In the haunted house, article (Tonawanda News, 1902-07-18).jpg
Dublin Core
Title
In the haunted house, article (Tonawanda News, 1902-07-18).jpg
Description
IN THE “HAUNTED HOUSE.”
**Party of Buffalonians and Tonawandians Hear Ghostly Shrieks and Rumbling.**
A party of five, including two Buffalonians and three residents of the Tonawandas took it into their heads one night recently to investigate the alleged mystery in connection with the old White Mansion at the head of Tonawanda Island. The old residence, where Daniel Webster and other celebrities have been entertained has long been in a dilapidated condition but ghostly rappings, footfalls and apparitions are still said to be nightly occurrences during the hours when spirits are supposed to hold high revels.
It was after midnight, when the quintet rowed across the river and landed at the head of the island. The night was of inky blackness and everything was favorable for ghostly visitations. The party gained an entrance by way of a window from which the sash and glass had long been missing and at once proceeded to an upper room, where the story goes, a servant had been strangled to death many years ago.
At this point one of the party was found missing. It was thought that his nerve had failed him and the remaining four were in high glee in anticipation of the champagne dinner that the first one who showed signs of fear would provide for the others.
The small pocket lamp flickered lazily in the close air of the small room. One of the quartet began to tear the boards from a small window to allow a little ventilation, when a low humming which soon grew into a shriek and finally died gradually away into a moan seemed to issue from the room below. The sound of a heavy body rolling down the stairs followed. The four stout hearts stopped as of one accord and their owners thought not to enquire into the cause of the weird noises but fell over each other in their efforts to be the first out of the haunted house. Arriving at the boat they were greeted by the missing member of the party who between convulsions of laughter informed his friends that he would eat a champagne dinner on each of them. He had caused the ghostly shrieks, moans and rumblings by means of a musical instrument and several large stones.
**Party of Buffalonians and Tonawandians Hear Ghostly Shrieks and Rumbling.**
A party of five, including two Buffalonians and three residents of the Tonawandas took it into their heads one night recently to investigate the alleged mystery in connection with the old White Mansion at the head of Tonawanda Island. The old residence, where Daniel Webster and other celebrities have been entertained has long been in a dilapidated condition but ghostly rappings, footfalls and apparitions are still said to be nightly occurrences during the hours when spirits are supposed to hold high revels.
It was after midnight, when the quintet rowed across the river and landed at the head of the island. The night was of inky blackness and everything was favorable for ghostly visitations. The party gained an entrance by way of a window from which the sash and glass had long been missing and at once proceeded to an upper room, where the story goes, a servant had been strangled to death many years ago.
At this point one of the party was found missing. It was thought that his nerve had failed him and the remaining four were in high glee in anticipation of the champagne dinner that the first one who showed signs of fear would provide for the others.
The small pocket lamp flickered lazily in the close air of the small room. One of the quartet began to tear the boards from a small window to allow a little ventilation, when a low humming which soon grew into a shriek and finally died gradually away into a moan seemed to issue from the room below. The sound of a heavy body rolling down the stairs followed. The four stout hearts stopped as of one accord and their owners thought not to enquire into the cause of the weird noises but fell over each other in their efforts to be the first out of the haunted house. Arriving at the boat they were greeted by the missing member of the party who between convulsions of laughter informed his friends that he would eat a champagne dinner on each of them. He had caused the ghostly shrieks, moans and rumblings by means of a musical instrument and several large stones.
Date
1902-07-18
Collection
Citation
“In the haunted house, article (Tonawanda News, 1902-07-18).jpg,” North Tonawanda History, accessed July 11, 2026, https://nthistory.com/items/show/4945.