The History Of The Denver House That Inspired A Horror Film

This was a great read, and certainly sheds light on a story I have been fascinated with since childhood. The more facts I come across like this, the more Russell Hunter's account 'doesn't add up', specifically, the time frames don't line up with the claims. If Russell found a 'century old journal' in the 1960's, then that would mean obviously the journal would have been written in the 1860's...30+ years BEFORE the Henry T. Rogers house was built. Of course using the term "century old" may have simply been an exaggeration at the time of his quote. But if the journal was written after the house switched residents after the death of Frances Clarke Ristine in 1934, then that was only 30 years before Russell would have taken up residency (allegedly)...making the age of journal claim even more bogus.

Reading all the facts around the claim and studying the story for years, I have came to the following conclusion. It's very possible Russell Hunter did find a journal of some sort in that house (if it's true he did live there). But it was most likely the journal of Russell Hunter II, written during the early 1900's, and probably talked about 'good times and good memories in that house' versus the dark fictional version Russell portrayed. I think finding that journal in a big dark mansion strummed up lots of great ghost story ideas for Russell, who then fictionalized the rest of the story based on that one concept. And since Hunter was a professional script writer at the time, the brilliant premise of the Changeling would have been easy to architect for someone with his background.

I'd love to hear anyone else's thoughts about this, as I am sure there are other great 'Changeling' fans out there too!

Chris M

I had originally read this story when it was published as an article on the old ' Denver Magazine' back in the late 70's ( the old Denver Magazine not to be confused with a more recent version with the same name). The account that I read in this article said that the house was on the east side of the park- over nearest to what was a cemetery ( Now the Denver Botanic Gardens ). Anyhow, the premise of the story was pretty much the same, only this account had the 'changeling' being sent away to Europe right before WW I , presumably to convalesce.
The war intervened and he returned home after the conflict and assumed his place in the family. Upon the fathers seat, he inherited the family fortune and went on to become a state senator. Believe it or not, the magazine went as far to disclose the family names as " Phipps" ( yes THOSE Denver Phipps ! ). According to the article, when Hunter published the book, the family took all worst of action to stifle and squelch the book and story. Hunter had claimed that a 'hit' was even put out on him. The article follows more the story of the movie. I have made attempts at researching were the Phipps family had lived at the time ( there was one large mansion on Colfax Ave., and another account of a house at Cheesman Park- but nothing more specific). I have not been able to locate any copies of the article and there seem to be no more copies available of the book itself ( out of print, and non over the internet ). Hunter had claimed that the family made every attempt to see to it that all accounts of this version of the story 'disappear'. If this account is true- then they were successful.

Well, isn't this fascinating! I happened upon this article by sheer chance, and glad I did! Like others who have commented, I too fell in love with this movie when I first saw it via VHS in 1990. It scared the daylights out of me and to this day, I consider it one of the best ghost movies and story that has ever been made. It is truly a masterpiece. In fact, like others on this comment board, I too was so captivated by the story that I also have done research on Treat, Hunter, the home, Chessman Park, etc. albeit on a limited resource basis. I do not know if Hunter's personal experience is true or not, but I will say that I find it VERY interesting that there seems to be little documentation on the home, and those who have lived there, other than what it mentioned in this article. Also, Hunter's book seems to be impossible to find. So, this too is fascinating to me. Little seems to exist in fact about Treat and his wife as well in terms of financial interests, professional documents, etc. I did find a speech that Henry gave to a Yale Alumni dinner once, but that's about it.

In any case, like any good writer would likely do, embellishment and keeping the story alive is part of their job. Shoot, here we are 40+ years later talking about it! And loving it! Ha! I'd say that Russell Hunter certainly achieved his goal in this sense. As to his personal experiences with the story, well, I have legitimate paranormal experience myself and I have to say that his experiences are very similar to mine, so I personally believe most of his story - whether they were obtained at the Treat home or not. I believe he did experience these things at some point as they are too real, and too similar, to my own for me to cast doubt on them.

To Russell Hunter - Thank you for such a great story! Your story lives on!

Katie, Would you be interested in coming on the Good Living by Design internet radio program to tell a little about this house and Russell Hunter's story? It is very interesting to see how writers and researchers can track down such factual tidbits that may change how the history of an event is perceived. If this is something you would be interested in, please let me know! October 31st is available, we are located in Highlands Ranch.
I look forward to hearing from you..
Victoria H.

Our family, the Richard L. Fenton Family, lived in this home for about 3 years, from 1959 through 1962. We belonged to the Immaculate Conception Cathedral and we all went to the Cathedral elementary or high school, located a few blocks north of the Cathedral (the school closed down shortly after we moved). I am the youngest of 7 children who lived at the home. I loved this beautiful home while we lived there and have a few photos of the home during that time frame. My sister had her wedding reception in this home and my parents celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary here, so I also have photos of the dining and living rooms where family photos were taken. Anyway, we did not have any hauntings during our period at the home. I do recall being told that the owners had some of their belongings stored in the attic and we were not to go up there. I don't believe we ever did. The owners also left a baby black grand piano in the front foyer area. There was black and white octagon tile in that area and it looked stunning there. My mother loved playing that piano, although she also had her own upright piano in the living room. The Smiths owned the home behind us on Williams St. Mrs. Smith used to host bridge games at her home and I used to play with her son, Lincoln, until he started school. I remember driving by the home about 9 years later and it was in total disrepair. I was heartbroken at how much the home had deteriorated and it looked like they were renting rooms out. What a shame that this historic home was later torn down to be a parking lot for a high rise building. I believe that any spirits that entered the home later were conjured up by the occupant. We didn't know anything about these hauntings or the movie that was made about the home until about 3 years ago when my sister did an online search of the address.

Thank you Katie A. (Fenton). I lived in an old house near Colfax when my sisters and I went to Cathedral too!!! We have great memories. I never did like to do the laundry in the basement....

I'm curious about the demolition. He claims a workman was killed when the building was demolished. Has this been verified? Looked like a lovely house. Such a shame it was torn down.

Just watched the movie and loved it. Enjoyed reading everyone's comments.

I was just watching this film. It has been one of my favorite horror movies since I was a child. I recalled it was supposedly based on a true story so I went online and was so pleased to read these articles and comments looking into the past!

Hi, I was at a screening of the film at the Egyptian in Hollywood, CA last night. Peter Medak was there after the film and took some Q&A. I was the last person to ask, "What is the true story of the Changeling?" There was a quick chuckle by the interviewer, then Medak said that there was a murder, and a changeling, and that the wife of one of the producers had researched the story,Diana Maddox. He then went on to talk about another film altogether. Well, at least I tried ; D

Just saw the film again after many years, and it's a masterpiece. This background information is fascinating, and i'm going to read further...wish I lived in CO!

I saw this movie when it first came out . I saw it again several years later. I was surprised to learn the house was a set and that the interior shots were all on a set. Martin Scorcese named it in his top 10 list of scariest movies of all time. The seance scene was really scary. I don't think this story is all that implausible . There are a lot of people with money and power that feel they live by separate rules or no rules greed, and self entitlement . I'm sure there are plenty of untold stories out there. Probably stories that would shock the hell out of people. I'm very surprised the house was demolished. How did that happen? Such a waste. George C. Scott was great in this film as was Melvyn Douglas. When they dug up that well in that house, I had chills for days. You just never know what's lurking below!!!