Portland Ghosts

12. The Crystal Ballroom

Portland, OR

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In 1914, the Crystal Ballroom (called Cotillion Hall until the 1930s) was built as a ballroom. Dancing was done here through the Great Depression, though it was shut down at various times because people were doing 'banned' dances like the Tango. In the 1960s, the hall was the ultimate place to see rock and roll music in Portland, and many big-name acts played on the stage. Today, the multilevel building is used as a pub, a dance club, and a rental hall for meetings and conventions. There has always been a lot of energy at the Crystal Ballroom, and it seems this energy has helped keep spirits on the site. Much of the activity actually happens after the building has closed or before it opens. Soft jazz music will radiate from empty rooms. Staff members will hear footsteps on the wooden floors and groups of people laughing at unheard jokes. When the staff go to look for the unexpected guests, the sound stops abruptly, almost as if the spirits didn't like being caught by the living. It seems the entities want the ballroom all to themselves! [Photo: M.O. Stevens]