Post by Melissa Foxworthy on Dec 2, 2007 18:32:51 GMT -5
San Diego, California
Thoma Whaley, one of California's earliest pioneers, built what would become one of America's most active haunted houses, the Whaley House, in San Diego in 1857. The house served as an inn, a theater, and even a hall of records! While many visitors have passed through the halls of this infamous establishment, it appears that Mr. Whaley and some of his dearest friends have never left! Volunteers and visitors alike report numerous sightings and other strange phenomenon. A frock coat and top hat are trademarks of the spirit of Mr. Whaley, as is the unmistakable odor of cigar smoke, a favorite pastime of the house's one-time owner. At times the smoke is so overpowering it forces the evacuation of the room it is encountered within. Laughter is often heard throughout the house, particularly in the upper floor. Mrs. Whaley is also said to roam the house, lending scents of her perfume and lyrics from her favorites songs to anyone present. Workers report seeing the ghosts of one Jim "Yankee" Robinson, a man who met his end at the end of a hangman's noose in an archway at the house. Interestingly, it is reported in Mr. Whaley's journals that he himself was a witness to the hauntings of Yankee Jim. A playful spirit appears regularly in the kitchen. Visitors have also reported the ghosts of an American Indian, as well as an unknown soldier. Oddly, in 1995, the United States Department of Commerce issue a list of the ten most haunted places in the United States. Topping the list at number one was the Whaley House.
Thoma Whaley, one of California's earliest pioneers, built what would become one of America's most active haunted houses, the Whaley House, in San Diego in 1857. The house served as an inn, a theater, and even a hall of records! While many visitors have passed through the halls of this infamous establishment, it appears that Mr. Whaley and some of his dearest friends have never left! Volunteers and visitors alike report numerous sightings and other strange phenomenon. A frock coat and top hat are trademarks of the spirit of Mr. Whaley, as is the unmistakable odor of cigar smoke, a favorite pastime of the house's one-time owner. At times the smoke is so overpowering it forces the evacuation of the room it is encountered within. Laughter is often heard throughout the house, particularly in the upper floor. Mrs. Whaley is also said to roam the house, lending scents of her perfume and lyrics from her favorites songs to anyone present. Workers report seeing the ghosts of one Jim "Yankee" Robinson, a man who met his end at the end of a hangman's noose in an archway at the house. Interestingly, it is reported in Mr. Whaley's journals that he himself was a witness to the hauntings of Yankee Jim. A playful spirit appears regularly in the kitchen. Visitors have also reported the ghosts of an American Indian, as well as an unknown soldier. Oddly, in 1995, the United States Department of Commerce issue a list of the ten most haunted places in the United States. Topping the list at number one was the Whaley House.