It is autumn in New Hampshire. A time when we enjoy a brief respite from the heat of summer and the coldness that will soon be upon us. A time when we enjoy harvest festivals, vibrant fall foliage and seasonal delicacies flavored with pumpkin. We also enjoy the enticing thoughts of Halloween and all things frightening. An intriguing ghost story is most appropriate as we conclude the month of October and indulge in the celebration of All Hallows’ Eve.
It was with these bewitching thoughts on my mind that my wife and I ventured to the little town of Hopkinton in search of a fine meal, a heartwarming experience and, of course, some spirits too. What better place to visit than the Lakehouse Tavern on the shore of Kimball Lake? The Lakehouse Tavern has a story to tell, and we were listening very intently this autumn eve.
The Lakehouse Tavern was formerly known as the Horseshoe Tavern and has enjoyed history as well as a loyal customer base for many decades. The tavern does indeed have a story to tell — one that was born a century ago and lives to this very day.
In 1858, Joseph Mills and his wife constructed the main portion of their house, now the Lakeside Tavern. They lived their years contentedly near the lake and along the road entering Hopkinton Village. There was a farrier on the property, and he piled his discarded horseshoes high along the road, often stating that one horseshoe would bring anyone luck, so hundreds of horseshoes would bring an abundance of luck. The horseshoe pile was recently moved to a storage area near the lake, and the old building next to the tavern was removed. Joseph Mills and his wife welcomed a son in time; his name was Frank Mills, and he spent his childhood in the house. As the years progressed, the young Mills married and lived in Hopkinton not far from his parents.
In a matter of years, Joseph Mills and his wife passed away and left their home to their son Frank. He and his wife decided to move into the home and settle near the lake, a comfortable dwelling in a pleasant location on the outskirts of the Hopkinton Village. Sadly, in the year 1924, Frank lost his wife, and he remained in the house in solitude. Lonely with his wife gone and subjected to much sadness, Frank violently ended his life on the third floor of his home, the present-day Lakeside Tavern.
As the Depression era arrived, the ownership of the building changed multiple times. Within decades, the Mills Residence was renovated and opened as a restaurant. Known for many years as the Horseshoe Tavern, the business also owned the cottages located along the shore of Kimball Lake and would market their restaurant and cabin rentals to vacationers and weary travelers. The combination worked and the Horseshoe Tavern became a regular destination.
Though ownership did change again, the Horseshoe Tavern always maintained a respectable client base and drew customers in from surrounding towns as well as summer vacationers. But as the years went by, there seemed to be occurrences that were simply unexplainable. People started to notice and word spread quickly that the Horseshoe Tavern was indeed a haunted place. People especially noticed surges in supernatural activity when there were renovations in the building; sometimes something as simple as moving furniture would set in motion a series of strange happenings. In fact, it was just 37 years ago when then-owner George Merritz said he saw a ghost — not just a feeling or a sound, but the apparition of a ghost one December day. He said he felt the temperature in the room become quite cold near the fireplace on the second floor. As the temperature dropped, he witnessed the outline of a man in a long black trench coat.
George and Chris Merritz had purchased the tavern in 1987 from John Jones. When the property was sold, Jones informed the new owners he believed the tavern was haunted by Frank Mills, the 70-year-old man who tragically took his own life in a third-floor bedroom.
Known paranormal investigators have visited the restaurant over the years. Jones invited supernatural investigator Norm Gauthier to the tavern. Well-spoken and very knowledgeable about hauntings, Gauthier felt the stories he heard in Hopkinton sounded reputable.
Over the past decades, there have been reports of rocking chairs moving when nobody is nearby, names being whispered in empty rooms, candles igniting themselves and a full rack of glasses being thrown across the room by unseen hands.
We met with Lakeside Tavern staff and discussed the current events that continue to this very day in the tavern. Speaking to Angus and Richard, we learned that perhaps Frank Mills still resides in the tavern — eager to engage those who dare. They both explained they have actually witnessed paranormal activity recently. One staff member reported they were struck by a stone that was thrown at them, but the room was empty. Another employee walked through a wall of coldness on the third floor. When they left the third floor late one evening at closing time, they heard furniture being moved around on the floor above them.
As the Lakeside Tavern was closing late one evening near midnight, the lights were turned off and the doors locked. As the employee prepared to exit the parking lot, they turned toward the tavern and witnessed interior lights being turned back on. Angus and Richard have also stated there have been salt and pepper shakers flying off the bar countertop and kitchen utensils falling from pegs. Plastic water containers tend to move from one shelf to another, and there are creepy feelings too.
Perhaps it is a fine meal you are considering or a visit with someone from beyond. The Lakehouse Tavern is sure to provide you with a delicious meal and maybe even a ghostly encounter. Visit if you dare and listen intently, especially if you are near the third floor.