In the mid-1800s, people came to believe the mineral waters in a sleepy little hamlet in northern Tennessee had medicinal qualities, and it wasn’t long before word spread around the nation and a thriving industry began to build.
By the beginning of the 20th century, Red Boiling Springs had gone from a hole in the road to a thriving town boasting a lake, dance hall, bowling alley, shooting gallery, skating rink, and swimming pool. It was best known, however, for its gracious hotels and bathhouses, where people, including such notables as President Woodrow Wilson, would spend the summer months relaxing and partaking of the healing waters.
In the midst of it all stood the Cloyd Hotel, built around 1890 by Henry Cloyd. The era of summer-long retreats and mineral baths ended after World War II, however, and it wasn’t long before Red Boiling Springs soon settled into a quieter state. As time passed, so did most of the hotels, with only three of the originals remaining.
Now owned and operated by the Thomas family, who also live on the premises, the Cloyd has been renamed the Thomas House Hotel. This pleasant establishment has seen its share of emotion and tragedy, including two fires, and this may explain why some of the former employees and guests have remained.
The spirits of the Thomas House include a former cook who lived over the kitchen and who still calls that room home, and a whistling gentleman who is frequently heard in the hallways during the day, as well as a gentleman who has been South 101 seen leaning against the front desk by some of the guests. But the ghost who seems to touch the most hearts is that of a little girl.
Thought to be a child brought to the hotel to partake of Red Boiling Springs’ healing waters, she passed away within its walls, and, while many sensitives feel sadness associated with her spirit, others believe she is rather mischievous, choosing to spend her time knocking on doors and running down the hallways of this historic landmark.
Written by —Donna L. Marsh Founder, Adsagsona Paranormal Society
THE THOMAS HOUSE HOTEL
530 EAST MAIN STREET – RED BOILING SPRINGS,
TENNESSEE 37150
TEL: 1 (615) 699-3006
WEBSITE: www.thethomashouse.com
SEE ALSO:
SOURCE:
Encyclopedia of Haunted Places -Ghostly Locales from around the World – Compiled & Edited by Jeff Belanger – Copyright 2005 by Jeff Belanger