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Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Commotions of Cottonwood




Descending in a feather’s drift, the morning crisp and vibrant, shadows of composite wings mar a flawless sky in upwind aerobatics  as daring gliders behold in awe the valley far below and the dormant towns that were—once upon a time. And little do they know; these inoffensive viewers, that the tranquil streets of Cottonwood belie the lively nights when cupboards slam and windows gape with supernatural delight. 

So teeming is this particular town of yore with restless souls of fate that darkness is not a prerequisite for demonstrations.  For instance, remodeling a turn of the century home is decidedly frowned upon by the spirits that be , unless you don’t mind finding boxes of new bathroom tile strewn across the lawn in broad daylight or the muffled meow of a cat you never see that beckons you to come find the kitchen trash strewn across the floor.

One daring option for temporary stays is the historic Cottonwood Hotel, where the proprietor once conducted a bustling haberdashery which serviced not just the many distinguished owners of businesses; the number of which, at one time, surpassed the population count, but guests and patrons from nearby towns as well--right in the hotel lobby.

The Cottonwood Hotel was as grand as any in 1916. However, it had to be rebuilt in 1925 after a spectacular (nearby) Bootlegging still explosion and consequent raging inferno that consumed the entire west end of town. The roving Reverend George Brooks, in addition to the Bible, occasionally read Tarot cards and is said to have predicted his own demise a few hours before becoming the only fatality in the devastating fire; when he couldn’t escape his hotel room after the staircase gave way.  A night’s stay at the Cottonwood is almost sure to offer a glimpse of the Reverend roaming the upstairs hall.

And of course, a picture of the Reverend remains on a wall of the Wine Room (formerly suite #1, the Reverend’s room) where it inexplicably appeared one day. Across the room is an old door with a skeleton key lock; from which screws keep falling out and setting off EMF meters.

Apparitions are often seen coming through the window of suite #2 where John Wayne and Gail Russell were fond of staying during breaks while filming “Angel and the Badman” in nearby Sedona. The not-so-secret romance nearly got John Wayne killed when his wife found out!

Suite #7 boasts infrequent visits by a visibly distressed woman who seems to be searching for her son. Since there are no records of any children at the hotel, it is presumed the boy in question is the spirit who meanders the aisles of the Orion Bakery.

By far the most spiritually active suite is #4 where America’s most startling woman, Mae West settled in and made it her own; right down to drapes around a bed beneath a ceiling mirror! And if not, in fact, the spirit of Ms. West, it is nonetheless a most gregarious female entity who loves all things battery operated and  will keep turning them on for you. She keeps the room at her favorite temperature by turning off the heat in winter, and any jewelry or trinkets of any sort will not be found where you left them. Once, a female guest left her jacket across the street at the bar where it disappeared before she promptly returned for it. The jacket turned up over the back of the chair in suite #4 a day after the guest had checked out.

Seems like no matter where you go, each new (old) town has a history. Sometimes it’s only the ones who remain who keep it alive. Therein lies the adventure!

And speaking of adventures, I’m embarking on an exciting new one this week and will share as things transpire! In the meantime, which room would you prefer at the Cottonwood? Have you ever been in a haberdashery?









16 comments:

  1. Hi, dear Diedre!

    As I read your first paragraph, my brain sighed and said, "Ahhhh...that feels sooo good!" :)

    I have never been to a haberdashery but would love to step back in time and visit one.

    Thank you for sharing the delightful story of the haunted hotel in Cottonwood, AZ. It's downright spooky the way the face of the Reverend Brooks appeared on the wall one day. If brave enough to sleep at the Cottonwood hotel, I would choose to stay in the room once used by Mae West, hoping that I would be awakened in the night by the seductive words, "Why don't you come up and see me sometime?" I grew up hearing those words often in parody sketches of Mae West, but it is actually a misquotation. The words actually uttered by West in She Done Him Wrong (1933) are "Why don't you come up sometime and see me?"

    Thank you, dear friend Deidre, and enjoy the rest of your week!

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    1. Hi Shady!
      Interesting trivia you shared about Mae West. I was amazed at how much has been written, quoted and shared about her. While not what you might call a household name, she was well known and often discussed in whispers;-)
      Have a terrific week, my friend!

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  2. That's a neat, historical hotel. How scary to do a Tarot reading and predict your own demise. I've done Tarot readings but always with a specify question in mind and never about death. That's something I wouldn't want to know.

    I'll pick suite #1. Pass me the wine! ;)

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    1. Hi Chrys!
      I agree and wonder if poor Reverend Brooks had that on his mind that fateful night. Gads.
      I'd meet you in suite #1 but probably decline to stay because the energy in and around the hotel is quite tangible and a tad disconcerting - ha! Oh, I do love this kind of stuff, as long as it remains within my comfort zone (grin).
      Have a great week and Cheers!

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  3. John Wayne had affairs? The illusion is dispelled! I always say I'd love to stay in a haunted hotel, but would we really? Imagine it's the middle of the night and everyone's asleep and suddenly you feel someone watching you... Kinda makes me understand why people often ask to move to a different room halfway through their stay!

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    1. Hi Stephanie!
      Scandalous, isn't it? And romantic in a nefarious sort of way;-)
      Yeah, it does make you think twice about an overnite stay. I don't know how the ghost hunters and orb chasers can be so brave:-)

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  4. Sounds like a place where time stands still, but the ghosts remain very active.

    Arlee Bird
    A to Z Challenge Co-host
    Tossing It Out

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    1. Hi, Arlee!
      You are so right! It seems as though time has marched right past. There is also a fairly modern hotel now - for ghost fanatic chickens, like me;-)

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  5. What a fascinating history! I'd love to stay in the Mae West suite. ☺ This hotel has some great reviews on TripAdvisor and I would seriously book a room if I were travelling in that area.

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    1. Hi Debbie!
      Good to see you out again:-)
      I love towns so rich in history as this one. I wouldn't doubt reviews one bit, it truly is an intriguing town. Suite #4 would surely keep you up all night, you know;-) Can you imagine how many non-believers could change their minds after a night there?

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    2. I'll admit to being a bit of a skeptic and would want to check it out for myself. Must be a lot of electric energy in that room. :)

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    3. That there is:-) It's a veritable haven for professional ghost hunters;-)

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  6. Man, if I had to stay in this place for one night! This is truly the stuff that movies are made of but as they say, fact is stranger than fiction!

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    1. Do I detect apprehension, Quanie? ;-) Can't say I blame you!
      Without the strange and unexpected, I can't imagine facts ever inspiring much fiction;-)

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  7. Wow, that is one spooky hotel. Yet, even with all that interesting history behind Cottonwood, I will do my best not to have to stay overnight. But if all else fails and I must, I will not be sleeping.

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    1. I know what you mean, Lidy. As fascinating as it is, it doesn't quiet quell my fear;-)

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