Beacon, NY—Just south of the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge lays a mysteriously isolated island and on this island stands the ruin of a once grand Scottish Castle, which in its time, stood as a fortress and rose above the trees to create an impressive gateway to the Hudson Highlands. This is the image I remember as I child, and I am still captivated by the menacing vision of this dark lifeless structure surrounded by the rushing tides of the Hudson River. Today this majestic ruin, known as Bannerman’s Island Arsenal, rests on Pollepel Island and crumbles before our eyes. The recent deterioration of the ruin inspired me to not only witness and photograph the devastation, but to write about its lingering legends.

[Photo Gallery]

Pollepel Island was just as mystifying nearly 400 years ago as it is today. This dark deserted isle was the subject of an impressive “arsenal” of storytellers’ tales. Storytelling was a common past time and, just as with any story, over time these tales were naturally embellished and grew into astounding historical accounts that were passed down by the area’s early inhabitants giving us the great early legends of angry spirits, lost lovers, and ghostly goblins.

The Early Legends

Hudson River Sailors Feared The Heer of the Dunderburg

Long before Francis Bannerman built his castle, this six and three quarter acre isle was uninhabited. The Native Americans feared the island was possessed by evil spirits, which made it a prime location for settlers to hide during periods of aggression with the Indians. Over time, a number of legendary tales evolved. As I walked along the shoreline, the crystalline ice formations glistened in the sun and I thought of the legend of Polly Pell, a story that stakes claim for naming the island. The story of Polly Pell (Pollepel) was shared among Dutch settlers when newlywed Polly Pell was saved from the frozen Hudson River following a romantic sleigh ride with her beau. The fierce currents of the icy Hudson washed Polly and her new husband up on the rocky shores when a slave rescued them and named the island after her and the legend of Polly Pell was born.

The infamous Pollepel Island became well-known among Hudson River sailors. The secluded island was the basis of much of fantastical folklore that surrounds river travel through the Hudson Highlands.

The story The Storm-Ship written by famed storyteller and Tarrytown resident Washington Irving, tells the tale of a dreaded tribe of goblins that the Dutch feared inhabited Pollepel Island. These goblins thrived under the reign of the Heer of Dunderburgh who is said to control the gusty winds and treacherous waters of the Highlands. The Dutch lived in fear of the Dunderburgh. The “storm ship”’ actually refers to the legendary Flying Dutchman, a ship lost in a brutal storm sinking just south of Pollepel Island. The story condemns the captain and his crew to sailing the Hudson for eternity and it has been reported that their cries for help can be heard during violent storms. Once a ship ventured past Pollepel Island, the captain and crew earned right of passage for a safe journey down the Hudson.

Whether or not the ghosts, goblins, and evil spirits existed was left to the imagination. However, boat captains were known to cast off new sailors on their inaugural voyages down the river as an initiation. Often drunk and scared out of their wits these poor sailors were forced to disembark to take their chances with the phantoms of Pollepel Island. They were picked up on the return trip hopefully sobered up and fearless.

Given the history of Pollepel’s influence on shipmen of that period, it is ironic that the next ghost story would be that of a tugboat captain angered by Bannerman himself.

Night View of Bannerman's Castle

A Ghost from the Bannerman Era

Francis Bannerman VI was the visionary behind the progressive growth of the Scottish castle that bears the name of Bannerman’s Island Arsenal. Bannerman purchased Pollepel Island in 1900 when his insatiable hobby of scrap collecting gave way to becoming a massive arms company. As his wealth increased, Bannerman was able to build a home that would serve as a monument to his heritage. The castle itself was comprised of six major sections; three arsenals, the lodge, the tower, and the superintendent’s house. In addition, there is also a family residence with magnificent views of the Highlands.

The property was protected by breakwaters, which were formed by the sinking of old barges and boats. There is a legendary tale that the tugboat captain of one of the boats requested that his prized vessel not be sunk in his presence, but before anyone knew it, the boat was sinking right before the former captains eyes. The captain cursed Bannerman and swore revenge. It has been said that employees in the lodge often heard the ringing of the boat’s bell at various times signifying that the captain had returned to make good on his promise.

Just as the tugboat captain experienced a devastating loss that would condemn him to Bannerman’s castle for an eternity, Bannerman would also experience loss.

A Castle in Ruin

Bannerman’s Island Arsenal has had its share of disastrous events. A 1920 explosion of gun powder and shells blew a wall clear over to the mainland. Three people were injured including Mrs. Bannerman and the incident incurred $50,000 in damage. The most devastating event occurred in August of 1969 in a fire that gutted all the buildings on the island. It was undetermined as to what was the cause of the engulfing blaze that would destroy the celebrated estate of the late Francis Bannerman VI leaving it in ruin. This would not be the last disastrous event that the castle would endure. In late 2009 and early 2010 the castle saw increased damage that has forever changed the landscape of this iconic structure. I wonder how much longer it will endure the elements and how this rich haunted history will be remembered.

Remembering Bannerman’s Island Arsenal

The recent collapses have removed Bannerman’s name from his cherished castle. As the castle fades into history, the legends will remain to haunt us for a lifetime. As unbelievable as the stories may be, they add to the allure of the island and someday may be all that remains of one of the most captivating historical sites in the Hudson Valley. I think that Jane Bannerman’s quote best describes how I feel about Polly Pell’s island.

“No one can tell what associations and incidents will involve the island in the future. Time, the elements, and maybe even the goblins of the island will take their toll of some of the turrets and towers, and perhaps eventually the castle itself, but the little island will always have it’s place in history and in legend and will be forever a jewel in it’s Hudson Highland setting.”

- Jane Bannerman

Do not reproduce this article or images without permission from the author.

Island Tours and Contributions

The island and castle is easily viewed from land. Take a short drive south on Route 9D until you get to Breakneck Ridge. Park on the side of the road and cross the bridge over the trains track. BE VERY CAREFUL OF PASSING TRAINS!!

Bannerman’s Island Tours

Efforts to Preserve the Ruin

Photo Gallery: Photo Credit: Donna Davies

Who doesn’t love a good ghost story? Especially when it’s true! What is it that draws us into the darkness? Our hearts pound, our pulse races, we feel alive. You’ve been there right? The Hudson Valley region is famous for its legendary haunts. Here is your chance to share yours. Put your literary talents to the test and tell us your ghost story.

First Annual Haunted Hudson Valley ™ Ghost Story Contest (2010)

First prize, Four tickets to Lyndhurst Castle and a Haunted Hudson Valley t-shirt (design in progress)

Second prize, Haunted Stories DVD Collection Vol. 1 and 2 from The History Channel

Third prize, $25.00 gift card to Amazon.com

1. The contest is open to our Haunted Hudson Valley ™ community.

2. The ghost story must be 1,000 words or less, in English, and typed double-spaced. Grammar and spelling will be corrected upon review if necessary. Entries must be original and unpublished. The story must be deemed true to the best of your recollections.

3. Please submit your article in a Microsoft Word Document attachment or via e-mail to ghostwriter@hauntedhudsonvalley.net. Please include your name, address, e-mail address and phone number on your entry. Entries will be received until midnight on June 30, 2010.

4. Only one entry per writer.

5. Our Haunted Hudson Valley ™ judges will select the 10 best stories from the submissions. Selected stories will become permanent articles on the Haunted Hudson Valley.net Web site.The final judging will be done by your peers on the Haunted Hudson Valley ™ Web site.  Entries will remain unidentified until the winners are announced. Winners will be chosen by stories ratings and the number votes on the Web site. Should there be a tie, we will have a special voting for the competing stories.  All stories will be posted by July 30, 2010 and voting will take place from August 1 – August 21, 2010.

Winners will be contacted at contest end.

Michael Worden Paranormal Researcher and Author

Ghost Detective, Paranormal Researcher and Author Micheal Worden takes some time out to speak with us about this paranormal experiences and how he went from police detective to ghost detective.

Ghost hunting has become quite popular due to the plethora of “haunted” and “ghost hunting” series on TV. I think you are unique in the fact that you are a police officer that believes in paranormal science. What made you go from police detective to ghost detective?

I have always had a fascination with the paranormal. I grew up reading books by Hans Holzer and having my own paranormal experiences at my grandparent’s home in Port Jervis. These experiences fueled my passion for the paranormal and ghosts.

I never really made a conscious decision about becoming a paranormal investigator. I began working with my good friend Linda Zimmermann and before I knew it I was accumulating equipment and on the way to being a ghost hunter. My background in science blended well with my police skills and investigative know how to help make me a good investigator.

What do other fellow officers think of your second career?

I don’t know that it is much of a career – more of an interest gone wild. Most cops have seen unusual things that could be paranormal in nature. When I first began ghost hunting it was viewed by some as a novelty. A few had genuine interest in the paranormal and were interested in the investigative aspects. Now that it is popular most find it pretty interesting.

You had a very moving experience involving the ghost of a child in the Iron Island Museum in Buffalo, NY. Why do you think it affected you so? Had you had similar experiences elsewhere?

I believe that the child was connecting with me on a very personal, intimate level, and I believe he was drawn to me as I represented a father figure to him. I have twin sons and knowing that this child was around their age and lost and reaching out to me was heartbreaking. I have never felt so personally connected to a spirit. I really believe that for a few brief moments I brought comfort to this poor soul and I hope he finds peace on the other side.

What is your most memorable ghost investigative experience? Was there ever a time when you were exceptionally nervous or afraid?

I always go back to the Iron Island Experience as being one of the most memorable. Another was at my grandparent’s home. During one of the investigations both Linda (Linda Zimmermann) and I experienced an overwhelming sense of grief and sadness. It was so powerful that we both described it as a grief that could only accompany the loss of a child. Later research into the home revealed that a former Orange County judge had owned it and had lost a son at age 7. The judge died 17 years later and in his obituary it says that, and I paraphrase, his only son who was named in honor of the distinguished family ancestor died at an early age and the father never fully recovered from the blow. Wow!! This was a year or so later that we discovered this information. A subsequent visit to the family plot even showed more the grief that this man must have felt, for it says that his son ‘fell asleep’. We used this information to have a very personal and intimate investigation where we encouraged the judge to move on and that his son was waiting for him. Happily for him, I think he has found his son.

I have been frightened on investigations and have been pushed, shoved and felt personally threatened by something that could not be seen, but could be felt. One of the most terrifying was in a cell at Eastern State Penitentiary. I had wandered down a cell block and into a cell. I was recording with my camcorder and there was a banging sound in the cell. I could then feel a presence in there with me and it was not a welcoming one. I got out of there quickly. This was early in my career and long before Eastern State became the haunt du jour for ghost hunters.

You have partnered with author and ghost investigator Linda Zimmerman on occasion. What is your favorite investigation as a team?

Linda is the only investigator that I work with – she and I are the team and we keep it that way because we work well together and we trust one another. There is no question as to either of our integrity and we can rely upon one another to be honest and open during an investigation. We do have a few other trusted friends who go on certain investigations with us, but generally it is just Linda and I. We also find that this maintains control of the investigation and helps us in evaluating evidence.

Have you ever thought of having your own TV show?

Well I can not provide a lot of specific information at this time, but Linda and I are filming a short demo video with a major production company out of New York City. We are under a six month contract with them to develop a television program and market it to the cable networks. So this maybe a reality!

Quite often people who want to get started in investigation don’t know where to start or how to find a location to investigate. What tips do you have for beginning ghost investigators?

My first tip is one that Linda and I share: your best tool is your senses. Sometimes at a haunted location, just sitting still and being quiet can be a revealing technique. Start out with the basics in terms of equipment, an EMF meter, a good camcorder and a good digital camera and digital audio recorder are sufficient. You do not need to show up with a van load of equipment and 10 investigators to do good work. There are a lot of public places open to ghosts, including the Shanley Hotel in Napanoch, NY. Go, bring some equipment, and immerse yourself. You do not need to spend months as an ‘investigator in training’. Your senses and basic equipment are all you need to get out there and get started. Find your own style (too many groups seem to copy what is popularized on some of the reality show) and always be honest. I can not stress that enough. There is no room for faking evidence or misinterpreting evidence. Be honest and evaluate your evidence with a critical eye. I spend a lot of time in my book, Ghost Detective, talking about this. It is actually a great book for beginners, as well as seasoned hunters.

Special Discounted Book Offer

The Shanley Hotel, Napanoch, NY

Napanoch, NY—Crossing over the Shawangunk Mountains is like driving backwards through time. The western valley is a landscape dotted with old farmhouses, trailer homes and empty motels. As you take the turn off Route 209 into the tiny village of Napanoch, you transcend even further. What was once a bustling mill town is now practically abandoned with some buildings on the main street vacant since the 1930s. When Sal and Cindy Nicosia bought the Shanley Hotel they hoped their plans could revitalize the town. Little did they know they would be bringing life back to approximately 40 souls dying to be heard.

In the beginning of 2005, the Nicosias were your typical couple with a passion for a fixer-upper house. When the Shanley Hotel went up for sale they saw the project of a lifetime, bringing the urban ruin back to a thriving inn. It was merely 24 hours after the building was officially theirs that their lives changed forever. There was no electricity running in the building yet, so they sat on the second floor in the darkness celebrating the next chapter in their lives over some beers with a friend when the sound of footsteps started up the grand staircase. This event marked the beginning of their ghostly adventure into the past.

First built in 1845 by Thomas Rich, the hotel changed hands many times but it is James Shanley’s  name that still adorns the building today. Shanley and his wife Beatrice were well loved in the town of Napanoch and their inn was like home to many guests who enjoyed a variety of social activities and events hosted by the hotel.  For some guests,  being at home meant visiting the Gentleman’s Club located on the first floor or the three bedroom brothel on the second. Sal believes that the comfortable feeling the patrons experienced at the inn is the underlying reason why  so many spirits still remain at the Shanley today.

Aside from  the comforting atmosphere of friends and family, there were also times of tragedy and debauchery at the inn.  Tragically, all three of Mrs. Shanley’s children died before they were 9 months old.  Rosie, the four-year old and daughter of the in-house barber, drowned in a nearby well.  As with any hotel, there are stories of accidental deaths and possibly even murders. The spirits remain to tell their stories after the history books have closed.

By working with many different psychics, paranormal experts and extensive historical research, the Nicosias have been able to identify at least 40 different spirits residing at the Shanley Hotel. Nearly every paranormal research technique has yielded positive results.  People have experienced full-body apparitions as well as other visual and auditory cues including doors opening and closing, rocking chairs moving, whistling. The spirit of Rosie loves to play with jewelry and has been known to take it right off some women who visit. Of course, video and still cameras as well as electronic voice phenomenon records have documented mind boggling results. In fact, most EVPs that are recorded here are Class A, a concept almost unheard of in the industry.

The amount of data that Sal and Cindy has accumulated is extensive.  Connections made range from the spirits of Mr. and Mrs. Shanley themselves to  Jonathan, a playful six- year old, T.J., a bartender who died in the 1980, Joe, a spirit who prefers to be left alone and will tell you so, and Claire, a suicide from the 1800’s. Clearly, all the spirits have a story to tell. The use of  EMF meters, EVP recorders, cameras and other gadgets as well as the human mind have been used to help tell that story, as well as transform the Nicosias into true believers.

Over the few years, not only did the building go through some massive renovations, but so did the Nicosias themselves. Becoming more in tune with their spiritual guests, the Nicosias have become experts in a field they never expected. They have been features on countless radio shows, TV programs and articles of both local and paranormal interest. 

Andrew Jackson Davis, The Poughkeepsie Seer

Poughkeepsie, NY—There are countless famous and infamous people that have called the Hudson Valley home; Gavin Degraw, Ed Wood, Michael Williams, Ric Ocasek, Kendall Francios and Albert Fentress just to name a few. But only one person has had such a close connection to the occult world and the Hudson Valley to be called the Poughkeepsie Seer. Andrew Jackson Davis became world renowned for his work in the Spiritualism movement and unchallenged skill in reaching the beyond.

While Davis’ birth was unremarkable in the mid 1800s for an upstate New York family, his childhood, on the other hand, was a bit more extraordinary. He was born in 1826 to an alcoholic father and a sickly mother. Samuel Davis was an experienced cobbler but could never quite hold a job. Mrs. Davis was deeply religious and had extraordinary visionary powers.

Mrs. Davis often foresaw elements of her and her children’s lives. She had visions of Andrew almost drowning in a stream and being hit by an ox cart, both situations which later proved to be true. Her clairvoyant traits must have run in the family as Andrew soon started having his own visions and receiving messages from voices.

The family moved from Blooming Grove, NY to other small communities in the Hudson Valley. They were living in Hyde Park when Andrew Jackson Davis had a vision of Poughkeepsie. Why he received this direction, he didn’t know but he felt compelled to move into the city to start a new life.

As the sixth child, a boy was a blessing, another bread winner for the family, but Andrew Jackson Davis proved to be sickly and clumsy, making it difficult to hold a job. Partly due to all the moving, Davis only have five months of formal education, but he started an apprenticeship with a Poughkeepsie shoemaker at the age of 15. He wasn’t cut out for the cobbler profession and soon moved on to a job in a general store. He failed at this job as well.

His life would change forever only two years later. In 1843, Davis attended a performance by J. Stanely Grimes. Watching the man work with magnetism, mesmerism and phrenology, Davis was fascinated. By December of that year he was mesermized by William Levingston, a local tailor, and began to hone his skills. Together Davis and Levingston focused on their mesmerism/ mesmerized relationship to diagnose illnesses. Davis said he could see bodies as transparent and the specific auras of each organ, with colors being less vivid if there was a problem present. It was during this phase of his career that he was named the Poughkeepsie Seer.

In 1844 Davis had a new experience with this clairvoyant skills. This visionary trance, or as he called it “psychic flight through space”, allowed him to meet the ancient Greek physician Galen as well as the Swedish philosopher Emanuel Swedenborg (1688 to 1772) in the mountains of Ulster County. These men became his advisors in both healing and the occult. Davis proved his connection to the dead by speaking in depth about weighty topics an uneducated person would know little about, but thanks to the help of Galen and Swedenborg he could lecture at length.

Davis’ work was only just beginning. With the help of a new mesmerist, S. Silas Lyon, an herbalist from Connecticut, he wrote over 30 books detailing the visions he had while in trance. His topics were wide variety and included subjects as philosophy, cosmology, health and healing as well as the afterlife. In a span of time just over two years he gave no less than 157 lectures. He became a well known personality in New York City and the entire country.

1848 saw the official start of the Spiritualism movement when The Fox Sisters brought the paranormal activity in their upstate New York home to the masses. Seances and other modes of contacting the dead became extremely popular and skeptics deemed clairvoyants “table rappers.” Andrew Jackson Davis has been credited as the founder of the movement and was certainly a leader among men. By 1853 there were about 40,000 spiritualists in New York State alone, guided by Andrew Jackson Davis, The Poughkeepsie Seer.

The Ghost Hunters Store, Mt. Holly, New Jersey

Mt. Holly, NJ—It was a dark, dreary morning as we hit the road and left our Hudson Valley homes, perfect weather for a full day of ghost investigation tips and techniques. Three hours later, the sun was up behind the misting clouds as we left the hustle and bustle of the New Jersey Turnpike and made our way into the charming village of Mt. Holly, NJ. Streets are lined with a historic prison, quaint restaurants and of course, the Ghost Hunters Store. We and five others gathered in a small back room of the Ghost Hunters Store to get our fill of the paranormal during Dave Juliano’s Ghost Hunting 101 class.

Our professor for the day is as much of an expert in ghost investigation as you can get. Dave Juliano has been seeing spirits since he was 3. They are as common to him as your normal living, breathing human. In fact, he generally doesn’t even know they are deceased until the spirit mysteriously vanishes before his eyes.  His determination to understand what it is that he has experienced developed into a passion for helping others who have encountered the unexplained. He is a seasoned investigator having helped countless people come to terms with what is going on around them. His enthusiasm for the topic is obvious when you meet him.

Starting from the beginning, we first had to understand the different categories of a haunting. A residual haunting is basically a playback of a past event. Often natural items in the environment (such as iron, slate and quartz) will record events just like a video tape. These hauntings will repeat over and over again without deviation and will not interact. Spirits are interactive and are simply deceased humans (or animals.) Nonhuman spirits are demons, angels or occurrences due to the energy of thoughts. And then there are poltergeists. The word poltergeist is a German word literally translated as “noisy ghosts.” Often what is considered a poltergeist is actually a hormonal experience creating telekinesis unbeknownst to the perpetrator.

Protection from negative spirits

After understanding what it was that we would be investigating, we moved on to the equipment needed to capture evidence. EMF meters (including the widely used K II meter) measure the electromagnetic force that an object is emitting. Many man made items put off electromagnetic fields including appliances, electric cords, cell phones and lights. Checking outlets, lighting fixtures and TVs should show a steady EMF reading over 7 milliGauss. But if you find a reading between 2 and 7 milliGauss not associated with anything, you have found something that can not be explained (and therefore potentially a spirit) since there is no reason that there should be random electromagnetic fields.

Recording EVP (electronic voice phenomenon) is probably the second most widely used form of ghost investigation. Recorders are cheap and easy to use. Expensive microphones or recording equipment is not necessary as it has been proven that the entity is recording the data directly to the receiver without going through the microphone. EVP’s can be classified into three categories. Class A is loud and clear, easily interpreted the same by all listeners. Class B is reasonably clear but can be interpreted differently by some listeners. Class C is the lowest class and requires head phones to distinguish voices and is open to individual interpretation. This lowest class of EVP shouldn’t be used as evidence as it has such a wide variation of interpretation.

We also learned how to complete our ghost investigation kit with motion sensors/cameras, flashlights, night vision scopes and infrared cameras. Video and still cameras can show amazing footage of what the naked eye can not see, both in the dark or in the daylight. Working with some of this sensitive equipment can be complicated. You need to learn how to use it correctly.

"I ain't afraid of no ghost."

One of the most interesting parts of the day was when we discussed interpreting the evidence that all the equipment collects. An in depth demonstration on clarifying images of orbs, mists and other photographic anomalies was a great help in learning to decipher what is real from what is simply dust. As digital cameras became commonplace, pictures with orbs has become much more prevalent, but the majority is simply particles in the atmosphere. Learning to see the difference between humidity, dust or bugs and an actual paranormal entity caught on “film” is very important to the investigation process.

Ghost investigating can be dangerous and we highly recommend that anyone interested in learning more about the practice should learn as much as possible and work with someone who knows what they are doing before going out in the field yourself. As Dave mentioned in class, “just because you watch some Bob Villa specials, you aren’t going to run out and put a new roof on your house.” You can easily invite the unknown into this realm and create something very dangerous by doing so. Like the Ouija board, investigating spirits with EVP can create a doorway and invite unwanted entities into this world. If you are new to ghost hunting, we highly recommend that you take a class to learn how to ask the right questions, safely.

With the growth in popularity of shows in the likes of Ghost Hunters and Extreme Paranormal, it is important that you know what you are getting yourself  into if you choose to set forth on a ghost investigation.  Not everything you see on TV is true. Networks shoot for high ratings.  You may go on many investigations and never experience a thing.  Ghost Investigation can be fun and dangerous. Educate yourself before you venture into the unknown and stay safe. Ghost Hunting 101 is great course to get you started. We highly recommend it.

Patchett House

Montgomery, NY— On a chilly fall evening we arrived at the Patchett House located in Montgomery, NY, which is now home to the Wallkill River School for Artists. The Patchett House is a Colonial style home built in the early 1800’s that once served as an inn, a personal residence, and a funeral parlor that holds an unsolved mystery.  This haunted house has its share of  ghost stories from personal accounts to investigative reportings. This would be my first ghost investigation experience and being a fan of Linda Zimmermann’s Ghost Investigator series, I was curious about her experiences. I had no expectation of what the events the evening would hold. Let’s just say at times, the chill I felt was not from the cold.

Patchett House is a beautifully restored home that feels warm and cozy. I was warmly greeted by the Director, Shawn Dell Joyce. Shawn was delightfully clad in period attire suitable for a haunting. There was an impressive turnout for this event. We grabbed our complimentary copy of Ghost Investigator Volume 9 Back from the Dead, sampled some tasty treats from the kitchen, and admired the works of art that covered the walls of the entrance way while we anxiously waited for Linda to present her findings. You could clearly pick out the skeptics in the room, but that is what makes these events so much fun.

It’s Presentation Time!

Linda’s enthusiasm and sense of humor radiates throughout her presentation. You can’t help but absorb her excitement for the unknown. Having lived in the Hudson Valley all my life, I was excited to learn about these haunted destinations that were within my reach in the surrounding area. Linda shared the experiences of her team’s recent investigations of the Tamarack Inn, Iron Island, O&W Train Station, Cliff Park, Patchett House, and The Columns all  located within driving distance of the Hudson Valley.

Ghost Investigator 9

We sat at the edge of our seats intently listening as Linda shared her knowledge of her connections with the spirits that remain tied to these locations. The most memorable stories are the incidents at the Tamarack Inn, The O&W Train Station, and The Columns.  The Tamarack Inn’s tumultuous past of drugs, suicides, and accidents that contributed to 157 deaths is a prime setting for a haunting. A dark, mysterious figure engages Linda and she immediately goes into hot pursuit. As the aggressive game of cat and mouse continues, she is unsuccessful at capturing the image that any ghost investigator would want to claim rights to—a shadowy image on film.  The O&W Train Station, also known as the Rusty Nail Restaurant, dishes up a ghostly prank that costs her a 25-cent toll, which takes place at the hand of a spirited apparition determined to make his substantiated presence known. Finally, a visit to The Columns gives Linda a hair-raising experience as phantom fingers run through her tresses. The spirit continues to aggressively show her who the mistress of this realm is. This active specter calls Linda out in an intense way.  This spirit desperately wants to communicate the fact that she knows Linda  and is determined to prove it.  After a series of encounters with this  female ghost, Linda put the pieces of the puzzle together and is guided to a file cabinet where she retrieves an  article that bares her name. I think that is a fantastic example of a unique ghost investigation.

The most chilling experience was a photo that Linda shared with us that she deemed to be her best ghostly image taken at a home in Pamona, NY.  There were 2 photos shown. The first photo was of a dimly lit room.  The second photo was of the same dimly lit room with a huge, dark, shadowy figure within it.  It reminded me of the large ghostly shadow of a huge monster in a Scooby-Doo cartoon only real.  It was extremely disturbing and sent a chill down my spine. The crowd in the room gasped in amazement, and had I been the one taking the photo, I would have been running for the hills! I think the entire crowd felt the same way. This photo and story can be found in Ghost Investigator Volume 6 Dark Shadows.  At this time, I was feeling a little uneasy knowing my next move was heading down into the former embalming room.

The Patchett House Hauntings

Embalming Table

As stated earlier, Patchett House was an inn and a personal residence before it was a funeral home. In 1977, the funeral home director mysteriously vanished and the house was vacant for more than 20 years.  Know one knows what happened to the man. This remains an unsolved mystery today.  Maybe the rumored ghosts that inhabit the embalming room of Patchett House scared him away.

Linda shared her findings of her previous investigation, she clearly described the activity that occurred in the embalming room.  A mounted motion activated camera generated blurred images, which could only have happened if something or someone was moving the cameras. The camera produced an irregular shadow within the image. Good to know as  we enter through the Bilco style doors of the basement!

The first thing you notice when you enter the dark, dank,  room is the embalming table, which looks like nothing more than a triple sink. There is a slight chemical odor. This is where the bodies were laid out and the draining and embalmed occurred. You would think that there would have been more sophisticated equipment used even in the 1970’s.

EMF Demonstration

Linda demonstrated how the EMF (Electromagnetic Fluctuation) monitor works while trying to detect changes in energy in the room. She clearly explained how you can get irregular readings due to cell phone and normal electrical interference. We did get a few short readings on the meter; nothing significant. No one should have the expectation that you can walk 25 people into a room and have an experience. In my opinion, if something is going to happen to you, it will be very personal.

We then ventured back upstairs where Shawn Dell Joyce, the Director, continued the tour. Shawn is very passionate about Patchett House and its history. Shawn shared some of her experiences in the home. She explained that at one time she and students heard a phone ringing; an old-fashion bell-type ring. There is an old phone in the house, but it was not connected.  There have also been issues with lights being turned on and off and when no electricity was connected in the house. Repair men have actually walked off jobs after working in the basement claiming they felt something down there with them.

Shawn fondly spoke of the ghost of Emma who was born and died while living in Patchett house. It was her only home. She lived through the late 1800’s and passed in 1976 at the age of 97 years. Once a Patchett family member drove past the house and just happened to look in the window of the second floor and was shocked to see his Aunt Emma looking out. You see, Emma had been deceased for quite some time. Emma is also particular about her house. If she doesn’t like the doors and windows open, she will let you know about it. She will just close them for you. There is one room is the home that is Emma’s room. It is a shrine to her memory as she was a very caring and generous woman. Shawn feels very comforted by her presence and feels that it is her spirit that protects her ancestral home and she will not leave it behind.

No Souvenirs

The lecture and tour of the Patchett House was very informative and interesting. Linda Zimmermann is an engaging and dynamic speaker. One thing I will always remember is her clear warning to “Never bring anything home with you!” That means spirit or otherwise.

The Patchett house is a beautiful, well-preserved home that serves as an educational institution for artists.  I am certain that Emma is proud of that fact. Visitors to Patchett House have sensed and even visualized the presence of a woman in the home. I don’t think Emma ever left her domicile.  This strong presence of Emma could signify a deep love for the home in which she lived in for 97 years.  Maybe she just doesn’t want to leave it behind, but we would have to.  It was time to venture home.

I was exhausted from our trip and the mind does play tricks.  I rolled into bed and slept soundly.  I woke up at about 5:30 a.m.  The light was on in the hall. I was certain I had turned it off. It would have kept me up all night if I hadn’t.  I hope Emma didn’t reconsider and follow me home!

www.ghostinvestigator.com

Learn more about Patchett House

www.wallkillriverschool.org

Albany, NY—I’ve never been one to really get into politics. I have a few public issues that I support or I am highly against, but the overall political scene was never really my thing. When I heard about the haunted tour of the New York State Capitol Building, I was instantly intrigued, probably more because it is a historic location that was actually revealing in its haunted nature instead of shying away from it. The governmental nature didn’t really play a part in my decision to drive to Albany.

By the time I arrived at the visitor’s center, I wasn’t expecting much. I had just spent the past 45 minutes driving circles around downtown Albany. When I finally pulled in to the parking garage I was greeted by a State Trooper questioning my expired registration.  He let me go. I let out a sigh of relief as I parked my car and grabbed my note book, I was just happy to be out of the car. I had no idea what to expect, as long as it didn’t involve driving it would be fine.

I certainly wasn’t expecting the grandeur of the architecture in the Capitol building and the expanse of ghostly inhabitants. As the tour began, we passed through security and trekked down a short tunnel from the main concourse into the Capitol itself. As we rode the escalator up to the grand floor, a sweeping gothic style building came into view. Sloping arches, remarkable stone carvings and intricate woodwork were everywhere throughout the building. If you are a looking for the setting of a haunting, you would certainly find it in the New York State Capitol Building in Albany, NY. The $25 million and 25 years it took to build the Capitol Building were well worth the expense as the building creates a very creepy backdrop for haunting behavior, something right out of the creepiest horror movie.

The Curse of the New York State Capitol Building

According to legend, the New York State Capitol Building is haunted by more than just high taxes and it may have been a curse that cost the lives of the spirits that roam the halls. Stoneworkers designed stunning carvings throughout the entire building. Keep an eye open and you will see owls (known as omens of death), bats, gargoyles, devilish goats, serpents, and hundreds of other mystical beings. It is the intricate stonework in particular where we see the start of the alleged curse. Legend has it that a stone carver, angered by his boss, cursed the building and created a secret sculpture hidden within the organic filigree. Search the border on the wall opposite room 174 and you can find a tiny demonic face.

State Senate Assemby, Library of Congress

How many victims has the curse claimed?  The tour guide told of two stories in particular which seem more plausible than others.  The original ceiling of the Assembly was a grand cathedral design with arches and hand- painted murals. The ceiling was made entirely of limestone and over time it started to decay beyond repair. An unfortunate design flaw or was it part of the curse.  A new drop style ceiling was put installed in 1888. During this time Cormac McWilliams was a foreman on the project. As he was overseeing the progress, one day an unfortunate accident cause him to fall from the scaffolding to the story far below. While he did survive the initial accident he passed away a few days later.

It was here, in the Assembly, that we heard a few tales from another Capitol employee who happened to be working in the expansive room as our tour passed through. When someone in the group asked him if he heard things he said, “Of course, all the time. It happens so often you just ignore it.” He then went on to tell us about his pekepoo dog who often visited the building. She just refused to go up the Great Western Staircase. Instead of scampering up like she would any other staircase in the building, she would simply sit at the foot of the stairs and bark, whine and stare at an unforeseen entity. Perhaps she was frightened by the ghost of Cormac McWilliams as he continued to oversee the work in the building.

Great Western Staircase/Photo Credit: Jim Logan

Skeptics of the paranormal can quickly find faults in this story. While legend has it that Cormac McWilliams died in 1888 his tombstone in a local cemetery marks his death 11 years earlier. Maybe a mistake was made in the carving of his tree stump style grave marker or maybe he really had died in 1877, and was working at the capitol from beyond the grave!

Probably the most viable story of curses and hauntings at the New York State Capitol Building is that of Samuel Abbot. In 1911, a fire broke out and decimated the upper floors of the massive building. The only fatality that cursed day was Samuel, a night watchman in the library. His body was burned beyond recognition and he was only ID’d by his pocket watch. Since his death, a translucent full body apparition has been seen in the hallway where his body was found. The sounds of jingling keys, doors locking and lights being turned off have all been heard in the area. Maintenance workers and other staff have refused to work in the area after having experiences with Sam. If the curse killed Samuel, is it also the curse that keeps him walking the halls, doing his rounds night after night?

Perhaps there is a curse on the building, or maybe it’s just an old building with a lot of history. Investigate these and other tales at the Haunted Tour of the New York State Capitol Building that run during the month of October. Traditional tours run throughout the year.

If you go, bring your Albany maps, an up to day car registration, your enthusiasm and your camera. You never know what you will run into, maybe the ghost of Samuel Abbot or a pooch scared of a particular staircase.

Staatsburg, NY— We often discuss “ghost stories” on our Facebook page. Urban myths run wild, especially in such a historic area as the Hudson Valley. While at first glace we quickly want to believe in these tall tales, upon closer inspection we can weed out those that are truly just stories and those that require more investigation.

Photo Gallery

Always on the lookout for new haunted treasures here in the Hudson Valley, I came across some information on Hoyt’s Mansion aka The Point in Staatsburg. Like Wyndcliffe, Hoyt’s Mansion has fallen into ruin and has gone unnoticed by most of the people in the area. I’ve lived in the Valley my entire life and have never even heard of it. Legend has run wild regarding Hoyt’s Mansion, and I was intrigued to learn more.   Did the whole family really kill themselves in the house as urban legend suggests?

I did my research before heading out to the site and was prepared for my outing. In 1855 Lydig Monson Hoyt and Geraldine Livingston Hoyt began construction on their gothic revival home. The building was designed by Calvert Vaux who may be best known for designing Central Park in New York City. The house was strategically placed on a vista over the Hudson River for beautiful views to the north.

After Geraldine died in 1897, the house and 90 acre estate was passed to their son Gerald. It remained in the family until 1962 when greedy NYS took the house by eminent domain. The estate was flanked on either side by Mills Mansion and Norrie Point, both already owned by the NYS Parks Department. The department wanted to combine the parks with the land owned by the Hoyt family. Mrs. Hoyt refused to sell but lost the battle anyway when New York State abused their power.

New York state allowed the house to fall into ruin while a massive town pool was in the planning stages. The plan to build the pool complex never came to fruition and was finally scrapped all together as the historical importance of Hoyt’s Mansion were realized. Even though the building became a National Historic Landmark in 1990, it has continued to deteriorate . Today the home sits vacant and boarded up, just a shadow of what it used to be.

So is the house actually haunted? We may never know. Because the building is not safe, there was no legal way to enter.  While I did find a lot of research about the house architecture and family, I found nothing in regards to a family mass suicide. Does Hoyt’s Mansion’s crumbling walls hold any true spiritual activity, or are the rumors simply just the product of active imaginations ? Based on the history I’ll make my own assumptions, but without proof either way, I’ll leave you to your own opinions.

If you want to visit, check in at the visitor’s center of Mills Mansion to get hiking directions. It is a quick, easy walk on a major carriage trail, but don’t expect to get too close. The house has been condemned and is fenced to avoid any accidental injury. Don’t bother going at night. Not only is it not safe, but you are just asking to get in trouble. Some of the rumors include silent alarms tripped by motion sensors, and there are definitely motion sensor lights on the exterior of the building.

Photo Gallery

Tarrytown, NY—Lyndhurst in Tarrytown, NY is the theatrical setting for Collinwood, the mythical estate in the Dark Shadow movies. And while Dark Shadows had its fair share of spooky elements and unearthly events that Lyndhurst can’t quite hold a candle too, there are a few instances that make Lyndhurst a little out of the ordinary.

View Photos

East Bedroom

In the first movie, The House of Dark Shadows, we learn that Barnabas Collins went to England in 1797. It would be another forty years until Philip Paulding began construction on what would become Lyndhurst, and another 132 years until the movie was released in theaters nationwide.

While the Paulding family was wealthy and prominent political figures, by 1864 they fell on hard times and were forced to move out of their gothic revival style home. They passed it furnished to George Merritt. Merritt made grand improvements to the property, building a massive wing and the three story tower. After his death, his wife sold the estate to Jay Gould. Lyndhurst remained in the Gould family until 1961 when the current owner, Anna Gould who had become the Duchess Talleyrand Perigord through marriage, gifted it to the National Trust so it would remain a historic property.

Rear Exterior of Lynhurst

One of the most key (and extremely rare among historic homes) features of Lyndhurst is the furnishings. As each family moved out, they left their furniture and trinkets behind, leaving us with a rich historical account of the lives and deaths of those who once lived there. This must have also been a great attraction to location scouts for Dark Shadows, as many scenes show items which are still in the house today. Any visitor to the estate will recognize desks, beds, vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows, trompe l’oeil painted walls, gothic doorways and more from the movie. Dark Shadow’s fans will also recognize the carriage house, children’s playhouse, rose gardens, green house and other out buildings on the property.

While the grounds, mansion and internal furniture are beyond beautiful, one can’t help but wonder if the movie’s producers were attracted to its macabre curiosities. Was Dark Shadow’s shot at Lyndhurst only for the spectacular visual appeal, or was there another connection?

The library at Lyndhurst is one any bookworm would be jealous of. Thousands of volumes line the shelves and a combination of Gould’s and Merritt’s furniture make cozy reading nooks throughout. George Merritt was an avid reader, and mostly choose weighty topics to fill his library. Records show that he had requested the purchase of tomes on history, travel, nature and poetry. But if you look closely, you can find one solitary shelf with a few different topics. A Treatise of Specters, Travels of the Jesuits, Witchcraft, Christian Dogmas and more helped educate Merritt on the more “occult” side of life.

Another connection between the vampires of Dark Shadows and Lyndhurst is the painting Wallachian Caravan in Winter by Adolph Schreyer. This oil on canvas painting depicts a traveling line of pack horses and their handlers navigating through the snowy mountains. The Wallachia region is a mountainous area, conveniently located just south of Transylvania. While horses were a very common theme in his work, most of Adolph Schreyer’s paintings were entitled with the focus on Arabs. We found only one other mention of Wallachia in his work. Was this piece brought into the house purely for it’s Transylvanian connection?

Then there are the stories of the bizarre. Anna, the Duchess Talleyrand Perigord, was an animal lover and very much attached to her three Pekingese dogs. As each pooch passed on she had it interned in it’s own dog sized lead coffin. She never quite knew what to do with the coffins and they remained in the house for some time. Finally, knowing she couldn’t just keep them lying around the house, she had the coffins moved outside and they were placed on saw horses by the children’s play house, Rose Cottage. They remained there for years before they were finally moved to an unknown location. May the Pekingeses rest in peace.

Rumor has it that at least one someone isn’t resting in peace at Lyndhurst. We got a secret tip about an unexplained event in the home. One quiet evening at the estate as our mystery guest was working alone in the house, he passed through what used to be the servant’s dining room. As he walked up a short set of stairs he felt the presence of someone behind him. He turned to greet his follower and he found that no one was there.

Who was with him in the servant’s dining room that evening? Was it a family member of the Paulding, Merritt or Gould family’s who each enjoyed their time in their majestic castle like home on the Hudson River? Was it one of Anna’s dearly departed pups? Or maybe it was Barnabas Collins come back from England!

Photo Album

Photo Credit: Donna Davies/Haunted Hudson Valley

Watch it online at Amazon Video on Demand.

Plan your visit to Lyndhurst:

Lyndhurst
635 South Broadway
Tarrytown, N.Y. 10591
(914) 631-4481

www.lyndhurst.org