At the corner of Olive and Madison in Aurora, Missouri, a 140‑year‑old structure that once housed the Haimes Saloon, a tavern, gambling hall, and brothel now operates as the Junk Gypsies antique store. Owner Myra Goodson, who has owned the building for nearly a decade, says she and her guests regularly experience unexplained activity.

History of the building

Research by local historian Dalton Harris of the group Some Me Something Spooky confirms the building functioned as a brothel as early as 1892. Newspaper articles from the Mount Vernon of that era record charges against women named Nora Henry and Della Wheeler for operating an “indecent house.” The establishment, known as the Haimes Saloon, served train passengers and miners with drinks, gambling, and illicit services.

Reported paranormal phenomena

Goodson describes hearing footsteps and seeing shadows upstairs, noting that “there’s always activity upstairs, there’s walking.” She believes at least one former resident, Nora Henry, may still linger. “She opted out upstairs of an opioid overdose,” Harris adds, based on his research.

Handyman Aaron Soper, initially a skeptic, recounts a door near the ceiling that opened and closed on its own while he was working. “Someone’s messing with me,” he said, before the door slammed shut.

Goodson’s granddaughter, Sophie, captured a photograph on the second floor that appears to show a ghostly man’s face. The upstairs lacks reflective surfaces, making it difficult to debunk the image.

Investigations and tours

Two years ago Goodson began offering ghost tours, inviting curious locals and visitors to experience the building after dark. The tours include a walk through the former saloon, the upstairs rooms, and the basement, where Harris says two male spirits—one resembling a bouncer and another a boss—are sometimes felt.

Southwest Detroit Paranormal visited the site this summer. In a selfie taken near a bed, they claim to have captured the shadow of a woman wearing a white bonnet and lace. Goodson laughed, “Oh, that’s who’s messing up the bedding. You dirty girl, I found you.”

Community response

Chad Plein of KY3 will join YouTuber David Glidden, who runs the “Haunting History” series, for an overnight stay to document any further activity. Both men say the building has long intrigued locals, and they hope their investigation will bring more attention to Aurora’s unique heritage.

While some residents remain skeptical, many appreciate the blend of history and folklore that the building provides. Goodson emphasizes that the experience is “not scary,” describing it as “startling” at times but ultimately a safe and entertaining attraction for families and history enthusiasts.

Visiting information

Ghost tours are scheduled regularly; details can be found on the Haunted Aurora Brothel website. The antique store remains open during daytime hours, offering vintage items alongside the building’s storied past.

Original reporting: KY3 Springfield (local) — read the source article.