Newspaper Clipping of the Day

Via Newspapers.com

This quirky little tale appeared in the “Grass Valley Union,” March 11, 1914:

BLOOMINGTON (Ill.), March 10.-- The mystery of the "House of Mystery" at Chrisman, Ill., is still unsolved after seventeen years. It is now the resort of bats and owls and rapidly going to decay. It was in 1896 that the "House of Mystery" was erected. Without any previous announcement one spring morning, a gang of workmen from some outside point arrived in Chrisman.

Simultaneously came carloads of building material. Upon a large lot on the main street of the town there was speedily erected the structure that was to create so much gossip in succeeding years. The townspeople quizzed the workmen concerning the ownership of the house, but learned nothing. All engaged were sworn to secrecy, and none broke faith.

The progress of the structure was watched with curious interest. It was surmised that some well-to-do bachelor of the town was preparing a home for a prospective bride, but all such pleaded "Not guilty." Decorators and furnishers followed upon the heels of the carpenters, plasterers and painters. The house was fitted up luxuriously and with every up-to-date convenience. It was now felt that the mystery would soon be solved. The dining room was a marvel of luxury, with carved table and chairs and a buffet filled with expensive china.

The parlor was equipped with expensive rugs, a grand piano and silk upholstered furniture. The library and bedrooms corresponded in magnificence with the other rooms. The sleeping apartments varied in magnificence with the other rooms. The sleeping apartments varied in color and furnishings, from the palest blue and birdseye maple to rich green tones and heavy walnut. After the final touch of the outfitters and decorators the house was closed.

Time passed and no one appeared. No blushing bride and happy bridegroom. There were no developments of any kind. Weeks, months and years slipped by and the mystery deepened. Six years ago an Incendiary set fire to the house and before the flames were extinguished the kitchen was badly damaged.

A few days later workmen appeared from some neighboring city, repaired the damage and went their way. Although plied with queries by the residents, no one would furnish any information calculated to clear up the mystery. About that time a municipal electric lighting plant was installed in Chrisman and electricians wired the "mysterious house."

In 1919, various newspapers carried another brief story about the house, indicating that the riddle of who built it and why it stood empty for so many years had yet to be solved.  As far as I can tell, the “House of Mystery” remained just that.