Portland Memorial Mausoleum

My first official post, is a personal one for me. This is a place I hate to go. Not because I have had a supernatural experience here that scared me (the whole place is actually terrifying) but my grandparents are here, both my parents are here, I have had too many moments at this place that do not bring me joy. I get comments from people regarding that I do not go here more often to pay respect, but I do not wish to remember loved ones at a grave site, remember them in life, not in death is a better option to me. So to dive into this blog, I am choosing my first official post to be about the hardest spot to write about. 


The Portland Memorial Mausoleum was founded in 1901. It stretches 2 1/2 city blocks where four stories can be seen above ground with another four underground. It has beautiful Tiffany stained glass windows and skylights throughout the top floors. It has a Winchester Mansion feel to it, always expanding, everywhere you turn another turn, another room. It is easy to get lost in the underground floors, I myself have. Often refered to as a indoor cemetery, this place is a final resting place for over 100,000 people, with room for more. It is the biggest indoor Mausoleum this side of New Orleans. It is as beautiful as it is silent. And if you ever walk around the rooms, and corridors you will understand what real silence is. There is a whole wing dedicated to children alone. The only noise you will experience is the trickling sound of water from one of the many fountains throughout the place. The smell of dead flowers will haunt your nose alone. Marble floors and tombs, the place is always chilling and even in summer you will need a sweater if you plan on spending time inside. 


Local Author Chuck Palahniuk (Fight Club) referenced to this place is his book "Fugitives and Refugees", also claiming to have written parts of his book Survivor within it's walls. He commented on a article how this place has become a local attraction for Goth sex and even suicide. 


I have never had a unexplained experience here. I don't know if I would be open to it though with the personal relationship I will forever have to this place. I have brought few friends and family here, and nobody has ever reported anything back. One employee did comment witnessing a fog roll down a staircase in the shape of a woman, when she pulled out her digital camera it was already gone. She claims this was the only ghost encounter she has ever had to date. When I try to research others stories of supernatural experiences within its walls, I don't find a lot. I am certain a place so vast, that houses so much death would have some level of energy to it.  I am hoping people who read this will share their own experiences. And take time to visit this place, it is truly a landmark of Portland. But please be respectful, there has been vandalism over the years, people are so careless and have disregarded that this is a final resting place for loved ones. I hope it stops so this place can continue to stay open for the public.