COTTAGE GROVE SENTINEL | OCTOBER 21, 2021 | 3A
Nuggets of History
Cottage Grove Ghost Stories
Editor’s note: This is
the first part in a two-
part history series on
local ghost stories.
By Holli Turpin
Cottage Grove Historical Society
While some vehemently deny
the existence of ghosts, others
just as strongly believe. Many
sit firmly on the fence, ac-
ghosts, the truth is simple: a
good ghost story is often based
on some bit of tragic historical
fact. If you dive into most leg-
ends and lore, peel away the
many layers of speculation, as-
PHOTOS COURTESY OF COTTAGE GROVE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Top, the Lea House on South Hwy 99 in an undated photograph.
Bottom, the house today has been used as an office building,
antique shop and more.
knowledging that there are un-
explained happenings but not
convinced they are spectral in
nature.
Whether you believe, reject,
or question the existence of
sumption, and exaggeration, at
its base a local ghost story can
keep history alive.
Here are a few spooky tales
told right here in Cottage Grove.
Lea House
Built in the early 1890s by
George Lea and his sons, this
home boasts intricate wood-
work lovingly constructed by
the Lea’s gifted hands.
George and Lucy Lea, as well
as three of their four children,
lived the final years of their life
in the house. George Lea died
in 1927, his wife died in 1949,
daughter Elsie died in 1953, son
Edwin died in 1954, and daugh-
ter Mertie May died in 1955.
While three children dying so
close together may seem eerie,
they were in their seventies at
the time.
The house has since been
used as an office building, an
antique shop, restaurant, bed
and breakfast, coffee shop and
rental.
The Seven Gables moniker
was given in the 1960s when
Ed and Alice Noel owned the
house and operated a restaurant
on the first floor. Alice was clear
in an interview during the time
she lived in the house that there
were no ghosts about.
However, several tenants over
the years have reported hearing
footsteps on the stairs and oth-
er strange unexplained noises
as well as light orbs floating in
doorways. The belief is that the
house is haunted by George’s
son Erwin. Local lore claims
Edwin dies by suicide in the up-
stairs bedroom.
With a quick look at the re-
cords, we learn that the lore
ore
We Fetch You M yo
ur door!
…and deliver it all to
#
has slightly altered some of the
facts. Edwin died of a self-in-
flicted gunshot wound while
in the shed next to the house.
Preliminary research does not
clarify if this was intentional or
accidental, but this clearly tragic
death has become a solid foun-
dation on which a local ghost
story is created.
We are left to wonder, does
one or more of the Lea family
remain at the home to watch
over the ornate home they build
and clearly loved?
and update restrooms. Each
year we see more events being
held in the building as the com-
munity makes use of this large,
impressive resource. With in-
creased use it may come to pass
that the stories of apparitions
will decrease as new life is lived
and enjoyed within the walls of
this landmark.
The Armory
Heavy footsteps down the
long hall, spoken commands
given by an unseen drill ser-
geant, cold breezes sending
chills down the spine, wispy vi-
sions of men marching past row
by row. These are all tales told of
the old Armory Building.
One specific story is based
on the belief that a commander
died in the commander’s suite.
No record of such a death has
been located. Yet over the years
rumors of ghosts continue to
haunt the old building.
Built in 1931, this building
housed national guard troops
during World War II and many
actions and campaigns since.
Many young men, and in lat-
er years women, would pass
through those doors in the de-
fense of our country. Local resi-
dents also used the building for
community events including
dances and fairs.
De-commissioned in 2009, it
sat idle for several years.
The City of Cottage Grove
purchased the deteriorating
building, dedicated to saving
this striking landmark. Breath-
ing new life into the building
the city has raised funds to re-
roof, fix windows, add heating,
GRANT
Part two of this series will ap-
pear in the Oct. 28 edition of The
Sentinel.
from A1
budgeted for the equivalent of
four full-time positions this fis-
cal year, the library has yet to fill
those spots.
For contact information and
library hours, visit online at
www.cottagegroveor.gov/li-
brary.
The library’s grant was made
possible thanks to the American
Rescue Plan Act of 2021 from
the federal Institute of Museum
and Library Services, through
the Library Services and Tech-
nology Act, and administered
by the State Library of Oregon.
The federal funds were in-
cluded in the American Rescue
Plan Act to help libraries, muse-
ums, and related nonprofits pro-
mote digital inclusion and con-
nectivity, address needs arising
from the COVID-19 pandemic,
and generally support efforts
to provide equitable service to
communities.
For more information about
the federal library grants, vis-
it the Institute of Museum and
Library Services website at imls.
gov. More information about
American Rescue Plan Act
grants awarded by the State Li-
brary of Oregon, including oth-
er grant recipients, is available
at libguides.osl.state.or.us/lsta-
grants/arpaawards.
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