Elm & 2nd; Formerly a Railroad Hotel

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Elm & 2nd; Formerly a Railroad Hotel

Piedmont, Missouri was once a bustling Wayne County town that hosted many guests arriving daily by train. The growing community thrived from the thousands of tourists the railroad streamed through and delivered into the tiny town. But as the population and out-of-town visitors grew, so did the crime rate. Piedmont soon became known as one of the roughest towns in Missouri. Outlaws, gamblers, gunslingers and the notorious local troublemakers blazed a wide trail of mayhem and murder, leaving behind many victims in its wake.

The rustic hotel located off Main Street at Elm & 2nd sports nearly 7000 square feet of rich history. The purpose back when the railroad made its daily stops in Piedmont was to house the workers manning the trains or laying track, as well as tourists.

The luxurious brick structure was built around 1900 and originally named the American Hotel. It soon swung its doors open to thousands of patrons traveling by train and many other out-of-town guests. The grand building served as a hotel for many years and was later renamed Hotel Richardson. Newman Richardson purchased the lucrative business in 1938 and the hotel continued to profit for many years after. It later became an indigent boarding house after Richardson sold the building during the mid 1970s.

During the 1970s, an out-of-town gentleman was beaten in one of the town's many local drinking establishments that use to line Main Street. His wounds were severe enough that death was imminent. He made his way back to Hotel Richardson after the beating, and managed to claw his way to the top of the stairs that led to his bedroom. An ambulance was called, but he died two days later in the hospital of his severe internal injuries. His spirit seems to roam the long corridor of the 2nd floor, especially in the Large unnumbered room, and rooms 26 and 32.

Sometime during the 1980s the two-story 22 guest bedroom building became yet another business known as the Railroad Lounge. The rough and tumble tavern unwillingly hosted many barroom brawls.

The building was boarded up for 4 years before the new owners, Jim and Vicki Roberts, bought it in May 1995. Their original intentions were to remodel the building as a dinner theatre and hotel, but decided against the venture a few years later. It seems that paranormal activity was noticeably activated when the owners began the fix 'er up project.

In 2008 the hotel experienced an unexpected jolt that may offer even more proof that spirits wander the old building. The remnants of Hurricane Ike left a bitter trail of high winds and heavy rainfall in Piedmont for two days. One morning after the storms had passed through the day before, Vicki was alarmingly shaken awake by the sound of a door slamming loudly upstairs. Jim had been upstairs earlier checking for any damage to the guest rooms that might have occurred the day earlier, but found everything in place and undisturbed. Shortly after returning downstairs, a deafening loud explosion rang out from upstairs that mercilessly rocked the building. Jim rushed back up the staircase to see what the commotion was about. What he found was startling. The Southwest corner of the building had imploded, and "Jonathan's" room was left in shambles. The roof of the building above the room was peeled back from its mounts, the door was busted in several pieces, and one of the windows had shattered. For insurance purposes, the claims adjustor noted this as a microburst on the paperwork even though the storm had been over for several hours, and the wind was eerily calm that morning.



PARANORMAL ACTIVITY

This property has only been investigated twice as of May 2011. The owners graciously opened their doors to GoDark! MPR to conduct paranormal research. The findings indicate paranormal activity is occurring on the 2nd floor of the building.

GoDark! MPR was asked to investigate the building March 26, 2011. As four of the team members wandered cautiously through the hallways upstairs, a little girl's voice was captured on a Sony Digital Voice recorder. "My grandpa's in there" is what the voice may have said. It is still uncertain what the child was trying to relay. At this time, the small girl cannot be linked to any known person in the area, and a name has not been captured. Sadly, no photographic evidence exists.

April 30, 2011 GoDark! MPR returned for a followup investigation to hopefully capture the name of the small girl and photographic evidence. Three investigators were stationed on the 2nd floor from 9pm until 2am. At approximately 10:25pm, they strolled into Room 32 to place one of the Sony Digital Recorders. A man's voice was clearly captured within seconds of placing the recorder in this area. "He knows the way" or "Now it's too late" can be heard on one of the digital voice recorders. Again, no photographic evidence.

Before the man's voice was captured, the three investigators were in Room 26, across the hallway from Room 32. The EMF meter spiked several times. They asked for whatever or whoever was with them to use the number 1 for yes, and the number 2 for no responses on the meter. They were not disappointed.

Is Elm & 2nd haunted? No one can definitely state that it is at this time, but evidence is mounting to prove that it could be. Investigate the grand hotel and find out for yourself!

These EVPs and the EMF evidence can be found on the EVP page. Input is welcome.

GODARK! MPR
Paranormal Investigations

Elm & 2nd; Formerly a Railroad Hotel has opened its doors to the public for the first time this year (2011) for paranormal research. The owners invite and welcome only responsible paranormal teams to investigate the quaint building. Teams may not exceed 8 people, nor may they ever be less than 4 people. Exceptions are possible.

$35.00 non-refundable deposit is required to hold any date. Mail your deposit to:

Elm & 2nd 127

East Elm St.

Piedmont, Mo. 63957

Someone will call to confirm your reservation after your deposit is received.

PLANS TO SUIT THE NOVICE, THE EXPERIENCED AND THE MORE SEASONED INVESTIGATORS.


PLAN A. This private plan is for the more seasoned investigators that have their own equipment, and will conduct their research entirely on their own.

PLAN B. This specific plan invites the novice to the experienced, from the skeptic to the curious, or simply investigators that want to work alongside another reputable team. A reputable Paranormal team will set up
all the necessary equipment, while also working alongside you.

PLAN C. This plan is carefully designed for persons that are both considered novice, mildly experienced and/or seasoned that do not want to spend an entire evening investigating. A reputable Paranormal team will setup equipment and work along with your investigation.

PLAN D. Another great plan blended especially for the experienced investigators who want a shorter duration of investigating. This plan can also be modified to an assisted investigation with a reputable paranormal team.

Cameras, flashlights and any other equipment, such as tape recorders, digital voice recorders, etc. should be brought with you. An EMF meter and one Sony digital recorder is available for use with Plans B and C by the Hotel if you do not have these items.

BE SURE TO PRINT OUT RELEASE FORM, AND BRING IT WITH YOU. WE LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR INVESTIGATION!!

PLAN A

PRIVATE INVESTIGATIONS (Experienced Investigators Only)

Friday night: Cost is $30.00 per person. Hours available vary, but the general outline is from 4pm-midnight. A minimum of 6 people in your group is necessary, but no more than 8.

Saturday night: Cost is $35.00 per person. Hours available vary, but the general outline is from 6pm-2am. A minimum of 6 people in your group is necessary, but no more than 8.



PLAN B

ASSISTED PRIVATE INVESTIGATIONS WITH A REPUTABLE PARANORMAL TEAM (HOTEL PROVIDES)

An experienced paranormal team consisting of a minimum of 2 members will assist you with an investigation. A minimum of 4 people are required to reserve this plan, but no more than 8. A minimum of one monitor will be setup downstairs for anyone wanting to watch the action upstairs. At least one member will walk you through the "hot spots" of the 2nd floor, and allow everyone in your own personal group to use some of their equipment. A DVD recording of your investigation may be purchased for $6.00 if you wish to share the experience with your friends.

Friday night: Cost is $45.00 per person. Hours available vary, but the general outline is from 4pm-midnight.

Saturday night: Cost is $50.00 per person. Hours vary, but the general outline is from 6pm-1am.



PLAN C

3 HOUR ASSISTED PRIVATE INVESTIGATIONS WITH A REPUTABLE PARANORMAL TEAM

Friday night: Cost is $25.00 per person. This requires that you bring a minimum of 4 people for your group, but no more than 6. Hours are 6pm-9pm or 10pm to 1am. Hours may vary. Call for details.

Saturday night: Cost is $30.00 per person. This requires that you bring a minimum of 4 people for your group, but no more than 6. Hours are 7pm-10pm and 11:00pm-2:00am.



PLAN D

Friday night: Cost is $25.00 per person. This requires that you bring a minimum of 4 people for your group, but no more than 6. Hours are 7:30-midnight.

Saturday night: Cost is $30.00 per person. This requires that you bring a minimum of 6 people for your group, but no more than 8. Hours are 8:30pm-1am.

Assisted Friday night: Cost is $35.00 per person. This requires that you bring a minimum of 6 people for your group, but no more than 8.

Assisted Saturday night: Cost is $45.00 per person. This requires that you bring a minimum of 6 people for your group, but no more than 8.

CALL FOR RESERVATIONS. AVAILABILITY IS LIMITED.

Paranormal Tours: The 3rd Saturday of the month beginning in June, 2011. Cost is $15.00 per person. Call for reservations. Tours begin every half hour beginning at 7pm until midnight. Bring camera and any other portable equipment you would like to use.

Tours consist of 4 people, 5 if necessary to accommodate your party. No more than 5 is ever allowed.

GoDark! MPR will assist tour groups if needed, and will permit guests to use a Sony Digital Voice recorder and EMF meters. Only responsible adults may use any equipment GoDark! MPR has available.

SPECIAL OCCASION AND EVENT BOOKINGS-Call for details

A signed release is required that states you hold owners harmless from any injuries sustained on their property. For paranormal investigators renting the upstairs of the hotel for research, a notarized signed release is required. This can be found on the "Release Form" section of this site. It is available for download and print. No one is allowed on the premises without a signed release.

Contact owners at jrvr222@windstream.net or call 573-223-2977

NO ALCOHOL OR DRUGS PERMITTED ON THE PREMISES. NO ONE UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE PERMITTED. OWNER HAS THE RIGHT TO REFUSE ADMITTANCE TO ANYONE WHO DISOBEYS THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS. NO ONE UNDER THE INFLUENCE WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE BUILDING.