before starting my senior year at the University of Scranton. I sure hope they do what they can to restore the Inn to look as it did back in those days, otherwise it would be like trying to redo the smile on the Mona Lisa. Some things are just too perfect to change. But come on folks - haunted? ghosts? murders? this is all a bunch of baloney and doesn't help the Inn's image.

Anonymous said...

I grew up in that hotel and visited every nook and cranny. It was a magnificent place to visit with a wonderful feeling. I miss being there and am heart broken to see the shambles it has become. Thank you Leon, it was a most memorible place to be. I never heard of any murders and my family had been there since 1920.

Anonymous said...

My family and I have lived in the area our entire lives and I'm sorry to say that NONE of these stories are true. Do some research and you'll find no evidence to back it up. Unfortunately, when MTV broadcasted the Buck Hill Inn epsidode of their show Fear, it falsified the history of the building. In fact, the stories you point out in this article are directly from that episode!Recently, a property group talked about purchasing the inn and RESTORING it to its original beauty. However, only the main building will be saved. I advise against ghost hunting the building. Barrett Township Police and Buck Hill Security are thick as thieves and anxious to hand out trespassing citations.

Anonymous said...

I lived in the basement of the hotel with other college kids who worked there the summer of 1970. We walked every inch of the hotel...no ghosts
and never heard about any ghosts or murders. Yesterday, 9/3/11, I visited the hotel for the first time since I left that summer. I was very sorry to see it in that shape; the hotel was so beautiful.

Anonymous said...

Sorry but I never believed in Ghosts untill I went there two weeks ago on Feb 11th 2012. I was there with my Step-Daughter who is in college and my husband. None of Believed in Ghosts..untill NOW that is. We went there during the day, we took pictures and laughed at noises that we had heard. Then we get home and I looked at the Pictures in my Camera...there she is on the third floor in the back looking down at us. I looked and my hubby looked and our friends looked we could find nothing that could Resonably explain this woman. NOTHING not even the lighting, not the shades this room had no shades..not the tree that is wayyyy below it. NOTHING. I am freaked out and I think that I have to go back and take another Picture of that room at the same time of day! It is a must because that was too freaky. And the worst part here was, that for some stupid reason I kept feeling that I needed to look that way..like there was something there that I needed to see. I figured that it was just the fact that there is soo much history to it. I didn't know it was suppost to be haunted untill the other day when a neighbor told me that. He told me about this site. I still don't 100% believe..but now I wonder. I hope that if it is real...that she is there again. I wish I could down load a picture here for you all too see and maybe explain it away, but there is no way to do so. Sorry.

Anonymous said...

Hey All, I can explain some of the noises former guests of the Inn reported hearing in the night. I worked there and lived in the large stone building that used to be to the left of the Inn if you were facing the main enterance.This was in the early 70's. Several of us had heard stories of hidden rooms and staircases within the Inn. Sometimes at night we would go,flashlights in hand, on a mission to locate these rooms and staircaases. If we heard someone comming, we turned off the lights and tried to find somewhere to hide. Someone always got the giggles. What these guests heard were not "spooks" but bored working college students.
After leaving the Inn and the ares, I hadn't been back until a few years ago. How heartbreaking to see what had become of the Grand Old Dame.
To a previous poster, I too worked some shifts in the Bluestone, as well as the main dining room and the snackbar at the golf course when needed.
I had a great time in a really fine place. I would love to see them restore it and be able to be a guest in the diningroom rather than a waitress.

christopher boyd said...

visited the place last night me and a couple of friends wanted to check out all the stories,got inside buck hill and pulled some ghost hunters style recon in there and i have to say the place is really big,and dangerous,the floors are falling in,concrete falling from the ceiling,but what was wild was the evps we picked up,if you plan to go there be prepared to chat with state troopers on the way out they rolled in,gave us a warning and sent us on our way....

Michael from NJ said...

Recently discovered the "castle" looking structure from a nearby golf course.....certainly a magnificent old structure worthy of restoration. Best of luck to those who seek her revitalization.
Michael from NJ

Anonymous said...

Been trying to get in how do u ppl do it?

Anonymous said...

I went to the Buck Hill Inn tonight, I've bee reading up on it and we were visiting the poconos anyways. Its so beautiful! We were on the front road taking pictures, I wanted to get closer, but it was rainy and cold and getting dark. I wanna go back and explore and I did not see anyone in site such as guards etc, r they hiding somewhere? But I also didnt go past the chain at the main driveway. My boyfriend claims he heard men talking but idk bout that.

Anonymous said...

I visited the Buck Hill Inn tonight. It such a beautiful place!!! We got out of the car and took a bunch of pictures, I wanted to go up further but bf were freaked out lol plus it was rainy and cold :( We didn't see anybody at all!!! Granted we were only there for 15 mins, where r the guards etc?

Ron Ieraci said...

From what I understand, the guards ride around and aren't stationed in any one spot. Some of the folk who have posted here have gotten in; others have been caught. Guess it's up to the luck of the draw and your own camo ability.

Anonymous said...

Ron, ty so much for responding, my bf and I became obsessed with this place,,,and we were trying to figure if they were stationed somewhere or if they drove around. I'm not from around here, just visiting the posonos and buck hill inn was on my list haha. We mite go back tomorrow...don't know....but it is so beautiful and I am jealous of the ppl who have gotten in with ease.

Anonymous said...

I also wanted ro know where do ppl park their cars when they go inside? Obviously you cant park on the main road?? Any Suggestions??

Anonymous said...

I grew up spending my summers at the Buck HIll Inn. A lot of this is complete and utter nonsense and truly ridiculous and hurtful for the prospect of restoration. I wish people would stop making up lies. It is not haunted. My favorite restaurant was inside and the pool was awesome to play in, my mail came straight to my PO Box located inside the inn. I never felt anything haunting about it and spent over 15 years there until it came to a close in the early 90s. It's a stunning building that's had repairs attempted but it was always too expensive and people backed out. Now that people are making up lies, it's harder to get someone to fix it. It's an architectural gem. This is unfortunate people are latching onto the idea it's "haunted".

Anonymous said...

I went to the buck hill inn back in 2006 I just had graduated high school and I was obsessed with paranormal activity I've benn to almost every supposed haunted place in Pennsylvania! I grew up 45 mins away from the inn and I remember as a kid my brother and all his friends went there and they said it was scary and came back with maid uniforms and keys and a whole bunch of stuff so when I got older I talked my friends into going. I went there 4 times I actually went in. It is very guarded! Finally we got in and we were in there for maybe a hour and the only thing that was creepy was room 354 and I think it was just all the hype about it. Well I got a phone not to long after being in there a friend was supposed to meet us and they called and said the cops were outside! I was planning on sleeping there until shift change well they came in for us. I had a room key and a brochure from there. I was facing 3 counts of felony charges and 3 misdemeanors! I never was in trouble in my life. It was dropped to a misdemeanor 3 and I had pay a 1,000.00 fine. The place is beautiful and in my experience not haunted! I wish they would restore it! I also caution people who want to go in and explore its not worth having something on your record! The cops will come in and find you too.

Anonymous said...

I worked at the Inn's reservation desk and there was NO room that guests refused to book or to stay in. None. All of the rooms were up for grabs and the reasons people changed rooms were commonly noisy neighbors and dissatisfaction with their view.


I also worked at the Inn's front desk during the graveyard shift. There were NO reports of any unusual doings during my shifts. Not one. The only complaints were the usual string of hotel complaints such as noisy neighbors and heat/air-conditioning malfunctions. Not once did I hear a comment or complaint from a staff member that resembled a haunting.


Those of you who are wandering around the hotel and seeing/hearing things are scaring yourselves. The idea that a building is evil is ridiculous.

Anonymous said...

What is the address to the Inn?

Anonymous said...

Grew up at the Inn and the only thing that scared me was the big coolers on the right hand side of the service entrance. But the cool ice chip machine made up for that!

Anonymous said...

Do some research.

Anonymous said...

I was there January 2012. I walked up to one of the guards and just asked if I could take some photos from the road. Ha! He took me up to the Inn for close up shots and then showed me the summer homes of some "mob" familys. Just be polite and ask.

Anonymous said...

hello, I was just at Buck Hill Falls Inn, My husband and I were coming by there and I had never seen the Hotel before..He took me back there and I took some beautiful photos, not getting out of my vehicle of course.
It has been on my mind ever since. I want to go back day or night.. It is intriguing to me..
I would not go in to destroy or damage anything, I am just into old articles, furniture, etc..
On the other hand, I have very high energy, not that I am saying that I am a ghost hunter, but if the Inn is haunted, I know that I myself will pick something up without any supernatural devices. I was wondering if someone can give me some advice on how I can get in? Like I said I refuse to destroy anything so I would not break a window or anything, just would like an entrance that is already open. I am not worried about security, or state police or Barrett cops. Not that I don't respect authority, however I am not too concerned. I would love to just see what the inside looks like.. People say that the furniture is still in there. I do know that when I was there it was a breezy day, and there were still curtains/drapes on the windows and they were blowing. It is just one of those things that I would like to see for myself.. No harm and enter at your own risk.. I get that..

Unknown said...

Very nice post - I would like to see the originally built structures. What a history! We have an inn in Hawaii. It also has a unique ambiance - in the middle of what many would call "jungle". We try to stay casual, but aesthetically pleasing and inspirational ... and then also help our visitors with specific webpages like a Big Island Volcano Visit Planner for the volcanoes region. Hope you have time to visit us someday!

Anonymous said...

I lived and worked in this beautiful, historic inn from early spring 1989 and witnessed its sad closing in the fall of 1990, when it was owned by Astrid and Jacob Keuler. I worked as a front desk clerk and occasionally filled in for the night auditor. No ghosts, murders, or suicides...the inn was definitely not haunted! I worked with some of the most interesting and kind people: Nina and Gail the reservationists, Gert the housekeeper, Nancy a fellow front desk clerk, and Virgil the friendly night auditor. I loved it here and the wonderful atmosphere! It saddens me to think of it falling down on itself. I would live to see it restored to its original beauty and reopened to the public! I would bring my husband to visit and celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary!

Anonymous said...

Was at the site last wk. Pulled over on the side of the "public" road to take some photos. Was blocked in by a pick up truck. The man came to my car and in a very rude way, told me this was private property no pictures allowed. I find this ridiculous! I did not cross any fences or attempt to do anything wrong. He was not police or security, just a local. I hope the inn is saved but dont see how that can happen if this is how the locals are treating visitors! Also im a female in my 20s so the only scary part was having that man block.me in and approach my car in that manner!

Anonymous said...

went in to the inn a couple weeks ago and went to room 354 and this place is def haunted, we heard footsteps and unexplained noises. after going in I was convinced that there are evil spirits still roaming

Unknown said...

Let's hope cop killer Eric Frein is in Room #354 awaiting his fate.

trx30ex said...

ghfhtest

Anonymous said...

I was there once, Beautiful place, wonderful views, and this is PA history Someone has monies to save, rent, etc.

Unknown said...

BEAUTIFUL OLD BUILDING. HOPE SOMEONE RESTORES IT. EPIC HISTORY, TOO...

Anonymous said...

Very moldy
....

Entrance on 2nd floor. Gotta climb that's the. Way I led people in. Bottoms all nailed shut

Anonymous said...

My own words and saw with my own eyes... Very much haunted good and. Bad I've. Experienced alot in the more then 15 trips inside. Very haunted and yes differ spots In there are very cold for no reason.where I found the most activity and the bathroom next to the pool where the pool is enclosed In glass.satan losers like the basement where they do rituals weird ones. Dead cats hangimg
Cats used to be. Guardians of the Egyptians warded off evil spirits. Very spooky down there

Anonymous said...

Thinking about going there sometime soon... are there security guards still around? Just wanna check the place out for a minute and be on my way

Jill Wardle said...

The Buck Hill is crucial to the entire.community. When I would visit as a small child in.the 70"s it was so beautiful, upscale and amazing. Please bring this beautiful inn back to it's former glory

Anonymous said...

Wow. Just wow! First of all, I LIVE here in Pocono PA. Been here since forever, and remember this inn when it was open and running from the 1980s

second all of you are way into a story you were fed from my friends in our bars here, that were just said to pull your leg.
a joke becauseyour gullible...

lastly, this place will cost 10 million to purchase in its condition with the land. Plus another 26 at least to fix and with grants added to it. Without grants it would be 2.3 Billion with a "B" Billion toget up to code open and running and staffed and back taxes paid and insured and employee insures and advertising and stocked for any emergency if the lights do go out on account of storm, then you have to have the fire company fill the pools and dig for a well and redig for a septic to house 400 rooms and staff and gusets services and the pool house and the library and the exercise rooms.

so... you all big talkers want to go fund me at Buck Hill Inn well come on then do it.

10.00 all you need tell your friends and neighbourhoods support the poconos and save Buck hills.

Anonymous said...

These Game Lands and woods around here are filled with spirits. If you get the urge to leave an area, just leave.
Mesingwe visited me last September. And, you really do not want to know some of the things I've seen/experienced. Please, also be careful of our wildlife. Even the deer can injure you bad enough.

Anonymous said...

it just sold for 650,000 so disregard that idiot 2 comments above

ThaDuck said...

I live in the poconos and can say that i have ventured into the resort itself. its quite eerie, but i felt no paranormal presence

Anonymous said...

The keeper of all game. That is a great name for the spirit whom I've seen because; I walk alone and never hunt. Peace.

Anonymous said...

Yep, like my pappy always said " yikes its just make believe to make the radio show/ picture show ( now the media ) interesting. Don't be scared at al. And I still love my ole pappy. Peace

Anonymous said...

Perhaps you could share that picture here? maybe you could get some help debunking what you see? Just an idea...

Unknown said...

I have heard it sold for that price too a couple years ago. Where did you find that Info? Also am curious as to what the current buyers plans for it are. My son and his gf were just there tonight and a local possibly told them and the police that the owners did not like pictures of the place taken.

Unknown said...

My son and his gf were there just there this evening. Like yourself they are really into photography not into destroying property. Idk how they got in but my son said they only managed to see 3 rooms bc his gf got spooked. He believed just bc it is very dark inside not bc of any hauntings. The scariest part of their evening was when they were leaving a man who said he lived nearby and knew the owners called the cops bc they were not allowed to take pictures and would not let them leave until the cops arrived. They are good kids and really weren't there to do any harm so they didn't try running from the man. They did delete their pictures though bc they thought that would get them in trouble. Like I said they were scared of the man and cops being called on them. When the cops did arrive the officer asked the man what seemed to be the problem, the man never knew they were actually inside, and he was yelling how these kids were taking pictures of the place. The police officer was very nice to my son and his gf. His response to the man was...pictures? That's it? Not any damage of any sort? The man was freaking out , yes, that was it. He knew the owners and they did not want pictures taken of the place. The officer just told them to take off but wasn't a stern warning even. I think whoever this local is probably truly the most scariest. And the police even understand why people would want to photograph such a beautiful place. I'm sure you could easily get in and get some beautiful pictures as my son said he did before regretfully deleting. If you are not too concerned about a Possible trespassing citation, I don't think the book is thrown at anyone. As I basically said already anyone with a sense of appreciation for beauty cant help but be intrigued by the place. We live in Jim Thorpe today but I would have loved to have lived here in the days when this place was opened with all its opulence and glamour.

Unknown said...

It wasn't closed because of "paranormal disturbances". 😂

Unknown said...

they have fences up so that no one can get i was on the side of the road trying to get something out of my eye and my sister was taking pictures and the caretaker told me that i had to leave i guess they are tearing it down i hope they don't

mindy said...

My heart hurts to see this magnificent place left this way for so long and now be leveled. I worked here in the 80's it was wonderful.

As far as haunted, I believe it will always carry the spirit of peace, happiness and the laughter of those like myself with cherished memories.

It is a crying shame the state did not intervene and proclaim it a historical landmark. My heart is so full of sorrow, I feel as though a great friend who was neglected is now being put to death and erased. I feel so bad for the surrounding residents and the hell they are about to go through also. Rip Buck Hill Inn😚💕😢

Unknown said...

This site as recently been demolished. RIP

Unknown said...

The murder and suicide stuff was made up crap. My grandparents worked there many years, and I was luck enough to be there as well. Torn down now.

Unknown said...

It's gone now. It sat for a long time and although it was sold to rebuild nothing was ever done. In room 354 I believe 7 people were murdered and a maid slit her wrists. Outside a mafia hitman through another man out the window who landed on the fence. In 1970 a taxi driver was shot several times after dropping someone off.It's full of creepy stuff. The owner was put into a mental hospital. It's now land that is a safe haven for forest animals and trees. I worked there and my girlfriend from the 80s worked there. I also know the guy who burnt it down.

Unknown said...

I lived in Buck Hill in 1980s it. was.beautiful place to work have to say not many people there at night who lived in the back by the kitchen lol

Anonymous said...

I worked there as a waiter in 1980 and it was beautiful