The Ghosts of the Cresswell House

The most frequently reported paranormal activity at the Cresswell House involves the spirits of children. Multiple witnesses over the decades have reported hearing the sound of children laughing, playing, and running through the upstairs hallways—always when no living children are present.

Residents and visitors describe hearing the patter of small feet on the stairs, the sound of a ball bouncing, and children's voices calling out to each other as if playing hide-and-seek. These sounds are most often heard in the late afternoon and early evening, as if the ghost children are playing during the hours when Victorian-era children would have been allowed recreation time.

Some witnesses report actually seeing the children—translucent figures of a boy and girl, dressed in clothing from the late 1800s, appearing to be around 8-10 years old. They're often seen holding hands, looking out the windows, or sitting on the stairs as if waiting for their parents.

One compelling account comes from a family who lived in the house in the 1960s. Their young daughter insisted she had two playmates who lived in the attic—a brother and sister who wore 'old-fashioned clothes' and only came out to play when the adults weren't around. The parents dismissed it as imagination until they heard children's laughter coming from the attic one afternoon when their daughter was at school. Investigation revealed the attic empty—but filled with the scent of lavender and the lingering sensation of joy.

Historical research revealed that two Cresswell children died in the house from scarlet fever in 1897, within days of each other. Many believe these are the spirits still playing in the home they loved.

One of the most enchanting hauntings at the Cresswell House involves the sound of piano music drifting through the rooms. Multiple residents and visitors have reported hearing beautiful classical music being played on the piano in the parlor—yet when they investigate, the piano bench is empty and the keys are still.

The music is always classical—pieces by Chopin, Mozart, and Beethoven—played with skill and emotion. Sometimes the music is accompanied by the sound of a woman humming along, as if she's lost in the joy of playing.

Historical records indicate that Eleanor Cresswell, the wife of the home's builder, was an accomplished pianist who frequently hosted musical evenings in the parlor. She spent hours each day at her beloved Steinway grand piano, which remained in the house for decades after her death in 1919.

One resident in the 1980s reported waking at 3 AM to the sound of piano music. She came downstairs to find the parlor bathed in a soft glow, though no lights were on. The music stopped the moment she entered the room, but she reported feeling a presence—not frightening, but peaceful, as if Eleanor was simply practicing her music and didn't wish to be disturbed.

Interestingly, the phantom music is most often reported on the anniversary of Eleanor's death and during the holiday season, when she would have hosted her famous Christmas musicales.

Beyond the children and Eleanor Cresswell, the house seems to be home to several other spirits from its long history. Residents report seeing a distinguished gentleman in Victorian-era clothing standing at the second-floor window, looking out over the garden. Some believe this is Thomas Cresswell himself, the mining entrepreneur who built the house as a testament to his success.

In the library, people report the smell of cigar smoke and old books, despite the room being smoke-free for decades. Some have seen the apparition of an older man sitting in a leather chair, appearing to read. When acknowledged, he simply fades away, leaving behind a cold spot and the lingering scent of tobacco.

The kitchen and servants' areas show signs of residual haunting—the sounds of cooking, dishes clattering, and busy household activity, as if the daily routines of the Victorian household are imprinted on the house itself. Some have reported seeing the fleeting apparition of a woman in a servant's uniform, carrying a tray or cleaning supplies, walking through walls where doors once stood.

One fascinating phenomenon involves the sensation of being welcomed when entering the house. Multiple visitors have reported feeling as if they're being greeted upon entering, sometimes even hearing a voice say 'Welcome' or feeling an invisible presence taking their coat. The Cresswells were known for their hospitality, and it seems that welcoming spirit continues even from beyond the grave.

The gardens surrounding the Cresswell House are as haunted as the interior. Eleanor Cresswell was an avid gardener who spent hours tending to her roses, and many believe her spirit still cares for her beloved plants.

Gardeners and landscapers who have worked on the property report tools being moved, plants that seem to thrive impossibly well in certain areas, and the sensation of being watched while working in the garden. Some have reported seeing a woman in a long white dress and wide-brimmed hat tending to the roses, only to have her vanish when approached.

The scent of roses is often detected in the garden even in winter when no roses are blooming. This phenomenon is particularly strong near a stone bench where Eleanor would sit to rest while gardening. Some visitors report sitting on this bench and feeling an overwhelming sense of peace and contentment.

One professional gardener hired to restore the gardens in the 1990s reported being 'guided' to plant certain flowers in specific locations. She described feeling a gentle presence directing her work, and later discovered through historical photographs that she had recreated Eleanor's original garden design without ever having seen the old pictures.

Thomas and Eleanor Cresswell raised their family in the house, hosting elaborate parties, musical evenings, and garden parties that made them fixtures of Denver high society. The house was known for its warmth and hospitality, with the Cresswells opening their home to friends, family, and the community.

The loss of their two youngest children to scarlet fever in 1897 was devastating, but the Cresswells remained in the home, perhaps finding comfort in the memories it held. Eleanor continued her musical pursuits and gardening, while Thomas remained active in Denver's business community.

After Eleanor's death in 1919, Thomas remained in the house until his own death in 1925. The house passed through several families over the following decades, each adding their own stories to its history. Today, the Cresswell House stands as a beautiful example of Victorian architecture and, according to many, a home still filled with the love and life of those who cherished it most.