Hollow Hill

Duckett’s Grove Castle Ghosts – Ireland

Duckett’s Grove Castle in Carlow (Ireland) is haunted.

It’s so haunted, it was featured in a March 2011 episode of the SyFy TV show, Destination: Truth.

Unfortunately, the purpose of that show was to find evidence of Banshees.

I never recommend looking for Banshees.

Despite that, Duckett’s Grove Castle (via Wayback Machine) and several local sites are well worth investigating, but for ghosts.

Directions to Duckett’s Grove Castle

Duckett’s Grove Castle is in County Carlow, Ireland, about 40 miles from Dublin.

Driving directions: From Naas Road (Dublin), take the M7 to the M9 toward Waterford, and exit at the R418. Follow the R418 to the signed junction for Duckett’s Grove.

Parking is free, and parts of the site are wheelchair accessible. Some areas aren’t.

The castle grounds are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and admission is free. After hours, you’ll need permission to visit or investigate ghosts at the site.

Duckett Family History… and Curse

Duckett’s Grove is named for the Duckett family, originally of England.

Though the Duckett name is often associated with Ulster (Northern Ireland), it’s appeared throughout the Republic as well.

No matter where they lived in Ireland, most Ducketts trace their roots to England. In 1572, Lionel Duckett was London’s Lord Mayor.

Some records indicate that the first Duckett in the Carlow area was Sir George Duckett of England; he arrived during the 17th century when Cromwell was a controversial figure in English politics.

That was shortly before 1669, when the Duckett Family Curse afflicted George’s English cousins, and – perhaps – spread throughout the family.

History describes at least two George Ducketts:

One was an attorney and an MP for Calne. He was born in 1632 and, if records are correct, lived 100 years.
The other was Sir George Jackson Duckett, 1st Baronet (1725 – 1822), of Hartham.

Two mottos have been associated with the Duckett family:

Je veux le droit, literally “I want what’s right,” but usually translated to mean “I desire justice.”
Spectemur agendo, “Let us be judged by our acts,” the motto of The Royal Dragoons (1st Dragoons) regiment of the British Army. This also appears on the Irish family crests of the McAleer, Donnelly, Shannon and Mott families.

With mottos so strongly connected to justice, it’s easy to understand the politics of the family. And perhaps the curse.

Duckett’s Grove Castle History

Thomas Duckett – not George – is most often associated with the original house at Duckett’s Grove.

According to some historians, the house began as a modest cottage and was later enlarged at least twice. The biggest transformation was made for owner J. D. Duckett by Carlow architect Thomas A. Cobden, around 1830. That’s when it became a castle.

Since most of the work on the castle took place in the early 1800s, the building is usually described as “mock Gothic.” In other words, the ruins aren’t necessarily as old as you might expect.

A tragic fire that destroyed much of the building in 1933. The site is currently being restored and it’s a historic location with lovely landscaping and ruins.

Ghost Hunting at Duckett’s Grove

To investigate the site after dark, contact the Carlow Tourism Office, Website : www.carlowtourism.com. Tel : +353 (0) 59 9130411.

The landscaped and garden areas are flat and have smooth paths. You’ll need a flashlight after dark, but you’re unlikely to trip or fall there.

The ruins are less accessible, especially after dark. Trousers, long-sleeved shirts, and running or hiking footwear are recommended.

Paragenealogy tip – You may trigger even more hauntings if your family tree includes these surnames: Campion, Crosthwaite, Cumming, de la Poer, Duckett* (also Duchette), O’Grady, Philpotts, Seton, Thompson (any related spelling), or de Windesore (Windsor, Winsor, or variations).

Also, carrying anything related to the Roman Catholic Church is likely to evoke extra paranormal activity at Duckett’s Grove Castle. At least one of the Duckett’s Grove’s former residents was scathingly antagonistic towards Catholics.

In the same general part of Ireland, I’d recommend researching Castledermot (exit 4 off the M9), where the area’s history — related to Robert Bruce and Henry VIII — could present spirits from Viking raids as well as more recent spectres.

While you’re exploring Castledermot, if Kilkea Castle is open, it’s one of Ireland’s oldest castle hotels.

If your paranormal research includes paragenealogy connections, you may have the best Kilkea ghost encounters if your family tree includes these surnames: Delacy, Delancy, Moore (or O’Moore), and Dempsey (or O’Dempsey).

For those with nerves of steel, the ring fort area at Mullaghrelan wood (near Athy and not far from Castledermot) is an important site. However, I do not recommend the risks if you’re visiting Mullaghrelan wood — or any fae-related location — at dawn, dusk, or midnight.

Athy has its own quirky history, and some may be intrigued by the literal roots of the town’s name: the ford of AE.

For Additional Research

Duckett’s Grove brochure (PDF)

Duckett’s Grove website (from the Wayback Machine)

—

*In the United States, most people with the Duckett surname live in Arkansas, Georgia, the Carolinas, Pennsylvania, or Texas. According to one (of several) family stories, three Duckett brothers left England in the late 17th century. One died at sea and the other two settled in Maryland or around the Carolinas.

In the 19th century, most Duckett descendants in America were farmers.

In the U.K., members of the Duckett family usually trace their immediate roots to Yorkshire or Lancashire.

Scottish Ducketts are usually from the Dumfries area, Lanarkshire, or Stirlingshire.

Banshees and Ghost Hunting – In Ireland, the U.S., and Beyond

Banshees… should ghost hunters look for them? And if you do, could you even find one?

In my opinion, the answer is no, but not for the reasons you might expect.

A March 2011 episode of Destination: Truth focused on a Banshee, or a “hotbed” of Banshees at Duckett’s Grove Castle in County Carlow, Ireland.

Looking for a Banshee is like looking for a Guardian Angel. (The spiritual kind, not the Guardian Angels organized by Curtis Sliwa and his wife.)

A Banshee will find you, not vice versa.

I began writing about Banshees in 1999: Banshee – Ghost, faerie or something else?

The Banshee’s Wail

I have heard a Banshee, and it’s not something I’d want to hear again. Others’ first-person descriptions of the Banshee’s wail — described as keening, from the Irish word caoine — are equally chilling.

In many modern-day reports, the Banshee cries through someone living. It’s similar to something in science fiction and horror movies: The person (usually female) opens her mouth and a terrible cry emerges.

It sounds nothing like the person’s actual voice. It’s more like the worst combination of fingernails on a blackboard, mixed with someone dragging a bow across a squeaking violin string.

That’s worth repeating: It sounds nothing like the person’s actual voice.

If you think, “Oh, he (or she) must be faking it,” you’re probably not hearing a Banshee. The sound isn’t even close to human.

Death and the Banshee

Banshees protect families with Irish ancestry. Generally, they’re not seen or heard when they’re quietly successful with their protection efforts.

The only time you’re likely to hear or see a Banshee is if she’s anguished because she can’t prevent a tragedy in “her” family.

Banshees, ghosts, clones and quantum theories

Almost every family with Irish ancestry has their own Banshee.

That’s the theory, anyway. (I explained more about that in my 1999 article, linked above.)

However, those who see a Banshee and know their family history… they always describe her as a known ancestor, usually from before the 1700s.

That’s where this becomes odd: It appears that every household with Irish ancestry has a Banshee… but within one family line, they’re all the same ancestor.

That leaves just a few possibilities. These are among the most likely:

It’s one spirit but she’s protecting thousands of households.
The spirits are different (and may or may not be spirits of ancestors), but they choose a common ancestral image that the family may recognize.
It’s one spirit and she’s cloned herself as a spiritual protector.
From her own time, she’s able to visit multiple times & places (parallel realities) and — as a time traveller — try to change future outcomes.
Something’s paranormal is occurring, but the Banshee stories influence how the encounter is perceived and told to others.

Ghost hunting for Banshees?

Banshees are ghosts only in the sense that — according to many reports — each one looks like someone who was once alive… a real person.

So, they could be called ghosts.

However, this isn’t a spirit that you can help to “cross over.”

If you hear or see a Banshee

Banshees don’t cause death or tragedy. They’re simply able to see the likelihood of tragedy, and they’re already mourning.

This is important: Even if you see or hear a Banshee, the tragedy can still be avoided.

As any good psychic will tell you: The future isn’t set in stone.

The Banshee can’t prevent whatever-it-is, but you (or someone else) might be able to.

At the very least, immediately leave the site where you encounter the Banshee.

Tragedy is imminent.

If the Banshee remains behind, it’s not your tragedy and you can avoid being part of it.

On the other hand, hearing or seeing multiple Banshees at once usually indicates a tragedy involving someone with a high profile… a politician or a church leader.

You’re less likely to prevent that from occurring.

Either way, if you’re looking for a Banshee, you’re looking for trouble.

At best, it’s a waste of time to launch a paranormal investigation to encounter a Banshee.

At worst, you could be putting yourself in harm’s way. An encounter with a Banshee usually means that something very bad is likely to happen.

Though some have speculated that a Banshee is related to the faerie called “the little woman of the hearth” or to the Green Lady traditions, the Banshee is more likely to be a distinct kind of entity… and not appropriate for ghost hunting.

**Ghosts and Banshees in Ireland**

Duckett’s Grove Castle is one of many Irish locations with legends of ghosts and at least one banshee. The location is picturesque… and a little eerie.

The castle’s history includes money, power struggles and tragedy, and a family curse. That’s a perfect formula for paranormal activity of many kinds.

If you encounter a banshee, she may be asking for your help… but she might also be warning you of danger.

Be alert, in either case. The decisions you make could be important.

If I were there, I’d leave immediately. Tragedy could be imminent, and – by staying – you could become collateral damage.

And, after all, you were warned. That’s what the banshee does.

Photo: Steve Ford Elliott, Mountshannon, Co Clare, Ireland / Eire

Bennington Triangle – VT

Vermont’s Bennington Triangle has a fascinating history. It’s a lovely place to hike, but it’s not without significant dangers. Like the Bermuda Triangle, people vanish without explanation in the Bennington Triangle.

Paranormal Triangles – Bermuda, Bridgewater, and Bennington

(As I type that, I wonder, “What is it about triangles and the letter B?”)

More about the Bennington Triangle, where people vanish The “triangle” phenomena are interesting to study. The most famous of these locations is, of course, the Bermuda Triangle.

However, the trouble with the Bermuda Triangle is (a) that location is huge and mostly over the water, and (b) it has been so frequently researched, there’s a massive amount of information to sift through to find any patterns… or any angle or explanation that’s been overlooked.

All we can say is: We don’t know why it’s so strange.

Another triangle, the Bridgewater Triangle (MA), offers some interesting quirks that haven’t been fully explored, but the area is densely populated. That’s both a plus (lots of eyewitnesses) and a minus (many locations are difficult to access or on private property). In addition, sensational headlines and a lurid history sometime attract thrill-seekers and people who think it’s funny to terrify others.

We have enough challenges in paranormal research. Frankly, we don’t need stupid people making our work more difficult. Personally, I’m not impressed enough with the Bridgewater Triangle to explore it after dark.

The Bennington Triangle – Where People Vanish

The Bennington Triangle (VT) has remained under the radar for many people.

I’ve deliberately avoided saying much about it, because I believe that location may be very dangerous.

But, as ghost hunting is becoming less trendy, I’m more comfortable talking about it now.

Bennington’s relative isolation also makes it a less-accessible location for thrill seekers. That may be a very good thing.

Also, it’s not really a ghost hunters’ kind of site. A ghostly encounter might be possible, but that’s not the main reason paranormal researchers quietly study Bennington and vicinity.

More about Bennington’s Mysteries

For the original, most intriguing article about the Bennington Triangle, view this archived link.

Wikipedia gives more geographic information, at Bennington Triangle.

Also check the Virtual Vermonter stories about the Bennington Triangle.

It was no surprise when I learned that author Shirley Jackson (author of “The Haunting of Hill House,” the basis of my favorite fiction-based ghost movie) chose to live there. I’m not sure I would.

If real gateways to other dimensions exist, the Bennington Triangle is probably one of them. I’m happy to do most of my Bennington Triangle research off-site.

The links I’ve listed are the tip of the iceberg.

Witnesses are Afraid of Something

The stories that come out of the Bennington Triangle… they’re not like any other stories I’ve heard in the New England area.

Some of them are terrifying. They make no sense. Even stranger: The people who share their first-person Bennington and Glastenbury stories are as credible as any I’ve met.

These aren’t the kinds of people you can dismiss as over-imaginative, delusional, pathological liars, attention-seekers, or substance abusers.

Most of them seem uncomfortable describing their encounters.

Then, once they start sharing the details, it’s like they’re reliving the experience. They get pale, break out in perspiration, and tremble a little.

Part-way into the story, they go silent, shrug, and say, “I’ve said enough.” After that, you can’t get another word out of them… not about the Bennington Triangle, anyway.

At a later date, I may post more of my own research. The deeper you look into this strange phenomenon, the weirder it gets.

Ghosts of Tilton’s Mystery Tunnels and Webster Place (NH)

Scouting haunted New Hampshire locations* for a TV series, I discovered a wealth of eerie sites to investigate.

Here are some of my photos (a few are large) related to the strange and haunted sites.

Tilton Mystery Tunnels

Entrance to one of the Tilton Mystery Tunnels The Tilton “mystery tunnel” actually starts in Northfield, NH, not far from Exit 19 on Route 93 in New Hampshire. The entry — currently blocked with a boulder and an iron door — is off the paved path between Tilton Memorial Arch and downtown Tilton. (Walk towards town and, on the right, you may see an area where foot traffic has left a mark. The entrance to the tunnel is about 10 feet from the paved path.)

According to local residents, the tunnel’s stairs were filled in and the entry has been blocked by the police — who patrol the area — because kids were using the tunnel for drinking.

I’ve heard a wide range of ghost stories connected with the tunnel entrance, the Tilton Arch, the cemetery at the Northfield side of the hill, and Tilton School. Around downtown Tilton, you may hear even more stories.

The tunnel-related stories usually involve a misty form or apparition. I’ve heard about orbs — visible and in photos — but, except for a slightly creepy feeling at the tunnel itself, I didn’t experience anything odd around the Tilton Arch or the tunnel entrance.

I talked with someone who’d been in the entrance to the Tilton tunnel. He said that the interior is very nicely finished, and it’s clear that something — at least one tunnel — had been sealed.

Inside the Tilton tunnel entry. Elegant brickwork in the foyer and the first room. The photo on the right shows what’s immediately in back of the iron door. My camera was in the initial entry room, and — beyond it — you can see a second, large room (and sealed — or filled-in — arched passage entries) with beer cans on the dirt floor.

The workmanship is extraordinary. That’s the baffling part. This wasn’t just a root cellar or cold storage built by a neighbor for personal use. However, I’ve found nothing in any records — online or offline — to indicate a purpose related to the arch or the park.

Who built the Tilton Mystery Tunnel… and why?

No one seems to be certain why the Tilton tunnel was built, or where it leads. There are two anecdotal explanations, both tied to ghost stories, and both loosely linked with the idea that it was an Underground Railroad stop between the northeast and Canada.

(There are lots of strange, hidden rooms in houses around Tilton and Laconia, NH. Most are linked to Underground Railroad activity in the 19th century. Others may date back to Indian attacks in Colonial times.)

One description of the Tilton Mystery Tunnel claims that it leads from Arch Hill to a site (or sites) under the Tilton School. I’ve talked with people who have first-person stories about seeing the tunnels beneath the Tilton School. Most insist that at least one Tilton School tunnel leads to the Tilton Arch.

The connection with the Tilton Arch site is unlikely, since the tunnel would have to lead under the river and back up a steep hill. However, Charles E. Tilton — who built the arch — lived in a house atop the opposite hill, next to what is now Tilton School. (The school buildings originally housed a Methodist college.)

According to some Tilton historians and lots of local residents, the Tilton School — including its library — has several ghosts. However, I didn’t have time to verify those tales. (Update: The library is supposed to be the most haunted building on campus. It’s the former home of Charles Elliott Tilton… the Arch builder.)

The second version of the Tilton Mystery Tunnel story says that at least one tunnel leads to Hall Memorial Library. That makes a little more sense, since the library isn’t far from the tunnel entrance near the arch, and it’d be a fairly straight path underground.

Update: December 2013

My recent research suggests that the brick room was built to support the gas production that fueled the lights around the park.

The metal tube leading from that room towards the surface confirms that as a likely explanation… but only for that room.

The adjoining tunnels are still a mystery.

Hall Memorial Library, Northfield-Tilton, NH

In April 2011, Lesley Marden and I spoke at the haunted Hall Memorial Library, and — together with Sean Paradis, we investigated the library’s basement. A memorial plaque in the Children’s Room caught our attention, as it seems to have unusual energy. We found a slight, repeating EMF spike there (could be normal) and a minor (but notable) cold spot, as well.

In a locked storage area in the library’s basement, we detected residual energy. At the time, I said it was from a female entity who was hiding there, fearful. Abuse was in the story, but it seemed vague… perhaps even imagined. Something didn’t make sense. The imagery was faint, even for a residual energy haunting.

Later, I learned that a former head librarian had severe agoraphobia — so bad she sometimes locked the library doors and hid inside — and had died tragically, nearby.
More importantly, I saw some odd brickwork in the library’s basement. It could indicate a tunnel entrance — or part of one — now sealed. Frankly, the brickwork seemed more like an oven or some kind of vents, but it’s difficult to tell. This anomaly only partially supports the idea that the Tilton Mystery Tunnel led to the library. I’m not convinced that it did, though I have no doubt that the library has ghostly energy.

Where to stay

If you’re visiting Tilton, NH and want to stay in a haunted hotel, I recommend the 1875 Inn.

The 1875 Inn was featured on Ghost Hunters. It’s charming, convenient to the Tilton Arch, and receives great reviews from guests and paranormal investigators.

Nearby, I love the cabins at the Lord Hampshire inn, on the shores of Lake Winnisquam.

If you’re willing to drive, check out The Spalding Inn, Whitefield, NH. It’s over an hour away from Tilton, but for a memorable stay in NH, I’d choose the Spalding. For several years, it was owned by Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson (and their families) from the Ghost Hunters TV show.

I’ve spent the night there (and slept soundly) and investigated at the hotel and its carriage house, several times. In my opinion, it’s very haunted, and may have some crypto-type activity, as well. I highly recommend the Spalding Inn… if it’s open and you don’t mind the extra drive.

Where to eat

If you’re looking for a good meal in Tilton, the 1875 Inn features a restaurant that seems very popular with visitors and locals.

Locals and tourists always stop at the nearby Tilt’n Diner.

During the summer months, the Dipsy Doodle in Northfield — just a few blocks south of the Tilton Arch — is legendary for their seafood, burgers, ice cream and more. I’ve also heard good things about Tilton Pizza, on Main Street, not far from the Hall Memorial Library.

For healthy snacks, locally made crafts, and great conversations, visit Gemini Health Emporium on Main Street. The hardware store next door is also worth seeing; it’s like stepping back in time. (There’s a cafe across the street — I can’t think of the name of it, but it’s the only one nearby — and it seemed to be enormously popular for breakfast and lunch.)

And, if you’re in town anyway, practically everyone stops at the outlet mall in Tilton, just north of downtown on Route 3.

This is the first of two articles (and podcasts) about ghosts of New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, based on my research shortly before October 2011. The second article – and longer podcast – is with my article Laconia, NH’s Ghostly, Haunted Places.

Tilton Arch information and links

New Hampshire Curiosities, by Eric Jones
Wikipedia: Memorial Arch of Tilton
New Hampshire: The Memorial Arch of Tilton (CowHampshireBlog.com)
Tilton Arch: An Unoccupied Tomb (RoadsideAmerica.com)
History of Northfield, NH, by Mrs. Lucy Rogers Hill Cross

Vintage postcard showing the Tilton Memorial Arch, Northfield, NH

*I was not under a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). So, I’m able to share my research at this website.

Franklin NH – Historical Society’s Ghosts

The Franklin Historical Society is located at Webster Place in Franklin, New Hampshire. The building is a Colonial-era home — once the residence of Daniel Webster — with a large Victorian addition.

After its years as an early American residence (owned by the Haddock and Webster families, among others), the home was used as an orphanage from 1871 through 1958.

Then, from 1960 through 2005, the site was the property of the Sisters of the Holy Cross.

More recently, the building was acquired for the historical society.

In the photo at left, taken on 7 October 2010, you can see just part of the older side of the building. Most of the picture shows the 1860 Victorian addition. (Yes, that is a large orb near one window on the middle floor. Some photos of the front of the building included orbs; most didn’t.)

I attended a talk by EPNE. They described their experiences during a preliminary ghost investigation at the site and shared some stories, as well as video and EVP recordings.

It was a relaxing evening, and a chance to see what’s going on in the field, in general.

After EPNE’s demonstration and a break for refreshments, I explored the building with friends (and fellow researchers) Sean Paradis and Lesley Marden.

Ground Floor: Warm Spot

First, we focused on a ground-floor room with school desks stored in it. (From the front entrance, the room is immediately on your left.)

This is part of the Victorian addition to the Haddock-Webster mansion. The two-story addition was constructed in 1860 by Rufus L. Tay, who’d purchased the house and property from Daniel Webster’s son and heir.

(The daguerreotype shows Daniel Webster in 1847. Just a little intimidating… right? lol )

One rocking chair seemed to have an odd warm spot, while the chair next to it was as chilly as we expected in that unheated room.

However, we hadn’t planned to investigate anything, so we didn’t have a thermometer to verify the effects.

Note: Some researchers believe that a cold spot indicates ghostly energy, but a warm spot suggests more dangerous energy. I haven’t explored either from a good/bad viewpoint.

Nearby, all three of us felt that one spot in the room had unusual energy, but those were merely odd sensations—difficult to document. We detected no unusual EMF with a K-II meter or a hiking compass at any part of that room.

Lesley and Sean checked the floor immediately upstairs, but the door to the room overhead—and all doors along that side of the house—was locked. The rooms appeared to be used as offices.

The Mezuzah Room

When we explored the open rooms upstairs, one room was odd. We’re fairly certain it’s the room where EPNE thought a flashlight had responded to yes/no questions.

What seemed especially strange in Franklin, NH—particularly since it had been a home for nuns for 40 years—was the mezuzah at the doorway.

According to Wikipedia:

A mezuzah is affixed to the doorframe in Jewish homes to fulfill the mitzvah (Biblical commandment) to inscribe the words of the Shema “on the doorposts of your house” (Deuteronomy 6:9).

Some interpret Jewish law to require a mezuzah on every doorway in the home apart from bathrooms, and closets too small to qualify as rooms; others view it as necessary only to place one in the front doorway.

I’ve seen many homes with a mezuzah at the front door and others with additional mezuzahs throughout the home.

However, until last night, I’d never seen a home with a mezuzah placed at just one, interior doorway… and none anywhere else. There were no marks where other mezuzahs might have been, either.

So, why would a mezuzah mark the one, apparently most-haunted room in the building? Was it an attempt to keep something out… or something in?

It’s possible that when the building was divided into apartments or rooms, each room belonged to someone Jewish or someone who respected related traditions.

Further investigation might clarify whether or not that room is actually haunted and why a mezuzah is at that doorframe and not another.

Nevertheless, in a town like Franklin — and particularly in a building where nuns lived — it’s odd.

After getting our general bearings at a site that we’re investigating, the first thing we look for is what’s odd.

The Attic

Among other, lesser architectural anomalies, the attic level stood out as a floor with dark and foreboding energy.

The glow-in-the-dark crucifix on one wall was charming. The row of clothing hooks — at a height used by toddlers or small children — was a little disturbing. I’m not sure what small children would be doing in the attic, particularly with the steep, semi-finished stairway leading to it.

A storage feature in the attic also seemed unusually repellent. A further investigation of the site’s history might reveal more.

All in all, we concluded that the Franklin Historical Society has some odd features worth exploring.

However, it didn’t seem as if the society welcomed additional investigations; EPNE was allowed in as preparation for the historical society’s October presentation.

So, I can’t recommend the Franklin Historical Society’s building as a general research location.

The Window at the Front

After the event concluded, Sean, Lesley, and I chatted outside the building. We were startled because we thought we saw a curtain open for a moment at an attic window.

Then, when I was taking pictures, the flash highlighted the actual scene. We realized that it was one of the windows that didn’t have a curtain; it was shuttered or otherwise blocked from the inside.

We’re not sure what we thought we saw, but each of us saw it, independently.

That’s the kind of anecdotal evidence that makes ghost hunting interesting, but, as scientific evidence, it has no merit.

The Window at the Back – Who Closed the Curtain?

Sean had parked his car at the back of the building, and Lesley and I felt that we should escort him to it. I’m still not sure why. At the time, it seemed kind of funny, both in an odd and in a ha-ha way.

As we studied the mixed architecture at the back of the building, we all commented on another attic window.

It’s indicated by the red arrow in my photo at the right. That side of the attic had curtains, and one was open.

As we chatted, I took a few photos.

Most of my pictures, like the one at the right, aren’t noteworthy. It’s a typical New England house from the Victorian era.

However, as I studied the photos when I returned home, I kept looking at the window that troubled us.

Most of the pictures look like the following two.

(All of the following photos were adjusted to increase contrast and detail.)

I’ve included two of them, almost identical, so you can clearly see that the curtain is open.

(This is typical when I take photos. I try to take two pictures in a row, without moving. That way, if something is just a reflection or something normal, it’ll be in both photos. If it’s an anomaly, it’s more likely to show up in just one of them.)

Then, I looked at one of the next pictures. I’d walked a few feet to the right of where I stood for the previous photos. This one was taken with a slower shutter setting. It’s a little blurred, but the details remain fairly clear. (I’m testing the idea that the additional image content might give the spirits something extra to work with.)

As you can see, the curtain is closed.

There would be nothing unusual about that, except that the building was empty. Everyone had left and locked up, at least 15 or 20 minutes earlier… before I started taking pictures.

In addition, the window had appeared open. If I’d analyzed my photos on the spot, we might have been able to verify that. (Yes, we can see the vertical line. That may be from a window, but it could be a screen support or something else.)

Could it be a very odd reflection? It’s possible, but unlikely. As you can see from the contrast in the previous photos — even the first one that wasn’t adjusted for clarity — the opening at the window looked very black. I’m not certain that a reflection could completely offset that darkness.

Though I can’t recommend this exact location for investigations, it’s an interesting site in a town with many reminders of the past.

The Franklin Historical Society is at 21 Holy Cross Rd. That street is off Route 3, about 3 miles south of the intersection of Routes 3 South/3A North/11 and Route 127. Signs near the entrance indicate Webster Place Center and Webster Place Cemetery.

The cemetery is at the end of the road. It’s on private land, but the owners give permission to visit the cemetery, under certain terms. Please read the signs and follow their rules.

The road to the cemetery is a deeply rutted dirt road. I recommend parking at the side of the paved road to hike into the cemetery. It’s not a long distance, but cars with low clearance could sustain damage or get stuck unless you drive very carefully on the dirt road.

Additional History

Webster Place Cemetery was previously known as Salisbury Cemetery, from an era before the town of Salisbury (NH) was incorporated as part of Franklin.

According to Wikipedia, While still part of Massachusetts, the town was granted as Baker’s Town after Captain Thomas Baker in 1736. After New Hampshire became a separate colony, the town was re-granted with the name Stevenstown. Additionally known as Gerrishtown and New Salisbury, the name Salisbury was taken when the town was incorporated in 1768.

In 1746, this site was part of the northernmost fort of the Merrimack River, when Salisbury was called Stevenstown. The fort was built after the 1745 attack on the Call family, near the current location of the Franklin Historical Society.

The following excerpt is from The History of Manchester, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire. It describes an attack by “savages in the interests of the French,” a band of about 30 Abenaki.

On the 15th day of August [1745], they made a successful attack on our frontier, on the house of Mr. Phillip Call, in Stevenstown. This town was subsequently known as Salisbury and the attack was made in that part of Salisbury, west of, and upon the Merrimack, now included in the town of, Franklin.

Mrs. Call [Sarah Trussell Call], her daughter-in-law, wife of Phillip Call, Jr. and an infant of the latter, were alone in the house, while the Calls, father and son, and Timothy Cook their hired man, were at work in the field.

Upon the approach of the Indians, Mrs. Call the elder, met them at the door, and was immediately killed with a blow from a tomahawk, her body falling near the door, and her blood drenching her own threashold! [sic]

The younger Mrs. Call, with her infant in her arms, crawled into a hole behind the chimney, where she succeeded in keeping her child quiet, and thus escaped from sure destruction.

The Calls, father and son, and Cook, saw the Indians, and attempted to get into the house before them, but could not succeed. They were so near the house, as to hear the blow with which Mrs. Call was killed.

Seeing however the number of the Indians, they fled to the woods and the Calls escaped.

Cook ran to the river and plunged in, but was pursued, shot in the water, and his scalp taken.

The Indians, some thirty in number, rifled the house, took Mrs. Call’s scalp, and then retreated up the river.

The Calls soon notified the garrison at Contoocook of the attack, and a party of eight men followed in pursuit.

The Indians waited in ambush for them, but showed themselves too soon, and the English party taking to the woods escaped, with the exception of Enos Bishop, who after firing upon the Indians several times was at length taken and carried to Canada as a captive. “

According to the Rich History of Webster Place, “…Many of his [Webster’s] family, together with members of the pioneering Call family, are buried in the cemetery east of the house.”

If you’re researching the Call family and their graves, note that the Call surname was sometimes spelled Cole.

As you can see, a colorful history makes this general area worth investigating.

Recommended

If you’re researching haunts in this part of New Hampshire, stay at the 1875 Inn in Tilton, New Hampshire. It was featured on the Ghost Hunters TV show, Season Six, Episode 13 (aired 8 Sep 2010). It’s about 20 minutes from the Franklin Historical Society, on Route 3 in downtown Tilton.

Also, you may enjoy reading Ghost Hunting in Tilton, New Hampshire by Rue Cote. Lesley and I contributed stories to that book, and Rue’s research covers many other local haunts, as well.

References

The Rich History of Webster Place

Franklin Historical Society, Franklin, NH

Daniel Webster’s farm, SeacoastNH.com

The History of Manchester, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire

The History of Salisbury, New Hampshire

Koasek Traditional Abenaki Band – Timeline (from the Wayback Machine)

Phillip Call of Franklin, NH (genealogy notes)

Wikipedia: Salisbury, New Hampshire

The old families of Salisbury and Amesbury, Massachusetts

American Idol House, CA – Haunted or Not?

American Idol house… haunted? Probably not.

Season 10 of American Idol was hosted in a house that some contestants felt was haunted.

They complained of the following phenomena:

Flickering lights in the house. (Could be a wiring issue.)
An infestation of spiders. (I’ve lived in Hollywood. It’d be an anomaly if a Southern California home didn’t have spiders now & then.)
A door that blew open, even when blocked with a chair, and leaves flew into the house. (I’d start by checking weather reports for that evening. If they didn’t reveal an explanation, I’d suspect a prank.)
A sheet that moved on its own, and possibly flew down a corridor by itself. (This definitely sounds like a prank.)

There was only one event that sounds like something potentially paranormal. According to a report in OK! magazine (USA), some of the American Idol contestants were watching a horror movie. Contestant James Durbin decided to follow-up with a prank.

According to his report, “”I opened the door to the garage – I was trying to freak out Pia [Toscano] – and it freaked me out because something white that looked like an arm that kind of came down.”

Later, another contestant described it as a hand that fell from the ceiling.

That could be something normal, but it’s far more consistent with paranormal activity than anything else mentioned.

Supposedly, the contestants immediately moved out of the house and were given alternate housing.

Since only one incident sounded even remotely paranormal, I’m not sure why this was news. Personally, I wouldn’t investigate a house just because someone thought they saw an arm or a hand appear when a garage door was open.

It seems like at least some of the cast quickly came to their senses, too.

Zak Bagans of Ghost Adventures suggested a crossover show, where his team would investigate the house and use the American Idol finalists as triggers for activity. He was turned down.

tmz ghost adventures hunt american idol house?

tmz ghost adventures hunt American idol house

Since that could have been a ratings bonanza for Ghost Adventures while attracting more attention to American Idol, being turned down increases the likelihood that the whole thing was a prank.

Floating sheets, spiders, and flickering lights sound like something out of a very bad “scare” show on MTV.

AmericanIdolHouseGhosts The real test will be whether the house’s new owner, Munchkin, Inc. millionaire Steven B. Dunn, encounters anything odd in the house.

Personally, I don’t think he has anything to worry about. He’s a clever entrepreneur with an MBA from Harvard and a noted art collection, so I expect the spectacular views (seen at right) were more important to Dunn that the American Idol connection or the house’s possible ghosts.

The selling price of the house also suggests that it’s not haunted. According to reports, Dunn paid over $11 million for the American Idol house.

For a 15k square foot house on two acres in Bel Air, where houses sell for about $480/square foot, $11 million is a good price in today’s market.

So, I’m not seeing any of the usual indications of a distressed, haunted property.

I’m not sure if the floating sheets and flickering lights (etc.) were a very amateurish effort at faking a haunted house. Surely, the producers could have found some bargain-basement SFX guys from actual ghost “reality” shows…?

If someone is looking for a spectacular haunted house in or near Hollywood, these are better choices:

Harry Houdini widow’s former residence at 2435 Laurel Canyon Boulevard. (Not #2398, as some erroneously report.) [More info.]
1005 Rexford Drive, former home of several personalities including opera star Grace Moore and actor Clifton Webb, both of whom are supposed to haunt the house.
1822 Camino Palermo, where Ozzie & Harriet and their family lived. Apparently, Ozzie is still haunting the house. [More info.]
1579 Benedict Canyon Drive was the home of TV’s Superman, George Reeves. His death was declared a suicide, but most people close to Reeves are sure it was murder. [More info.]

For more Hollywood haunts like these, you’ll find plenty of lists online. One of the most complete is at Haunted-Places.com, but since they have the wrong Houdini address, it’s smart to fact-check any address (and story) on their long, detailed list.

I don’t think we’ll hear anything more about ghosts at that American Idol house. Except for Durbin’s report – the only one with credibility – I don’t see any reason to suspect paranormal energy at the Season 10 house.

However, the ghost reports at the Season 8 house could be more serious. Apparitions and unexplained growls are far more credible, at least among “reality” shows like this.

Category: Haunted Places