Port O' Call

For many years Port O' Call has been Salt Lake City's landmark for good times but all good thing's come to an end. It's not just the end of the parties and spirits but could it be the end of the ghost's to?

Port O' Call has proudly displayed in neon lights in the front window that they have ghosts. I have always wanted to investigate this old building and when I heard that they were closing down due to the expansion of the federal court house, I thought I would stop by and talk to some of the employees before they were gone. As I entered the building I observed a small army of workers taking apart all the historic woodwork that lined the walls of the club. The mood was somber as everyone was rushing to get the job done before the demolition begins.

While talking to a couple of the employees, I asked if they would share some of their experiences with the ghosts. One gentleman said he had worked there for 11 years and has seen apparitions of ghosts several times. He most often see's a man who walk around corners. He has heard footsteps while being alone at night after they lock up. Since they have been tearing the place apart the activity has increased.

"The toilets have been flushing by themselves." He said he goes to check the restrooms to see if anyone is there and they are empty. He leaves the room and they flush again. He feels that the ghosts know the demise of the building and they are disturbed by it. Another man told me that he has felt someone brush up against him but no one was there. They have witnessed lights turn off and on by themselves.

Door's open and close and people who are there one minute and gone the next. He said everyone here has had one or more experience with the ghost's. Many of the patrons have ghost stories to.

As I was leaving, I stood by the door and took a last look at the crew and took in the feeling of the atmosphere, and I could feel the grief of everyone including the ghost's. I walked away with a promise from the owners that if everything is done in time, I would be able to do an investigation.

- Troy Wood