Your comments and suggestions are always welcomed.
I will post selected emails and other messages such as phone calls and snail mail.
Somebody might call or send me a letter . . . . .
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Went to Junior High and High School with Terri. She saw my book Haunted Hotels of the West at the Crescent Hotel and sent me her photo.
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| Terri Jedlink Burton at the Crescent Hotel with my book |
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Received this nice email to share!
Hello Bruce,
I purchased a copy of your book Haunted Hotels of the West a year or two ago with my wife after seeing it on one of our weekend adventures. She had heard my story about an experience I had at a hotel in Wyoming before we were married so the book caught my eye. I don't recall if we purchased it just before or just after we stayed at the Fairweather Inn in Virginia City, Montana.
Either way, I wanted to tell you about the experience I had at the Historic Hotel Greybull in Greybull, WY a few years ago. It is a quality hotel, and Miles, one of the owners, is a friendly guy I became friends with after staying there a couple of times. It should definitely be included in future books, and I will be happy to tell you about the funny/interesting night I had there if you're interested in hearing about it.
Also, we spent the night at the historic plains hotel in Cheyenne Wyoming in March 2019. It sounds like it could be included in future books, although we didn't have any experience that would suggest it ourselves. But the front desk clerk told us stories and we were curious if it was in your book when we got home to check.
It is a great book we have enjoyed reading about these old hotels and have been to or stayed at many of them now.
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| The Black Hills Mining Museum has a couple of things in common with other U.S. Western tourist attractions. It's a fun place to visit; they are in one of my published books and despite this being a covid year, they and many of my customers, still had really good retail sales! For most of us, American life is better than the evening network news shows. |
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Mr. Raisch,
I am a USAF veteran, who found your book at a little gas station along a sleepy Wyoming road. Being an inqusitive man, seeking a cure to the boredom that life on base often creates, I was immediately intrigued by your book. I am happy to say I picked it up and what ensued were hundreds of hours that I happily spent wandering and exploring dozens of the towns in your book. This is just my way of thanking you for providing me with the opportunity to do something more than sit in a dorm room and twiddle my thumbs. Thank you for your service and thank you for the adventures.
Sincerely,
Adam Christopher Germann
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We travel for my husbands work. We were in Rawlins, Wyoming for 1 month. We arrived 3 days after the last snow.....in June!!!!! I'm a California girl and June is strictly summer. Anyway, after visiting Rawlins, Carbon County Museum, where we bought your book, Ghost Towns of Wyoming, I traveled 2 hours out in all directions on any given day. I also bought a C.J. Box book. My goodness. Your book made me want to explore and C.J. Box made me scared to explore alone. I always left a note to where I was going. I also took a Selfie and sent it to my husband. I'd text different locations as I arrived until there was no more internet service. Reading your book all over again made me want to go back and see more. The only ghost town I visited from your book was Medicine Bow. I did go to Carbon. There were numerous "remains" if you will, there. Don't you worry, Bruce. I took nothing but pictures.
The reason I wrote all of that is because I'm planning on a return trip. I need to see what you saw. I love your stories. Sadly, I didn't see your South Dakota travels until after we left there. So, that too will be getting another visit.
Thank you, Bruce, for igniting this fire in me. I'm going in now to order the only 2 I don't own. Autographed of course. Ghost Towns of Idaho, The Search for Eldorado ande Show Caves of the Ozarks. Both autographed please.
My friend is flying in from Fiji. Wyoming is her first stop. I've been reading, and showing, her your book. I have one duplicate. It's Ghost Towns of Wyoming. I sent it to her. It's the one I bought from Carbon County Museum. I'm hoping to meet her there. I'll be sure to tell you all about it.
Sincerely,
Cindy
One of your many loyal fans
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Got a nice call yesterday from a couple in Evanston Wyoming! They had bought a copy of Haunted Hotels of the West and wanted to tell me how much they enjoyed the book. They also wanted to tell me that the wife had worked at the Haunted Elk Mountain Inn and she shared some of her ghost stories with me. She didn't know it was haunted until after she started her job there. The Elk Mountain Inn is the hotel with the ghost "Mary". She was the owner and is creepy......
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Dear Mr. Raisch,
I bought Ghost Towns of Wyoming years ago and have been meaning to contact you ever since. Both my parents were born and raised on ranches in the Encampment Wyoming valley--their parents and grandparents being early settlers of the Valley. My focus right now is on the town of Battle in Carbon County.
On page 32 there is a picture of "the last intact original structure" from Battle. I grew up calling that Grandad's powder-house because it was my grandfather's structure where he kept his dynamite and gun powder which he sold in the mining area. He sold supplies and equipment in Battle for years before buying a ranch in the Valley and having his family. For years now I have wanted to try to get this on the national historic registry and maybe now am motivated to do so before the history is lost.
His name was Charles D. Terwilliger and there is information at the Encampment Museum about him and my family's history. I just thought you might be interested in this tidbit of information. I have so enjoyed your book and wish you well in your current and future endeavors.
Laura Peryam Luchsinger
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Samantha says- Thanks, Bruce! She loves her autographed copy of "Underground Treasures of the Black Hills"! She loves all your books-Haunted Hotels will be hard to top though. She looks forward to you releasing more. She will let you know when you top her all time favorite. If you are able.... I think that there was a challenge, Bruce. Keep writing the great books!!!
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Got your Idaho ghost town book. Darned interesting. My wife & I are retired and do what you do---explore back roads. We've been to most places in your book & hope to get to all of them. Will get your Wyoming book next. We're exploring parts of Nevada this year . We go on a big dual sport motorcycle,2 up, camping gear & all. Like you, we go solo. Either solo or not at all since people willing to do this stuff are hard to find, especially old coots like us. That picture of Moon? That in the Black Hills? If so, I camped near there in 1969 deer hunting(I was from Ohio). Took the wife there in 99' on the bike. We live in McCall, Idaho and were told you were in New Meadows (near here) awhile back. Wish I'd have known. Seems we have a lot in common. Looking forward to your Montana book. Wish Idaho & the world had lots more back, back roads. Thanks, Jim Netolick, McCall, Idaho
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Hello Bruce,
I wanted to say that I think your site is wonderful, having poked around there this evening, and I love the images of "roads less traveled" which have always called to me (so to speak).
I did take a quick look around Battle this weekend, but the wind was so cold and there was snow on the ground already. My family and I were staying in a "weekend cabin" belonging to my aunt in the area and we had passed by Battle several times while exploring, so finally I insisted that we stop so I could look around a bit. All the while my minivan with my husband, dog and three children (6,3 and 1) idled there at the pullover area. Ahh, the life!
We did also drive around Grand Encampment looking for the site of the old smelter, but like I already mentioned, there is only so much one can do with a minivan full of children (and a dog), so we gave up quickly and spent the rest of the afternoon at the museum in Encampment.
My aunt has always had a ghost town history bug and has spent much of her life/time researching the people of Carbon. I remember visiting the ghost town as a child, but apparently I now have this "bug" as an adult.
I want this email to also serve as an order form for a copy of your autographed book. My printer is down (we just moved) so I was hoping to avoid printing out the official form on your website (if that is OK). I will put a check in the mail tomorrow for the amount of $30, then watch my mailbox with anticipation for the arrival of your book.
Thanks again for your kind reply and happy hunting in Idaho.
Michelle Swanson
*newly infected with the ghost town itch!*
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Hello Bruce,
I was very excited to receive your books in the mail this week! They are fantastic! My husband and I will be taking it with us on our vacation this summer. We had planned to visit South Dakota in August.
SHOW CAVES OF THE OZARKS & UNDERGROUND TREASURES
It may interest you to know that I was a park ranger interpreter at Round Spring for four summers, and my family is from the area. While I was at Round Spring, I took some of the photos you were able to use in the Round Spring portion of your book. My name before I was married was Sarah Morris.
My Dad, Kent, took me caving everywhere we went, and inspired my love for caves and geology. My Uncle Mike is a Park Service biologist who inspired my love for biology and critters. They will both enjoy these books as Christmas Presents very much, and I am looking forward to giving the books to them.
Thank you so much for all of your help and generosity!
Have a very Merry Christmas!
Sarah Demster
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From: Charly Piar
Subject: Haunted Hotels of the West
How wonderful that I made an impromtu visit to Red Lodge, Montana. I was browsing the local bookstore for some local information when I came across your book. I picked it up and it immediately fell open to the Lemp Masion part of the book.
I bought it on the spot, as I love to read about ghost stories and I am a St. Louis native. And who in St. Louis hasn’t heard of the Lemps and wondered at their very tragic history.
Even better it was one of your signed copies.
I have to say I was hooked, I couldn’t wait to get back to my hotel in Billings to start reading.
I am currently half way through the book and simply cant put it down.
I am enjoying the book very much and I have been to a few of these places (Wallace, ID, Virginia City, Mt, Many Glacier, MT, Big Timber, MT, Nevada City, MT, the Lemp Mansion, and Yellowstone and other than the Lemp Mansion I had no clue there were ghost stories surrounding these hotels.) Definitely makes me want to go back to them and explore and also to visit the other hotels especially the ones close to me.)
Thank you,
Charlene
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Hello sir,
One year ago my cousin and me did a 7 months road trip across all the USA. The idea was to travel in an unusual way and we wanted to see amazing things not very common in our country (we are from Switzerland).
One day in the middle of our trip (it was in Laramie, WY) we went in a bookshop and found your interesting book about ghost towns of Wyoming. We bought it and decided to visit a few of them.
It was a great experiment! We crossed Jeffrey City, Sunrise, Superior, Gebo and 2 or 3 more. It was great to read the history of each town when we were in it. We also had the chance to speak with the remaining inhabitants, sometimes.
In Europe we don't have much of these abandoned towns and it was very special to us to discover that part of history.
Thanks for your work with your books and especially this one, which helped us, a lot.
Have a nice day,
Yanick Lambiel and Laurent Carroz from Switzerland.
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I happened to stumble on a book that you authored in 2008,
"Ghost Towns of Idaho"...Well one of those towns you spoke of, is my town...Wallace.
Anyway when I noticed what the book was about...and what was in it...Well
needless to say I grabbed it up, I don't know what the book went for originally,
But I got it...Wallace was my little home town... I adored it, someday
I plan on laying my head down for the last time there...
I have a father, an uncle and a brother and many friends that have
passed on in the years that are there in Days Cemetery in Osburn,
so I think it is fitting, I go there too..
Anyway aside from that, I know lots about that little town... I trod
those streets many a day going to and from school. I lived in many
a place there...even in one that you mentioned... The Beanery, or
Tiger Hotel. The one that spanned the canyon in Burke.
It was my first place of residence in Nov 1943.
I could go one forever about Wallace...it is a shame you don't live closer.
I reside in Cheyenne WY. If you are ever here, stop by...I'd love to talk
about Wallace. If you did your research in 2008 or so I may have been there...
Anyway it is a pleasure to Own your book, a true pleasure.
Edward A. Slatten
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Bruce,
Just wanted to say that your book, Haunted Hotels of the West, arrived in the mail today and I have enjoyed looking through it (and sent positve feedback via Amazon).
I first saw your book in the gift shop at Craters of the Moon National Monument. I was intrigued, but didn't make the purchase there. My husband and I were on a road trip to Oregon, so I stopped in to Powell's City of Books in Portland, but they had no copy. When I returned home to Colorado, I made the order via Amazon.
We have stayed at the Grand Hotel in Jerome twice. It is one of our most favorite places! Our first visit and dinner at the Asylum were "magical" - great food, great wine, and great views over the Verde Valley from the terrace. When I booked our second trip, I anticipated that the repeat visit would be a let down -- it couldn't live up to my high expectations and memory -- but it was just as wonderful. Maybe this is because the wine was so good!
We have also passed through Wallace, Idaho three times on our trips through the west and love that town, too. We have eaten breakfast at the Jamison, but never stayed there. Likewise, we think Bisbee, Arizona is a really great little town to explore and have had breakfast at the Copper Queen, but never stayed in a room. We did stay at the St. James in Cimarron -- but before the renovations you mention in the book. Of course, the Stanley Hotel and Brown Palace are each just an hour away from our home -- so we see them frequently.
I lived in St. Louis in the 1970s - on Lindell Blvd. -- and really enjoyed the Chase Park Plaza. I find hotels fascinating. Now I am looking forward to visiting some of the other hotels you have written about in your book that we haven't seen, since we really liked the ones you mention that we have seen!
Thanks for writing the book and autographing the copy you sent!
Nancy
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Hello Bruce,
I got a copy of your book at the Source Within. It is wonderful! Thanks for mentioning the ghost tours in the Copper Queen section!!!
Renee
Have A Spooktacular Day!!
Your Ghost Host Renee
www.OldBisbeeGhostTour.com
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Gregory Sestric made a comment:
"One of your better pictures Bruce.
Your Book signing was outstanding. Best of Luck!"
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Riverfront Times
Spirits and Spirits
Published on September 25, 2009 at 4:40am
Some people in this world walk through life flitting from this to that, not fully embracing much — and then, there are people like Bruce A. Raisch. This local author is so committed to his new book that in the picture he sent with the press materials, he is standing in a coffin. Now, this isn't a book about coffins, mind you, but it is about the haunted hold that ghosts have on some of our nation's inns, so the coffin is pretty relevant and oh-so spooky. To meet this brave soul, who visited something like 40 ghostly abodes, and get a signed copy of his Haunted Hotels of the West, head to Ari's Restaurant & Bar (3101 Hampton Avenue; 314-644-4264) from 2 to 4:30 p.m. There, Raisch will recount his journeys and offer his autograph on the 160-page tome, available for purchase for $26. Free eats will help ensure a festive good time, as will the cash bar. To learn more about the author, his most recent book and his other works, visit www.theghosttownhunter.com. Sat., Sept. 26, 2009 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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Bruce,
Hopefully you remember me: my name is Lon Carrier. I was at Bear Butte and
together with Jim Jandreau we purchased some of your books.
Your book about the Black Hills is quite popular. A lot of people talk
about it and as you may remember I also quide some hikes, and always it
seems people have your book stuffed into their packs.
It is a great book.
Lon Carrier
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Hiya Bruce, thanks for the book I really enjoyed it and am going to show it around town at little later on. Right now I'm running for Sheriff of Boise County and am pretty busy with campaigning. I really appreciate you taking the time to send the book to and what a great surprise to find myself mentioned.
Charlie Swearingen
May 6, 2008
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April 4, 2008
Pat Nettleton
Silver & Gold Pizazz
9627 W. Canterbury Drive
Boise, ID 83704
Writes: Dear Bruce, Thrilled to get the books, GHOST TOWNS OF IDAHO - THE SEARCH FOR EL DORADO, and I will certainly promote them and will hopefully order more soon after opening.
Sincerely,
Pat
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Hi Bruce!
I love your website! it is so complete, and interactive. I love the
bulletin board, and the blog you keep up to date and the
schedule of events.
It would be cool to go with you interview the lady who lives alone
in the town and pans gold... alone!
Someday I would like to spend 4 or 5 days out there hiking or driving
around, meeting these El Dorado folks...!
I would like to see a photo of your truck with the paint stripped off
from hail!?
Careful of all the fires!
Kathleen
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October 17, 2007
Hello Bruce,
The books arrived this AM in fine condition. Packed better than a lot of stuff I have had come in. Thanks for the prompt service. I'll get them priced and on the shelf and see what I can do in selling them. I have only been open a little over 3 months and am still learning my customers wants. I am trying to semi-specialize in Wyoming history and history of the west but am running out of room so I think I will have to cut out some stuff and add others. I am letting my customers tell me what they would like me to carry to some extent.
If you get out this way stop in for a visit. I'm across the street from the police station on one side, the courthouse on another side and the town is not large to begin with. My wife is still in Oregon as our house has not yet sold but I am going back over Thanksgiving and she is coming here over Christmas. We are hoping our place sells and we will not be so far apart and can put both our efforts into making this store a viable place in the community.
Best regards,
Michael Bond
Prairie Creek Books & Tea LLC.
2041 East A Street
Torrington, WY 82240
mike.bond@narrativepress.com
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Hello Mr. Raisch!
I purchased your book "Ghost Towns of Wyoming" at a shop in Cheyenne a
week ago and couldn't put it down. I go to the University of WY in Laramie
(I'm originally from the woods around the Illinois River in central IL), and
have always loved exploring the wild places of the west, searching for
petrified wood and other fossils, photographing wildlife, hiking all over the
place, etc.
But today, thanks to your book, was the first time I ever went hunting
ghost towns, and I had a blast. I stuck to Albany and Carbon ghosts for my
first endeavor and took over 200 photos - I loved the "Grub Saloon" in old
Walcott, in particular. I've been to others around the state but never
have searched them, such as Jeffrey City - next time, I will be stopping
there with camera in hand.
I'd appreciate any other advice, or perhaps information you didn't
include in this book, or whatever, and I'd like to stay in touch occassionally
if that's alright with you.
Thanks for a great read,
Jeremiah A. Brewer
Laramie, WY
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Dear Bruce,
Thank you for joining us for the Jackson Hole Museum's Authors' Day on July 14th. Those who attended seemed to really enjoy it, and your participation was greatly appreciated. Thank you for making the event a success!
Liz Jacobson
Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum
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Hi Bruce,
My name is Colette (Flormann) Bonstead and I would first like to apologize for the means I'm using to contact you. I "googled" your name and it led me to a forum on Bannack, Montana where I found your e-mail address.
I purchased your book (online) from the Adams Museum in Deadwood. I must say, I was thrilled to see how much information you had on Central City....and some photos too! I've been researching my Flormann ancestors for some time now and have been looking for information on Central City and historic photographs (1878) of my ancestors' Saloon (Flormann's Star Saloon) that was once located across from the Pacific Hotel there. So far I have been unsuccessful in retrieving this photo and the information you provided in your book about Central City explains why. The area has seen so much devastation over the years.
My research has lead me to find my ancestors in Bannack too! I hope someday to get there myself.
Thank you again for your time and once again, I apologize for contacting you in this manner but I was so overwhelmed with joy upon reading about Central City in your book that I had to locate you and thank you. You've provided me with a wealth of information.
I hope you are having a pleasant holiday weekend.
-Colette
Austin, TX
P.S. I am also looking for more information about the C&NRR through Buffalo Gap. I believe my ancestor, Robert Flormann, sold them some property (perhaps it was forced) to put tracks for service from Buffalo Gap to Rapid City.
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Hello Bruce;
Thanks for the signed copies of your books - they are fantastic. I’m amazed that you do all of the research, footwork, photography, writing, etc. That really adds a special touch to your works.
Best of luck with your future books,
Kirkland Rone
Technical Writer
Larimore Associates
(636) 537-3112
krone@larimore.net
PS: I’ll be in touch with Keith Bloodworth. I’m sure you guys will have a blast travelling through the ghost towns.
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Hi Bruce,
We're glad to be a part of your great success. You have done a wonderful job. I hope it has been a rewarding experience. I also hope Donning and I get the opportunity to work with you on your next publication"Ghost Towns of Idaho".
Please stay safe in your travels. Call me whenever I can be of service.
sm
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