LOCALadk Magazine

LOCALadk 30 The Haunted Legacy of Barkeater Chocolates: History, Mystery, and the Supernatural in North Creek. By Deb Morris Nestled in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains, in the hamlet of North Creek, New York, Barkeater Choc- olates entices visitors with the promise of decadent, locally crafted sweets. Yet, behind the rich aromas of chocolate, caramel and toffee lies an even richer tapestry of history; a legacy interwoven with legends of the supernatural, whispered tales of hauntings, and lingering spirits from centuries past. The Barkeater Chocolates building is believed to be one of the area's most intriguing, haunted destinations. An Adirondack Landmark with a Mysterious Past Long before it became a haven for chocolate lovers, the stately building that houses Barkeater Choco- lates bore witness to the ebb and flow of North Creek visitors and families. Constructed in the 1880s, the structure's origins are rooted in a period when North Creek was a bustling stop for workers in the lumber and mining industries; as well as, tourists. The building has served many purposes throughout its lifetime: a tourist house, a private residence and even a small law firm. Local lore suggests that the land itself carries a lot of history. The area was once traversed by Indigenous tribes, and later by settlers carving out lives in the rugged wilderness. Through decades, the building ac- cumulated not just dust and memories, but stories— some mundane, others marked by tragedy, love, loss and inexplicable phenomena. The Transformation to Barkeater Chocolates In 2013, Deb & Jim Morris saw not just an old struc- ture but an opportunity. Having founded Barkeater Chocolates in 2008, they knew they needed more space for their growing business. The purchase of the old house would allow them to open a factory store and expand their production line with new machinery. Renovations brought fresh paint, welcoming dis-

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