Original Springs Hotel - Okawville, IL, Visit 2
Location Information
Date:5th January, 2008 Type:Business
Location Title:Original Springs Hotel, Visit 2 City/State:Okawville, IL
Investigation Times:08:00 PM - 11:00 PM Status:Analysis
Weather Information
Sunrise:07:17 AM Sunset:04:52 PM
High Temperature:53 °F Low Temperature:39 °F
Sky Condition:Overcast Wind:S at 10 mph
Humidity:100% Precipitation:0%
Lunar Phase:Waning Crescent % disk visible:5%
Solar X-Rays:Active Geomagnetic Field:Quiet
Pressure:30.03 mmHg
Investigators Present
Laura Moon
Becky Ray
Jennifer Sprague
Location History
In 1867, Rudolph Plegge, who lived and conducted a saddlery and harness shop on the ground, now occupied by the Original Hotel, noticed that water from his well drifted from most of the water he had come in contact with. He called the attention of August Schulze and Dr. James McIllwan, Sr., to have the water analyzed. Dr. McIlwain made some simple tests such as his equipment would permit and discovered magnesia in the water. He knew that there must also be sulfuric acid, for this is the only chemical that will hold magnesia in solution.
Samples of the water were sent to Prof. Enno Sanders, in St. Louis and his analysis showed very strong medicinal qualities; C.H.Kelle lived on a farm near town. Mr. Plegge knew that he had served in the famous baths that Baden-Baden, Germany, before coming to this country. So he consulted him and together they decided to build a small spa in the way of the famous waters of Europe. Dr. McIlwain, Sr., was given charge of the medical end of the institution. The business thrived in a small way, and water was sold to Rev., J.F. Schierbaum, who erected a modern institution. Later he sold out to Schreiner Brothers, and in 1892, the buildings burned. They were rebuilt during the fall and winter and with the additions since made, constitute the present Original Hotel Springs Hotel.
When the current owners took over the hotel, staff members and desk clerks started to tell of strange noises that they heard in the building at night, including pacing footsteps in otherwise empty hallways, figures that were sometimes seen out of the corner of the eye, doors that opened and closed by themselves, the tinkling sound of old-time music that echoed in the corridors and the constant feeling “of someone watching you.” Various guests and employees have reported seeing a mysterious woman in white as well.
Investigators Notes
Laura Moon:This location had an interesting shift to it, for me. The mineral water appeared to influence the feeling of activity in the hotel.
Becky Ray:Although this wasn't technically a full investigation, it was my third visit to this location. Len Adams of the American Ghost Society has held his annual meeting/overnight investigation at the Original Springs Hotel, and it never seems to disappoint!
On this visit, not much of note happened during the first part of the evening, but when we tried to go to sleep strange noises were heard in our room. This was very odd to me, as we were in the newer part of the hotel, and most of the activity has been reported in the old wing on the third floor. During the night all three of us heard strange banging in the bathroom, odd water rushing sounds, and bizarre whispering. Nothing that was said was understandable by me. At one point, just when I was on the verge of sleep, I heard a loud crash in the bathroom. I got up to examine the room, and everything was just as we had left it.
When we checked out in the morning, the front desk clerk asked us if we experienced anything and we told her of the noises. She then told us that several others had reported problems like ours in that wing. She couldn't confirm if it was the same room or not, but the others had all reported noises from the bathroom.
Jennifer Sprague:On this investigation, I brought a regular 35 mm camera, however, I did not get the chance to take any pictures, but did have some interesting personal experiences. During the night, Laura, me, and Becky, experienced some strange noises, it is important to note that it was windy outside at the time but these noises seem to be coming from inside the room, on several occasions we heard many different 'ticks' and 'knocks' coming from various areas of the room, this was a newer section that was just recently opened at the hotel and some things were being added to it, but these noises seem to be more than 'creaking' and at one point to the right of my bed I heard what sounded like a drawer being opened and something falling to the ground, however it is important to note that there was absolutely no dresser near me, nothing but a small corner. It is also important to note that there were people in the room next to us but this noise I heard was not coming from that direction but immediately to my side. It is one of the more personal experiences that sticks out in my mind during that night. Overall, I thought the experience was interesting and look forward to going back.
Previous Investigations at this Location