Franklin Castle (aka Hannes Tiedemann House) is a Victorian-style mansion in Cleveland, Ohio that its namesake original owner built in the 1880s. Hannes was a wealthy German immigrant who was somewhat of a financier and barrel-maker in the 19th century, who hired a well-known firm to design his new home with over 20 rooms. The white building was built in Gothic Queen Anne style with heavy stone walls, several elaborate towers, and even gargoyles to protect the property. However, shortly after construction, the family living there experienced multiple unfortunate tragedies, as 4 of his children passed away, along with his mother and his wife. As the 20th century commenced, the estate was converted into a German cultural center, known as Eintracht Hall. Between 1921 and 1968, this saloon-style club was a popular hangout with secret chambers to shield its alcohol from Prohibition. In 1985, the final husband of legendary actress Judy Garland bought the building and contributed directly to a multi-million-dollar renovation, which never occurred, due to an arson that torched the upstairs ballroom in 1999. Unfortunately, sadness and despair would also linger around the location. Franklin Castle quickly gained a notorious reputation as Ohio’s most haunted place and, arguably, remains so today. In modern times, local lore became even darker, as it came out that Hannes was an evil tyrant who murdered several young females. Luckily, a resident historian was able to debunk that rumor as nothing but a lie created by an ersatz psychic medium trying to tarnish the legend. Despite that, it’s been proven that several of the original family members actually did die mysteriously in rapid succession. The spirits of Emma and Louise Tiedemann are commonly reported to be spotted roaming the hallways as ghosts in white and black, respectively. Significant poltergeist activity is another common occurrence in the form of footsteps on floors when nobody is around, locked doors slamming, blankets being pulled off the beds, and electronic malfunctions. The bedroom where Louise once slept often is much colder that the rest of the house. Many visitors and staff also report being pushed violently on the grand staircase. Even previous residents are quick to note the strange events that occur within the building. Today, there are tours given of the property for those interested in history and/or being spooked. It’s really a location that’s hidden in plain sight, just outside of downtown Cleveland, that dares anyone willing to come.
Haunted Franklin Castle
