Tuesday, October 14, 2008

The Holmes Castle


Herman Mudgett was a New Hampshire-born medical student with an interest in the macabre. Mudgett, or H.H. Holmes, as he began calling himself (among a number of other aliases) came to Chicago in 1886 and quickly charmed his way into work at a pharmacy in Englewood on the South side of Chicago, at 63rd and Wallace. After the widow who owned the pharmacy mysteriously disappeared, Holmes took over the business and grew it successfully, largely by charming the neighborhood women, who took pains to visit and patronize his business.

With the money from his drug store, Holmes purchased the lot across the street (pictured above) and designed and built his "castle," which included retail shops on the first floor and rooms on the second. It wasn't until much later that the interesting aspects of the castle came to public notice: the rooms with locks on the outside and gas nozzles on the inside, the vats of acid, the corridors that led to nowhere, the kiln hot enough to disintegrate flesh in the basement.

Before, and especially during, the World's Fair of 1893, Holmes tortured and killed scores of visitors, especially women, to whom he was preternaturally irresistible. He became Chicago's first serial killer, the "Jack the Ripper of America." Holmes married several times (usually without divorcing the previous wife); during the Fair, he moved his wife to an apartment in Lincoln Park.

He was eventually caught, and hanged in 1896.

Holmes was no architect nor engineer, and his castle was neither well-designed nor built to particularly high standards. In addition, in order to conceal his misanthropy, the building was erected by a continually changing cast of workers. Holmes' practice was to hire a crew one week, then refuse to pay them, then hire a new group of workers when the last ones gave up. The castle would not have stood long, but its demise was hastened by an unknown arsonist, and it burned to the ground shortly after Holmes was arrested. The location is now a U.S. post office.

UPDATE: Based on information from a commenter, it appears that, after the fire, the building was largely rebuilt, and continued to be used until January, 1938, when it was purchased by the city for use as a post office. The photo below shows the building as it looked in 1938, when the address was 601-03 W. 63rd. Thanks to Adam Seltzer for the tip.



36 comments:

Adam Selzer said...

The castle stood longer than is generally known - the 1895 fire pretty well gutted the place, and mostbooks have assumed that was the end of it. In fact, though, it was still on the spot until 1938, when the city bought it as a tear-down.

Love your site! I run the blog over at http://www.weirdchicagoblog.com

Kendall said...

Adam,

Thanks a lot for the tip. I did much less research on these older posts than I do on the more recent ones, and I plan to go through and rewrite a lot of them at some point.

I was able to corroborate your thesis with evidence from a 1938 Tribune article (see above).

Lara said...

I enjoyed the pictures of "the castle" since it enhanced the story behind the book Devil in the White City that I am currently reading. LK

Rhiannon said...

I an currently reading the book and just found out 10 minutes ago that there will be a movie in 2013. Awesome! Can't wait!

RussB said...

Wow. My dad was a career Chicago policeman and grew up on the south on Dauphine Ave as well. He worked the Engelwood district for a long time and he'd heard of the Holmes Castle and never knew where it was. I grew up near Midway off 63rd and used to take the 63rd St CTA through there to IIT and other lakefront points and passed that many times and I know that post office well from seeing it from the bus window regularly. I just recently found the documentary movie about Mudgeon/Holmes on Netflix and has seen an episode of Supernatural where they mentioned it and decided to check the location today via Google Maps street view. Wow I know that corner and overpass. Aldi across the street must be the pharmacy location where Holmes started his Chicago spree. My dad retired from the CPD in 96 and passed in 01 but I had heard of many other things in Chicago he had been involved in such as the DNC riots, the post King assasination riots, Richard Speck's nurse murders and some other major things but to think a quiet post office is the former site of such horrific events is mind boggling. I haven't been in the city since I went in the USAF in 76 but if I have reason to venture back I may drive back down 63rd...make me feel like I'm in my own Kolshack episode LOL

Anonymous said...

just finished the book "scarlet mansion"...after "the jungle"...damn chicago...wtf?

Julie said...

I have looked and looked for photos of the interior, but have never found any. Anyone?

Anonymous said...

Interestingly enough there are articles I have read that claim HH Holmes is Jack the Ripper. I maybe wrong but msnbc may have that story in its archive from no longer than a year ago.

Anonymous said...

I'm from englewood and never heard that one and i go to that post office

Anonymous said...

Good catch on the building's survival til 1938--the one mistake in DIWC, as far as I know (Larsen says it burned to the ground as I recall. I think he may have taken an 1895 newspaper headline at face value--8/19/95 Trib headline says "demolished" but the article itself says "almost destroyed") A date for the 1938 Tribune reference would be useful, if you can't post a fascimile of it.

Anonymous said...

I read somewhere that the top two floors were taken down after the fire in 1895, and only the retail storefronts on the first floor opened again for business. If that is in fact true, that picture would have to be from circa 1890s.

Anonymous said...

He is nothing compared to today's modern age Englewood residents.

Mando said...

Hi there,I enjoy reading through your article post, I wanted to write a little comment to support you and wish you a good continuationAll the best for all your blogging efforts.

furniture jepara
lemari pakaian minimalis
lemari hias minimalis
kursi tamu jati
sofa kursi tamu
rak tv minimalis
kursi tamu minimalis
meja makan minimalis
meja makan jati
meja kerja minimalis
meja rias minimalis

loug1966 said...

He was in the US at the time of the Ripper murders. He was ruled out. Also his M.O. is very different.

Blogger said...

Quantum Binary Signals

Professional trading signals sent to your cell phone every day.

Start following our trades right now and earn up to 270% a day.

yaklibber924 said...

There are some interesting points in time in this article however I don’t know if I see all of them center to heart. There's some validity but I'll take hold opinion till I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we wish extra! Added to FeedBurner as nicely bovada casino

usa said...

Hello all my viewers My name is Moore from USA!I am very happy for sharing this great testimonies,The best thing that has ever happened in my life is how I won the euro million mega jackpot. I am a woman who believe that one day I will win the lottery. finally my dreams come through when I email Dr clement. and tell him I need the lottery numbers. I have spend so much money on ticket just to make sure I won. But I never know that winning was not so easy like that until the day I meant the spell caster online which so many people has talked about that he is very powerful of casting any kind of spell gambling spell,so I decide to give it a try.I contacted this great Dr and he did a spell and he gave me the winning lottery numbers. But believe me when the draws were out I was among winners. I win seven million Dollar. Dr. clement truly you are the best you make me won seven millions dollar through lottery.I am so very happy to meet you dr, I will be forever be grateful to you dr. Email him for your own winning lottery numbers allmightbazulartemple@gmail.com or you can call him for your own help to win big money today/whatsapp +2347051758952 post by moore from (USA am from Florida spring Hill for reading.he can also help to cure any kind of disease or getting your ex back like, Dr clement can cure all kind of disease with my herbal medicine is nice dr or getting your ex back like
1 cancer cure
2 diabetes cure
3 hepatitis disease cure
4 herpes cure
5 warts cure
6 HPV cure
7 get your ex back
8 pregnancy herbal medicine
penis enlargement

clad hagel said...

Dr oniha spells worked immediately, thanks for helping me win the lottery for $45,700. I also won on an instant ticket 11 days later for $15,800. I know I was impatient and worried. But Dr oniha you kept me calm and were very kind and very helpful. I want everyone to know how you helped me and my family. Thank you Dr oniha -his watsapp +221705920450
It has only been 8 days since your lottery casting. and i have already won. i hit the pick 4 straight and won $5000. i know more winnings are coming. thank you Dr oniha. Email: dronihaspell@yahoo.com

RM said...

EFFECTIVE LOVE SPELL TO GET EX HUSBAND/BOYFRIEND OR EX WIFE/GIRLFRIEND AND CURE HERPES AND INFERTILITY THAT WORKS WITHIN 24 HOURS.

 Contact Dr. Odunga at odungaspelltemple@gmail.com OR Whats App/CALL +2348167159012

I got my ex husband back to me and also got fertile and gave birth to twin girls after 12 years of marriage.
When I came online last year, I saw a testimony about Doctor ODUNGA and how he has been helping people with marriage issues and I decided to contact him. We spoke on email at odungaspelltemple@gmail.com and later he gave me his WhatsApp number which is +2348167159012. He assured me he would help me get my ex husband back after 3 years of no contact. Doctor Odunga is the best spell caster I must say. My husband called me after 24 hours of contact. The third day, I received natural herbs for fertility and after using it, I became fertile and conceived. I and my husband reconnected, had sex and I was pregnant. Presently I am happy to say I am the mother of twin girls and this is ALL THANKS TO DOCTOR ODUNGA. I came online to say this If you need help, I believe you are saved with this man.  

Contact his email at odungaspelltemple@gmail.com

 OR Whats App/Call +2348167159012 and you too will give a testimony too to help others

Anonymous said...

HOW I GO MY DESIRED LOAN AMOUNT FROM A RELIABLE AND TRUSTED LOAN COMPANY LAST WEEK. Email for immediate response: drbenjaminfinance@gmail.com Call/Text: +1(415)630-7138 Whatsapp +19292227023

Hello everyone, My name is Mr.Justin Riley Johnson, I am from Texas, United State, am here to testify of how i got my loan from BENJAMIN LOAN INVESTMENTS FINANCE(drbenjaminfinance@gmail.com) after i applied Two times from various loan lenders who claimed to be lenders right here this forum,i thought their lending where real and i applied but they never gave me loan until a friend of mine introduce me to {Dr.Benjamin Scarlet Owen} the C.E.O of BENJAMIN LOAN INVESTMENTS FINANCE who promised to help me with a loan of my desire and he really did as he promised without any form of delay, I never thought there are still reliable loan lenders until i met {Dr.Benjamin Scarlet Owen}, who really helped me with my loan and changed my life for the better. I don't know if you are in need of an urgent loan also, So feel free to contact Dr.Benjamin Scarlet Owen on his email address: drbenjaminfinance@gmail.com BENJAMIN LOAN INVESTMENTS FINANCE holds all of the information about how to obtain money quickly and painlessly via Whatsapp +19292227023 Email: drbenjaminfinance@gmail.com and consider all your financial problems tackled and solved. Share this to help a soul right now, Thanks

Unknown said...

DO YOU NEED AN URGENT LOAN???
INSTANT AFFORDABLE PERSONAL/BUSINESS/HOME/INVESTMENT LOAN OFFER WITHOUT COST/STRESS CONTACT US TODAY VIA Whatsapp +19292227023 Email drbenjaminfinance@gmail.com

Hello, Do you need an urgent loan to support your business or in any purpose? we are certified and legitimate and international licensed loan Company. We offer loans to Business firms, companies and individuals at an affordable interest rate of 2% , It might be a short or long term loan or even if you have poor credit, we shall process your loan as soon as we receive your application. we are an independent financial institution. We have built up an excellent reputation over the years in providing various types of loans to thousands of our customers. We Offer guaranteed loan services of any amount to people all over the globe, we offer easy Personal loans,Commercial/business loan, Car Loan Leasing/equipment finance, Debt consolidation loan, Home loan, ETC with either a good or bad credit history. If you are in need of a loan do contact us via Whatsapp +19292227023 Email drbenjaminfinance@gmail.com
®Capital Managements Inc™ 2021.
Share this to help a soul right now, Thanks

Isco said...

- [ ] I'm here to testify about the great work Dr Osebor did for me. I have been suffering from (HERPES) disease for the past 5 years and had constant pain, especially in my knees. During the first year,I had faith in God that i would be healed someday.This disease started circulating all over my body and i have been taking treatment from my doctor, few weeks ago I came across a testimony of one lady on the internet testifying about a Man called Dr Osebor on how he cured her from HIV Virus. And she also gave the email address of this man and advise anybody to contact Dr Osebor for help for any kind of sickness that he would be of help, so I emailed him on ( oseborwinbacktemple@gmail.com ) telling him about my (HERPES Virus) he told me not to worry that i was going to be cured!! Well i never believed it,, well after all the procedures and remedy given to me by this man few weeks later i started experiencing changes all over me as Dr Osebor assured me that i will be cured,after some time i went to my doctor to confirmed if i have be finally healed behold it was TRUE, So 
- [ ] friends my advise is if you have such sickness or any other at all you can contact Dr Osebor via email. { oseborwinbacktemple@gmail.com }or call or what sapp him on( +2348073245515 )
- [ ] DR osebor CAN AS WELL CURE THE FOLLOWING DISEASE:-
- [ ]  HIV/AIDS
- [ ]  HERPES
- [ ] CANCER
- [ ] ALS
- [ ] cancer 
- [ ] Diabetes
eye problem etc.

Isco said...

- [ ] I'm here to testify about the great work Dr Osebor did for me. I have been suffering from (HERPES) disease for the past 5 years and had constant pain, especially in my knees. During the first year,I had faith in God that i would be healed someday.This disease started circulating all over my body and i have been taking treatment from my doctor, few weeks ago I came across a testimony of one lady on the internet testifying about a Man called Dr Osebor on how he cured her from HIV Virus. And she also gave the email address of this man and advise anybody to contact Dr Osebor for help for any kind of sickness that he would be of help, so I emailed him on ( oseborwinbacktemple@gmail.com ) telling him about my (HERPES Virus) he told me not to worry that i was going to be cured!! Well i never believed it,, well after all the procedures and remedy given to me by this man few weeks later i started experiencing changes all over me as Dr Osebor assured me that i will be cured,after some time i went to my doctor to confirmed if i have be finally healed behold it was TRUE, So 
- [ ] friends my advise is if you have such sickness or any other at all you can contact Dr Osebor via email. { oseborwinbacktemple@gmail.com }or call or what sapp him on( +2348073245515 )
- [ ] DR osebor CAN AS WELL CURE THE FOLLOWING DISEASE:-
- [ ]  HIV/AIDS
- [ ]  HERPES
- [ ] CANCER
- [ ] ALS
- [ ] cancer 
- [ ] Diabetes
eye problem etc.

Tamara Barrow said...

this is real take it serious, who will believe that a herb can cure ten
years HIV in my body, i never believe that this will work i have spend a
lot when getting drugs from the hospital to keep me healthy, what i was
waiting for is death because i was broke, one day i hard about this great
man who is well know of HIV and cancer cure, i decided to email him,
unknowingly to me that this will be the end of the HIV aids in my body, he
prepare the herb for me, and give me instruction on how to take it, at the
end of the two week, he told me to go to the hospital for a check up, and i
went, surprisingly after the test the doctor confirm me negative, i thought
it was a joke, i went to other hospital was also negative, then i took my
friend who was also HIV positive to the Dr voodoo after the treatment she
was also confirm negative . He also have the herb to cure cancer please i
want every one with this virus to be free, that is why am dropping his
email address, voodoospelltemple66@gmail.com i want you to email him he
is a great man. the government is also interested in this Dr voodoo
thank you for saving my life, and I promise I will always testify
for your good work you can also add him on whatsApp
+2348140120719

Rebecca Michaelson said...

HELLO, I am Rebecca Michaelson by name living in Europe. Here is a good news for those interested. There is away you can earn money without stress contact (THOMAS FREDDIE) for a blank [ATM CARD] today and be among the lucky once who are benefiting from this cards. This PROGRAMMED blank ATM card is capable of hacking into any ATM machine anywhere in the world. I got my master card from a good Hacker on the internet, with this ATM Card I am able to collect $5000 dollars every day via contacts:
+1 (985) 465-8370 {thomasunlimitedhackers@gmail.com}
I was very poor but this card have made me rich and happy, If you want to get this opportunity to become rich and establish your business then apply for this Master card, I am so happy about this because i got mine last week and I have used it to get $240,000.00 dollars from THOMAS FREDDIE UNLIMITED Hackers is giving out the card just to help the poor and needy and they ALSO OFFER FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. get yours from THOMAS FREDDIE UNLIMITED HACKERS today. Kindly contact them by Email thomasunlimitedhackers@gmail.com

Thank You and God bless

asda services said...

Blank ATM Cards
Do you know that you can hack any ATM machine !!!

We have specially programmed ATM cards that can be used to hack any ATM machine, this ATM cards can be used to withdraw cash at the ATM or swipe, stores and outlets. We sell this cards to all our customers and interested buyers worldwide, the cards has a daily withdrawal limit of 5000 in ATM and up to 100,000 spending limit in it stores. We also offer the following services:
1)WESTERN UNION TRANSFERS/MONEY GRAM TRANSFER
2)BANKS LOGINS
3)BANKS TRANSFERS
4)CRYPTOCURRENCY MINING
5)BUYING OF GIFT CARDS
6)LOADING OF ACCOUNTS
7)WALMART TRANSFERS
8)BITCOIN INVESTMENTS
9)REMOVING OF NAME FROM DEBIT RECORD AND CRIMINAL RECORD
10)BANK HACKING

 Becoming wealthy and living the lifestyle of the rich and famous is the dream of many people. And whilst most people go to work or seek other ethical methods of making money online.
 The blank ATM withdraws money from any ATM machines and there is no name on it because it is blank just your PIN will be on it, it is not traceable and now I have money for business, shopping and enough money for me and my family to live on.
 PROGRAMMED blank ATM card that is capable of hacking into any ATM machine,anywhere in the world.
  Contact Person: Prof Alexander Castro
  E-Mail: atmservices44@aol.com
  E-Mail: atmservices44@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

My name is Mr. Klaus Dieter, I work for the French financial institution Crédit Mutuel with the partnership of the bank BNP Paribas, we offer you offers at an interest rate of 3% per year, to start with new projects:
- You have unpaid debt.
- Buying a new house.
- buy a new car.
- Buying a new apartment or property.
Get personal loans, business loans.
If you would like loans for setting up your business and project, do not hesitate to send us an email:
bnpfinanzenhilfe@gmail.com

Whatsapp: +4917694954827

mary said...

Now You Can Stop Your Break Up, Divorce or Lovers Rejection… Even If Your Situation Seems Hopeless! My husband said he no longer loved me at the end of January this year and i was hurt and heart broken i felt like my life was about to end and I almost committed suicide, I was emotionally down for a very long time. Thanks to a spell caster called Dr Tunde, which I meet online, on one faithful day, as I was browsing through the internet and I came across a lot of testimonies about this particular spell caster. Some people testified that he brought their Ex lover back, some testified that he restores womb, cure cancer and other sickness, some testified that he can cast a spell to stop divorce and so on. I also come across one particular testimony and it was about a woman called Tracey Hilton, she testified about how he brought back her Ex lover in less than 2 days and at the end of her testimony she dropped Dr Tunde mail address. After reading all these,I decided to give it a try and I contacted him via email and explained my problem to him. In just 48 hours, my husband came back to me and we solved our issues, we are even happier than before. Dr Tunde is really a gifted man and I will not stop testifying about him because he is a wonderful man and so powerful... If you have any problem and you are looking for solution to solve all your problems. Great Dr Tunde can also offer any types of help like Reuniting of marriage and relationship, Curing of all types of Diseases, Court Cases, Pregnancy Spell, Spiritual protection,winning of lottery and lot's more. you can contact him on Email: toye816@gmail.com OR toye816@gmail.com OR toye816@gmail.com .... YOU CAN USE ANY OF THE EMAILS....... YOU CAN ALSO ADD HIM UP ON WHATS APP USING THIS MOBILE NUMBER:+393510651312, if you have any problem contact him, I give you 100% guarantee that he will help you.

Tamara Barrow said...

I want to share this great testimony to the world on how Dr VOODOO cure me from HSV1&2 with his herbs, I was nervous when i first contact him about the cure for HSV but i decided to give him a try because i was desperate to get cured and be free from HSV. Dr VOODOO prepared the remedy and sent it to me through UPS,which I use just the way Dr VOODOO instructed me and thank God today I am a beneficiary to this cure and I went back to the hospital after 7 days of taking the herbs and I tested HSV1&2 Negative. So I will tell you all who are looking for a cure to his/her HSV1&2 that Dr VOODOO took research before he could finally get the solution to it and a lot of people are benefiting from him right now. He also cured my friend from HPV. Dr VOODOO heals with natural herbs. Please I urge you to contact him now through his email address: voodoospelltemple66@gmail.com or call and WhatsApp him on +2348140120719. He is capable of curing HIV/AIDS, HERPES, HPV, HSV1&2, CANCER of all kinds, DIABETES and so many other infections.

Watch precinct cyber securities incoporated said...

DO YOU NEED A HACKER?????
WATCH PRECINCT CYBER SECURITY
if you have ever been scanned before for an unfulfilled job and you are looking to recover those lost funds or you want to keep and eye on that unfaithful partner, increase your credit score, clear a record, improve your grades or looking to get a blank ATM card or invest in crypto with less risk and high reward? Watchprecinct@gmail.com Is here for you. What ever the job, if it's hacking we've got you covered. Just send us an email today at watchprecinct@gmail.com and we'll get it done. Let us put your worries to rest.
Think hack think watchprecinct@gmail.com and our dedicated team of hackers will get it done in a heartbeat
Looking forward to the excitement if working for you and with you.

Unknown said...

Do you need an urgent loan of any kind? Loans to liquidate debts or need to loan to improve your business have you been rejected by any other banks and financial institutions? Do you need a loan or a mortgage? This is the place to look, we are here to solve all your financial problems. We borrow money for the public. Need financial help with a bad credit in need of money. To pay for a commercial investment at a reasonable rate of 3%, let me use this method to inform you that we are providing reliable and helpful assistance and we will be ready to lend you. Contact us today by email: daveloganloanfirm@gmail.com Call/Text: +1(501)800-0690 And whatsapp: +1 (501) 214‑1395

NEED A LOAN?
Ask Me.

Unknown said...

Are you interested in the service of a hacker to get into a phone, facebook account, snapchat, Instagram, yahoo, Whatsapp, get verified on any social network account, increase your followers by any amount, bank wire and bank transfer. Contact him on= (doomhack_cyberwizardUK@outlook.com) I can vouch for him because I have used him to monitor my CHEATING BITCH OF A WOMAN many time when I feel suspicious about his movements TALENTED HACKERS DO YOU REQUIRE A CERTIFIED HACKER FOR : +University grades hack, +Bank account hacks, +Control devices remotely hack, +Facebook Hacking Tricks, +Gmail, AOL, Yahoomail, inbox, hack are available, +Database hacking, +PC computer tricks +Bank transfer, Western Union, money gram, Credit Card transfer +Wiping of credit, +VPN software, +ATM Hack we are the real deal when it comes to hacking, carding, WU transfer, Money Gram transfer etc contact us now on :(doomhackcyberwizarduk@yahoo.com) contact him for all kind of hacking job and you will be glad you did

Anonymous said...

If you are looking for a professional hacker to provide hacking solutions on (Wizardbrixton AT Gmail.com )

-Social media hacks

-Company Email hacks

-Phone hacks

-Email hack: Gmail, AOL, Yahoo mail, Proton-mail etc,

-Mobile phone (call and text message Hacking are available also)

-ATM hack,

-Account hack

-Spy on a cheating Husband/wife

-Retrieval of lost documents

-School result upgrading

-Bitcoin recovering

-Hack into bitcoin with large coins

-Binary option funds recovery and lot more, search no further.


I fully recommend you to contact him he will help you recovered all data you have lost on a phone and helped in tracking the phone till you got the proof of lost , contact him ( Wizardbrixton@gmail.com) WhatsApp : (+1- /807-23 ) 4-0428 ) He is professional Hacker

anonymous said...

Good day, you are welcome to read my encounter with Dr Ajayi a powerful spiritual man blessed by his ancestors to cure sickness with herbs and also restore broken home, I met Dr Ajayi because my beloved wife wants us to divorce and this is after 12years of marriage blessed with two lovely kids a boy 5years and girl 2 years, she took our daughter out of the house and stay with her mum and I beg her to come back home but she refused, I was really confused so I searched for help that is when I read about Dr Ajayi how he helped a woman to get a baby of her own after been married for 8years without child, I contact Dr Ajayi explained my situation to him, he asked for some information about myself which I gave to him, after some consultation he told me what need to be done and I did as instructed, as I'm typing this my wife is doing her knitting in the living room. If you need the help of a genuine spiritual man Dr Ajayi is your last stop contact him on Whatsapp / Viber : +2347084887094 or Email : drajayi1990@gmail.com

aktop1 said...

การใช้ aktop1 ในการวิเคราะห์และปรับปรุงกระบวนการผลิต pg slot การรับประกันสินค้าเป็นเรื่องที่สำคัญในการสร้างความเชื่อมั่นให้กับลูกค้าที่ซื้อสินค้าของอะแคทอป 1 ซึ่งอะแคทอป 1 จะยอมรับการรับประกันได้โดยมีขั้นตอน

Lucky cola said...

Discover a world where strategy meets fantasy. Play now and become the master of your own digital destiny! Lucky Cola