The Willard Still Gives Many Locals the Willies

The Willard, now a beloved pub and eatery in Franklin, has stood as a symbol of the town’s rich history for over a century. Its roots trace back to 1860 when William and Cynthia King McCaslin built the original brick house that would later become the heart of The Willard. Cynthia was the daughter of George King, who had received the 160-acre property through a land grant in 1822. Cynthia passed away in 1878, leaving William to remarry Marguerite Mullen. Together they lived in the home until William’s death in 1883.

For several years after William’s passing, Marguerite Mullen and her niece, Marguerite McCullough, continued to reside in the stately brick house. It wasn’t until 1922 when the property changed hands, sold to Eliza Patterson Willard and her niece and nephew, Mr. and Mrs. Will Judah. Under their ownership, the house underwent significant changes, evolving from a private residence into the Willard Hotel. The irony of the transformation lay in the fact that both Eliza and Mrs. Judah were active in the Prohibition movement, yet the establishment would later become renowned for its pub and lively atmosphere.

But the real story of The Willard isn’t just in its history – it’s in the lingering presence of Eliza Willard, a woman who allegedly never truly left the building she worked so hard to transform. Eliza passed away in an apartment attached to the hotel, and her funeral was held in what is now the front dining room. Over the years, stories of her ghost have become as much a part of The Willard’s lore as its iconic marble fireplace and curved staircase.

Strange occurrences have plagued The Willard for decades. Lights flicker unexpectedly, glasses topple off the bar without explanation, and staff members report an unsettling sense of being watched late at night. “I have experienced unexplainable things,” says Ashley Neitzel, manager. “You can definitely feel a presence here. At night I have seen interior doors swinging open, glasses falling off the bar, and seeing someone who wasn’t actually present. It’s unsettling at times.”

Guests and employees alike have shared tales of disembodied footsteps echoing from the upper floors, even when the building is empty. Others have spotted fleeting shadows darting through hallways or felt sudden, icy chills in otherwise warm rooms. These unexplained phenomena have led many to believe that Eliza’s spirit remains tied to The Willard, a guardian of sorts, watching over the place she once called home.

Despite the ghostly happenings, The Willard remains a thriving establishment, beloved for its welcoming atmosphere, delicious food and deep historical roots. The ghost stories only seem to add to its charm, drawing in curious visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of something supernatural.

Yet, as the last patrons leave and silence falls over the building, there’s an undeniable sense that someone, or something, remains. The flicker of a light, the chill in the air, the creak of a floorboard: all reminders that Eliza Willard may still walk the halls of the hotel that bears her name.