Molly's light Our creepiness rating 💀💀💀💀💀
WCCO reported in 2015 that general manager Mimi Doran said that after staff turn off every light at closing, they often see a single third-floor light back on, "and that's Molly's light." By legend Molly was a pregnant maid who hanged herself. Source: WCCO, 2015.
Facts below are drawn from the linked sources.
Real history
Dry-goods merchant Joseph Forepaugh built the mansion in 1870; he died by suicide in 1892 (WCCO, 2015). It became a restaurant in the 1970s, closed during COVID and was reopened in 2024 by Bruce Taher (Mpls.St.Paul Magazine, 2024). It stands in the Irvine Park Historic District, listed on the National Register in 1973 (Wikipedia).
Ghost stories
These are reported legends, not verified events. The creepiness score (1–5) is Spook Atlas's own editorial rating, not a measurement.
Flickering lights Our creepiness rating 💀💀💀💀💀
Mpls.St.Paul Magazine wrote in 2024 that the new owner embraces the legend of Molly, and that lights are known to flicker and elevator doors open for no reason. Source: Mpls.St.Paul Magazine, 2024.
Mpls.St.Paul Magazine wrote in 2024 that the new owner embraces the legend of Molly, and that lights are known to flicker and elevator doors open for no reason. Source: Mpls.St.Paul Magazine, 2024.
Then and now
Public access
Open to the public The restaurant takes reservations and mentions "our resident spirit, Molly" on its own site (Forepaugh's). Last checked: Nov 1, 2026.
Explore more
- More places in St. Paul and Minnesota
- More haunted & abandoned restaurants
- More haunted & abandoned mansions
- Nearby: Landmark Center (St. Paul, MN), Wabasha Street Caves (St. Paul, MN), Mounds Theatre (St. Paul, MN), Nininger (Hastings, MN)
⚠️ Please read: This information may be outdated and conditions change. Verify access with the owner or operator before you go. Spook Atlas does not encourage trespassing. Entering private, closed or condemned property can be illegal and dangerous. Report a correction.
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