Riverside Iowa Paranormal is so excited to partner up with the State Theatre, the Victorian View, the Blair House, and the Washington Chamber for an incredible night of Ghosts and Ghouls!!! We are bringing you the chance to investigate 3 haunted locations in the area! Along with that opportunity, we are also bringing you readings, reiki and sound bath (by Higher-Self Holistics, LLC), crystals, snacks and a classic horror film
To get you warmed up for this spooky evening, check out some history on each of these locations:
The State Theatre:
The Des Moines Register offers up some historical facts on this unique (and haunted) host venue. The State Theatre, formerly known as The Graham Opera House, is located at 123 East Washington Street. It has been in operation since May 14, 1897, according to Preservation Iowa's story published in October 2016. It was certified as such by the Guinness Book of World Records in April 2016, the theater's website says. Guinness even acknowledged that tickets for the first moving picture ranged from 15 to 35 cents. Bet that was nice. As you'd expect, though, the State Theatre has undergone extensive renovation over the years. In November 2010, a cigarette discarded in a trash can ignited a fire in the projection room and closed the theater, per a story from the Cedar Rapids Gazette. It reopened in April 2011, showcasing a new facade that mimicked the style of theaters in the 1940s.
The Victorian View:
Riverside Iowa Paranormal was the first to bring you access to the Victorian View. While quite active, little is known about the ghostly inhabitants that remain in this beautiful Victorian that was built in 1895. Inhabitants have reported shadow people and disembodied voices. There has been one reported tragedy that occurred on the grounds resulting in death. We are slowly peeling back the layers and you can help us figure out the puzzle pieces of this incredible historic home.
The Blair House:
Wikipedia is listed as the point of reference by the Blair House Non-Profit Corporation for the history of this property. The Blair House of Washington, Iowa, formerly used as the town's City Hall, was built in 1881. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. The building has served several different functions in its history. It was built as a private residence by a local financier and realtor Winfield Smouse. The Blair family lived here from 1882 to 1891, followed by C.J. Wilson. It then housed the Commercial Club from 1903 to 1926 and they added a gymnasium and club rooms on the south side. The building housed the Washington City Hall from 1926 to 1972. They added a larger front porch, a fire station to the east side of the house and hung the fire bell in the tower. It is one of the few Victorian houses that remains in this area. The 2½ story structure follows an irregular plan. Its exterior is composed of brick and both the main block and the tower are capped with a mansard roof. Des Moines architect William Wagner said the Blair House is a "little gem-a miniature Terrace Hill", a reference to the present Iowa Governor's Mansion.
3 historic locations that still have so many stories to tell! Go get your tickets now!
