Patsy Clark, Mining Magnate & the Haunted Clark Mansion
Patrick "Patsy" Clark, a prominent figure in the late 19th-century American mining industry, was born on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 1852, in Ireland. The moniker "Patsy" stuck with him throughout his life, a familiar and endearing nickname for a man who would leave an indelible mark on the American West. His story is one of ambition, hard work, and eventual opulence, culminating in the construction of a stunning mansion in Spokane, Washington, which, according to local lore, may still house a few lingering spirits.
At the young age of 18, in 1870, Clark embarked on a journey to the United States aboard the SS Marathon. Arriving in New York, he quickly set his sights on the opportunities that beckoned in California. With unwavering dedication and a keen eye for detail, Patsy Clark immersed himself in the intricacies of the mining business, rapidly acquiring the knowledge and skills that would propel him to success.
In 1876, Clark ventured to Butte, Montana, a burgeoning mining town, where he formed a significant association with Marcus Daly. He served as the foreman of the Alice Mine under Daly’s leadership, gaining invaluable experience in managing large-scale mining operations. The following year, in 1877, Clark’s life took a dramatic turn as he participated in the Battle of Big Hole during the Nez Perce War, a conflict that underscored the tumultuous realities of life on the frontier.
By the end of the 1870s, Patsy Clark’s reputation had grown considerably. He secured a position as a superintendent of mines at the renowned Comstock mines in Virginia City, Nevada, further solidifying his expertise in the industry. It was during his time in Butte that he met Mary Stack, the woman who would become his wife. They married on St. Patrick’s Day in 1881, a fitting tribute to his Irish heritage. Together, they would have six children, building a family alongside his burgeoning career. That same year, he played a crucial role in opening the Anaconda Mine for Daly, where he also served as a foreman. His association with Daly continued for several years, after which he collaborated with ex-Senator William Clark of Montana in various mining endeavors.
Clark’s astute business sense and willingness to seize opportunities led him to Spokane, Washington, in 1887. There, he established the Poor Man Mine in the Coeur d’Alene District, taking on the roles of part owner and general manager. His entrepreneurial spirit extended beyond the United States, as he later operated in Rossland, British Columbia, Canada, where he co-founded the War Eagle Mine with Finch and Campbell. In 1896, he further expanded his mining empire by opening the Republic Mine in Ferry County, Washington. The life and career of Patsy Clark showed how one can make the best of opportunities.
The year 1889 brought both devastation and opportunity. The Great Fire of Spokane ravaged the city, consuming Clark’s mansion and countless other structures. However, having already amassed a considerable fortune, Clark was determined to rebuild in grand style. He commissioned the renowned architect Kirkland Cutter to design a new residence, one that would surpass its predecessor in both scale and opulence. The story of Patsy Clark would not be complete without mentioning the fire of 1889.
Cutter embarked on a journey to Europe, seeking inspiration and sourcing exquisite furnishings for the new mansion. When the 12,000-square-foot home was finally completed in 1898, it became an instant landmark, captivating the attention of the entire West Coast. The three-and-a-half-story structure, with its blend of Spanish and Moorish architectural influences, featured rounded corner towers and elegant arched loggias. The exterior sandstone was imported from Italy, while the bricks were crafted in St. Louis, Missouri. Inside, custom-made Tiffany lamps and chandeliers illuminated the lavish interiors, alongside onyx fireplaces, towering 14-foot stained glass windows, golden-lined chairs, silk curtains, and a grandfather clock that reportedly cost a staggering $17,000. A carriage house and stable were built behind the mansion. The entire project, including the mansion and its furnishings, cost an estimated $13,000,000, a testament to Clark’s wealth and refined taste.
The Clarks embraced their new home with enthusiasm, hosting lavish parties and enjoying the fruits of their success. However, Patsy Clark remained actively involved in his mining ventures. In 1903, he extended his expertise to Southern Oregon, assuming control of 14 consolidated claims along the Blue Ledge lode, which straddled the California-Oregon border south of the Applegate Valley.
In 1906, Clark founded the Furnace Creek Copper Company and established the settlement of Furnace in Death Valley, California. His mining interests spanned the American West, and he also made substantial investments in Canada and Mexico. Arriving in America with limited resources, Clark had achieved remarkable wealth through hard work, a relentless pursuit of knowledge, and a deep understanding of the mining industry.
Patsy and Mary Clark resided in their magnificent mansion until Patrick’s death in 1915. After his passing, Mary moved into an adjacent apartment building to maintain a watchful eye over the mansion. She died in 1926. Following Mary’s death, the mansion was sold to an investor named Eugene Enloe. Over the years, it passed through several owners, gradually falling into disrepair. By the 1970s, the mansion faced the imminent threat of demolition.
Recognizing the historical and architectural significance of the property, the owners at the time decided to collaborate with the city to obtain a zoning exemption, enabling them to convert the mansion into a restaurant. The city approved the request, and the mansion was transformed into the Francis Lester Inn, a restaurant and event venue that operated until 1982. After another sale, the mansion was restored and reopened as Patsy Clark’s Restaurant, a high-class dining establishment that thrived for 20 years. Following its closure, the property was acquired by the law firm of Eyman, Allison, Hunter, and Jones, who undertook further restoration efforts, returning the building to its former grandeur. In late 2019, the mansion was put up for sale once again and was purchased by a Spokane investor group, Patsy Clark LLC, committed to preserving and further restoring the iconic landmark. Steve DeWalt, a member of the investor group, expressed their goal of "continuing to protect and preserve this property and to explore a variety of ways to enable the public to experience and appreciate this unmistakable landmark more fully."
The mansion, listed on the National Historic Register in 1975, stands proudly at 2208 W. Second Avenue in Spokane’s Browne’s Addition Historic District, a testament to the legacy of Patsy Clark.
Hauntings:
While not renowned as one of Washington’s most haunted locations and lacking a history of significant tragedies, the Patrick Clark Mansion is nonetheless rumored to be haunted. The specific nature of the alleged hauntings remains shrouded in mystery, but speculation suggests that Patsy Clark himself and his family may be the entities lingering within the walls, perhaps disturbed by the mansion’s near demise.
The tales of hauntings began to surface when the mansion operated as a restaurant. Stories circulated about three entities said to inhabit the old wine cellar in the basement. Described as playful spirits, they gained a reputation for mischievous behavior, often targeting restaurant employees with their pranks. Reports included wine bottles and other objects being tossed across the room. Former employees also recounted hearing disembodied voices and experiencing a sense of unease when venturing into the basement alone. Cold spots and unexplained drafts were also frequently reported. For a time, the paranormal activity became so prevalent that many employees dreaded entering the basement.
Whether these playful spirits continue to reside within the cellar today remains unknown. Renovations and restorations of historic mansions have been known to either activate or dispel such entities. The legacy of Patsy Clark and his mansion lives on, in both its tangible beauty and its intriguing, perhaps supernatural, stories.