After walking all over NYC yesterday, it was a great day for a long car drive. We actually hit 4 states today--New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, & Rhode Island. Our main event of the day was "The Conjuring House" in Harrisville, RI. This is like DISNEYLAND for Ethan--he was definitely the MOST excited about this place.
This home dates back to 1693. The movies that have been made based on this house are highly inaccurate but nevertheless, this is hands down one of the most haunted places in the United States--even Ed & Lorriane Warren could not solve this case. It was fascinating to learn about the actual history of the house. The original owner--Eleazar Arnold--actually purchased the land from the Natives that were already there. He bought it fair and square and actually lived peacefully with the Natives of the land. The house stayed in the family for 8 generations until it was sold to the Perron Family in 1970.
The house was always haunted not due to anything the owner did. It is believed to be haunted because of the land--there is a supposed "portal" located on the land that allows spirits to pass through freely and often. The current owner of the house has gone to great lengths to ensure the originality of the house and making it safe for visitors. We only did a daytime tour but you could rent the house for the night if you wanted to--we did not...
The Tour Guide's Jeep
Ethan & Annabelle
The famous "Hanging Tree"
The nearby river
Chris & Annabelle
Stairs to the basement
The basement
Kitchen
Original fireplace/mantel in kitchen
Ethan & "Robert" the monkey doll
Original fireplace/mantel in living room
The Library
Scratch marks on the inside of the oven door
The original house oven
Stairs to the second floor
Ethan in the "Preschool Room"
My Ghost Encounter: There is a "child ghost" in the house named "Oliver Henry" and I was up in the "Preschool Room" taking pictures of the "Birthing Room" when I heard something fall to the floor behind me. I turned around to see the yellow train car that was originally near the other train parts on the night stand ON THE FLOOR! Carlie & Ethan were with me at the time and witnessed it as well. It was such a cool experience. I'll play with ghost kids most anytime. We made sure to thank Oliver and put it back on the stand for him.
Yellow toy train car on the floor
The outside workshop
The outside grounds
We had to leave by sunset--which starts about 4:30 pm around here. We thoroughly enjoyed our tour today--my boys seem to think they would have been brave enough to stay the night--I never will. But I sure can appreciate the history and beautiful scenery surrounding this area.
We only had one haunted stop to make today before doing just plain fun/cool stuff on our one day in NYC--the Morris-Jumel Mansion! We seriously only learned about this place while driving home from Idaho. Carlie and Chris were listening to "Haunted Places" podcasts and there was one on this place. It was built in 1765 by Roger Morris, a British Military officer. He was forced to abandon it during the American Revolutionary War when the mansion was taken over as military headquarters for both sides. Famous Americans such as George Washington and Alexander Hamilton stayed here. It was then purchased and remodeled in 1810 by Stephen and Eliza Jumel that intended to use it as a summer home to get them out of the city. It sat on 100 acres of farmland and had a nice view of the river. Obviously the city grew up all around it and it is now Manhattan's oldest surviving residence. It is rumored to be haunted by a Hessian soldier and by Eliza Jumel.
We then headed to our hotel to park our car and not drive anymore while in NYC. We made sure to hit a few places that most of us had never before been/seen such as the New York Public Library:
And Grand Central Station:
Then we separated for a bit. Carlie had a lesson set up with the Manhattan School of Music Oboe Professor this afternoon. She has started the research on possible graduate programs she is hoping to apply to in the next couple of years. So today we were able to see the campuses of the Manhattan School of Music and Julliard School of Music. She's got a lot of work in front of her but I can't wait to see all she will do. It blows my mind that I have a daughter this talented that schools like these are viable options for her.
While I was with Carlie at her lesson, Chris and the other three walked all over the place. They met up with an AZ friend (David M.) that just happened to be here as well. They saw the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center and went to Central Park.
Max & David
Max & David were asked by these girls to be in their picture...
We of course had to squeeze in a show--my personal favorite play--"The Play That Goes Wrong." It was so fun to see this play again. They've changed it up a bit and it was as hilarious as ever and I laughed until I cried again. LOVE LOVE LOVE this show!
Then we had to walk in Times Square at night. Such a fun/happening place that I want to be far away from by New Year's Eve:). It sure is fun to visit here but I'm always glad to not have to live here. Not for me but Carlie may be living here someday soon...
This is the Meeker family residing in beautiful, sunny Chandler, AZ. Chris and I have 4 beautiful kids: Carlie (23), Ethan (21), Maxwell (18), and Tatum (16). Thanks for stopping by:)
