Hunting the haunted: Valley View's Lockkeeper's Inn

The Lockkeeper's Inn near the Ohio & Erie Canal is rumored to be haunted by a former employee. She was shot and killed nearby and many employees and patrons believe that her spirit is in the building. Some people have witnessed glasses, dishes, and other objects moving. Others claim to have seen her ghost.

History
The Lockkeeper's Inn was originally a tavern and was built in the 1830s. The building was constructed next to the canal but was later moved. In the 1870s, it became Zimmerman's Tavern. Sophie Sarnacki purchased the tavern in 1945. She gained a bad reputation and rumors of things being done on the side spread around town. As a result, Sophie was shot and killed on May 24, 1956, inside of the tavern. In 1981, the tavern became the Lockkeeper's Inn. The building was eventually demolished to create a parking lot in 2007. Lockkeeper's Inn is currently in a new building across from the old location.

Haunted History
Since Sophie's death, employees have reported seeing and hearing strange things. Glasses and dishes move on their own and break on occasion. Some employees and patrons have claimed to have encountered Sophie's ghost. She continues to tend to her manager duties.

Location
The Lockkeeper's Inn is located at 8001 Rockside Road, in Valley View, Ohio.

Be sure to check out John's other columns:
Akron Paranormal Examiner
Cleveland Haunted Places Examiner

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