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Travel Logs October 2014

Compulsive Traveler

Haunted Historical New York State

By Sandra Scott

Vortexes and ley lines are places where there are special energy forces. Some say the vortex portal at Thompson Park has sent people into time warps. The park is a Frederick Law Olmstead-designed park so it is special in its own right.

How brave are you? New York State is not only historic but also haunted. Interest in ghosts, UFOs, things that go bump in the night and otherworldly events have always titillated people. Some of the historic haunted places in New York State offer special tours and events during the haunted month of October but others welcome visitors year round. Many of the sites have been featured on paranormal television shows and in writing.

  1. New York State Capitol, Albany: The Capitol was completed in 1899 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The “Million Dollar Staircase” adorned with carved busts is magnificent. During the October haunted tours, learn about the night watchman who still makes his rounds even though he died in 1911 during a fire in the Capitol.
  2. Bannerman Island, Beacon: Located on an island in the Hudson River the Scottish-style castle has tales of hauntings dating back to the Native Americans who considered it an “evil” place, making it a refuge for early settlers during times of Native American aggression. Washington Irving added to the lore when he wrote about the goblins that inhabited the island.
  3. Otesaga Resort Hotel, Cooperstown: The Otesaga is a member of the Historic Hotels of America. Since it opened in 1909 there have been rumors of paranormal activity. Guests have reported hearing children playing in the hallway, voices in the Glimmerglass Room, and apparitions in period clothing walking hand-in-hand.
  4. Landmark Theater, Syracuse: The theater is a historic “movie palace.” Workers and visitors claim to have seen the spirit of Clarissa who fell to her death from a balcony in 1930. It may have been when she saw her husband electrocuted while working on the stage. It is just one of the hauntings at the theater.
  5. Fort Ontario, Oswego: Fort Ontario: “The Guardian of the Northern Frontier,” has been rebuilt many times since the first fortress was erected in 1755. The TV show “Ghost Hunters” declared it is one of the most haunted places in the United States. Sightings, smell, and music are often part of the paranormal experiences.
  6. Casey’s Cottage, Mexico: The carriage house turned into an 11th century English Manor house at Mexico Point State Park hosts several events including ones that allows people to help in the investigations for other worldly phenomena. Who is the “Lady in Blue?”
  7. Thompson Park Vortex, Watertown: Vortexes and ley lines are places where there are special energy forces. Some say the vortex portal at Thompson Park has sent people into time warps. The park is a Frederick Law Olmstead-designed park so it is special in its own right.
  8. Seward House, Auburn: The Haunted History tours are actually neighborhood walking tours. Guides share stories of Victorian funeral practices, the 1918 influenza epidemic, and the story of the assassination attempt on William Seward the same night Lincoln was killed. It’s a mix of history and folklore that focuses on the Seward family and area legends.
  9. Rolling Hills Asylum, East Bethany: The sprawling red brick building built in 1827 was The Genesee County Poor Farm and then the county home. Over the years people reported many paranormal occurrences. It was declared the “Second Most Haunted Place in the United States” by Haunted North America. Tours are available year round.
  10. MarJim Winery, Appleton: Get into the spirit. Guests can enjoy a glass of wine along with ghostly tales. The owners believe that Sophia Merritt, who died during construction, is just one of the many spirits who visits the mansion.

 

Sandra Scott travels the globe recording the top attractions at every destination.

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