This week: Haunted Mansions Edited by: NaNoNette More Newsletters By This Editor
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“Neither of us had lived in a house since we were kids; apartments, it turns out, are very different things, psychologically. Houses—especially old and creaky houses—are individuals, somehow; their fronts are faces, their closets are pants pockets.” ~ Ben Dolnick
“She stood a moment, staring up at the mansion. If it were haunted, she thought, it was probably by long-lost lovers. There was no way she could fathom anything wicked existing in such a beautiful place.” ~ Alistair Cross, The Ghosts of Ravencrest |
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Haunted Mansions
All fans of spooky and paranormal events have heard of famously haunted houses and mansions. Writers often use haunted houses in horror stories. Here are some real life haunted houses to give you ideas.
The Whaley House in San Diego, California
The ghost of James "Yankee Jim" Robinson, Thomas and Anna Whaley and even their dog haunt the place. How did it all start? Robinson was hung for grand larceny on the future construction site where the Whaleys built their home. First they were haunted by Robinson and then turned into ghosts themselves. If you want to, you can spend the night there. For science, of course.
The House of Death in New York City, New York
At least 22 people who lived and died here are haunting the place. Not only that, Mark Twain lived here for a year. Some swear that he comes by on occasion. Would this be a reason to go there and ask him some writing questions? I don't think the phrase "pick his brain" is appropriate here. Or is it? Unfortunately, there are private apartments in the building and there are no tours or overnight visits available.
Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California
Anyone ever killed by a Winchester Rifle is welcomed to stay here indefinitely. As a ghost. The Winchester family was so welcoming of the dead that Sarah Winchester kept adding rooms to the mansion to make space for them. To make it more ghosting appropriate, the rooms aren't lined up in a logical way. They form a labyrinth. You can visit this one. And if you want to channel your inner Viking, you can take part in axe throwing competitions outside.
Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast in Fall River, Massachusetts
Speaking of axes. In 1892, Abby and Andrew Borden were killed by an axe murderer. The police suspected their daughter Lizzie. Although found not guilty, the accusations never fully stopped so she haunts the place. If you are cold-blooded enough, you can spend the night in the bed & breakfast to hear the parents do ghostly things, Lizzie laughing, or the maid screaming like she did that time when she found the dead Bordens.
Villisca Axe Murder House in Villisca, Iowa
Axes. Again. Anyone noticing a pattern? In 1912, an axe murderer killed a large family that included four young children and two of their young friends. No one was ever charged with the crime. One hundred and ten years later, the victims are still haunting the house and asking for justice. You can visit the place and also spend the night.
Bell Witch Cave in Adams, Tennessee
This estate, founded in the early 1800s by John Bell has it all. While the Bell family lived there, they said to have seen strange animals roaming the land. They described one of those as a dog with a rabbit head. Apparently, they got into a spat with their neighbor Kate Batts (bat--it crazy?). She is haunting the place in revenge. The haunting manifested through physical attacks on the family by unseen entities along with unexplainable noises. If you want to go see it with your own eyes, go between May and October when the house and cave are open to visitors.
The White House in Washington, D.C.
Yes. THE White House. British Prime Minister Winston Churchill spend a few nights there and said he had a one-on-one encounter with President Lincoln. Ronald Reagan said his dog was barking at specters while his daughter Maureen said she saw a ghost look out of one of the windows at night.
You can see for yourself, but only in daytime as the White House is open for public tours, free of charge.
The Sallie House in Atchison, Kansas
Why settle for ghosts, axe murderers, or dead presidents when you can have a demon possession? Right here in the middle of it all, Kansas provides. A demon takes on the form of a little girl who causes scratches, marks, and burns on the bodies of the tenants. It also talks to them. One little girl who lived there thought the demon was her imaginary friend. If you want to feel it all first hand, you can go on a self-guided tour or stay overnight.
Franklin Castle in Cleveland, Ohio
Nothing is more haunted than a Victorian mansion. This one proves it. Built in the 1800s by cruel and abusive Hannes Tiedemann, rumors started spreading about something terrible going on there early on. Several members of his family died in mysterious circumstances. On a gory note, people claim that the house even has human bones in the walls. If that's not the complete package of horror, then what is? It will all have to stay in your imagination as the mansion is not open for tours.
Biltmore in Asheville, North Carolina
This one has the reputation of being one of the most haunted places in North Carolina and the whole United States. Why is that? The former owner, George Washington Vanderbilt II likes it so much that even in death, he chooses to stay there. His wife Edith is there too. She calls for him sometimes. If it's not haunted, it's definitely very cool to see in person because of its numerous hidden doors and passageways. The home is open to the public.
Are you going to that haunted house at the end of the road? Why did you say, "Yes?" |
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