A place haunted by ghosts of the past and spirits from before alike. A place standing tall and strong through hundreds of years.The oldest building in the city, one that’s survived fires that desecrated and destroyed the city as a whole. The building stand as a silent witness to the chaos and destruction that has plagued the city for centuries. It’s stood strong and unwaivoring through disease outbreaks and riots. A mansion made of brick. Three stories tall, four if you count the basement. A piece of history preserved in its original beauty. A haunting image of the past. A steadfast reminder of the endurance a small city can withstand and rebuild into a bustling metropolis. A beacon of hope when things grow dark and feel like everything is falling apart. The spirits of the family that’s owned it for generations wander its halls at night, the living explore them during the day. Now a museum preserving its historic significance to the city. Tours showcasing each tragedy it has stood strong against. Starting as a family mansion finding further riches in the gold in the river. Then swiftly becoming sanctuary for the fires, floods, cholera and riots. Back to a home then tuberculosis ward when the city needed it. Back to a home again and then a museum finally. This building has seen more death and suffering than any other in or around this beautiful city. More death yet equally flooded with hope and strength. Standing as a symbol of human spirit and resilience.

For such a building, that’s seen such tragedy, is haunting in its halls and beauty. Original paintings of each generation of the family. Hand carved and engraved banisters and handrails for the winding spiral staircases. Polished brass doorknobs and intricately hand carved doors for each room. Original deep red carpet runners line the hardwood floors. Such care went into every detail, time and money alike. Acknowledges human creativity amongst the chaos of the world outside it. You can hear the footsteps of the spirits of the house down the long hallways. Hear the doors quietly shut seemingly on their own. A simple politeness forever instilled in each occupant remaining in its vastness. In no way humble in surface observance, rather at estimate to architecture and art. Yet it holds a powerful position of humbleness in its variety of services its held through its long life.