History & local legend
The Windber Hotel on 15th Street, formerly the Leister House, was the workplace of a man named Jeff who contributed two experiences to a ghost-story collection. One involved a customer in a top hat who periodically entered from the lobby. When Jeff turned to serve him, the apparent arrival was no longer there.
The second incident happened while Jeff was taking bottles to basement storage. He unlocked the door and began descending the stairs. Halfway down, he felt a hand on his shoulder and heard someone whisper “Hey.” He turned, found nobody behind him and hurried upstairs.
Jeff emphasized that only he and the owner had keys to the basement door.
Sources
- Jeff, former hotel employee, firsthand account in The Shadowlands, “Personal Experiences with Ghosts”
- Tom and Becky Piscitella, Windber Hotel owners, Leister Hotel name, bars and restoration
- Laurel Highlands Historical Village, reports associated with the 15th Street hotel
- Library of Congress, 1916 Sanborn atlas sheet 5, Leister House between the liquor business and fire department
- Esri, 502 15th Street point and labeled street frontage
