a clock on a building
a yellow bell on a black background

Meet the Friendly Spirits

A Spirited Adventure

Discover the history and mystery of the friendly spirits at Historic Hotel Bethlehem. Share in the stories of our most spirited return guests, and allow us to introduce them to you, one-by-one.

a portrait of a man

Friendly Ghosts

Francis “Daddy” Thomas – Bethlehem’s Town Guide

Born in Germany in 1732, Thomas was six when he moved to the colonies. As a young man, he was fearless, often disregarding danger, which he regularly encountered in his job as a courier. 

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a woman in a long white dress

Friendly Ghosts

May Yohe – Lady Francis Hope

Born at the Eagle Hotel in April 1866, Mary Augusta Yohe was a vivacious little girl whose grandfather, Caleb Yohe, owned and operated the hotel. From her earliest days, “May” Yohe, as she was called, sang and danced for guests in the hotel lobby.

a room with a bed and a table

Friendly Ghosts

Room with a “Boo” – Ninth Floor

Room 932 has a record of paranormal activity. In one instance, a couple reported being awakened by a man standing at the foot of the bed asking, “Why are you in my room?” But, when they switched on the light, no one was there. 

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a large building with a white fence and trees

Friendly Ghosts

Mrs. Brong – Landlord

In 1833, a committee of the Moravian Church — the owners of the Eagle Hotel — terminated Mr. and Mrs. Brong after six months as “landlords.” Mr. Brong joined any guest for a drink, the bartender often removed him to a nearby bench when he became too inebriated to sit up.

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Once he was thrown from a horse and broke his neck; he was carried home frozen and half dead. On another occasion he and his horse fell through thin ice into freezing water. He became a cabinetmaker and married Anna Graeff in 1762. They were happily married for 53 years. Although they had no children, they raised three girls sent by missionaries to be educated at the famed girls' seminary. His industry, honesty, and faithfulness earned him everyone’s respect and confidence, and led him to his true calling as the Bethlehem town guide. He died on April 4th, 1822, and some say he still attends to Bethlehem's visitors and guest, with a wonderful sense of fun and humor. Daddy Thomas has been seen in the boiler room area of the hotel.

Guests have also seen reflections in the mirrors, and five guests — with no prior knowledge of the hotel or the room — reported unexplained happenings: papers standing upright or flying off the desk, lamps flashing, and the bathroom wallpaper turning pink. We have many pictures of 932 with strange “orbs.” In 2007, a paranormal investigator stayed, and he recorded voices that said things like, “It’s Mary,” “What a beautiful bathroom,” “I’ve locked myself in the closet,” and “Look out the window!” We admit the room does have a spectacular view, but it also occasionally comes with unexplained visitors and activities. As it turns out, it’s our most requested room. Book it and see what you add to the story.

Mrs. Brong would have been a perfect hostess if she just wore shoes or stockings. Guests coming off the arriving stagecoach would be greeted most politely and then be shocked to see her “pedal extremities completely exposed!” For the day, this caused quite a stir. So, when our kitchen staff and dinner guests spoke of seeing a woman in period clothing with no shoes or socks, there was no doubt about her identity. Mrs. Brong is primarily seen in the kitchen and restaurant area of the hotel.