Milwaukee bar is home to spirits of a different kind

The historic White House Bar on Kinnickinnic Ave. in Milwaukee seems to have more than just spirits poured out to its customers.

Members of the Greater Milwaukee Paranormal Research Group believe spirits from beyond may haunt the place as well. The group recently investigated the south side landmark under the direction of co-founder Noah Leigh. While they did not actually see any ghosts, they did manage to capture some photos with orbs in them. Leigh said the photos would have to be analyzed, as orbs may simply be dust or camera lens reflections.

However, the new owner of White House, Sean Raffaelli doesn’t need convincing. He had already heard ghost stories about the bar before he purchased it in December 2006. He learned that aside from a funeral that was held in the bar during the late 19^th century, some patrons believed ghosts of former patrons were returning for another round.

"We've had one bartender who said he got tickled on the head one time. A lot of patrons come and tell stories. People come in and tell the same stories and they've never met, and the stories have never been publicized."

Raffaelli said he’s not worried that a few ghosts might drive away customers either.

"I'm not afraid," he says. "Any publicity is good publicity." 

The Greater Milwaukee Paranormal Research Group plan to return to the White House in the spring with technical equipment so they can record temperatures and other readings.