Kells Irish Restaurant, a family-friendly bar and restaurant set in the historic Butterworth Building of downtown Seattle, was once home to the country's first purpose-built mortuary, and has had a long and interesting history since.

With rumors of paranormal activity going back nearly a century, it is no wonder that this popular downtown eatery has long been reputed to be one of the most haunted pubs in Washington.

But in a city that has a sordid past as deep and diverse as Seattle, what horrors could possibly make one Irish pub stand out above the rest?

Did You Know?

• The entrance to the restaurant is where the bodies of the dead were brought into the mortuary.
• In 1903, it was the first building in the United States to be established as a permanent mortuary.
• It was the first location to offer services related to death, such as coffin sales.
• There was a special policy in place at the mortuary that would allow families to remain with their loved ones before the burial.
• It is said that ghosts are attracted to the building because of its positive energy.

Image Courtesy of Flickr User Jmabel

The Haunting History behind Butterworth Building

It is often said that ghosts are drawn to positive energy, which the Butterworth Building’s current occupants produce an ample amount of with their cozy Irish pub. But the original Butterworth Building, and the services it provided, was not always so lighthearted.

It is this macabre era in the building’s history that has led to its reputation of being one of the most haunted pubs west of the Mississippi, and, subsequently, there have been countless sightings that suggest that the building’s reputation is not all that has remained over the years.

The controversial history of Butterworth and Sons mortuary has long led to the belief that there is an immense volume of negative energy attached to the building's past, much of which can still be seen and felt to this very day.

From rumors of coffins being buried empty because the bodies were sold for profit, to the questionable practices of a doctor by the name of Linda Hazard, who was known to treat her patients with starvation, there has been no shortage of dark history within the building.

There have even been numerous reports of unexplainable noises within its walls, and many people have claimed to experience feelings of uneasiness when left alone in the building, especially late at night.

Throughout the years, many spiritualists have been brought to the Butterworth Building in an attempt to initiate meaningful communication with the alleged spirits who remain there, including both a catholoic priest and a voodoo priestess.

Additionally, the building has made an appearance in many documentaries and written works pertaining to the paranormal, making it not only one of the most haunted attractions in the city, but one of the most documented, as well.

Modern Hauntings of Butterworth Building

Perhaps one of the most frequent sightings reported at the pub is of a young girl, who is commonly described as being dressed in a scarlet velvet dress with red ringlets cascading down over her shoulders. She is often referred to as a prankster, and is said to be drawn to other children.

Many people claim to have seen the young girl, and some have even left the Irish pub terrified because of it, but despite the apparition’s frightful and sudden appearances, the common consensus among employees is that she is a playful and friendly spirit.

Another frequent ghost one might encounter is known by the name of Charlie, an older gentleman who is most often seen wearing a hat. Charlie is said to appear at random throughout the building, only to disappear shortly after.

Like the young woman in red, Charlie is also known to be a very friendly and sociable spirit. However, there have also been reported encounters with other spirits, some of which have been described as less welcoming.

One incident of note involves the mother of the current owner of Kells Irish Restaurant. One night, it is said that fell down a flight of stairs, just barely avoiding any serious injuries. When asked about it, she claims that she had actually been pushed, even despite there being no one around to do so.

If the perpetrator was indeed another ghost haunting the historic pub, it would not be the first time that physical contact between people and spirits have been reported inside the building.

The Origins of Butterworth Building

The Butterworth Building, of which the base level is currently occupied by Kells Irish Restaurant, was originally constructed to serve as a mortuary. The building became known in 1903 as the Butterworth and Sons mortuary, later moving to a new location in 1923.

A special feature about the Butterworth Building is that it was one of the very first facilities to operate as a mortuary in the United States, designed specifically for that purpose instead of being retrofitted later after construction.

But Butterworth Building’s morbid business is not the only interesting feature it boasts. In fact, the Late Victorian building, which was designed by John Graham, Sr., has a unique structural layout that makes it appear to have three stories from certain angles, when it actually has five.

The different stories all had their own unique functions within the mortuary, creating an efficient system that made Butterworth and Sons stand out against the competition. For example, one was used only to store the mortuary’s utensils, so others could deal solely with the deceased.