House of Mystery Built, Kept Up, Remains Unused

1911

HOUSE OF MYSTERY

Illinois Dwelling Which Has Had No Occupants

Building Was Erected Fifteen Years Ago, But, With Its Elaborate Furnishings, Remains Unused to This Day

Chrisman, Ill. — The years glide by, the population changes, but the "mystery house" of Chrisman remains unsolved. For fifteen years the residents of this city have sought to penetrate the atmosphere of uncertainty that always surrounds the premises, but all in vain. The curtains are always down, no one appears to take any interest in the future occupation and the identity of the builder or owner remains a secret to this day. There may be material here for a Sherlock Holmes or perhaps a Dickens, and some day, when the story becomes public, there may be abundant food for the gossips. For the present, those who knew, keep their counsel and whether they will ever satisfy the inquisitive public or not, is a matter for speculation.

It was fifteen years ago that the "mystery house" sprang into being at Chrisman. One spring morning, excavators and bricklayers appeared upon the scene and prepared a cellar and foundation walls for a house. Carpenters followed and later came decorators and furnishers. Every workman was pledged to secrecy and would give the curious villagers no hint of the owner. Crowds would stand around as the mechanics wielded their hammers and saws and fashioned the structure into shape, hoping that some clue could be secured concerning the builder. Eagerly they awaited the completion of the structure, being confident that some one would take up their residence there and thus put an end to the speculation. It was the general belief that the builder planned the home for a bride and that a wedding would follow the completion of the structure.

With the departure of the carpenters and decorators, came the furnishers. Expense was not spared to fit up the home in palatial style. The rugs were Oriental; the curtains imported; the china of the highest grade and everything was sumptuous and artistic. Neither money nor time was spared to secure handsome and comfortable results. From parlor to kitchen, from garret to cellar, the house was completed in every detail. The whole was enough to make a woman gasp with delight and admiration. There was nothing lacking but occupants. Strange to relate, they never came.

With the completion of the beautifully furnished home, the shades were dropped, the keys were turned in the lock and the house commenced its long career of idleness. As the years went by, the lawn was trimmed, the shade trees given attention, the exterior and interior painted as made necessary, and everything kept in shape as if the occupants might arrive any day.

With the flight of the years, the people of Chrisman fixed the ownership upon one or the other of two well-to-do young bachelors, but they would never confirm an interrogation. It was the general opinion that they had charge of the building and occasional attention and that some day, one or the other would marry and bring a bride to the vacant home, but the wedding bells were still and the bride came not.

Four years ago some miscreant made an attempt to destroy the house by fire and heavy loss was inflicted. The mechanics came promptly and rebuilt the damaged section and replaced everything. Within a few weeks, all marks of the fire was erased.

To add to the mystery, a number of attempts have been made to purchase the house and some have sought to rent it, but all without avail. Set amidst the dark green foliage of the surrounding trees, the wide windows seem to stare back enigmatically at the people as they pass by and gaze curiously at the curtained windows hading this inanimate thing of mystery which baffles solution.