Hollow Hill

Winchester Mystery House – Another Room?

Winchester Mystery House - A Hidden Room? The headline says “New room found at San Jose’s Winchester Mystery House,” and the article explains, “The home’s preservation team recently opened the new room, which is an attic space that has been boarded up since Sarah Winchester died in 1922.”

But, as another article – Winchester Mystery House Pries Open Creepy Attic Room Boarded Up In 1922 – explains…

But notably, Sarah’s attic isn’t being presented in its original location — instead, its items have been spirited away to another location on the grounds. “We have relocated the ‘attic’ to the central courtyard,” a representative from the Mystery House wrote on Facebook. “

In a typical “haunted” house, if the furnishings aren’t in the original room, I’ve lost at least half my interest.

New room at Winchester Mystery House Oh, I’m certain that objects can hold ghostly energy

But, my past investigations suggested that an equal amount of energy (or more) is in the walls, floor, and ceiling of the room.

Maybe that energy was absorbed from the objects. I don’t know. But, I am sure that a sealed room with its objects is likely to be more haunted than just those objects, placed in a courtyard.

To be fair, the attic room may have been unsafe or impractical to open to the public. So, moving the objects might have been the best option.

And, it probably goes without saying: the Winchester house is far from a “typical” haunted house. Its history was bizarre from the beginning.

Looking at the photo, above… all I needed to see were the old portrait and the doll. Those are two typical signals that the room is likely to have anomalies.

(I’m assuming that doll is composition and was actually in the room when it was opened. Several “haunted” sites have added dolls as props, to seem creepier. Know your doll history, so you’ll spot dolls that don’t fit the time period.)

With or without the “new room,” the Winchester Mystery House is one of America’s most enduring – and important – haunts.

For years, psychics and mediums have been sure that some of the house’s most haunted rooms were still hidden, or at least sealed. That’s confirmed by a room like this.

The Winchester Mystery House also provided evidence supporting the idea that ghostly activity – particularly poltergeists – seem to correlate with the presence of water. I think Colin Wilson was one of the first to mention that.

For about 10 years, when I heard a poltergeist report, I asked about the proximity to water. In over 95% of credible reports, water was within three feet of the activity: bars, kitchens, or bathrooms. Usually, the distance was closer to one foot.

The alternative was unexplained water that appeared on surfaces, immediately following the activity. That’s been reported at the Winchester house, as well.

Here’s a 10-minute video about the Winchester Mystery House, filmed by the “Weird US” guys.

If you’re interested in the history of the Winchester house, I recommend the half-hour documentary narrated by actress Lilian Gish, Mrs. Winchester’s House. That 1963 film is very stylish and captures the eerie mood of the site.

I’m thousands of miles from the Winchester Mystery House, so – for now – I’m unlikely to investigate at the house. (I’m finding a lot of great, weird information in books, old newspapers, and others’ articles.)

If you visit the house and can report on the activity around the new attic-related display, let me know in comments, below.

Witch Hill – aka Whipple Hill

Photo taken at Whipple Hill, Danvers, MA Witch Hill in Danvers is an important part of the Salem Witch Trials. It’s where “spectral evidence” was observed in 1692, and used as evidence against people accused of witchcraft in Salem.

The correct name for the site is Whipple Hill, and it’s a hauntingly wild and lovely location for hiking. Marked trails lead you to the crest of the hill and a beautiful view.

Note: This article may not be current. There have been reports that Whipple Hill is going to be developed as a commercial property. I hope they’re just idle rumors.

Park your car at Endicott Park. It’s across a busy street from Witch (Whipple) Hill, and the small parking fee is worthwhile for convenience.

Cross the street and you’ll see the entrance to the trails that cross Witch Hill. The photo, above, was taken near that entrance.

The main trail includes rocks and uneven ground beneath a covering of leaves. You’ll want good hiking shoes and perhaps a walking stick, as well. However, active families (even those with small children) will enjoy this site for a weekend outing. (As usual, watch for poison ivy.)

This is one of two “witch hills” in the Salem area. Gallows Hill in Salem is sometimes called Witch Hill, too.

However, the location of the Danvers site is noted on several historical maps, and I think it’s an overlooked site.

My recent investigations suggest intense activity at Witch Hill, even during the day. If you have any stories related to that hill, or if you’ve investigated it, please leave a comment or contact me.

Ghosts of Haverhill, MA – And a Map to Find Them

Haverhill ghost map - ley lines in MA Haverhill is haunted.

In fact, it may be one of New England’s most overlooked – and reliable – haunted communities.

That makes it a great location for ghost hunting. But, many of the best locations are off-limits at night, or require a fee to explore.

Don’t let that deter you. Haverhill’s ghosts can be worth the extra effort.

In 2017, I was interviewed for an article: Haunted in Haverhill, by Alison Colby-Campbell. The article was in the October 2017 issue of Haverhill Life.

Here are my research notes from that interview.

The Haverhill Ley Line Map – Haunted Places

My early Haverhill ley line research produced two maps.

The first included points related to known haunts and suspected ghosts.

Haverhill Ley Lines - First draft — First draft of Haverhill ley lines.

In that map (courtesy of Google Maps), you’ll see two triangles.

In the first triangle, dashed lines connect the Northpoint Bible College site (former location of Bradford College) and Buttonwoods/Pentucket Burial Ground area to Hilldale Cemetery.

In the second triangle, the solid lines connect the same initial points to St. James’ Cemetery instead of Hilldale.

Anything within the two, overlapping triangles might be worth extra research. Those areas have a greater likelihood of ghosts.

Maybe.

The problem was: when I was working with that map, it just didn’t feel right.

That’s difficult to articulate. At this point, it’s simplest to say that some of my ley lines work is intuitive.

Further, if I keep working on the troublesome map that “guesswork” almost always rings true.

That was the case with the Haverhill map.

Other Eerie Places Confirmed My Results

On a whim, I took a fresh look at the map. I studied everything in the area, and thought about weird news reports and nearby paranormal sites.

That’s when I remember the Westford Knight. (That site is in Westford, MA. I’m not sure it’s still worth visiting, but – many years ago, when I first saw it – it definitely looked like a primitive, medieval knight’s burial.)

Haverhill ley lines map, revised — The Westford Knight > Haverhill > Isles of Shoals ley line.

When I connected the dots between the Westford Knight site, Northpoint Bible College, and Buttonwoods, it went through Walnut Cemetery and over the Isles of Shoals.

That line made more sense to me. It hit more major weird/paranormal sites.

Related, Haunted Locations

Westford Knight? Weird.
Northpoint/Bradford college? Weird and haunted.
Buttonwoods? Very haunted. I’d go back there just for another look at the haunted mirror in the parlor.
Walnut Cemetery? Strange. Something was odd (not just haunted) when I investigated it. It seemed as if the cemetery amplified unhealthy impulses among the living. (Yes, I know how bizarre that sounds. It’s more likely my imagination was working overtime.)
Isles of Shoals? Over two centuries of weird legends and, of course, ghosts.

If I were scouting haunted locations for a TV series (something I’ve done in the past), I’d focus on that line. I’d follow it exactly, and ask questions at any shops, restaurants, or other public sites along the way.

Frankly, that line is so strong, I’d stake my reputation on it leading through some other very weird (and probably haunted) locations.

It’s just a matter of looking, and asking questions of enough people. That takes persistence, patience, and a little audacity at times. But, it’s usually worthwhile, if you’re looking for unreported haunted places. You might find some so dark and weird, people avoid talking about them.

Haunted Haverhill article So, yes, if you’re a ghost hunter, Haverhill can be a goldmine of investigation sites, with very vivid ghosts.

The Haverhill Life article, “Haunted in Haverhill,” isn’t online now, but you can contact their office or ask at the Haverhill public library.

Also, I’ve mentioned Haverhill – especially a haunted mirror at the Buttonwoods Museum – in a short YouTube video about haunted mirrors.

That mirror was in a parlor at Buttonwoods, and several of us saw the ghost in the mirror, all at the same time, and on multiple visits.

So, I’m comfortable recommending Haverhill for ghost hunting. A reliably haunted mirror is very rare, and Haverhill has one.

Here’s the video:

Pennsylvania’s Scariest, Must-See Haunted Places

Few states have as much ghostly history as Pennsylvania. But where should a visiting ghost hunter begin? Here are some tips.

Since I’m writing this on the fourth of July, I’ll start with Philadelphia (PA), where the Declaration of Independence was signed.

Philadelphia’s Ghosts

(The original video with this article was made private by its owner. I’ve replaced it with a video that’s silly at time, but it does show several reliable haunts in Philadelphia. If you’re visiting Philadelphia, this ~2 minute video is worth watching.)

More Pennsylvania Ghosts

Next, here’s another video featuring some interesting Pennsylvania haunts. The state is large, so most of these sites aren’t actually in Philadelphia. Still, if you’re in Pennsylvania, some of these ghost stories are interesting and could be worth checking out.

Most Haunted Places In Pennsylvania

Join me as I show you the ten most haunted places in the 2nd state! SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE PARANORMAL ACTIVITY!

Haunted Centralia, PA

Centralia (PA) is over two hours from Philadelphia. Also, it’s not a place to visit (though it might be haunted). Anyone going there is risking his life; it’s not worth taking that chance.

(I want to make it very clear: I advise against going anywhere near Centralia, for any reason.)

Centralia’s story is both horrifying and compelling. I’m not sure any city or ghost town has a similar history. (I hope not, anyway.)

I don’t know if ghosts will linger there, long enough for investigators who’ll visit when Centralia is finally safe. It seems unlikely. (For example, I haven’t heard any trustworthy ghost stories about Pompeii.)

Still, if we’re talking about creepy places in Pennsylvania, Centralia has to be on the top 10 list.

Even More Ghosts in Pennsylvania

Do you love true ghost stories?

If you’d like to discover more haunted places in Pennsylvania, here’s one book on the subject, and it has some favorable reviews.

It’s loaded with ghost stories about Gettysburg, but you’ll find other interesting locations in it, too.

The Big Book of Pennsylvania Ghost Stories

Book Review: Ghost Hunting in Tilton, NH

This isn’t my book, but it includes a few of my Tilton stories. Other regional ghost hunters, including Lesley Marden and journalist Jim Fitzgerald, also contributed their stories to Rue’s book.

Ghost Hunting in Tilton, NH, by Rue Taylor Cote.

From the Amazon description:

Is Tilton the most haunted town in New Hampshire?

Tilton’s ghosts became famous in 2010 when the Ghost Hunters TV series featured Tilton’s haunted 1875 Inn.

After that, many ghost hunters came to Tilton and New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, looking for haunted places.

They found them… Lots of them.

Tilton may seem like a typical New Hampshire town.

After you learn about its ghosts, I think you’ll agree: Tilton is one of the Granite State’s strangest, most haunted towns.

I’m fascinated by the connections between the Tilton family and the Webster family.

Also, the Tilton area – very rural when those families moved there – seemed an odd place for two eccentric, powerful families to settle and, today, to be among the area’s ghosts.

I read this book in one sitting. (Yes, it’s short, but I was intrigued by stories that were new to me.)

For example, the Tilton link to the popular book & TV series, A Handmaid’s Tale, was a complete surprise.

Also, I’ll bet there’s more to Peter Tilton’s story. If two of Oliver Cromwell’s supporters are buried near Tilton’s Connecticut house, in unmarked graves… well, I’d be very interested in investigating there, as well.

Something about Tilton seems… off. Weird. It’s like it’s a little too cute. Too “quaint New England.”

It’s almost picture-perfect… and then the Tilton Inn is so haunted, it’s been featured on Ghost Hunters and other TV shows.

Something doesn’t add up. Maybe the rumored stories – underground tunnels, women locked in attics, and eerie rituals – are true. And maybe their energy lingers today.

Like author Rue Cote, I’m curious about Northfield, too. I’d researched near the abandoned town center, without realizing anything important had been there.

I never knew about the hidden cemetery, either. I’m always interested in haunted sites that have been concealed for, oh, at least 100 years.

Tilton is a sleepy little New Hampshire town off I-93, in the Lakes Region. If you’re going to be in that area, read this book to plan your own unique ghost hunting adventures.

(Also, if you have any Tilton-related ghost stories to share, leave them in comments. I’m very interested in that part of New Hampshire.)

She Was Locked in the Attic – Ghost Hunting in Laconia, NH

Over a hundred years ago, a woman was locked in the attic of a haunted Laconia (NH) home. She spent years up there, perhaps clawing at the walls and door. She may have died up there, and pieces of her body may still be in the home’s backyard.

These pictures are from a house near Laconia’s Parade Road. It’s a private residence, but in Colonial times, it had been a tavern.

Later, according to stories told by the homeowners, someone was locked in the attic, possibly for years.

I was fortunate enough to be invited – privately – to spend a few hours ghost hunting at this extraordinary site. Even in broad daylight, it was unusual.

And, the ghost stories at that site are credible.

There’s plenty of physical evidence of its turbulent past, including personal belongings from long ago. It’s difficult to tell which had been left there, abandoned by previous homeowners, and which belong to the current residents.

But few attics have so many marks scraped into the walls and door.

I’ve mentioned this house before, including in my review of Rue Cote’s book, Ghost Hunting in Tilton, NH.

The scratch marks in the Laconia home’s attic were among the creepiest things I’ve ever seen, ghost hunting in private homes. Those scratches are reminiscent of hash marks carved into prison walls, and in orphanages and some hospitals.

Here’s the evidence

The first photo shows the wall near the attic door, close to an old-school light switch. I’m not sure if the scratched-in date (near the top of the wall) says 1895 or 1896.

Probably the latter.

Either way, it’s creepy.

Laconia haunted house - scratch marks 1895 — Haunted attic in Laconia. Is that date 1895 or 1896?

Next, here are the marks on the inside of the attic door (by someone inside the attic). Some look like they may have been etched with chalk.

More hash marks and scratches inside haunted Laconia (NH) attic — Interior of the attic door, in that haunted Laconia house.

Next is a photo you may have seen before (in my article – Laconia, NH’s Ghostly Places) but this is a larger copy. It hasn’t been adjusted in any way, aside from reducing it to fit on this webpage.

Haunted Laconia attic, with lots of scratch marks. — Even more hash marks and scratches. Some look almost frenzied.

The fourth (next) photo shows an area just to the left of the previous photo. I did adjust the contrast (and I added an arrow) so you can see the date scratched into the wall: 1892.

Haunted Laconia - 1892 scratches in attic — The date is clear: 1892. So, was someone up there for FOUR years…?

If the photo at the top of this article shows 1896 scratched into the wood, it’s possible someone was locked in that attic for a very long time. Three or four years, at least. That’s shocking.

You can read more of my Laconia story – and more true, ghostly tales – in Rue’s book.

More ghost hunting opportunities, nearby?

For me, the most chilling part of this Laconia ghost investigation was what people said, afterwards.

I talked about this house with several friends in Tilton.

Every one of them had a story about a relative that had been locked in their family’s attic, years ago.

Or, they knew a neighbor or nearby cousin with a relative locked in the attic.

I understand that in the 18th and 19th centuries, mental health facilities could be barbaric. It may have seemed more humane to keep the person at home.

But, in an attic…? And for years…?

That explains a lot about why Tilton and nearby towns are so very haunted. If you’re ghost hunting in NH’s Lakes Region, Laconia and Tilton should be on your must-see list.

Category: Haunted Places