The Bush House
Many people have claimed to see the apparition of “Alice,” a young woman who hanged herself at the turn of the century when she heard that her lover was killed in a mining accident. As it turned out, her lover had not died; he came home and found her dead.
To who it may concern,
Jesse and I think that if Alice did in fact do this and does in fact linger in this life that we can prove she does not. We propose that someone sets us up for a weekend there and allows us to have the chance to prove this is not real. We simply just don’t believe and our willing to be proven wrong. Please respond, this reproposed Romeo & Juliette story just isn’t selling to us.
Andrew & Jesse
Comment by Andrew | 11.22.2005 | 4:20 am
im sure the storeys on here are true im not exactly convinced ghosts are real but i have ben doing a lot of research on the paranormal because part of me dose believe in ghosts anyways from what i know often times people don’t know there dead after they dye especially if they dye from a awful death although allice death was not violently bloody and gory im sure it was very emotional for her i know the storeys on this web sight are true maybe not the ghost sightings though Allice loved her other half very much so much she gave her own life up for hem something that can never be taken back and im sure after she passed on some way are another she realized he did not it’s a scientific fact that energy never dyes and we are made of energy right and other stuff
my point is her energy may be such in that house because what happened to her is probably to hard to deal with
Comment by Brandi | 03.24.2006 | 8:41 pm
My name is Altair, I am a Psychic and I have a word or two to say about The Bush House. Just a couple of years ago my girlfriend took me to lunch at a place called The Bush House which I had no idea whatsoever that this place was haunted and did not know anything about its background because it was the first time I had ever been there.
In short, and at the time I arrived I was talking to the lady who greeted us in the waiting room and advised her that I had written a new book called “Incredible Reality” and a lot of the book was about all my psychic experiences. I was asked simply to go up the stairs (to the second floor) and see what I felt. I advised my girlfriend to stay remain downstairs because I didn’t want and input or other vibrations to alter my reading.
Later, I began to explain that what I had picked up on, was that someone had been “hung” up there, and that someone else had also jumped or fell of the back terrace to their death. Upon explaining this, the individual who asked me to do the reading said that I was so accurate about everything that she and another individual thought I somehow had known all of this a forehand.
Before leaving the dining area, I was simply asked to go outside and walk around the build (house) next door and to tell them what I picked up on. I did so. Upon explaining that I felt there used to be two pond filled with water (that were not there anymore) that the second pond was where a little girl drowned (laying face down) and was found dead. Then I explained that I felt that there were a lot of people buried where the lawn now was. The individuals whom I told this to began confirming (in excited voices) that I revealed was “absolutely” correct.
The end result was that I was correct about every aspect that I psychically read, concerning four (4) major things that occurred at the Bush House. The individuals I was giving this information to explained more of the details and added that only within the last couple weeks, did “they” only find out that the Bush House itself and the connecting house next door had been built over an old grave yard!
On and ending note I will say that this experience of mine was extremely rewarding. It confirmed to me that my psychic abilities are still in tact, and all the confirmations were all the reward I needed. I am just another one to confirm that the Bush House in Index, WA is truly a place of adventure. I have added this experience to my book (which is not yet published) called “Incredible Reality”. You will find my “book preview” on the following website:
http://www.incredible-reality.com/bookpreview.html
PS. Everyone has the talent to be psychic. Test your own abilities and see how very exciting it can be! But please don’t allow for others to give you any details first, about the area of the reading. Otherwise you will never know if you were correct or just concluded the results from previous knowledge!
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Altair - (Age 66 in 2006)
Comment by Altair | 05.10.2006 | 4:50 pm
Dear so called psychic,
I am not going to say that you are a phoney because some of what you said i know to be true fore i am infact a whats known as a psion whcih is a person who has trained him self in all forms of the psy stuff also i would like to know if you beleive you were born with this or if you also trained yourself?
nick
Comment by Nick | 07.17.2006 | 3:30 pm
The Bush House Country Inn at Index, WA has been closed for 3 years. The owners name is Laurel Nordstrom and she won the place from her husband in a nasty divorce settlement. She spent a half million dollars on renovating the place, new paint inside and new antiques. But she failed to fix the crumbling foundation for the hotel, and the building inspector told her she couldnt reopen the place until she fixed the problem. She was paying her workers there to run the place for her, then she got tired of paying them so she went to the Bush House and fired everyone there, locked the doors and left. The locals there told her she had to at least get someone to mow the lawns as they were overgrown and the place looked abandoned, and the local teenagers were breaking into the place. So she now retains one of the locals ( I believe her name is Sandy) to maintain the grass around the property. I used to have a cabin up at Index and have had lunch there many times. I was up there this past March and was able to enter the building and took some pictures. One of the locals was with me and told me about why it has closed down. I thought Id share it with you all. Its a very sad story , around the side of the building there are large joyces holding up the back room by the bar, and the ceiling upstairs in one of the bedrooms is molding badly as the siding is missing from the building. Workers were busy putting up new siding when Laurel fired everyone, so they just left it. Everything that was there when people were working is still there, from the bar glasses to the towels. The kids broke in and stole all the booze from the bar, but thats about it. There are red signs throughout the downstairs from the building inspectors that tell you its uninhabitable because the foundation is crumbling. One of the locals at Index offered her 1/2 million for the place but she refused to sell it. Its a very sad story indeed, and its also quite true. The Inn will eventually cave in on itself, I hope to get up there at least one more time to see it before it does. I have also researched the history of the property and there is no graveyard on the premises…also, the original hotel burned down in 1893 but was rebuilt. The property that the Bush House sits on was originally purchased in 1889. It sits off Galena Street which is the name of one of the original mines that produced iron ore. I found a book entitled ” Told by the Pioneers” in which Mrs. Persis Ulrich tells about how her father purchased the land for the hotel and that he actually named the town Index. It was a mining town until the mining boom died out in 1893, with a resurgence in 1897-98. to prove that the place is haunted would require permission from the owner to enter, and she doesnt want to be bothered with the place. I got the feeling when I was there in March that I was being watched, and took some pretty interesting photos, but thats about it. With the foundation crumbling I would suggest if you get up there to see the place that you use caution, I wouldnt want to see anyone get hurt.
Comment by Kathy | 07.30.2006 | 2:43 am
Kathy,
It would be indeed interesting to investigate this property. I’ve never heard of this house, and they say investigators should go in pairs anyway. I understand old polaroid film is still quite usefull (although I don’t own one), just a new camcorder with night shot (Usefull for catching orbs).
Comment by riverratt | 08.7.2006 | 10:04 pm
HI
I think that what Alice did was very but very stupid. Why couldn’t she found another boyfriend!!!!
Comment by Nayade | 10.11.2006 | 1:19 pm
I lived in the Bush House for about one and one half years begining soon after closing.While there I witnessed many strange happenings.A group of psychic investigators went through the place in about 2000 or thereabouts and announced that it was “the most haunted site they had investigated”. In addition many former employees have stories to tell. In the past the owner seemed open to paranormal inquery of the hotel.
Comment by Gregory | 10.11.2006 | 7:55 pm
I own property at the foot of Mt. Index and have been to the Bush House many times. I find it exciting that it is a big part of Index history, ghosts or no ghosts, it is (was) a beautiful hotel in the greatest place in the world, and I hope someone saves it before it crumbles.
Comment by Shelley | 10.18.2006 | 3:06 pm
I don’t belive a word of this storybecause i lived in that house for awhile and didn’t hear or see a thing.
Comment by lilly green | 10.26.2006 | 12:45 pm
That is a very sad story about how the bush house closed. I used to work there as a busser from 1998-1999 right before it closed down and all my best memories are there. My mom also worked there as a house keeper and she stated she had an incounter with a women named “annabell” she was there alone cleaning and someone said ” hi” and my mom said hello and the the women said “my name is annabell, will you be cleaning my room” my mom came out of the bathroom to see if there was a guest who was not accounted for and there was no one there, so she knocked on the care takers door to awake him and he said not to worry about it, there was a women who haunted the place, so ya my mom was really freaking out and she decided to clock out and go home since it seemed it was real, there was no one else there but the man sleeping in his room.
I always felt a little funny walking up stairs to get the left over breakfast platters but I made sure someone came with me….just some odd energy there. But it was a very classy place and it always smelt good and the people were all great! I loved it! I met some of my best friends there, I do suggest that you do go up there before it crumbles, the town has turned into a ghost town too. There is a general store (no gas though) and a tavern that has been closed for awhile and a little school that is grades k-8th which I worked at as well and the bush house that is closed now. There used to be people passing through all the time, but now its more like the wind passing through.
Comment by Darah | 11.7.2006 | 11:17 pm
Greetings Ghost Enthusiats!
I recently made a trip to Index this June 07, and was very much drawn to The Bush House. I remembered that my family gathered there to celebrate Mother’s Day back in 2000 I think maybe 2001, anyway I had recalled strange feelings but put them aside at that time. I later realized I had experienced the same feelings giving tours in the Klondike Gold Fields in the Yukon, where I had seen lots of “miners” that weren’t really there, watching and going about their business. It wasn’t until later when I shared a house with my grandparents and had daily encounters with our “resident ghost” Martha, that I realized I was an open person to such energies which boosted my confidence though I still get kind of scared of not knowing who or what I am dealing with. Anyway, when I was wondering about the grounds of TBH, I was drawn to the heirloom rose bushes that were in full bloom, but the fragrance of them was not from roses - I could recognize the scent but didn’t place it until researching TBH and found this site and another site that said “the scent of lavender was often detected on the second floor” - that was the scent by the roses. The entire time I walked around the place I was taking mental notes about what a wonderful place this was and that there is so much more to the story of TBH. I would like to research the history of the place and have made notes of what was siad in these comments, but if anyone has some good sources ie. books websites or knows of someone to contact I would greatly appreciate it. Please put in comments, I will follow up on it.
Thanks for sharing!
Comment by Kristina | 06.26.2007 | 5:53 pm
Just so you know, there’s lavender planted all over the Bush House. It’s in the back by the rose bushes. I’m confused how you could have missed it.
The Bush House is for sale, so if any of you ghost enthusiasts have some money to spend it’s on the market. The owner is asking $550k, but i think she’d sell it for considerably less. Check it out on the MLS. Someone should really buy it before it falls down-would be a great place for a ghost themed B&B!
Comment by alisha | 08.6.2007 | 2:09 am
I happened on the Bush house tonight when on a road trip showing my kids different areas near where we live. It sure looks like wonderful 1900’s history, what a shame to see it in such disrepair (even from the front).
Wish I could be involved in the rejuvenation of such a stately home. I love history- and would love to restore it. And that small town atmosphere is also wonderful!
As far as the paranormal/haunts.. not sure about that stuff.
Comment by Jeff W | 08.8.2007 | 2:05 am
My brother Greg & I spent 30 minutes or so at The Bush House just a few days ago. I’m from Syracuse, NY and was visiting Greg who lives in Seattle. He remembers the place when it was alive and bustling and was fortunate to enjoy brunch there on more than one happy occasion. We were very lucky to run into the nice gal who’s the realtor. She was taking pictures for the listing. She welcomed our company as she walked the whole main building. The downstairs, each of the guest rooms, the stairs up to the 3rd floor, the 3rd floor. We all knew about the ghost stories and talked about them as we walked. Nothing unusual, just memories and imagination of glorius days gone by. It is a wonderful place and certainly a valuable piece of history. The cottage next door was in the process of having the roof replaced. It looked lived in, we met a very nice black Lab and there were bikes as evidence of a couple of kids. I think I heard their voices and assumed they were out back. We did not go around the back where I guess there is another small structure. I wish we had.
Comment by Beth | 08.29.2007 | 10:11 pm
I have infact been to the Bush House in Index Washington, I went there with a few friends on Halloween night and saw what I thought looked like supernatural figures. I also saw a Female figure in the top middle window staring down on my in the parking lot. Doors were also being moved by themselves. I myself think its true.
Comment by Dustin | 09.25.2007 | 9:19 pm
The house next door is no longer part of the Bush House property. It was sold to a family who is currently renovating it. The people of the town are very grateful to see that at least they will not have to watch such a wonderful house continue to be vacant in disrepair. Although people can still walk the grounds of the Bush House, the house and grounds next to it are now private.
Comment by alisha | 09.30.2007 | 4:29 pm
I have had two experiences at the Bush House
both very real,in my opinion Annabel(not Alice)and her soul mate are lost , tring to find each other. I believe that when it comes to true love not even death can keep them apart,as long as they have the will to find each other ,they will.
Comment by Angel | 10.3.2007 | 6:58 pm
I know of a haunted place in Lacey my friend used to live there when we were kids.One day we were cutting carpet for his fort and a chunk of it flew over are head.It wasn’t like someone just chucked it either it floated over us.We looked at eachother he was white in the face and I felt like something was there he asked me if I had thrown it and I said no and he couldn’t have cause he was cutting a peice of it and I was watching him.We were 8 and what I have heard is that children are more suseptible because of there innocents.Anyways we ran downstairs and told our moms and they believed us cause they also had witnessed wierd happenings in the household.For instants doors and coabords would fly open or it got really cold in some spots.And you can’t tell me different cause I was there all the time and everyone in that house saw things that just don’t happen bythemselfs I have had alot of wierd experiences with the paranormal.I don’t care if you believe me or not I know entitys exist.I have seen it so therefore no one can tell me they’re not real.Somone else said it in here we are made up of energy and matter and that energy(your soul,spirit)lingers or it moves on.
Comment by Kaili | 10.15.2007 | 8:44 pm
The house next door is a part of the property and The Bush House is for sale right now along with the home next door.
Comment by Mary | 10.16.2007 | 6:59 pm
We have been to the bush house before, a few times. We have seen many many things happen there that a definatly not normal and are caused by something or someone lingering around that area. Caylee’s first time there her and her family where seeing blue t.v light flicker and go dim over and over her family saw the curtin part and someone there, that was the first trip up there. The second time me and caylee where in the back seat of the car looking into the bottom far left window and saw a woman i white standing there, the car horn was honked and she ran away, The third time we went in the basement of the cottage nothing went on but there were lots of negative energy, the fourth and our most recent so far was tonight, we saw a man in all black walk from bush to bush and around 2 minutes later there was bright flash from the window that coverd the whole room.
Comment by Heather and Caylee | 11.18.2007 | 5:06 am
It can be yours for $525,000.
Comment by Broberg | 12.10.2007 | 9:06 pm
So the place is for sale its super sad, its falling apart as I type, its gonna take way more money to fix then to buy. The foundation is the reason as to why Laurell gave up on it in the first place. The place has been robbed of its antiques and beauty. No one even bothered to remove and pack anything, its so bad because the things in that B&B are old and historic and for someone to just let it go to waste is just upsetting, its about the only history Index had alive, its becomeing one big ghost town.
If anyone has any ideas on how to help restore or get donations for this place please let me know. I used to work here and live in the town for about 5 years and it was one of the best places in my life to live, I was a city girl who met some of the coolest people and had such a good teenage life here. I would hate to see the town wash away like this.
THank you,
Darah
mamadiva222@yahoo.com
Comment by Darah | 12.13.2007 | 1:18 pm
For anyone interested in buying this property check here http://www.johnlscott.com and type in mls# 27121846
Comment by Save Bush House | 01.30.2008 | 5:14 pm
Today i was at the Bush house with a couple others. I had the opportunity to meet most likely the final caretaker. He has lived there for the last 3 months, and he shared vivid stories of all kinds of spooky experiences. I am very interested in the restoration of such a place. I do not ignore history, or unconfirmed accounts of deaths or tragedy in a location. However, we live in a world of life and death, and so often untimely tragic death, yet all souls are required upon death to give account of their life, not to overstay their welcome after check out time at any hotel. If their is spooky activity at TBH, its demonic, and not to be messed with, not entertained by, or communicated with. There is only one Spirit stronger than those encountered there, the Holy Spirit of the triune God and Lord Jesus Christ. He is also not to be commanded about as an errand boy, He is God, ALmighty, and to be petitioned by His grace and power to cleanse that place. Demons must submit to HIs will but as a human do not engage a battle that you have not been directed to fight in. I hope the BH survives the neglect of humans and is restored to strength, to bless many, and to never bring curses again.
Comment by mike | 04.9.2008 | 2:32 am
Mike,
I also am interested in the restoration of the Bush House! Please feel free to contact me if you are truly interested. I am interested in preserving history and yet making the Bush House into a successful Bed and Breakfast. I have written a small bit on my blog about the Bush House for any who would like to read. I loved my visit last summer. I took my contractor with me for estimates, and depending on both the unseen needs and the contractor bid, there is a possibility of restoration. Unfortunately the house is in a sad state, which means it would not be open to the public for a few months at the very least, which should be taken into consideration.
http://www.dragonflymystic.blogspot.com
Laura
Comment by Laura M. | 04.30.2008 | 1:06 am