A Stately Edifice in the Heart of Georgetown
Picture this: a three-story Federal and Greek revival structure commanding your attention as you stroll around The Circle in Georgetown, Delaware.
It’s the Brick Hotel, one of Sussex County’s oldest brick buildings, built in 1836. The hotel had been a unique feature of the town’s skyline for over 180 years, steeped in history and rich in architectural beauty.
This stately edifice has seen its fair share of owners, the latest being Ed and Lynn Lester, who purchased it and undertook significant historical restorations on the 14-room hotel in 2008. Over the 12 years, the couple ran it as an inn and restaurant, adding to its rich tapestry of purposes.
A Gathering Place of Memories
The Brick Hotel has always been more than a building; it was a gathering place. It was where residents and guests alike would converge during the biennial Return Day festivities held after Election Day.
Imagine the joy, anticipation, and camaraderie as the town crier would announce election results, political opponents would ride together in carriages, and an ox was roasted at an open pit barbecue outside the County Courthouse.
This unique Delaware tradition, dating back to the 18th century, was made all the more memorable by the presence of the Brick Hotel.
In recent years, the Brick Hotel was home to The Counting House Restaurant & Pub, run by renowned chef Bill Clifton. It was the place to be, whether for a casual meal, a special celebration, or to enjoy the best seats in town for Return Day and other Georgetown events.
From Threatened Demolition to Historic Preservation
The Brick Hotel has not been without its challenges. It was once slated for demolition to make room for the state’s Chancery Court building but was ultimately spared thanks to a land swap.
This near-brush with destruction underscores the value of historic preservation and the importance of retaining architectural treasures like the Brick Hotel. Moreover, its survival is a testament to the will of those who cherished its role in the community.
Over the years, the hotel has served a myriad of functions. It has been a temporary courthouse, a meeting place for northern sympathizers during the Civil War, and the home of an old Wilmington Trust branch for 40 years. The Brick Hotel, with its versatile history, has stood as a silent witness to Georgetown’s past, present, and future.
A New Chapter in Its Storied History
However, in 2021, the Brick Hotel closed its doors as a business, marking the end of an era. The impact of the coronavirus pandemic and state-mandated restrictions took a toll on the hospitality business, and the Lesters decided it was time to move on. But instead of leaving the building vacant, they planned to lease it to the state Department of Justice.
Ghostly Encounters at the Brick Hotel: The Haunted History of Georgetown’s Landmark
The Brick Hotel’s rich history extends into the supernatural realm, with many paranormal happenings reported over the years. The current owners, the Lesters, are believed to have stirred up the ghostly haunts in 2008 when they renovated the property.
Staff and guests have reported many strange occurrences in the hotel, and some have even referred to two of the spirits as George and Ophelia, who are known to play around and interact with people.
Former employees of the Wilmington Trust Co. that once worked in the Brick Hotel building were reportedly very uncomfortable at night while in the building, adding to the eerie reputation of the place.
Paranormal investigations have been conducted at the hotel over the years. A decade ago, psychic medium Donna Smith, her husband Revan, and other investigation team members from Delaware used EVP (electronic voice phenomena) recordings, motion detectors, and infrared photos to document potential ghostly presences.
They confirmed several spirits in the home, one of which they believed was most likely female or at least someone with a very feminine side. During one séance in 2008, many people reported feeling cold spots in the room and hearing unexplainable noises. Some even claimed to see a figure in one of the hallways.
In a 2009 article describing their investigation, a group picture was taken at the hotel where the central chandelier was seen flickering, and cameras were inexplicably shutting off. In addition, EVP picked up various phrases, some of which seemed to be from the period around the Pearl Harbor bombings in 1941 and during the Civil War when the Brick Hotel was known as the Union Hotel.
The reported ghostly happenings at the Brick Hotel are not limited to EVP recordings and sightings. Many staff members have witnessed lights shut off randomly and flashing wildly.
Guests and staff have also observed doors opening and closing independently, showers turning on themselves, and paintings being moved or relocated seemingly by invisible hands. Orbs have also been captured in many photos taken at the hotel, adding to the eerie ambiance of the place.
The Brick Hotel: A Testament to Georgetown’s Spirit
The Brick Hotel’s story is about resilience, adaptability, and endurance. Its changing roles over the years mirror the town’s journey, struggles and triumphs, and its spirit of community.
Even as the building begins a new chapter, the town hopes it will remain a beautiful attribute of The Circle, the center of activity for Georgetown, continuing to play a pivotal role in its history and identity.
In a world that often moves too fast, The Brick Hotel is a reminder of the past, a symbol of the present, and a promise for the future. As we look towards the future, we hope the Brick Hotel building will remain an integral part of Georgetown’s landscape, a cherished icon representing the town’s rich past, dynamic present, and promising future.
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