History & local legend
The U.S. Hotel Tavern in Hollidaysburg occupies a building reconstructed in 1886 by Bavarian brewmaster Engelbert Gromiller, whose brewery stood next door. An earlier hotel had served travelers from 1835 until a fire destroyed it in 1871. Its ghost stories include both staff traditions and accounts from visiting investigators.
Al Brindza of Allegheny Mountain Ghosthunters described walking the second-floor hallway with another investigator when the air suddenly felt cold. Opening a door, he said, they saw a young woman on a bed holding her head as though in pain. She disappeared before he could photograph her. Later that night, he reported a shadow in the doorway carrying an object with a long handle.
Downstairs, owners and waitresses spoke of a spirit they called Sarah. They associated her with objects moving overnight and playful interactions with guests.
Sources
- Al Brindza and Jon McClintock, Allegheny Mountain Ghosthunters, participant accounts of the second-floor room, shadow and staff’s Sarah tradition, archived May 2009
- U.S. Hotel Tavern, establishment in 1835, 1871 fire and brewer’s 1886 rebuilding
- U.S. Hotel Tavern, restaurant, modern map and 401 South Juniata Street address
- OpenStreetMap, named hotel at the verified address
