Colonial
Lanes was built in 1959
on Huntington's West
Side. Shortly after it
was built, ten
additional lanes were
constructed, along with
a connected beer tavern
known as the Taproom.
In 1967,
the Taproom received its
liquor license and was
officially renamed
Rebels and Redcoats
Tavern. It became a
4-star restaurant in
1969 and served food up
until 2004, when it
reverted back to a
tavern.
The
hauntings at Colonial
Lanes seem concentrated
on only the tavern area
of the complex, with the
upstairs stockroom,
kitchen, and wine room
being the most
paranormally active.
According to several
seasoned employees
interviewed for a
Marshall University
Parthenon article, the
activity began shortly
after the death of Mr.
Frankel, one of the
owners. Mr. Frankel is
said to have been a
friendly and
compassionate man who
always went out of his
way for his staff and
patrons. Incidentally,
employees say activity
has decreased
significantly over the
past 15-20 years, ever
since Mr. Frankel's son
stepped in. HPIR has
received an update from
the Frankel family
stating that the
activity did not, nor
ever concentrate on
Frankel's presence, or
lack thereof.
Nevertheless, the tavern
is still believed by
many to be one of the
most haunted locations
in the tri-state area.
Here's a sampling of
activity reported over
the years:
The
smell of cherry pipe
tobacco and the
sound of heavy
footsteps coming
from the stockroom.
People hearing their
name being whispered
or called out.
The
door to the kitchen
opening, then
slamming shut.
A
swinging door near
the bar swings open
wide as if someone
is going through.
Employees leave the
room, only to return
to the chairs
stacked on top of
the tables, and
other things moved
or out of place.
Opening employees
find things like the
radio turned on,
even though they
know it was turned
off the night before
at closing.
One
man heard a knock at
the bathroom door
when no one was
around except for
one other person who
was no where near
the bathroom at the
time.
(Info
courtesy of HPIR
Research Manager,
Theresa)
