Background: This retail shop is located in the ground floor of the historic Howe Hotel. It was a seven story building featuring 150 rooms. Later, in the 1940's the Howe was purchased by the Asimos' and renamed to Hotel De Soto. His inspiration for the name was influenced by the famous explorer, Hernando De Soto, who visited Hot Springs in 1541.
In the late forties and fifties the hotel was used as overflow for the Army Navy hospital during World War II when soldiers were being treated for war injuries servicemen from battle zones were sent to the Hot Springs facility for rest relaxation and rehabilitation.
It is said by many Arkansas historians that the 'Pinkertons' or FBI agents were notorious for staying on the top to watch Al Capone over at the Arlington hotel, where he stayed most of the time. There are very many rumors of violence relating to what happened while they were watching him, but none of them have been proven true yet.
In the 1980's after getting renamed back to the Howe hotel, the back of the structure caught fire and burnt the pool and motel portion of the hotel to the ground causing it to be demolished shortly thereafter. Of the original seven-story building only the front remains, along with a small portion of the additional bath houses on the bottom of the back section.
Claims: There are extensive claims of paranormal activity happening in this location. The former retail establishment had far too many accounts to list. Poltergeist activity has been known to occur.
UPROAR Investigated: No
Our take: This is probably as close to a paranormal 'goldmine' that one could find.
Is it haunted: Almost certain
