NEW MEXICO LEGENDS

Ghosts of Albuquerque

Albuquerque Press Club - Originally built as a family residence in 1903, it was called the Whittlesey House. Over the years it passed into various hands and at one time many of the rooms were rented to people who were convalescing from two nearby sanitariums. Today, the building serves as a nightclub and most of the phenomena are the many strange sounds heard by the staff and visitors. High heeled shoes are often heard walking across the bar and lobby areas, the piano sometimes plays of its own accord, and strange voices are sometimes heard. The apparition of a woman in a black shawl that the staff call "Mrs. M” has appeared to numerous people over the years.

The Albuquerque Press Club, courtesy New Mexico Preservation Alliance.

The Luna-Otero Mansion is renowned for its great

food, ambiance, service, and -- it's resident ghost.

The Kimo Theatre is said to be haunted by a young boy who was killed in a fire in 1951.

Luna Mansion – Actually located in Los Lunas, New Mexico, a nearby suburb of Albuquerque, the Luna-Otero Mansion in is known for its great steaks, hot chili, and tantalizing deserts; but that’s not all it’s known for. It’s also renowned for its resident ghosts. In side this 1881 mansion turned restaurant, there have been many reported sightings of the ghost of Josefita Otero, who seemingly prefers the second floor bedrooms and the stairway. Other reported phenomenon includes chairs that move on their own accord and pots and pans that often heard rattling in an otherwise empty kitchen

Maria Teresa Restaurant –This beautiful old hacienda, turned restaurant dates back to 1783 when it was built by a man named Salvador Armijo. Today it has the dubious distinction of being one of New Mexico's most haunted buildings. At least four different spirits have been seen wandering through the restaurant on various occasions. Other phenomenon includes a piano that seemingly plays of its own accord, employees who are touched by unseen hands, reflections of ghosts appearing in mirrors, unseen voices, and flatware and tables that mysteriously move on their own.

Rancho de Corrales, courtesy Southwest Ghost Hunters Association.

Rancho de Corrales – Not actually in Albuquerque, but about 15 miles north of the city, in Corrales, New Mexico , this gracious old hacienda was built in 1801 by Diego Montoya. The sprawling adobe home, with its thick walls and heavily timbered ceilings was, at first, a peaceful oasis surrounded by orchards. However, that all changed when the Luis and Louisa Emberto purchased the property in 1883. Some five years after they moved in, a bloody shootout occurred. It all started when Luis discovered that his wife was having an affair and moved out of the hacienda promising to return and kill both her and her lover. On April, 1898, made good on his promise and shot his wife twice.

An armed posse soon surrounded the hacienda and in the gun battle that ensued, Luis was struck down. Due to the scandalous circumstances of the couple’s death, they were not allowed a proper burial in the church cemetery and were their remains were interred across the irrigation ditch to the west of the building.

Today, the restless pair continue to make their presence known at the hacienda turned restaurant. Reported activities include items that seemingly move on their own, the sounds of disembodied voices, and the appearance of a woman in 1800’s era clothing. Others have heard the sound of midnight parties in the old hacienda.

San Pedro Library - There are said to be a number of strange occurrences in the library including lights that turn on and off of their own accord and objects that move by themselves. Additionally, at night a disembodied voice is often heard to say, "Please, come check out a book.” Others report the apparitions of children that are seen in darkened rooms.

Wool Warehouse Theater Restaurant - This building, a National Historic Landmark, was built in 1929 by prominent wool business man, Frank Bond, as his New Mexico headquarters. Designed by T. Charles Gaastra, who had recently returned from a trip to Egypt, the building prominently displays the Egyptian influence. Today the historic building is part of the Double Tree Hotel Complex. Encompassing some 5,000 square feet, the Wool Warehouse Theater Restaurant is housed on the second floor. During performances a man in a cream-colored double breasted suit has been known to have appeared on the stage. Thought to be Mr. Bond himself, the spirit seems to be pleasant and is also known to happily watch the productions from the side stage. On the other hand, the stairs behind the stage that lead to the basement, are thought to hold are more malevolent spirit. Employees have reported feeling pushed by unseen hands, something or someone that grabs their ankles, and strange noises emanating from the walls. This has frightened some to such an extent, that they refuse to go to the basement. Other paranormal activities reported are the feeling of hot and cold spots, being watched, and items that are mysteriously moved.
  
Xilinx Building – Today, this building serves as a technology development center, but this has not always been the case.  The building once served as a mental health hospital. Today, staff report mysterious banging sounds throughout the building, groans heard in the courtyard, and whispers in the back office area. Others tell of objects that seemingly move of their own accord, and shadowy figures that are soon moving along the hallways.

© Kathy Weiser/Legends of America, updated May, 2010

Also See:

Albuquerque - 300 Year Old Duke City

La Llorona in Albuquerque

New Mexico's Route 66

From Legends' General Store

Route 66 Signs - Dozens of great metal signs to decorate that office or den. Makes a great gift for Route 66 enthusiasts and car buffs. See them all HERE!