The Belvidere Mansion - Claremore, OK
Posted by: hamquilter
N 36° 18.660 W 095° 36.613
15S E 265650 N 4021606
The original family who built this home apparently have not fully vacated the premises.
Waymark Code: WMNQAY
Location: Oklahoma, United States
Date Posted: 04/18/2015
Views: 3
John Bayless and his family moved to Oklahoma Indian Territory near the turn of the 20th Century. He was a banker and developer and influential in the founding of the town of Claremore. He began construction on this beautiful three-story, 9,000 square foot home in 1902. As it was being completed in 1907, John Bayless died of an appendicitis attack. His wife and seven children moved into the home and lived here until 1919. The home later became apartments, fell into disrepair in the 1980's and was obtained by the Rogers County Historical Society in 1992. It was refurbished and today has been restored to its original splendor. It is operated as a museum and tea room and leased for events in the 3,000 ft. ballroom on the third floor. The home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
This haunted property is listed on the Legends of America website. They describe its hauntings as follows:
"Over the years, numerous people have reported that John Bayless and other members of his family; however, still continue to "reside” in the beautiful old home. These allegations tell of unexplained noises, actual sightings of hazy figures, toilets that flush by themselves, hot and cold spots, and feelings of being touched by someone when no one is there.
"On several occasions paranormal groups have investigated the old mansion, seeming to find the most paranormal activity on the second floor. There, psychics have "seen” children playing, as well as "meeting” a distressed John Bayless, and a distraught young woman who allegedly committed suicide when she lived in the building as a tenant in the 1940’s."
The home is open from 10:00-3:00 on Tues-Sat, with the tea room open from 11:00-2:00. This is a beautiful home and well worth a visit.