On the shores of the Snohomish River, just west of the Cascade Mountains, lies the quaint town of Snohomish. Cozy cafes, antique shops, and farm-to-table restaurants are situated in a charming historic downtown area. Founded in the mid-1800s, Snohomish embodies the pioneer spirit, weathering both the good and the bad of small-town country life. A smallpox outbreak in the 1800s devastated but did not destroy the town. In 1911, a fire destroyed much of downtown, but what remained is still present today in a moment caught in time. Despite the hardships, Snohomish is a beloved home to generations of residents. Some say that certain Snohomish residents refuse to leave because of its draw. Here are a few chilling stories of Snohomish’s haunted buildings.
The Carnegie Public Library
Built in 1910, the Carnegie Public Library Building has been a public gathering spot for many years. Serving as the first library in Snohomish, locals gathered to peruse the library shelves and visit with neighbors. One local Snohomish resident, Catherine McMurchy, is perhaps refusing to vacate the library after closing time. Serving as a librarian from 1923-1939, Catherine was devoted to her community. She lost her family at a young age and lived alone. Sadly, after her death in 1956, there was no money to buy a gravestone to mark her passing. Perhaps this is why she still visits the building, which brings her great joy.
Visitors to the building report seeing objects move around and hearing footsteps. There have also been reports of visions of a woman passing through wearing Catherine’s favorite color, blue. Eerie happenings prompted the community to install a webcam in 2002 to track these unusual events. Soon thereafter, funds were raised to create a proper gravestone to mark her life and her commitment to her beloved community. Although the Carnegie Building is no longer used to house the library, Catherine may have decided that retirement is not part of her plans.
The Oxford Saloon
Known as one of the most haunted places in Washington, the Oxford Saloon has a vibrant but dark history. Built in 1900 as a grocery store, the Oxford Saloon has operated as a saloon and other more notorious businesses in the past. Patrons and workers describe creepy feelings within the bar, including unexplained cool breezes, the sense of being grabbed, flickering lights, and unexplained movement of objects.
Madame Katherine, who suffered a violent death, perhaps still watches over her working girls on the top floor of the saloon. Police Officer Henry, who died breaking up a bar fight at the Oxford in the 1920s, may still be on duty protecting bar patrons. Or perhaps it is Amelia, a young prostitute who was found dead in a closet in room six. Or could it be that there are patrons refusing to leave at bar time?
The Cabbage Patch Restaurant
Situated along a lovely tree-lined street in downtown Snohomish, the Cabbage Patch Restaurant is a local favorite. Built in 1905, it was initially a lovely private residence. One little girl, Sybill Sibley, reportedly refuses to leave her childhood home on Avenue A. Sybill died at the age of 11 from a tumble down the stairs. Despite her tragic death, diners and staff report that her childhood antics continue to this day.
Clanging dishes, laughter, and sightings of Sybill have been reported in the upstairs rooms. Kitchen staff describe a feeling of something brushing past their legs while working, perhaps one of Sybill’s childhood dogs. Mediums also report seeing an older, mean-spirited man who scares Sybill on occasion. It is said that Sybill’s uncle had a difficult personality and was quick to anger. Is this uncle correcting Sybill’s childhood antics, or did he play a darker role in her demise? In either case, Sybill seems perfectly content to never leave her childhood home on Avenue A.
The Marks Building and Old County Jail
Built as a dry goods store in 1887, the Marks Building remains as one of the original buildings in downtown Snohomish. Housing a variety of businesses throughout the years, the most intriguing part of the building’s history is when it housed the county jail. Connected by a tunnel to the police station across First Street, the jail has undoubtedly seen its share of problematic behavior.
Adorable boutiques and cozy shops now occupy the space. However, some report paranormal activity in and around the Marks Building. Descriptions of moans and key jangling have been reported from both the old jail cells and the area near the underground tunnel. Movement of the elevator traveling up and down the shaft without an operator has also been reported. Perhaps the jailors did not realize that their shift had ended, or could it be that the prisoners were never released?
Residents enjoy small-town country life and have loved their city of Snohomish since the 1800s. With mountain views, historic architecture, and cozy cafes and shops, why would anyone want to leave?
