The Haunted History of Garfield Furniture – Grand Avenue Hotel, Enid, Oklahoma

Nestled in the heart of Enid, Oklahoma, at 205 South Grand Avenue, stands a building that whispers tales of mystery, tragedy, and lingering spirits. Today, it’s known as Garfield Furniture, but its roots trace back to 1898 when it opened as the Grand Avenue Hotel—a luxurious stop for travelers in the Oklahoma Territory. Over a century later, this historic site is more famous for its ghostly legends than its elegant past.

A Hotel with a Presidential Connection

The Grand Avenue Hotel was a bustling hub in the early 1900s, but its claim to fame—and infamy—comes from a man who checked in under the name David E. George. On January 13, 1903, George was found dead in his room after ingesting strychnine poison. His death might have been just another tragic story, except for one shocking twist: George allegedly confessed on his deathbed that he was John Wilkes Booth, the assassin of President Abraham Lincoln.

The Booth Legend

History books tell us Booth was killed in a Virginia barn in 1865, just days after Lincoln’s assassination. But conflicting reports and identification errors have fueled speculation that Booth escaped. According to local legend, Booth fled across the country, eventually settling in Enid under an alias. George’s broken leg—similar to Booth’s injury during his escape from Ford’s Theatre—and his mysterious wealth added weight to the theory.

After his death, George’s embalmed body was displayed in a chair in the hotel’s window (later the furniture store) for public viewing. Thousands came to see the man who might have been Booth. Photographs taken at the time show a striking resemblance to the infamous actor-turned-assassin. Even today, the story draws historians, conspiracy theorists, and ghost hunters alike.

Ghostly Encounters

The room where George died is said to remain haunted. Employees and visitors have reported cold spots, unexplained noises, and even apparitions. Some claim to hear faint gurgling sounds—echoes of George’s agonizing final moments. Others have seen a shadowy figure resembling Booth wandering the upper floors. Paranormal investigators have documented activity here, and the site has appeared on several haunted history TV shows.

Why Does the Spirit Linger?

If George truly was Booth, his tormented soul may be tied to the weight of his crime and decades of hiding. The Grand Avenue Hotel became his final refuge—a place where secrets unraveled and history blurred into legend. Whether you believe the story or not, the chilling atmosphere inside Garfield Furniture makes skeptics pause.

Visiting Today

Garfield Furniture still operates as a business, but its haunted reputation is undeniable. The building is a stop on local ghost tours, and during Halloween, it becomes a magnet for thrill-seekers. Standing inside, you can almost feel the layers of history pressing in—the grandeur of the old hotel, the scandal of Booth’s alleged confession, and the restless energy of a spirit that refuses to fade.

Final Thoughts

The tale of Garfield Furniture and the Grand Avenue Hotel is more than a ghost story—it’s a piece of American folklore that intertwines assassination, mystery, and the supernatural. Whether you’re a history buff, a paranormal enthusiast, or just curious, this Enid landmark invites you to explore the thin line between fact and legend.