Kewaunee-Historic Karsten Inn
Joe Larkin
Issue date: 10/29/09 Section: Center
A luxury three story hotel, with 23 suites in Kewaunee, Wis., The Historic Karsten Inn was built in 1912, by William Karsten, a retired sea captain who had built up his fortune by establishing the Pabst Brewing Company in Kewaunee.
A gregarious man, Karsten had a kindred spirit in his grandson, Billy Karsten III. Following William Karsten's death in 1928, his grandson would pass away from complications of an upper respiratory illness at the age of 5.
Following the death of Karsten's son, William Jr., in 1964, the hotel was closed. It has been sold and renovated four times, once in 1964, again in 1984, in 1991 and finally in 1996.
There are three spirits which are known to continue their residence in the hotel. Their activities became apparent following the original face lift of the hotel in 1966. William Karsten Sr. and his grandson, Billy, are considered gentle spirits, while the third spirit, Agatha, is known for a variety of emotions and actions.
Cold spots, boxes being moved, feelings of being watched, foul smells, footsteps of Billy running down the hall, children playing with a boy with a likeness of Billy, employees being pushed down stairs, William Sr. having a beer at the bar and Agatha knocking over salt shakers, sugar bowls and turning up the heat on burners have all been reported.
Wisconsin Ghost Investigations team came to the inn in 2002, certifying the inn, is haunted. The inn is still taking reservations.
A gregarious man, Karsten had a kindred spirit in his grandson, Billy Karsten III. Following William Karsten's death in 1928, his grandson would pass away from complications of an upper respiratory illness at the age of 5.
Following the death of Karsten's son, William Jr., in 1964, the hotel was closed. It has been sold and renovated four times, once in 1964, again in 1984, in 1991 and finally in 1996.
There are three spirits which are known to continue their residence in the hotel. Their activities became apparent following the original face lift of the hotel in 1966. William Karsten Sr. and his grandson, Billy, are considered gentle spirits, while the third spirit, Agatha, is known for a variety of emotions and actions.
Cold spots, boxes being moved, feelings of being watched, foul smells, footsteps of Billy running down the hall, children playing with a boy with a likeness of Billy, employees being pushed down stairs, William Sr. having a beer at the bar and Agatha knocking over salt shakers, sugar bowls and turning up the heat on burners have all been reported.
Wisconsin Ghost Investigations team came to the inn in 2002, certifying the inn, is haunted. The inn is still taking reservations.
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