The Oviatt's Loved To Party!
Hello everyone and Happy Holidays!
We have been swamped with Holiday parties and many of my corporate clients have been asking about some of the ghost stories regarding the Oviatt Building - so I thought I would bring some of the stories to light! We're passed Halloween- but the Oviatt's had a rich history and many in the building say that they still love a good party!
First for some history.... Mr. Oviatt, his wife Mary, and their son Jimmy were the ONLY people to live in the building other than his cook and the nanny. The Oviatt's were a happy couple while Mr. Oviatt had his health- they married while Mr. Oviatt was in his Autumn years- but they loved each other and were the best of friends. Below is a photo of Mr. Oviatt and his lovely wife Mary.
Mr. Oviatt and Mary loved their home- the Penthouse! It was grand for the era and comfortable and above all stylish- so it isn't any surprise that this castle he built for entertaining back in 1927 is STILL being used for just that purpose in 2011! It also is said this their love for their home was so strong that they have never left it.
Everyone who works in the building- the majority of the floors are offices, law firms, accounting firms, architectural and design firms, and jewelers, ALL have stories about the Oviatt building. Many people have seen papers flying- no windows open- no air conditioning units on- but papers levitating on their own- especially on the 12th floor (where Mr. Oviatt's office was). Others, on the 2nd and 3rd floor have heard a child running around - or have even seen the image of a little boy walking through walls. Back in the 30's- the 2nd and third floor had the tailors and designers for the Oviatt store- the space was one big empty room and Jimmy - Mr. Oviatt's son, used to love and play practical jokes on the employees and run and play ball. The little boy walking through walls is believed to be Jimmy- still playing as a child.
Mr. Oviatt was known to be quite obsessed with his department store and the neatness and cleanliness of the store was of the utmost importance. The department store that was is now where Cicada Restaurant is located. Many of the employees of the restaurant - especially the cleaning crew- have stories of a shadow standing at the top of the stairs watching them clean. They all feel that it is Mr. Oviatt making certain that his standards of excellence are still being upheld in his store.
Now for the Penthouse! I feel there is a difference between a haunting and an enchantment. To be haunted is to be restless and uneasy. Enchantment is calming and soothing- happiness. The Penthouse as I stated was designed for entertaining. A location where people could meet and socialize and share happy memories. Many of my brides enter the space and feel a sense of belonging- a sense that they are welcomed- so I think there might be enchantment - not haunting.
I have been at the Penthouse many times in the early morning hours alone- and there is a sense of being "watched"- there feels like there is a strong presence- but not one that is displeased. I have arrived in the morning only to have the door OPEN for me- as if someone is on the other end and pulling it open- welcoming me into the space. Like I said- Enchantment is a better word.
Now other people have experienced footsteps in the hallway- behind them when no one is there. Others a strong sense of a tabacco or "pipe" smell - Mr. Oviatt always had his pipe. :) One security guard- before I had the building became so spooked that he didn't even make it back to the elevator- he climbed out the kitchen window and ran down the 13 flights of stairs- then left the building and quit his job the same day. He refused to come back even to get his check! I suppose if you aren't ready for the energy in the Penthouse it could scare you.
But if you believe that it is love- love for the building, the business, and their home- and all of the weddings and love that the space has created over the past years then there is nothing to fear. By having your event at the Penthouse you become a part of its history and part of the enchantment. Hopefully your happy memories will live on and influence other brides who come and wish to share in the love the space holds.
With that I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!!
Have a wonderful and happy Holiday season!
Roxy -
