John G Sabol Jr

The Haunted History of the Omni Bedford Springs Resort and Spa John G Sabol Jr

A human presence has 'occupied' the interior spaces of Bedford Springs for more than 200 years. It has never been 'unoccupied', even during the period in its history when Bedford Springs ceased to function as a 'living' tourist accommodation (1986-2007). During this 'dead time', the hotel complex continued to function for the 'ghosts' of its past, and 'they' still do today. Many of these 'ghosts' have been identified as former 'guests' or staff who remain or come back to 'haunt' (as a 'return') to spaces remembered (or work labored) as a place of leisure, comfort, and unique experience. The image of the hauntings at Bedford Springs is the re-conceptualization of the landscape based on notions of corporeality, on the interaction between remembering and being entertained, and on an alternative view of time that has not yet passed. Bedford Springs is a place of people and 'ghosts' becoming present, the presence of the past in the present. Our 'haunted history' tours, now two years old, affords this 'haunting' character to remain present today.