Brumder Mansion

Built in 1910 by wealthy publisher George Brumder Sr., this 8,000-square-foot German Renaissance Revival mansion showcases the opulence of Milwaukee’s golden age. However, beneath its elaborate woodwork and stained glass windows lies a darker history, particularly in its basement theater, where spirits of the past seem reluctant to take their final bow.

The mansion’s most active supernatural hotspot is its basement, which during Prohibition served as a speakeasy and gambling den. The space, now converted into a small theater, harbors multiple spirits, including what many believe to be a former card dealer named Sam. Visitors and performers alike report seeing shadowy figures moving between the seats, hearing phantom poker chips clinking, and catching the distinct aroma of cigar smoke where smoking hasn’t been permitted for decades.

One of the mansion’s most frequent spiritual residents is believed to be Gertrude, a former actress who performed in the basement theater during the 1920s. Staff and guests have reported seeing a woman in period clothing rehearsing lines in empty rooms, her voice echoing through the halls before suddenly falling silent. The sound of high heels clicking across hardwood floors often accompanies these encounters, though no source can be found.

The second floor, which houses several guest rooms, has its own collection of supernatural phenomena. Room 302, known as the “Gold Suite,” is particularly active. Guests have reported waking to find their belongings rearranged, feeling an invisible presence sitting on their bed, and hearing soft whispers in German – possibly connected to the mansion’s original owners.

The grand staircase serves as another focal point for paranormal activity. Multiple witnesses have described seeing a distinguished gentleman in early 20th-century attire descending the stairs, believed to be George Brumder himself still watching over his beloved home. These apparitions typically occur in the early morning hours or late at night, often accompanied by the smell of pipe tobacco.

Perhaps the most intriguing feature of the mansion is its network of underground tunnels, used during Prohibition to transport liquor and allow quick escapes during police raids. Paranormal investigators have captured numerous EVP recordings in these passages, including what sounds like conversations in both English and German, footsteps running, and the occasional sound of bottles clinking.

The mansion’s third floor, originally servant quarters, generates consistent reports of supernatural activity. Guests have described hearing children playing, though no children reside in the building. Others report seeing a woman in a maid’s uniform going about her duties, only to vanish when acknowledged. Some have even claimed to hear the sounds of furniture being moved across the floor when the space is empty.

Modern paranormal investigations have yielded compelling evidence. Equipment malfunctions are common, with batteries inexplicably draining and electronic devices turning on and off without explanation. Temperature fluctuations occur regularly in specific areas, particularly in the basement theater and along the grand staircase. Electromagnetic field readings spike inexplicably in areas associated with reported activity.

The current owners have embraced the mansion’s supernatural reputation while maintaining its historic charm. They keep detailed records of guest experiences and paranormal encounters, adding to the property’s rich historical documentation. Many visitors specifically request the more actively haunted rooms, hoping to experience something otherworldly during their stay.

The mansion’s regular paranormal events and investigations attract ghost hunters from across the country. These investigations often focus on the basement theater and tunnel system, where the energy of the Prohibition era seems strongest. Participants frequently report personal experiences ranging from light touches to full-bodied apparitions.

Today, the Brumder Mansion stands as both a luxurious bed and breakfast and a testament to Milwaukee’s fascinating history. Its unique blend of Victorian elegance, Prohibition-era intrigue, and supernatural activity continues to draw visitors seeking both a comfortable stay and a possible encounter with the past. Whether experienced through its architectural beauty or its ghostly residents, the mansion offers guests a unique opportunity to step back in time – perhaps with some unexpected company from its former occupants.