Ogden’s Flute Ghost

OGDEN HISTORY | MEMOIR

Not many have heard of the elusive Flute Ghost who pleasantly haunts the former Congress House Hotel and Saloon basement at 115 25th Street (built in 1889-90). 

The upper floors were occupied by the Arcade Hotel in the early 1900s, and over the years, the building hosted several antique and art galleries. Currently, the Painted Lady resides there, a new business offering art classes and products.

When I worked at one of the fine art and antique galleries there several years ago, I was told a legend that a ghost "played his flute, only for pretty women, in this basement."

Eventually, I forgot the tale and had no fear of going down to turn on the lamps and clocks in the two basement rooms filled with antiques. But one morning, after unlocking the front door, I went to the basement and heard a distinct, low, melodic, melancholy flute tune coming from everywhere and nowhere. Realizing it wasn't a music box, I remembered the ghost story, sat in a rocking chair, and said, "Thank you for the music!"

The music continued until the upstairs door bells rang. My first customer was a younger woman, and I encouraged her to hurry downstairs to hear the ghost play. She looked puzzled but went anyway. Shortly after, a male customer came in with questions. 

When the young woman emerged from the basement with a look of bewildered surprise, she asked, "I did hear the flute, it was really lovely, but you are just playing a trick on me, right?" I assured her I wasn't, and she quickly left, feeling a bit spooked. 

Afterwards, the male customer went downstairs, and when he returned, I asked if he had heard anything — he said he hadn't heard a thing!

I thought you might enjoy this fun piece of local history!

The new Painted Lady storefront (left) and inside the new art studio located at 115 25th St. in Ogden, which debuted at Harvest Moon Celebration on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026 | Deann Armes