Ghost Stories

The Haunting of the Cline Building

In the heart of Newkirk, Oklahoma, stands the historic Cline Building, a structure that has witnessed the passage of time and the secrets of its inhabitants. Built in the late 19th century, this building was once the office of William Sherman Cline, a prominent attorney who practiced law in Newkirk since the opening of the Cherokee Strip. Cline was not only known for his legal acumen but also for his significant contributions to the community.

The Legend

William S. Cline was a man of many accomplishments. By day, he was a respected attorney, but his influence extended beyond his legal practice. He served as a state senator from 1915 to 1919 and from 1923 to 1927, and he was a member of the board of directors of the Eastman National Bank in Newkirk and vice president of the First National Bank at Kaw City. His investments in farmland made him one of the largest landowners in Kay County, and he was a deacon in the Christian church, organizing and teaching the courthouse Bible class.

The Haunting

After Cline's death in 1936, strange occurrences began to plague the Cline Building. Employees and visitors reported hearing footsteps echoing through the empty halls, the sound of a gavel striking wood, and whispers of legal arguments that seemed to come from nowhere. The most unsettling reports, however, came from those who found themselves inexplicably trapped within the building.

The Encounter

One evening, a young filmmaker named Austin Gerry was working late, organizing film equipment in the upstairs portion of the Cline Building. The air was thick with the scent of aged paper and the faint aroma of tobacco, a nod to Cline's known habit. As the clock struck midnight, Austin decided it was time to leave. He gathered his belongings and headed towards the exit, but the door wouldn't budge. Panic set in as he tried every door and window, all to no avail.

Suddenly, the temperature dropped, and a cold breeze swept through the room. Austin turned to see a shadowy figure standing in the doorway of what used to be Cline's office. The figure was dressed in early 20th-century attire, complete with a stern expression. It was William Cline.

The Farewell

Austin’s heart raced as the apparition slowly approached him. He remembered the stories he had heard about Cline's ghost and the peculiar requirement to escape his spectral grasp. Summoning all his courage, he spoke aloud, "All is well, goodbye for tonight, Mr. Cline."

The ghost paused, its expression softening. With a nod, the figure slowly dissipated into the air, and the doors of the building unlocked with an audible click. Austin wasted no time in fleeing the premises, his heart pounding in his chest.

There have also been interactions between the KAW gaming commission during their use of the building years ago. Doors opening downstairs from the basement even with heavy equipment placed against it to stop the door from opening. 

Children have been heard playing and a distinct temperature drops when Lisa Lee Martin, owner of Raman-Martin Film Productions and RM Entertainment Channel, plays the old song “Beautiful Dreamer” on the piano. “He likes that song”, she exclaimed with a smile. 

The Legacy

To this day, the Cline Building remains a place of business with Raman-Martin Film Productions starting a new worldwide tv channel called RM Entertainment intertwined with historical significance. The show Newkirk Hauntings was born from these ghostly encounters and Mr Cline was also mentioned in the series Hunting Jessica filmed in Newkirk by RMFP and can be watched on RM Entertainment Channel worldwide for FREE. A channel search for RM Entertainment channel on Roku-AppleTV-FireTV-AndroidTV-FireStick plus Android and iPhone apps is at your fingertips. 

Those who work at RMFP are always mindful to say hello when entering the building and bidding farewell to Mr. Cline before leaving, ensuring they do not incur the wrath of the lingering attorney. The legend of William Sherman Cline serves as a reminder of the thin veil between the past and the present, and the enduring presence of those who refuse to be forgotten.

If you are ever invited into the Cline building, don’t forget to greet Mr Cline and bid him farewell….

• LLM