Downtown Missoula’s Import Market, located at 201 W. Main St., has become a topic of conversation beyond its popular selection of imported goods. Recent surveillance video released by the store shows shelves shaking, items falling, and doors opening and closing without apparent cause. The footage has sparked curiosity among residents, historians, and a local paranormal research group.
Historic roots of the building
Constructed in 1908, the structure originally opened as the Paxton Hotel. Over the decades it has served a variety of purposes, including a mortuary in the basement that featured rooms for body preparation and a loading dock used by hearse vehicles. In the 1990s, Gene and Nancy Senne, together with their family, opened The Import Market, turning the space into a well‑known downtown retailer.
Paranormal investigations
About five years ago, the local radio station 96.3 The Blaze partnered with the group Tortured Souls Investigations to conduct a night‑time investigation at the market. Using the Estes Method—a technique that involves a spirit box, blindfold, and noise‑cancelling headphones—the investigators reported hearing a young female voice, estimated to be around ten to twelve years old, mentioning “fires” and the “Vietnam War.” The word “enemy” was heard repeatedly during one session.
Investigators noted that a spirit box can pick up stray radio transmissions, and the human brain may create patterns based on expectation. Nevertheless, the experience was described as unsettling, especially when conducted in total darkness.
Evidence and conclusions
Tortured Souls recorded several EVP (electronic voice phenomenon) sessions in both the main floor and the former mortuary area. While the recordings captured ambient sounds, the team did not obtain audio that could be definitively identified as paranormal communication.
Store owner representatives have not confirmed any supernatural activity affecting daily operations. They acknowledge the historical significance of the building and appreciate the community’s interest in its past.
Community perspective
Missoula residents recognize the building’s place in local heritage. Whether one believes in ghosts or not, the structure’s more than a century of use—from hotel to mortuary to market—offers a tangible link to the city’s evolution. The recent video has encouraged locals to share stories, photographs, and memories tied to the site.
For those curious about the footage, it is available on the Import Market’s social media channels. The store invites customers to enjoy its merchandise while respecting the building’s history.
Original reporting: NewsTalk KGVO 1290 (Townsquare) — read the source article.
