The Singing Ghost of May Yohé Haunting Hotel Bethlehem

In the historic Hotel Bethlehem in Pennsylvania the famous singer and actress May Yohé grew up, singing and dancing to the guests. Her life didn’t end up as glamorous as she lived and it is said that she is still performing in her afterlife where it all started.

In Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Hotel Bethlehem stands as a historical monument being Pennsylvania’s oldest hotel, a luxurious retreat, and, intriguingly, a haunted haven.

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from the USA

Among its many ghostly legends lingering in the hotel’s 125 guest rooms, none is as captivating or as tragic as the tale of Mary Yohe, known to many as “May.” Her story, marked by stardom, misfortune, and nostalgia, echoes through the hallways and ballrooms of this grand hotel, particularly around Christmastime.

In the historic Hotel Bethlehem in Pennsylvania the famous singer and actress May Yohé grew up, singing and dancing to the guests. Her life didn’t end up as glamorous as she lived and it is said that she is still performing in her afterlife where it all started. — **Hotel Bethlehem**: The hotel of how it looked around in 1930.

The First House of Betlehem

Before it turned into the hotel of today, it was a place of Moravian missionaries. They named their new town Bethlehem on Christmas Eve in 1741. The original 1741 house was built by Moravian missionary Count Nicholas Von Zinzendorf.

In 1794 they built the Golden Eagle Hotel, still a Moravian building. This is also the building and the time where many of the reported ghosts come from.

The hotel lasted until 1919 when it was destroyed after having been used as a WWI military convalescent home. Then in 1922, Charles M. Schwab, a steel-tycoon, built the luxurious Hotel Bethlehem we know of today.

May Yohé Rise to Fame

Mary “May” Yohe was born in April, 1866 and was the granddaughter to Caleb Yohe, who operated the hotel when it was called The Eagle. Born Mary Augusta Yohe, she grew up there and from a young age, she displayed an extraordinary talent for singing and performing and there are recordings of her singing and dancing for the guests in the lobby when she was young.

The Moravians liked her so much their church got their money out and sent Yohéto Europe for a refined education, studying in Dresden and later at the Convent of the Sacré Coeur in Paris.

May’s abilities quickly garnered attention, propelling her into the limelight. Her voice and charm captivated audiences in Paris and across Europe, where she performed with great acclaim. By 1888 she made headlines in the country as one of the biggest stage stars as well as her love affairs.

Her beauty and talent even caught the eye of a wealthy British lord, who whisked her away into the aristocracy with a lavish marriage. She married Lord Francis Clinton Hope and he gave her the very famous Hope Diamond that she wore many times. The diamond named after him, was thought to be cursed, something she also alluded to in the screenplay she wrote about it.

May Yohé - Wikipedia — **May Yohe:** A famous singer and actress is thought to be haunting the Bethlehem Hotel, the place of her childhood.

The Tragic Downfall of the Singer

They married in November 1894. She had gained fame on the London stage in 1893 and 1894, especially in the burlesque Little Christopher Columbus. He led an extravagant lifestyle, which the two continued together, and was discharged in bankruptcy in 1896. She ended up in the papers with her divorce in 1902 after they had both squandered away his fortune and Hope had to sell off the Hope Diamond to pay his debts.

After this she had a string of marriages and affairs that were unhappy and she was stolen from, gave up a baby for adoption and was left broken and destitute.

She died in poverty in Boston in 1938, having lost all her money and fame. Her husband sprinkled her ashes into the Atlantic Ocean before following her a few months later. Despite the turmoil and heartbreak, May often reminisced about her early years in Bethlehem, calling them the best of her life.

The Ghostly Presence of May Yohé at Hotel Bethlehem

To this day, the spirit of May Yohe is said to linger in Hotel Bethlehem, her ethereal presence felt by guests and staff alike, often appearing as the little girl she was. Visitors have reported seeing a young woman dressed in elegant attire, resembling the glamorous performer May once was, especially on the third floor.

Guests claim to hear her sing and that the piano starts playing when there is no one there. She is often spotted near the piano, where she used to enchant audiences with her singing, or pacing gracefully beside the Christmas tree, as if lost in the memories of happier times.

The most chilling encounters involve hearing her voice—faint, yet unmistakably recognizable—singing one of her favorite songs. These ghostly serenades often occur during the quiet hours of the night, sending shivers down the spines of those who hear them.

Every year, as Christmas approaches, it is said that the sightings of May Yohe become more frequent. It is believed that the holiday season stirs her spirit, bringing her memories of joy and sorrow to the forefront. Guests staying at Hotel Bethlehem during this time often hope for a glimpse of the glamorous ghost, or to hear her melancholic melodies filling the air once more.

Read more: Check out more ghost stories from the Christmas season

Other Paranormal Activity at Hotel Bethlehem

Many staff report hearing their name being called when no one is there. Shadows, apparitions and reflections are almost common when staying at hotel Bethlehem. A tap on the shoulder, things falling from desks and electrical appliances not working as it should.

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from Haunted Hotels

A man known as Frank Smith is wearing a suit and shows up on the third floor and a Moravian settler from the 1700s is said to be moving in the basement. In the basement is also the ghost of one of the former caretakers of the Eagle Hotel who is said to guard things in the basement. Mrs. Hops brought slaves from Virginia and hid them in the basement. She is said to still guard them in her afterlife.

The Ghost of the Town Guide, Francis

Another ghost said to haunt the Hotel Bethlehem is the ghost of Francis “Daddy” Thomas, who was the Bethlehem’s Town Guide for many years. He was born in Wuttemburg, Germany, but moved to the Colonies when he was 6 years old. As many others in the area, he was very much influenced by the Moravian Bishop Spangenberg. He was known as a fearless man, working as a courier, not even almost deaths could stop him from doing his job.

After many years on the horseback, he settled down as a cabinetmaker and town guide, marrying Anna Graeff. After he died on April 4th in 1822 at the age of 90, it is believed he is the one haunting the hotel, especially being seen around the Boiler Room of the hotel.

Mrs. Bring – a ghost without socks

In 1833, the Eagle Hotel as it was known at the time, was still owned by the Moravian Church. They had employed Mr. and Mrs Bong, but had no idea of what kind of people they were. Mr. Bong was an alcoholic who never said no when a guest offered a drink. Many times the bartender had to move him to a nearby bench when he was too drunk.

Mrs. Bong was apparently good at her job as a host, but too much of a rebel for a church owned establishment. She would often show up not wearing shoes or stockings, shocking guests and the rest of the staff.

They were fired after six months, but to this day, kitchen staff and dinner guests claim to see a woman in period clothing, not wearing shoes or socks, most often seen around the kitchen or restaurant area of the Hotel Bethlehem.

Paranormal Activity in Room 932

Inside Room 932, there have been many strange stories that have no name or story attached to it. A couple staying there were awakened by a man in front of their bed. “Why are you in my room?” he asked, but as soon as they turned on the light, he was gone.

There have also been stories about guests seeing a reflection in the mirror that isn’t them, lamps start flashing and paper on the desk comes flying off. One time a guest reported opening the bathroom and saw an entirely different bathroom. There are many pictures from guests where people say orbs appear and is today the most requested room in the Hotel Bethlehem.

The Haunted Hotel Bethlehem

For those brave enough to spend a night at Hotel Bethlehem, the possibility of encountering the ghost of May Yohe, Mrs. Bong without socks or experiencing something strange in Room 932, adds an extra layer of allure to this historic establishment. Whether you believe in ghosts or simply enjoy a good story, the legend of Bethlehem Hotel is sure to leave a lasting impression.