Book Review: Haunted Houses of the Hudson Valley by Linda Lee Macken
Written by Donna Davies
First I would like to start by saying that have I thoroughly enjoyed this book of short stories about haunted houses in the Hudson Valley. While none of these houses are proven to be haunted, it did not take away from the excitement I felt after reading each historical legend.
If you are an admirer of the historic mansions of the Hudson Valley as I am, you will enjoy these tales. Macken starts off with a brief introduction to the valley and it’s haunts. The point that was most relevant for me was in this statement, ” The Hudson River captivated eccentrics, inventors, millionaires, mystics, idealists, and dreamers.” I believe that the diverse character of the people and the families that migrated to the Hudson Valley along with possible dysfunctional tendencies from cheating husbands to murderous thieves gives way to the colorful ghostly legends we have come to know and love.
My favorite story is the haunting of Esterwood. I could almost feel Ester Wood’s pain of betrayal by her husband as she witnesses his advances toward another woman. Ester ultimately commits suicide and is rumored to have been seen in the home. Esterwood is a prime location for weddings in Dobbs Ferry, NY. Is Ester warning the future brides of Esterwood?
Here is a list of the historical haunts and their stories as written about in Haunted Houses of the Hudson Valley
- Sunnyside
- Huguenot Street
- Philipse Manor Hall
- Abraham Kip House
- Old Rhinebeck Inn
- Franz P. Roggen House
- Cherry Hill
- Beechwood
- Lindenwald
- U.S. Military Academy
- Rokaby
- Springwood
- Dietz House
- Merwin Cottage
- Wyndcliff
- Church of St. Barnabas Rectory
- Octagon House
- New York State Capitol Building
- Wilderstein
- Wildmere Hotel
- Esterwood
- Bardavon Opera House
- Bannerman’s Castle
- Highland Public Library
- Delmar Hotel
- Church of Christ Rectory
- Lyndhurst
- Ackley House
Macken lists many of the the famous legends of the Hudson Valley in one handy 80-page book. If you are looking for proof you won’t find it here, but it makes a great resource for haunted travel.
It also makes a really cool Halloween gift if you are passing on the treats this year.
Haunted Houses of the Hudson Valley is available on Amazon.com.
