Alamogordo’s Spirits Roam Amidst Ongoing Construction

As construction continues along New York Avenue in Alamogordo, workers are uncovering the rusted old iron pipes that have served the area since the early 1900s. These pipes, which connect to buildings dating back to the city’s founding decades, are being replaced—but their uncovering has also revived stories of spirits and legends from a bygone era that are said to haunt this historic district.

Some business owners believe the ghosts of New York Avenue have become restless with the ongoing work, adding to the lore surrounding this historic district. Local legends tell of legendary characters who once walked the avenue’s oldest buildings—stories that have captured the attention of ghost investigators and visitors alike. Reputable publications like New Mexico Magazine and New Mexico Influence Magazine have featured these eerie tales, adding to the mystique of this iconic street.

This Saturday, December 7th, 2024, as the community gathers for the “Christmas on MainStreet” event, visitors will have the chance to shop, dine, dance, and enjoy holiday crafts along New York Avenue. But as you revel in the festivities, consider looking up at the rafters of the historic buildings and reflecting on the ghosts of a few legendary figures that are said to still roam these grounds.

The Spirits of New York Avenue

The history of New York Avenue dates back to around 1900, when it was envisioned as the city’s commercial zone. The project was spearheaded by the construction of the First National Bank, located at 928 New York Avenue, which helped fund the rest of the commercial district. The bank, with its impressive four safes—one being an art deco-styled Mossler Safe valued at $36,000 in 1900 (around $1.2 million today)—became a cornerstone of the street.

But it’s the ghost of the bank’s president, Henry John Anderson, that locals call “Judy” who is said to still haunt the building today. Judy’s presence has been felt for decades by business owners who’ve worked at 928 New York Avenue. When it was a Hallmark store, employees would find bells mysteriously moved, and glass candle holders would fall to the floor. In 2022, a Chakra visitor to the building claimed to have encountered Judy’s spirit in the lower level safe. The visitor described feeling an unmistakable presence but sensed that Judy meant no harm to the building’s occupants.

The Ghost of Willie

Another infamous spirit is that of “Willie,” a horse rustler who was caught stealing horses in 1898 and shot by the local sheriff. Willie’s bones are believed to rest in the basement of the Victoria Alamogordo store at 913 New York Avenue, owned by Alice Weinman. Alice, a woman of strong religious conviction, was initially skeptical about ghost stories—until she began to feel an unexplained chill in her store and noticed lights turning on by themselves.

After reaching out to a medium, Alice learned that Willie’s bones had been buried where her store now stands. He reportedly haunted the space, especially when boxes were placed on top of his final resting place in the basement. In one memorable incident, Willie allegedly pushed a skeptic to the floor, showing that he was very much present. Willie also helped Alice solve a break-in by revealing details about the robber, but despite the ghost’s efforts, the thief managed to escape.

The Rowdy Spirits of New York Avenue

At 900 New York Avenue, where the Trisha Roberts Insurance Company is now located, another group of spirits is said to reside. These are the restless souls of the Fraternal Order of Knights of Pythias, who once gathered in a grand ballroom in the building’s upper floor. The Knights of Pythias, an influential fraternal order founded in the 19th century, would host lively dances and social gatherings—activities that are said to have left their mark on the building. According to Alice, the building still hosts a “rowdy crowd of spirits” from these past gatherings.

More Haunted Stories

The legends of New York Avenue do not stop there. The spirits of Maggie, a woman who died during surgery, and others are said to roam the 1200 Block. Paranormal investigators have visited the area, including Hidden Haunts Paranormal, who were featured on Bravo’s Ghosts of New York Avenue. They reported hearing responses from spirits through radio frequencies and dowsing rods. Brandt, one of the investigators, even saw figures in the dark and felt the touch of the spirits.

Even further out in the White Sands National Park, the legend of Pavla Blanca—a Spanish maiden who is believed to search for her lost love across the dunes—adds another layer of haunting mystery to the region. The story dates back to 1540, when her fiancé, a Spanish conquistador, was ambushed by Apache warriors. Today, visitors occasionally claim to see a white, wispy figure dressed in a wedding gown, wandering the dunes at sunset.

The Spirit of Alamogordo’s Past

Alamogordo’s historic New York Avenue is steeped in mystery, from the restless spirits in the Roadrunner Galleria to the spectral figures of Willie and the Knights of Pythias. The spirits are believed to carry the history and stories of the district with them, and during the holiday season, there is no better time to reflect on the energy of the past. As you explore Alamogordo’s streets this Christmas season, keep an eye out for the presence of these mysterious spirits—who may still be walking among us, quietly adding to the charm of this unique New Mexico town.

So, as you enjoy your holiday shopping, dancing, and dining this Saturday at Christmas on MainStreet, take a moment to look up and listen closely. You may just brush up against a ghost from the past.

source