The Rosario Resort is located on Orcas Island in the San Juan Island in Washington State. Rosario is now a resort, but it started out as the mansion of a wealthy shipping magnate, Robert Moran. Moran lived at the isolated mansion until he could no longer maintain it. He sold the mansion to Donald Rheem.
There are people who believe that the mansion is haunted by the ghost of Alice Rheem, the flamboyant wife of the industrialist who purchased the mansion from Moran.
The Rosario Resort was originally built as a private residence on the Orcas Island in San Juan Islands, Washington. The residence was purchased by Donald Rheem, a California Industrialist. Alice Rheem, who was his wife, lived a flamboyant lifestyle that caused a stir among the locals. Alice Rheem would appear in the village of Eastsouth wearing a flaming red nightgown. She would go to the general store to play a few hands of cards with the “local boys” and would hop on her Harley-Davidson motorcycle to return home. Alice Rheem reportedly died of alcoholism in the late 1930’s.
Employees and guests at the mansion have reported mysterious, bizarre incidents. Reports have included seeing strange shapes, hearing strange noises and hearing the footsteps of a woman walking in high heels. There have even been reports of sightings of Alice Rheem riding her motorcycle on the second floor. People speculate that Mrs. Rheem continues her eccentric lifestyle at the mansion.
It is interesting that the reports of haunting are of Alice Rheem and not of the original owner and builder of the mansion.
Robert Moran had arrived in Seattle penniless and built a shipbuilding empire along with his two brothers. Moran took Mayoral office in 1888, after the Great Fire” had destroyed the downtown district of Seattle. Moran dealt with the problems of the city while running his shipbuilding business. The apex of Moran’s shipbuilding career was when his shipyard built and launched the flagship of the U.S. Navy’s “Great White Fleet”, USS Nebraska, in 1904.
The strain of business took a toll on his health and Moran was given a grim heath diagnosis. He was told he had only a year to live.
Moran decided to build a dream house and enjoy his remaining time. Moran retired at the age of 49 and began acquiring land on Orcas Island. Eventually he secured 7,800 acres. The Moran Mansion was built and moved into in 1909. Moran outlived the doctor’s prediction and enjoyed his life at the mansion in its beautiful natural surrounding.
Moran wrote a description of the setting, which was published in the 1932 Rosario Prospectus “Rosario: An Estate in the Pacific Northwest”. Moran described the location as being in the lower reaches of Puget Sound, looking toward to the Olympic Mountains and lands of romance of the chief trade routes. He described the San Juan Islands as being unique in charm and beauty. The living conditions were described as agreeable, healthful and picturesque. The islands were a natural setting, offering an opportunity to get back to nature.
In 1913 a pipe organ was installed in the Music Room, which also features Tiffany chandeliers and a Steinway grand piano. The Music Room is one of the notable features of the Rosario Resort.
Robert Moran, contrary to the doctor’s dire prediction, lived a long life on the island. Moran’s wife, Melissa died of cancer in 1932. Moran’s brothers and sisters had all died and Moran was no longer able to maintain the sprawling estate. He advertised in National Geographic and Fortune Magazine but the Depression years were a tough real estate market. The mansion was on the market for six years before being sold at a fire-sale price. In 1938 the estate was sold to a California Industrialist. Donald Rheem, for only $50,000. Moran continued to live on Orcas Island, in a small house, until his death in 1943 at the age of 86.
The Rosario Estate was sold a few times during the 1950’s. In 1960 the Mansion was opened to the public as Rosario Resort.
The Moran Brothers Collection, documenting their years of shipbuilding, was donated to the Museum of History & Art by the National Park Service and Rosario Resort. The collection contains over 650 glass plate negatives which illustrate shipbuilding endeavors, family photographs and photographs of the resort.
The Rosario continues to offer an isolated retreat ,in the San Juan Islands, for vacationer looking for a setting in which to get back to nature. The islands can be reached by boat.The Rosario Marina is located on Cascade Bay. The island is a popular destination during the mild spring and summer months.
The original mansion houses the spa, restaurant, lounge, boutique, music room and museum. Accommodations are no located in the mansion. Guest rooms are is two separate areas near the mansion. The Moran Mansion, now the Rosario Resort, is listed on the National Historic Register and Historic Hotels of America National Trust for Historic Preservation.
