Myth: Assessed value should equate to market value.
Reality: While most states support the concept that assessed value approximate estimated market value, this often is not the case. Examples include when interior remodeling has occurred and the assessor is unaware of the improvements, or when properties in the vicinity have not been reassessed for an extended period.

Myth: The appraised value of a property will vary, depending upon whether the appraisal is conducted for the buyer or the seller.
Reality: The appraiser has no vested interest in the outcome of the appraisal and should render services with independence, objectivity and impartiality - no matter for whom the appraisal is conducted.

Myth: Market value should approximate replacement cost.
Reality: Market value is based on what a willing buyer likely would pay a willing seller for a particular property, with neither being under pressure to buy or sell. Replacement cost is the dollar amount required to reconstruct a property in-kind.

Myth: Appraisers use a formula, such as a specific price per square foot, to figure out the value of a home.
Reality: Appraisers make a detailed analysis of all factors pertaining to the value of a home including its location, condition, size, proximity to facilities and recent sale prices of comparable properties.

Myth: In a robust economy - when the sales prices of homes in a given area are reported to be rising by a particular percentage - the value of individual properties in the area can be expected to appreciate by that same percentage.
Reality: Value appreciation of a specific property must be determined on an individualized basis, factoring in data on comparable properties and other relevant considerations. This is true in good times as well as bad.

Myth: You generally can tell what a property is worth simply by looking at the outside.
Reality: Property value is determined by a number of factors, including location, condition, improvements, amenities, and market trends.

Myth: Because consumers pay for appraisals when applying for loans to purchase or refinance real estate, they own their appraisal.
Reality: The appraisal is, in fact, legally owned by the lender - unless the lender "releases its interest" in the document. However, consumers must be given a copy of the appraisal report, upon written request, under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act.

Myth: Consumers need not be concerned with what is in the appraisal document so long as it satisfies the needs of their lending institution.
Reality: Only if consumers read a copy of their appraisal can they double-check its accuracy and question the result. Also, it makes a valuable record for future reference, containing useful and often-revealing information - including the legal and physical description of the property, square footage measurements, list of comparable properties in the neighborhood, neighborhood description and a narrative of current real-estate activity and/or market trends in the vicinity.

Myth: Appraisers are hired only to estimate real estate property values in property sales involving mortgage-lending transactions.
Reality: Depending upon their qualifications and designations, appraisers can and do provide a variety of services, including advice for estate planning, dispute resolution, zoning and tax assessment review and cost/benefit analysis.

Myth: An Appraisal is the same as a home inspection.
Reality: An Appraisal does not serve the same purpose as an inspection. The Appraiser forms an opinion of value in the Appraisal process and resulting report. A home inspector determines the condition of the home and its major components and reports these findings.

J. Myers & Associates Inc. 5098 28th Avenue South West Naples, FL 34116 Phone: 239-793-3430 Fax: 239-793-3430 E-mail: JasonMyers@embarqmail.com E-mail: JasonMyers@embarqmail.com

Experience is sometimes an unforgiving instructor. At Homecheck we learned devastation caused by flood waters first hand when Cedar Rapids, IA was hit by a massive flood this past June (6/13/2008). Homecheck is parented by the company enlighten technologies™ which includes many other businesses in our family such as Lawchek®, LawyersListings, and HouseList, to name a few. Our headquarters on 1st Avenue in downtown Cedar Rapids was inundated with water after the Cedar River crested at 31.1 feet (19.1 feet over flood stage) to overtake 1,300 blocks of the city.* The first floor was completely lost and the second as well when water reached 4 feet on the upper level. A slow road to recovery, we have learned first hand the destructive power of flood waters. Reflecting on this experience and the items we have learned, we determined to write an article this month about what to do if a flood hits your home or business. We hope many of our readers never have to use the practical advice in this article.

*Specifics taken from articles: http://www.usatoday.com/weather/floods/2008-06-15-cedar-rapids-cleanup_N.htm; http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/13/us/13flood.html?fta=y; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005_levee_failures_in_Greater_New_Orleans **Weather data: http://ia.water.usgs.gov/flood/flood.html

Before the Flood
It is not always possible to know when a flood will happen. It may be caused by an inundation of rain fall. Cities in Iowa were affected in this way when the Cedar and Iowa Rivers swelled with over 10 inches of rain in only one week.** This can then be compounded when man-made structures give way. This was seen in New Orleans when 50 levees broke during Hurricane Katrina.* So what can you do to protect your business or home before a flood happens?

• Find out about the land your structure is on. Does it sit on a flood plain? What is the threat level? Geologists or your county planning department will list these areas by the probability of a flood. For instance, Cedar Rapids has areas designated as 100 or 500 year flood plains. The flood in June was a 500 year flood. FEMA Offers flood maps detailing current flood risk. Simply type in your address and you can look at it online. You also have the option to buy a map, but as long as you are looking online, the service is free. http://msc.fema.gov/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/FemaWelcomeView?storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&langId=-1

• Now that you know where your home or business stands, what kind of insurance is available? Talk to your insurance agent first. If you want to now more about insurance options, especially in higher risk areas, also check out the National Flood Insurance Program at www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/.

• Whether a household or a business, you should have an evacuation plan in place. Let family members and employees know what evacuation route to take if water is rising swiftly and an evacuation is ordered. For households you should include a place for everyone to meet whether it is a local shelter or a relative’s/friend’s house. Also, families should have an out of state contact that everyone may call to locate each other in case they are separated.

• Create an emergency kit to be ready at any time. Depending on the needs (home or business) some items to consider are:

• Clean water (enough for at least 3 days for every person and animal – generally 5 gallons per person)
• Nonperishable food for 3 days (don’t forget a can opener!)
• Suitcase with an extra pair of clothes and extra blankets or sleeping bags
• Baby Kit - Baby food, diapers and other supplies
• Pet food, leashes, vaccination info for your pet – you may have to leave your pet at a local pet shelter if you are evacuated as emergency shelters do not allow pets 
• First Aid Kit – try to include some extra prescription medications (not expired!) or details about any prescriptions so you can refill them if lost in the flood
• Personal Hygiene Kit – sanitary wipes or gel, soap, toothpaste, feminine supplies, deodorant, etc.
• Flashlights, radio or small TV, and batteries – you may also consider crank flashlights and radios
• Some items to have on hand particular to a flood threat: insect repellent, rubber boots and gloves, and thick shoes

• Back up your documents! If you are evacuated due to a flood there are certain documents you will need for claims and getting back on your feet. Keep a copy of these documents with your emergency kit, at a safe location other than your home or both. At the very least these documents should include: insurance information, social security number, and medical records including any active prescriptions. It would also be a good idea to make a list of emergency contact information including family and friends as well as local and state numbers you may need.

• Prepare your business or home to resist flood damage. Suggestions include: install sump pumps with a back-up source of power, install backflow valves or plugs to prevent sewage entering the home, and make sure any fuel or propane tanks are securely and properly installed.

During the Flood

• Once a flood watch or warning is given call local authorities and let them know of anyone who may have special needs and cannot leave the flood area easily. It is extremely helpful for authorities to know who needs help evacuating if an evacuation becomes necessary. Ideally, have a friend or family member who will try to get this person out first if it is still safe to do so. This way there is less chance of separation.

• Get your emergency kit and keep it at hand in case of an evacuation. If you have some prep time before, fill up the gas tank to make sure you can go at a moments notice. If an evacuation is ordered there may be heavy traffic and you may need to go some distance to a shelter.

• Secure any items outside that might become hazards in water such as garbage cans, lawn furniture, grills, etc.

• If an evacuation is imminent: turn off the power and gas. If an evacuation is ordered, evacuate immediately. Use the route the authorities have given and make certain not to drive through flooded roads.

• If you are not ordered to evacuate, stay home and listen to any future announcements. Unless helping a family member or friend for a specific purpose, stay off the roads and out of the way of emergency crews. Going to watch is not helpful and can be potentially very dangerous.

After the Flood

• First you will want to contact your insurance company. Even if you are not covered for a flood, you will need to contact your agent. This is why it is important to keep documentation with your emergency kit. You need to know your company, agent (if applicable) and your policy number. In the case of evacuation, make certain to specify the address and phone of where you can be reached now. This may also be a friend or relative who can act as a point of contact if you are not immediately near a dedicated phone. They will set up an appointment to meet with you and discuss your losses.If they do not get back in a few days be persistent and call again, just keep in mind they may be overwhelmed with claims.

• Work with authorities about your return. Although this part can be extremely frustrating, in the case of major floods they will want to assess the safety of your return before you may enter any neighborhood or structure. Choose representatives, as in the case of Cedar Rapids the first look at the property was restricted to 1-3 people depending on location. The authorities may have also set up a grade system for the status of your structure. In Cedar Rapids there were green, yellow and red signs letting owners know whether a structure was safe to enter, enter only with caution or too dangerous and deemed a total loss.

• Once it has been deemed safe by the authorities for you to return, start the process of sorting your property. Do not throw out all items as you will need your insurance agent to see these. However, if the items are considered too toxic to keep around, get pictures and samples of the items before disposing of them. Make sure to take all precautions necessary before entering a flood damaged building! Click here for more details.

• Take many pictures of the inside and outside of your structure before cleanup. Photograph any standing water, items that have to be disposed of immediately and general survey pictures of each room. Also, take pictures of the items that will have to torn out such as the walls, floors, etc.

• Make a list of all damaged and lost items. This will help when you work with your insurance agent to process your claim. With your agent you will make a Proof of Loss. This statement is your testimony to the damages suffered. It should be filed within 60 days unless circumstances have allotted more time. Once this is filed with your insurance company your claim will be processed, however, it may take some time if the area was hit especially hard.

After the Flood: Home and Family Recovery – Working with FEMA

• FEMA stands for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. As they state on their website they define their type of disaster assistance as “money or direct assistance to individuals, families and businesses in an area whose property has been damaged or destroyed and whose losses are not covered by insurance. It is meant to help you with critical expenses that cannot be covered in other ways. This assistance is not intended to restore your damaged property to its condition before the disaster.” In essence they are there to help those who could not or did not get flood insurance.

• Items FEMA will cover are: temporary housing in the instance of evacuation or unlivable conditions, repair for what the insurance company will not cover (this is just until the home is safe, not necessarily with the same materials as before), and permanent housing construction. This last is only available to those who cannot get flood insurance at all due to location.

• FEMA can help with recovery costs that are not directly related to the home. These additional expenses can only be claimed if you live in a disaster area as designated by the President, you have already filed with your insurance company and find you are not covered, and you have serious needs directly related to the disaster. Some of these costs listed on the FEMA website include:

• Disaster-related medical and dental costs.
• Disaster-related funeral and burial cost.
• Clothing; household items (room furnishings, appliances); tools (specialized or protective clothing and equipment) required for your job; necessary educational materials (computers, school books, supplies).
• Fuels for primary heat source (heating oil, gas).
• Clean-up items (wet/dry vacuum, dehumidifier).
• Disaster damaged vehicle.
• Moving and storage expenses related to the disaster (moving and storing property to avoid additional disaster damage while disaster-related repairs are being made to the home).
• Other necessary expenses or serious needs as determined by FEMA.
• Other expenses that are authorized by law. http://www.fema.gov/assistance/process/assistance.shtm

• You can reach FEMA by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585

• When making any claim, you should have the following at hand: your social security number, current and damaged address, current phone contact, insurance information, household annual income, routing number to your bank to receive funds, and a detailed description of the losses.

• You may be referred by FEMA to SBA which offers low-interest disaster loans. “Homeowners may borrow up to $200,000 for disaster related home repairs. Homeowners and renters may borrow up to $40,000 to replace disaster-damaged personal property including vehicles.” However, you can not receive duplicated aid already received from FEMA.

• To find currently approved disaster areas you can go online: http://www.fema.gov/news/disasters.fema

After the Flood: Business Recovery – Working with SBA

• SBA stands for the Small Business Administration which has a specific branch for disasters the Office of Disaster Assistance (ODA) that offers federal low-interest, long term loans for “homeowners, renters and non-farm businesses.” An Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) is available to small businesses specifically geared towards helping with day to day expenses so a business may continue to operate.

• SBA can release disaster loans if one or more of the following conditions are met: Presidential Disaster Declaration, • • Agency Physical Disaster Declaration (based on a minimum amount lost), Governor Certification Declaration, Secretary of Agriculture Declaration, Secretary of Commerce Declaration, or Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan (for businesses that lose key personnel who are called to active duty).

• For Physical Disaster Loans which help replace an uninsured or under-insured property, an inspection team from SBA’s ODA will review the site and claims.

• Applicants do have to show some reasonable ability to pay back the loans. However, since they are low-interest and can be as long as 30 years, they are easier to qualify for than standard loans.

• Especially with real estate, the SBA’s ODA will continue contact with the borrower to make certain construction is on schedule and funds are being used appropriately.

• You can reach SBA by calling 1-800-659-2955 8am-9pm EDT. Or email them at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

More Information

FEMA and the American Red Cross have made a pamphlet entitled Repairing Your Flooded Home which is available as a PDF. A great resource, page 55 has a very useful emergency contact list as well.

• Click here for Repairing Your Flooded Home by FEMA and the American Red Cross (PDF)

Additional pointers from Homecheck:

• Cleaning Up after a Flood (HTML)
• Battling Mold after a Flood (HTML)

Some Ways to Help Our Neighbors

Downtown Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Sunday, June 15, 2008 after the waters have started to recede.

Aidmatrix Network - Iowa
The Safeguard Iowa Partnership and the Iowa Disaster Human Resource Council have partnered to provide the Aidmatrix Network, an easy way to make monetary and product donations to the nonprofit organizations that are assisting in the response and recovery efforts following recent disaster events in Iowa.

Cedar Rapids Czech & Slovak Museum
www.ncsml.org
The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library staff and board continue to work through the challenges of flood recovery. Our five museum buildings are cleaned out and secure. Visitors from across the country have been calling to plan summer visits. Some have already made their way here and are shocked and dismayed to find a sight they never expected - boarded up buildings, sandbars in the garden, and piles of debris. We are assuring them we will survive and be back in business, but it will take time. To us it's surprising there's still a world out there that doesn't know about the flood!

Cedar Rapids Public Library
Our public library lost all of the first floor which included books and magazines for adults.The children's book section was mostly recovered. They are currently looking for temporary space: "07 July 2008 - Librarians are compiling a list of books and other materials that the CRPL’s book distributor will hold until the library has a place to put them. The books will arrive pre-processed, which means that staff will be able to shelve them immediately, saving an enormous amount of time. Once the list is compiled, individuals will have an opportunity to select a book from the list to donate. “Many of our patrons and supporters have been asking what they can do. This will be a way to help rebuild our library,” says Glise. “By fall, we hope to have a wish list available.”

Corridor Recovery
Corridor Recovery is a not-for-profit partnership between government, civic, business and faith-based organizations, created to respond to the Flood of 2008. As the flood waters peaked, Corridor Recovery quickly became the primary resource for materials and information for Linn County and Cedar Rapids. We provide resources for local governments and agencies to distribute flood-recovery information to the public in a critical time of need, and to coordinate volunteer efforts in the clean-up and recovery process.

Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation
www.gcrcf.org
The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation opened the Flood 2008 Fund on June 15. The Flood 2008 Fund is for flood relief and recovery donations. One-hundred percent of financial donations to the fund will support response, recovery and rebuilding efforts throughout the Cedar Rapids-metro and surrounding communities. The first priority will be to work with local nonprofit organizations to support individuals and families affected by the floods. The GCRCF is committed to helping individuals, families and the nonprofit community recover and rebuild from the catastrophic flood.

Embrace Iowa 2008 Disaster Fund
Embrace Iowa is a program of statewide outreach by the Des Moines Register. Since it already has an established logo, identity, and donation tracking mechanism, the Iowa Disaster Collaborative is using the Embrace Iowa website as one way for donors to make a donation and learn more about the 2008 Iowa Disaster Fund.

Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service
If you are interested in helping in a particular area of the state, please use this section of our Web site to get in touch with local officials, who are collecting a list of where and when volunteers are most needed.

University of Iowa Foundation
For those wishing to support the University as it struggles to recover from flood-related damage not covered by insurance or other resources, we encourage contributions to the UI Flood Relief Fund.

Sources for this article which include even more detailed information:

Center for Disease Control
CDC.gov (www.cdc.gov) is your online source for credible health information and is the official Web site of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). CDC is committed to achieving true improvements in people’s health. CDC applies research and findings to improve people’s daily lives and responds to health emergencies—something that distinguishes CDC from its peer agencies. Working with states and other partners, CDC provides a system of health surveillance to monitor and prevent disease outbreaks (including bioterrorism), implement disease prevention strategies, and maintain national health statistics. CDC also guards against international disease transmission, with personnel stationed in more than 25 foreign countries

FEMA – Federal Emergency Management Agency
http://www.fema.gov/
FEMA has more than 2,600 full time employees. They work at FEMA headquarters in Washington D.C., at regional and area offices across the country, the Mount Weather Emergency Operations Center, and the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, Maryland. FEMA also has nearly 4,000 standby disaster assistance employees who are available for deployment after disasters. Often FEMA works in partnership with other organizations that are part of the nation's emergency management system. These partners include state and local emergency management agencies, 27 federal agencies and the American Red Cross.

National Flood Insurance Program
http://www.floodsmart.gov/
Congress established the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to address both the need for flood insurance and the need to lessen the devastating consequences of flooding. The goals of the program are twofold: to protect communities from potential flood damage through floodplain management, and to provide people with flood insurance.

SBA – Small Business Administration 
http://www.sba.gov/
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation. We recognize that small business is critical to our economic recovery and strength, to building America's future, and to helping the United States compete in today's global marketplace.

These days you can find a web site that covers anything. Included in this trend are home improvement web sites. Some of these helpful sites may be related to a television program (as discussed in our April article 'Home Improvement Television'). However, there are also many that are mostly web based that offer great home improvement hints, tutorials and visual aids. Below is a list of some of these web sites. We have included the web site message to the consumer, our short review and our ranking of the practical features (such as navigation) to the right. Web sites are listed in alphabetical order. Hopefully you will find some information here that may help you on your next home improvement project! About.com Home Repair http://homerepair.about.com/ Web Site Summary: [About.com contains areas maintained by experts in the field; the only description we found about this section was about the expert.] Bill Lewis is a professional electrician. He has also been a carpenter, a contractor, an editor, a publisher and an urban planner. Bill focuses in this site on repairs and improvements with an eye to saving money and adding value. Homecheck Summary: Helpful articles about various projects and home repair issues. A good article reviews the pros and cons of do-it-yourself work. Overall the articles are quick and to the point. No illustrations are offered but the advice is good and well written. Would like to see more topics and visual aids. Al's Home Improvement Center http://alsnetbiz.com/homeimprovement/ Web Site Summary: Als Home Improvement Center is the site for do it yourself and how to tips covering all aspects of residential home repair, home improvement, remodeling, and renovation projects around the house. Featuring tips, advice, how-to articles and step-by-step information to help you maintain and improve the value of your home. Homecheck Summary: Random. This web site is primarily made up of links to other home improvement sites. However, there are some written guides and tutorials. The web site itself is basic in appearance and has few visual aids. However, some of the tutorials do offer step by step pictures. The site may be hit and miss but does seem to have some hidden gems. Ask the Builder www.askthebuilder.com Web Site Summary: Once you are in my new cool web site, here is what you will find: Over 400 Step-by-Step Guides- these contain the extra content, how-to instructions, links to manufacturers, etc. that the newspapers didn't have the room to print when they ran my original columns. Numerous TV Video Clips - watch me show you new products and cool tricks on how to do things. Over 150 Radio Shows - These radio shows have been stripped of the boring commercials. Each show is broken out into the individual callers. I explain in great detail how to do things as I talk to callers. You can listen to the segments or shows as often as you want. Each week I add the latest radio show for your listening pleasure. Email Questions and My Answers - Live questions from visitors just like you along with my responses. [This description is what a premium, paid for membership includes, some of these materials are available for free on the web sit as well.] Homecheck Summary: This web site does offer some good articles about home improvement. A paid for membership will give the user access to much more. Good content in the articles and Q&A, but not very many visual aids. Some of the material is for geared towards those with advance knowledge of home construction. A good site to review and would be even better if you want to pay for the membership; check out what a paid membership get you, click here. Better Homes & Gardens www.bhg.com Web Site Summary: BHG.com is focused on decorating, building and remodeling, crafts, entertaining, cooking, and gardening. It also has extensive information for women and families. In addition to providing useful tools and advice, BHG.com's trusted experts keep visitors up to the minute with information on the latest developments and trends around home and garden. BHG.com was designed with real people in mind. It has easy-to-use interactive tools; clear visuals; specific, step-by-step instructions; and money saving suggestions. It makes life easier and more enjoyable. Homecheck Summary: One of the first things you'll notice are the pop up ads on every page; incredibly annoying and overused! This site does have home improvement and restoration articles available online. However, the articles are brief and some do not have pictures. The Tools & Guides are useful and easy to use. These tools include planning the layout and painting rooms to calculators for figuring out the cost of materials in advance. Overall this site is better for stimulating decoration and remodeling ideas but does little to tell the do-it-yourselfer how to tackle these projects. BobVila.com www.bobvila.com Web Site Summary: Online and on the job site, home improvement pro Bob Vila helps homeowners build their dreams. Homecheck Summary: This web site offers a lot more information than just TV listing times. It is easy to get around, however, there is so much information available the choices at first can be a bit overwhelming. Articles are very practical and thorough, fix its include diagrams and photos, and the videos are a great way to review topics if you missed the television show. Design tools and the bulletin boards do require a sign up, but it is FREE! These tools are great and easy to use. Overall this site is one of the most informative and generous internet sites offering expert advice. DoItYourself.com http://doityourself.com Web Site Summary: N/A Does list a great deal of quotes from media sources and what they say about the site. Homecheck Summary: This web site really uses the point and click method. Once inside, most of the pages show all possible selections at once leaving the user to scroll and review at will. For shopping this works best. Once in the home improvement section, each topic has How To, Q&A and Tips. All are written concisely and use some pictures when applicable. Some How To's are more informative than others. Depending on the topic, users may find not all their questions answered as the subject may only have an introduction/summary instead of a full tutorial. More diagrams and drawings for some of the How To sections would be nice as well. Finally, a collection of manufactures and suppliers are listed by area of expertise or in advertisements throughout the site. (For professionals interested, listing on these pages begins at $30.) DoItYourself Network www.diynetwork.com Web Site Summary: DIY Network is your television source for the latest do-it-yourself projects, including Home Building; Home Improvement; Automotive & Boating; Crafts; Gardening; Living; and Woodworking. Informational and entertaining, DIY's programs and experts answer your most sought-after questions, plus offer creative projects that will inspire you to do something out of the ordinary - yourself. DIY's web site, DIYnetwork.com, features step-by-step instructions for all that you see on-air, totaling more than 15,000 projects online. Homecheck Summary: The tutorials do point out the television show times. However, if you miss the show, a step by step detail with pictures from the project are available online. Not all the show reviews are meant to be tutorials of how-to but instead are examples of what may be accomplished; a sort of idea bank. Overall the tutorials are clear and easy to follow. There are also some project planners available, but these are borrowed from the Lowe's web site. Home Decoration Concepts www.homedecorationsconcepts.com Web Site Summary: Homedecorationconcepts.com is a site that has been built to ensure you have all the information you want when you build your own house. The information presented here covers various aspects of home decor ranging from individual articles on decoration bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms etc to general articles on furniture &furnishing the house. The site even provides you with articles based solely on how to paint and maintain your house. In short, Homedecorationconcepts.com can be your first step towards your dream house! Home Depot www.homedepot.com Web Site Summary: The Home Depot is the world's largest home improvement retailer and second largest retailer in the United States. We help our customers build their dreams by being more than a store. Learn about Home Depot and our other subsidiaries that specialize in everything from flooring, lighting and interior decor to landscape supply. See how we're making your community a better place to live. Find a career with a Home Depot company or invest in your future as we drive to establish wealth and financial security for our investors. Homecheck Summary: An extension of the store, this site is intended to sell products. However, it also has some tips and ideas for using the products available. The tutorials on this site do come with difficulty rating and photographs of the project steps/procedures. An easy tool included in the tutorials is a printable shopping list so you may know exactly what you need (and where to buy it!) for any project. The only downside is the planning tools are brand based and only show painting color schemes, shelving layouts, etc. using one particular brand. Home & Garden TV www.hgtv.com Web Site Summary: At HGTV.com, you'll find even more of what you love about HGTV: instructions for thousands of home and garden projects, video tips, an interactive Program Guide and episode finder, Calculators, Message Boards and more. Just click on your favorite topic—Decorating, Remodeling, Gardening, At Home, Crafts—to learn the latest on enhancing your nest. And be sure to visit the HGTV Store for unique home and garden gear. Homecheck Summary: The How-To tutorials are great. They take you through step-by-step with audio and visual review. After watching the segment you may print out written instructions as well. It does work best with a high speed internet connection. Only negative comment is we wish there were more! But these are sponsored by Lowe's and users may always click on the advertisement to go to their library as well. The Home Improvement Web www.the-home-improvement-web.com Web Site Summary: The New Home Improvement Web Directory - Tips, Design, Decorating, Repair and Improvement Information For The Consumer and Professional! Find Improvement Tips, Products, Professionals, and Services in Canada, United States, and United Kingdom! Homecheck Summary: Some great articles about home maintenance and repair. However, there are no illustrations. Many of the articles are submitted by other web sites/sources, but the quality of the articles seems to stay about equal. HomeStore.com www.homestore.com Web Site Summary: Homestore, Inc. is a leading supplier of media and technology solutions that promote and connect Real Estate Professionals to consumers before, during and after a move. Homecheck Summary: This site is primarily geared to those looking for realtors, homes, apartments and other real estate listings. To find home improvement articles go the Home & Garden tab at the top right. Here you may find decorating and some guides to home improvement projects. The tutorials are borrowed from the Creative Homeowner text and include great pictures with the step by step guide. Finding the tutorial you are looking for can take a little time through the different menus. It is easy to click on another feature and be taken to another site; although the new site is owned by the same group, why you went there may not be clear at first. Again, do-it-yourself home improvement is not the main feature of this site so unfortunately there are not as many articles and projects; but the articles it does offer are easy to follow and have good visual aids. HomeTime.com www.hometime.com Web Site Summary: Welcome to Hometime.com your online source for home improvement, remodeling, and repair information. Here is where you’ll find project advice, information about current and past TV episodes, behind-the-scenes Hometime information and a variety of products to help you with all your project needs. Homecheck Summary: This site has project advice, information about the show and a variety of products to help you with all your project needs. Also find lists of vendors and their contact information for materials you see used on the show. The how-to tutorials on the web site are basic. Check out the archives to find past episodes that relate to your own projects. Copies of programs can be bought and usually cover one individual tutorial or the whole series related to construction of one house project. Home Tips www.hometips.com Web Site Summary: Home Tips is your free one-stop resource for help with home improvement, remodeling houses, home repair, decorating, and buying appliances and other home products. Homecheck Summary: This site has some lengthy articles and some quick summaries. Very few pictures and a lot seems to point towards purchasing material through the site. That is not to say the information isn't valuable; many of the articles/buyer's guides offer good reviews of the materials available to the consumer. There is a section of D-I-Y Instructions that offers a bit more insight. But again would like more step-by-step, illustrated instructions. Lowe's Home Improvement www.lowes.com Web Site Summary: [Well the closest we could find!] Lowe's has been Improving Home Improvement ® for more than 59 years. In 2005, Lowe's earned several notable industry distinctions, including: Ranked 43 on the FORTUNE 500; Named 2003, 2004 and 2005 ENERGY STAR Retail Partner of the Year; Operates more than 1,100 stores in 48 states Homecheck Summary: Offered by the retail store as an extra feature, the primary goal of the site is to get information about and/or purchase products for sale. Prompted for your Zip Code, this information is used so you may search for products available in your area (this includes plants!). Navigation is easy, however some pages heavy with images may take longer for some computers to load. Most of the tutorials suggest certain products, which is to be expected. However, these tutorials do still prove to be helpful and diagrams are provided for more complex tasks. Check out their 'In-Depth Microsites' for more information and online tools such as the Garden Planner. The Garden Club has really useful tools with great information about plants. Overall, this site does prove helpful to the home improvement weekend warrior. Michael Holigan's Your New Home www.michaelholigan.com Web Site Summary: Michael Holigan’s Your New House, seen on broadcast stations and cable by more than 2 million viewers every week. We promote tips and advice on how to build, buy and remodel the home through our TV show...serve as a source of expert advice and information for consumers on topics relating to: New home construction, The purchase and financing of new and existing homes, The purchase and financing of manufactured homes, Residential remodeling, Home improvement Homecheck Summary: Tutorials are available through online copies of show transcripts or broken down into step-by-step online tutorials. The use of photos help illustrate the steps of the projects. If you have a good connection you may also watch video excerpts from the show. All around great advice and direction. Just can't wait for there to be even more topics available. MSN House & Home http://houseandhome.msn.com/ Web Site Summary: [Could not find one for this section, but everyone is pretty familiar with MSN.com for which this is an extension.] Homecheck Summary: Tutorials and content is provided by Better Homes and Gardens. Articles are short and to the point. Most have drawn illustrations. Start Remodeling www.startremodeling.com Web Site Summary: StartRemodeling.com’s Roots began in 1997 as an interactive sales tool for Lone Star Specialty Remodelers, a Houston, TX based remodeling contractor, in business since 1982. The site, still owned and operated by Real Remodeling Professionals, was transformed in 1999 to bring visitors to the Internet an informative and easy to navigate site that will allow them to locate anything and everything they may need to improve their homes. Homecheck Summary: Some good short articles and how-to's are in the Interior and Exterior Showcases. The remodeling values article is a nice hidden gem as it was the first we saw of someone illustrating how that major home improvement project may effect the resale value of your home. Overall, the articles are bit hit and miss and could use more visual aids, but there are some definite gems to look over in the archives. This Old House/Ask This Old House www.thisoldhouse.com Web Site Summary: Homeowner Know-how: Our extensive database of do-it-yourself articles and step-by-step instructions help homeowners execute a wide range of home improvement tasks. Organized by topic, this section covers everything from kitchen and bath to yard and garden. Homecheck Summary: Some free tutorials available online. However, most information is only available to magazine subscribers ($4.93/3 issues & presumably much more through online access). The guides that are offered for free are well written, have great photographic visuals and are easy to follow. It may make the subscription worth it to those who want expert guidance and help. TrueValue www.truevalue.com Web Site Summary: True Value, operating worldwide, has been a leader in the hardware industry since 1948. With its broad and deep product selection and helpful customer service, True Value is a trusted resource for do-it-yourselfers in big cities and small towns alike. Homecheck Summary: The web site for the retail store, this site has some good directions for home projects and improvements. The tutorials are very detailed. Drawn pictures serve as visual aids; it would be nice if there were more of them for some of the projects listed. Well written and easy to follow articles. Don't forget to check out the expert Q&A where you may submit questions or review the archive or questions asked. Toolbelt Diva http://media.home.discovery.com/fansites/toolbeltdiva/toolbeltdiva.html Web Site Summary: As the feisty host of Discovery Home Channel's new series Toolbelt Diva, Norma pairs up with female homeowners to tackle a variety of home-improvement projects. Toolbelt Diva proves that any woman can take on just about any home-improvement project, and it also has plenty of information and insight for the man of the house as well. Homecheck Summary: A fun twist to the usual home improvement shows, this tv show's web site also offers video clips and written guides reviewing projects handled on the show. Wish there was more material available online as the topics covered are still rather limited.

Welcome back to Rocky’s Corner! Last month we started Part 5 of an 8 part series of Preventive Maintenance Tips for your Home.

This month we will begin with Part A - tips for Spring. Every Spring-Part A

APPLIANCES:

• Vacuum coils under or behind refrigerators and freezers.

 AIR CONDITIONING UNITS: Central Air Conditioning

• Make sure the condensing unit located outside is not covered up with leaves, newspaper, etc.
• Change or clean the filters regularly.
• Be sure all access panels are secure, with all the screws in place.
• Set the thermostat in the cooling mode.
• Run your air conditioner for a few minutes now, before you need it.
• Schedule a maintenance call before it gets hot to have a technician check the following items:

1. Check for proper refrigerant (Freon) levels. A low level indicates a leak, to be found and repaired before adding Freon.
2. Check all electrical components and controls.
3. Clean evaporator and condenser coils, as needed.
4. Oil motors as needed.
5. Calibrate thermostat.
6. Check condenser for cracks.
7. Check filters.

AIR CONDITIONING UNITS: Evaporative Air Conditioning

• Clean unit; check belt tension and adjust if necessary; replace cracked or worn belt.
• Clean or replace air filter; clean condenser or evaporator coils and condensate drain; remove debris from outdoor portion of unit. AIR

CONDITIONING UNITS:  Wall and Window Air Conditioning

• Have your unit checked out to make sure it is working properly before you need it.
• Clean dirt, insects and debris from the grills and cooling fins.
• Replace dirty filters.

ATTIC:

• Make sure all your gable, soffit, and ridge vents are open to allow proper ventilation.
• Make sure insulation covers the entire attic floor; look into hiring a professional to add more to meet recently updated building codes and reduce future cooling and heating costs.
• Check to make sure your attic and/or whole house fans are working properly; consider installing attic or whole house fans.

CARBON MONOXIDE AND SMOKE DETECTORS:

• Change batteries and check to make sure they are operating properly.

CAULKING AND GROUT:

• Inspect caulking and grout around tubs, showers and sinks; considering replacing if necessary.

CLEAN CARPETING:

• Have your carpets cleaned regularly to remove the dirt and grit that can wear them out prematurely.

DOOR SILLS, WINDOW SILLS, AND THRESHOLDS:

Fill cracks, caulk edges, repaint; replace if necessary.

DRAIN-WASTE AND VENT SYSTEMS:

• Flush out system.

HEAT PUMP:

• Lubricate blower motor.
• If you didn’t have an annual check-up done last fall, schedule one now to have a certified professional to inspect the wiring, check belts (replace if needed), and oil the moving parts.

HOT WATER HEATING SYSTEM:

• Lubricate circulating pump and motor.

PEST CONTROL:

• Termites can cause thousands of dollars worth of property damage before the homeowner even realizes they have an infestation and other pests can threaten your family members and pets with bites and diseases
• Contact a pest control specialist for a free inspection and evaluation of your risk; and for hiring a regular service to keep your home free of all pests; including insects and rodents.

SCREENS FOR WINDOWS AND DOORS:

• Clean screening and repair or replace if necessary; tighten or repair any loose or damaged frames and repaint if necessary, replace broken, worn or missing hardware; tighten and lubricate hinges and closers.

WATER HEATER:

• Every six months you should turn off the power source and drain it completely until it is clear of sediment.
• Also inspect flue assembly (gas heater); check for leaks and corrosion.

ANTENNA:

• Check antenna and satellite dish supports for possible leak source.

BASEMENT AND FOUNDATION:

• Check grading for proper slope away from foundation wall. Inspect for cracks and moisture and repair if necessary.

DECKS, PORCHES AND EXTERIOR WOOD STRUCTURES:

• Check all decks, patios, porches, stairs and railing for loose members and deterioration, such as cracks, splintering, decay, and insect damage; treat wood, set nails and repair or replace rotted boards, as needed.
• If professionally cleaned, sealed and maintained, it should only be necessary to refinish and/or stain your wooden decks every two or three years.
• It is also necessary that surfaces be thoroughly cleaned and dried before adding another coat of stain or protective finish.
• Remove mold and mildew, fungus, tree sap, grease and bird droppings with the appropriate commercial deck cleaners (or homemade mixtures) and a stiff brushed broom.
• Clean mildew and fungus by mixing one cup of chlorine bleach per gallon of water; scrub and rinse well. Sodium bicarbonate works well to remove dirt, mildew and the weathered gray residue from sunlight degradation.
• Oxalic acid will remove metal stains around nails and dark tannin stains often found on redwood, cedar and oak.
• Use care and follow manufacturers’ directions when using these products, wear eye protection, long pants, long sleeves and gloves; cover surrounding vegetation with plastic and rinse well.

DRIVEWAY CRACKS:

• For asphalt, remove dirt and weed debris from cracks, spray with a high-pressure hose sprayer; treat with weed killer and patch with a special patching product.
• For concrete, the only alternative for cracked driveways and garage floors used to be removal and replacement, but these days there are overlayments that may be professionally applied to cover surface cracks as long as the concrete is still structurally sound.

Join me next month for Part 7 of our series on Preventive Maintenance Tips for your Home. Visit us at www.freminshomeimprovement.com

Q. About six months ago we bought a new home and the builder provided a one year home warranty. Recently we discovered a defect, but when we contacted the builder, he said that because we did not discover the defect during the final walk-through that it would not be covered under the warranty. Is this common practice?

A. No, this is definitely not common practice. Most builders will repair defects that are found at any time during the warranty period, provided that they are covered by the terms of the warranty, and are obviously the fault of the builder. Read your warranty contract carefully to see if you are indeed bound by the condition your builder is citing. He may be counting on the fact that you have not thoroughly read the contract. In any event, you may want to seek the advice of an attorney. When inspecting a new home, I always advise my clients to discuss the terms of the home warranty with the builder before closing, and to make sure that they fully understand those terms and conditions.

It is time to dust off one of our more popular seasonal articles - Famous Haunted Houses! This year we have expanded our list of spooky places to visit! Have fun and enjoy!

Perhaps it wasn't the wind that slammed the door shut? Doesn't that really sound like footsteps down the hall? Or maybe it is a great marketing ploy for bed and breakfast inns and historical societies? Maybe people just enjoy the idea of hauntings? Okay, so not all of us believe in ghosts, but the stories and histories behind many haunted houses can be just as unique as their "spiritual" residents. For a little fun and change of pace, we have compiled a list of famous haunted houses and buildings in America. Dim the lights, sit back and enjoy a little Halloween-flavored fun and learn a little history too!

AlabamaSelma - Sturdivant Hall

The History: This mansion was built in 1853 for Colonel Edward T. Watts and his family as a town residence. It was later purchased by John Parkman who became President of the First National Bank of Selma in 1866. After cotton speculation ruined the bank, Parkman was arrested and was then killed in an attempted escape. His wife and two daughters sold the house to a local merchant, Emile Gillman whose family kept the home until it was purchased by the city in 1957. The house was turned into a city museum with funds from Daniel Sturdivant's estate (and why it is known as Sturdivant Hall today).

The Haunting: The young bank President, John Parkman, proclaimed his innocence and said he would fight to clear his name. Fellow citizens believed he was honest and helped him break out of jail. However, either shot or drowned, Parkman died after the attempted escape. Many believe it is his spirit that haunts the home he was forced to leave. Parkman likes to move objects around and has even been seen as a full apparition in 19th century dress. He is a benign ghost and in general just checks in on the place to see who is about.

The Viewing: Sturdivant Hall is now a museum which offers tours highlighting the architecture and furnished setting of a late 19th century home. The museum also houses a collection of paintings by Clara Weaver Parish, famously known for her stained glass at the turn of the 20th century. The museum itself is open Tues-Sat or by appointment.  C, click here for more information. To join the Selma haunted tour which includes Sturdivant Hall among other ghostly sites, take a look at the Haunted History Tour in October. More on this spooky site...http://sturdivanthall.comYouTube Video - www.youtube.com/watch?v=05SVV2fwZmc

AlaskaSeward - Jesse Lee Home

The History: This site opened as an orphanage in 1925 for rural children who lost their parents to influenza and tuberculosis. It closed after suffering damage in the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake. Today mostly the outer wall shells still stand for two buildings of the complex. Benny Benson, who designed the Alaskan state flag grew up here.

The Haunting: There are reports of children's laughter around the site and the rhythm of a jump rope. There have also been a few apparitions spotted including a small boy and a priest. However, the stories that might shed light on the reason for their attachment to this house are only speculative as they are not identified with individuals known to have died in the home.

The Viewing: The site is not open to visitors at this time. An effort is underway to reconstruct the buildings, for more information click here. More on this spooky site...www.jesseleehome.netYouTube Video - www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHCGKZ4Rujw&feature=related

ArizonaJerome - Jerome Grand Hotel

The History: Built in 1926, this building was originally the United Verde Hospital. The hospital was built to be fireproof and withstand blasts from the dynamite mining nearby. One of the best hospitals in the west, it was phased out when the mining in the area began to slow down and closed by 1950. The building stood empty until 1994; it had been a time capsule and was unchanged for 44 years. It is now being restored as a hotel with many of the rooms already completed and open for guests.The Haunting: Being a hospital, there were many patients that perished in its walls. However, there were deaths of two orderlies that many believed was murder. There is also one recorded suicide. When the building lay dormant for 44 years, locals claimed they would still see lights burning in the vacant building. Since being reopened, more paranormal activities have been noticed. The most common is for guests to feel temperature drops and hear coughing or labored breathing in empty rooms or corners of their own guestroom. One ghost is said to be a woman who died in childbirth. She is upset that her child was buried in an unmarked grave and prowls the grounds looking for the babe.The Viewing: You may stay in the hotel today. Room rates begin at $110 and go up from there. Being the highest point in the Verde Valley, it offers some great views. And if you're lucky, maybe a glance at a ghost or two! To spend the night, click here. More on this spooky site...www.jeromegrandhotel.netwww.hauntedhouses.comwww.prairieghosts.com/jerome.htmlwww.sgha.net/az/jerome/jeromegrand2.htmlBack to Top Ghost ImageArkansasFort Smith - Clayton House The History: Although built in the 1850s, the namesake attached to this home, William Henry Harrison Clayton purchased the home in 1876. By this time Clayton was a US District attorney who had a reputation for efficiently prosecuting murderers and lawless scoundrels that were giving Fort Smith a poor reputation. The Haunting: Clayton may have had a reputation for getting rid of trouble makers in town while alive, but it seems he is staying around for a little mischief. Upstairs doors slam and someone in boots stomps around. There is also a woman who appears downstairs who may be Clayton's daughter Ann.The Viewing: Today this museum offers a glimpse at elegant living in the 1880s with period furniture, landscaping and decor. For a historic tour and more information please click here. If you want more ghost stories, then try the Spirit of the Past Tour run on Friday evenings, for more information click here. More on this spooky site...www.claytonhousefortsmith.comhttp://claytonhouse.art.officelive.com/default.aspxBack to TopCaliforniaSan Diego - Whaley House The History: This house was a home, granary, court house, theater, ballroom, billiard hall, school and polling center. It was also the site where criminals were hanged before the house was built. Once built, it also had the tragic history of one of the Whaley girls committing suicide inside.The Haunting: There are many ghosts in the Whaley House. There is "Yankee Jim" who was one of the criminals hanged at the site. He now stomps around the house with a heavy step and even the first family, the Whaley's, reported hearing him in the house. Thomas Whaley, the first owner of the house has been seen lingering around the upper landing. Thomas' wife, Anna, also wanders the downstairs and the garden. There are a few other apparitions and even a little fox terrier ghost dog that is seen on occasion!The Viewing: This house is now a museum and is open for tours on most days. Their website has more details about times and price; click here for details. More on this spooky site...www.whaleyhouse.orgwww.viewzone.com/whaleyhouse.htmlwww.hauntedhouses.comBack to TopSan Francisco Bay - Alcatraz Island The History: Not a house per se, but people "lived" there right? Anyway, Alcatraz started as a military fort in 1850. It was used as a military prison and then a federal prison after 1934. In 1963 the prison was closed due to the cost of operations. As a prison, Alcatraz had a reputation of being a hard place to live in which prisoners were there to be shut away rather than rehabilitated. Punishments could be harsh such as restricted diet, solitary confinement, and hard labor. There were the now infamous solitary cells like the "strip cell" and the "hole" that even made the most hardened prisoners think twice about breaking any rules. The Haunting: This place was creating ghost stories before being shut down. Guards retell odd tales of ghosts attacking inmates or making noises. Today, there are still many haunting "hot spots" on the island. There is the utility corridor where three escapees were gunned down; this doorway is now welded shut but many say there is the sound of clanging against the door; perhaps something wants out... There are also reports of running in the corridors, voices in the cells and medical ward and screams from the dungeons and isolation units.The Viewing: Tours are available of the island and complex. Depending on the time of year, you may have to use different ferry systems to access the island. For more information click here. More on this spooky site...www.nps.gov/alcatraz/ www.cr.nps.gov/museum/exhibits/alca/www.alcatrazhistory.com/mainpg.htm www.prairieghosts.com/gpalcatraz.html www.legendsofamerica.com/CA-Alcatraz.htmlBack to TopSan Jose - Winchester Mystery House The History: Sarah Winchester, daughter-in-law of Oliver Winchester, manufacturer of the Winchester rifle, began the construction of this house in 1884 and kept the project going until her death 38 years later. The legend says she constructed the house continuously to confuse the bad spirits of those killed by the Winchester rifle. In the end it had 160 rooms, 47 fireplaces and various oddities such as doors leading to a sudden outside drop or staircases leading to the ceiling. The Haunting: Some of the ghosts are said to have been invited by Sarah Winchester as she is said to have held a séance with them every night to determine the construction for the next day. Reports of footsteps, doors closing and opening, cold spots, and other paranormal behavior have been reported. However, some skeptics in the ghost hunting world believe the mansion is more of an oddity than a true haunting ground. Guess you'll just have to go to find out for yourself!The Viewing: The mansion is open to tours today. You can select a standard tour and see 110 rooms and their various oddities and details or you can also do a behind the scenes tour to see how the house functioned. For more information click here. More on this spooky site...www.winchestermysteryhouse.comwww.prairieghosts.com/winchester.html http://mysteryhouseguide.com

ColoradoSt Elmo - St Elmo The History: St Elmo is a Colorado ghost town that was built in 1878. Originally called Forest City, this mining town reached 2000 souls at its peak. Silver, gold, copper and iron ore were all mined in the area. Starting out moral, it soon degraded to a 'Saturday Night Hangout' for the over abundance of men in the mining community. In 1890 a fire destroyed the business section of town and by 1910 the mines began to close. By 1922 most everyone had left but the affluent Stark family. They remained and tried to cash in on tourism still running the hotel and general store. Finally the post office closed (and therefore the town) in 1952. The last brother and sister of the Stark family fell into despair and she was the last of their family to die in 1960. The Haunting: After the death of the Stark family, a friend who had remained kind to them inherited their holdings in St Elmo. When their grandchildren were playing in the hotel, the doors slammed shut and the temperature radically dropped, they refused to play there anymore. Another grandchild tried to take the hotel on as a project. She started to lock away her cleaning and repair tools because they kept moving. Regardless of her efforts, the tools still appeared mysteriously in the middle of the room every morning. Annabelle Stark, the last of the Stark family to die, is said to keep a lookout for the the town from the Hotel. A skier said she saw a woman in the window who was looking off in the distance. When she followed her gaze she saw snowmobilers in the area. The skier told them that it was illegal to snowmobile in St Elmo. After they left the woman in the hotel nodded to the skier and vanished.The Viewing: St Elmo lies just west of Bueno Vista. It is considered the best preserved ghost town in Colorado and worth a stop if you are in the area. More on this spooky site...www.ghosttowns.com/states/co/saintelmo.htmlwww.ghosttowngallery.com/htme/stelmo.htmwww.legendsofamerica.com/CP-StElmo1.htmlwww.prairieghosts.com/stelmo.htmlBack to TopConnecticutNew London - Lighthouse Inn The History: Originally known as Meadow Court, this home was a summer retreat for Charles Guthrie. Built in 1902, it was turned into an Inn in 1927. Among such famous guests as Bette Davis and Joan Crawford was Harry Rodvogin, a resident artist who lived at the Inn after his old friends Bill and Al Ronnick spotted him painting portraits on the street. Rodvogin is now recognized for the paintings he created and you can see his work in the local museums.The Haunting: One guest who hasn't left is the spirit of a bride who died falling down the main stairway on her wedding day. But she is rather harmless, she hangs out in guestrooms reading a book or walks around the halls looking a bit forlorn. Strange noises are also heard around the Inn on occasion but shouldn't disrupt a good nights sleep.The Viewing: This Inn is now a resort offering such amenities as its own private beach and in-room spa services. To make your reservations, click here. More on this spooky site...www.lighthouseinn-ct.comwww.associatedcontent.com/article/682437/

DelawareBethany Beach - The Addy Sea The History: Built in 1902 by John Addy, this Inn was originally a family residence. After a wicked storm in 1927, the house was actually moved further back from the seashore. The original foundations were used as a BBQ pit and hang out until they were covered by sand over the years. John Addy was a plumbing supplier and made the Addy house and his neighbors homes some of the most efficient and convenient in the area. This made it popular when it first became a boarding house in 1935. The boarding house was run by the Addy family until it was sold in 1975.The Haunting: Room 1 had a haunted copper tub - well, until it went missing. The original Victorian tub was originally used by the Addy family. During renovations in the 1980s the tub was stored in a garage but went missing. The thief may have gotten more then they expected as the bathtub is supposedly haunted and rocks and shakes violently at times. But no fear, even with the haunted bathtub gone, there are still specters wandering the halls, random sounds and footsteps, strange whiffs of perfume and even haunting music all keeping the place "spiritually" active.The Viewing: Enjoy the Victorian trappings, walk the beach or sit on the veranda on a rocking chair - who knows, maybe the empty one next to you will rock too? To find out more about staying, click here. More on this spooky site...www.addysea.com/addyseainfo.htmlwww.addysea.com/history.htmlBack to Top Ghost ImageFloridaFort Pierce - Boston House The History: William Turpin Jones worked for the railroad and after an accident on the job was able to pay for his home, Cresthaven, in 1909. Jones used the house as collateral during the depression in an agreement with Irving Whitney. However, Whitney died and his sister Rose forced the Jones family to move out in 1932 and renamed the home Boston House. When she died in 1954 the home was rezoned by the city for commercial use after if failed to sell as a residence.The Haunting: There was a tragic shooting accident when Clifford Jones, then 10 years old, accidently shot his friend, 9 year old William Fee. However, the ghost sightings revolve around sightings of women in the window, perfume in the morning and laughter of the unpleasant kind. There have also been reports of items moving and cold spots. None of the sightings are clearly related to one event. Instead see the article by the Grim Society who reviewed the historical archives and found many of the tales of ghosts do not match the actual history of the building.The Viewing: A law firm currently occupies this old residence, sorry, no tours. More on this spooky site...http://thegrimsociety.com/2007/10/14/the-historic-boston-house/www.examiner.com/paranormal-travel-in-west-palm-beach/

GeorgiaSavannah - 17-Hundred-90 Restaurant & Inn The History: This inn was actually built in 1820, not 1790. First a boarding house and later an inn, this home has had many owners and guests. One of these guests was Anne Powell. The legend says she was unhappily married at sixteen to an Englishman. She fell in love with a German sailor who left her "in the family way." She watched his boat sail away and then committed suicide by jumping from the window, landing on the brick pavement below.The Haunting: Anne Powell is the most famous ghost, believed to haunt guest room 204 from where it is said she jumped to her death. She doesn't seem to be a menacing spirit: she sits beside the fire, lays out guests' clothes on the bed or plays pranks on guests waking them up in wee hours of the morning by setting off the radio alarm. Another ghost in the basement kitchen and restaurant doesn't like women very much and likes to shove them around. But this ghost is countered by the ghost of a merchant marine who will help the staff turn the lights off at closing.The Viewing: Savannah ghost tours stop here for a drink but you can go to the restaurant yourself and have a bite to eat. Or if you really dare, spend the night instead - ask for room 204! More on this spooky site...www.17hundred90.comwww.hauntedhouses.com/states/ga/17hundred90.cfmBack to TopSavannah - Kehoe House The History: This home was built in 1892 for William Kehoe and his family. The large family (they had 10 children!) kept the home until 1930. After that the home became a boarding house, funeral parlor, and a private residence. In 1992 the home opened as a B&B, it changed ownership in 2003, but remains an inn with a B&B atmosphere.The Haunting: The main tragedy of the house (that we know of) was the death of the Kehoe twins who died when playing around the chimney. Children can be heard running the halls and some guests have even had children check in on them in their rooms. But if you don't see the children, their mother Annie is reputed to still wander the rooms, making sure to tuck in all the guests at night!The Viewing: Why not spend the night? Ask for rooms 201 or 203. For more information, click here. More on this spooky site...www.kehoehouse.comwww.hauntedhouses.comwww.associatedcontent.comBack to Top Ghost ImageHawaiiKailua-Kona, Big Island - Hulihe'e Palace The History: This summer home for Hawaiian royalty was built by governor John Adams Kuakini in 1838 and was used until 1914.The Haunting: Different members of the royal family are said to haunt this place, both the grand staircase and the grounds. The ghosts don't mind visitors and generally keep to themselves. There is also a young boy who has been spotted, but his relation to the family, if any, is unknown.The Viewing: The palace became a museum in 1927 and is still open for limited tours which highlight the Victorian furniture and decor from the reign of King Kalakaua and Queen Kapiolani. The gift shop is also open. More on this spooky site...http://huliheepalace.com/index.htmlwww.gohawaii.com/big-island/regions-neighborhoods/kona/hulihee-palacehttp://lovingthebigisland.wordpress.com/2009/11/01/konas-fscinating-history-hulihee-palace/

Ghost ImageIdahoBoise - Old Idaho Penitentiary The History: Although not a house, this prison was the home to many inmates beginning in 1872, two years after construction began. Many of the buildings on the site were added and built by the inmates as part of their daily labor. The prison functioned for 101 years and housed both dangerous men and women.The Haunting: A fully functioning prison with isolation cells and a gallows, there are more than a few places to attract negative post mortem energies. Both the isolation cells and the rose garden (where the first gallows were located) have cold spots and apparitions. A death row inmate who committed suicide is also known to haunt the maximum security prison in a eerie green hue.The Viewing: The penitentiary buildings now house a museum run by the Idaho State Historic Society. In addition to a history of the prison and the inmates, there are also exhibits on weapons and transportation. For added fun, the penitentiary now hosts Halloween events, ghost tours and night tours. For more information, click here. More on this spooky site...http://history.idaho.gov/oldpen.htmlwww.hauntedhouses.com/states/id/idaho_state_penitentiary.cfmYouTube Video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITi8SB39J8EBack to TopIllinoisBull Valley - George Stickney House This History: George and Sylvia Stickney built this home in 1849. As spiritualists, they specifically requested the design of the home not to have square corners. It was believed the square corners could trap spirits. The family was reputed to have preformed séances regularly in their upstairs ballroom. Having 12 children, but only 3 that survived, perhaps the need to connect with the lost loved ones encouraged their continual searches into the beyond. The Haunting: The police stationed in the home today have shared stories of paranormal activity. They have heard footsteps and human voices when alone. Some have seen apparitions and had objects move on them after they left the room. Other more dramatic events such as doors opening on their own have also been seen.The Viewing: The house is registered on the National Registry of Historic Places. Efforts are underway to restore the home and eventually offer tours. However, as of today there is not much for the public to see. To prevent vandalism to the vacated structure, the Bull Valley Police Department has their headquarters on the lower floor. Take a look at the video from the Northwest Herald to see more. More on this spooky site...www.prairieghosts.com/stickney.htmlhttp://ssm.nwherald.com/northwest-herald/video/20071030StickneyMansion/stickney-mansion/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Stickney_HouseBack to TopEquality - Hickory Hill House The History: This house was built in 1842 by John Crenshaw. Although it was illegal to own slaves in the state of Illinois, it was legal to lease slaves from slave states to work in salt mines. John Crenshaw leased slaves from nearby states to work in his salt mines. It is also said that he would kidnap free blacks and force them to work in his mines and eventually sell them into slavery. All the slaves where kept in the upstairs attic in horse stall-like cells that opened to one large corridor. John Crenshaw had a particularly nasty reputation for cruelty and abuse.The Haunting: The house opened as a tourist attraction in 1930 and many claimed to hear the rattling of chains and muffled cries from the attic. The home had the reputation that no one could spend the night. In 1978, a reporter named David Rogers was the first to spend a whole night in the house.The Viewing: Currently the house is protected by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency and closed to the public. A grant was received in late spring 2006, hopefully it will be able to reopen soon! More on this spooky site...www.prairieghosts.com/slave.html www.illinoishistory.com/oshpage.html www.hauntedhouses.comhttp://illinoishistory.blogspot.com/2006/10/old-slave-house-closed-10-years-ago.htmlBack to Top Ghost ImageIndianaIndianapolis - Hannah House The History: This home was built by Alexander Hannah in 1858. Hannah used his basement to house runaway slaves before the Civil War. After the war he expanded the house for his new wife, Elizabeth. Four years after his death in 1895 the home was sold to Roman Oehler and the house remains owned by the Oehler family today.The Haunting: The legend is that some of the slaves seeking sanctuary in the cellar perished one night from smoke inhalation and burns after a lamp fell over. Their bodies were buried in the same cellar so the underground railroad location would not be discovered. Today cold spots, shattering glass and moaning can be heard in the cellar. A few apparitions have also been spotted. Upstairs, items move, footsteps are heard, doors open on their own and odd odors permeate the room. Even Hannah and possibly his wife have been spotted, still watching over the home and its secrets.The Viewing: The Hannah House is rented for special events and conferences today. However, overnight ghost packages are available for both inexperienced enthusiasts and professional ghost hunting teams alike. For more information, click here. More on this spooky site...www.thehannahmansion.orgwww.hauntedhouses.com/states/in/hannah_house.cfmBack to TopIowaBentonsport - Mason House Inn The History: This hotel was built in 1846 for steamboat travelers along the Des Moines River. Later, the Mason House was used as a 'holding hospital' during the Civil War for soldiers being transferred to Keokuk. It also served as a 'station' along the underground railroad. Mason House gets its name from the Mason family who owned the property for 99 years.The Haunting: Three of the owners have died in the building and there was also one murder in a guest room. In 1860 poor Mr. Knapp had been drinking and accidentally went to the wrong room. The occupant thought he was being robbed and stabbed Mr. Knapp in self-defense. The home had also been a 'holding hospital' in the Civil War and some patients may have died in the home. Also a Doctor renting a room in the 1940s died in the building. All in all, a great hangout for ghosts. The ghosts come in many forms. There are wisps of fog and cold spots to actual figures who appear and disappear from sight. There is a boy that plays tricks; he likes to rustle sheets and tug at guests as they sleep. There are footsteps, thuds and a woman in white. An abundance of ghosts and paranormal events for all!The Viewing: Today you may stay at this B&B for about $80/night ($125 if you are staying in the restored caboose!). Request to stay in the main house on the 2nd floor (rooms 5 & 7) for the best chance of paranormal dreams! Ghost Hunting 101 and 102 classes are also available about twice a year and a Halloween Ghost Walk around Oct 31st. To spend the night, click here. More on this spooky site...www.masonhouseinn.comhotels.about.comBack to TopVillisca - Villisca Ax Murder House The History: On June 10, 1912, the Moore family and two overnight guests were brutally murdered. The ax murder of two adults and six children horrified the community and its story still horrifies people today. Regardless of the unprecedented effort of police, detectives and neighboring departments at the time, the case remains unsolved to this day. The Haunting: The most common account seems to be of children's voices in the house. Things will also move unexpectedly and lamps won't stay lit regardless that there is no breeze in the home. The Viewing: Tours of the home are available through the Olson Linn Museum. They also offer night tours, but these must be arranged in advance. For current hours click here. More on this spooky site...www.villiscaiowa.comwww.prairieghosts.com/villisca.html www.villiscamovie.com/emporium.htm YouTube Video - www.youtube.com/watch?v=T54lLMJ17kkBack to Top Ghost ImageKansasKansas City - Strawberry Hill Mansion The History: Architect John G. Braecklein designed this Queen Ann style home in 1887. Margaret Cruise Scroggs and John B. Scroggs were the first to occupy the house. Margaret had surviving children in her previous marriage and her daughter Emma McFadden and her husband inherited the home in 1915. But in 1919 the home was purchased by Sister Bonaventure and turned into an orphanage for children who had lost their parents to the influenza epidemic. The orphanage remained open until 1988 and cared for over 3000 orphans. The building was then turned into a museum by the Strawberry Hill Ethnic Cultural Society who still run the property today.The Haunting: There is an unknown male ghost who haunts the third floor and will chase visitors from the ballroom. A Lady in Red haunts the house but is not associated with the families or the nuns, instead she is believed to be the spirit of a homeless woman who died under the nuns' care. Apparently she likes to join in the tours and ask questions, she usually inquires after the location of the priest's house. There are other female and child entities around the house. Sometimes music and footsteps can be heard or the scent of baby powder will fill the air.The Viewing: Strawberry Hill is now a museum celebrating Slavic immigrant history in Kansas City. It offers museum tours and the Tea Room is open on Saturday and Sunday afternoons and provide a little taste of the past. For more information and visiting hours, click here. More on this spooky site...www.strawberryhillmuseum.orgwww.hauntedhouses.com/states/ks/strawberry_hill.cfmwww.associatedcontent.com/article/379111/

KentuckyLouisville - Waverly Hills Sanitarium The History: Okay, this is not a house, but since it has such a grand reputation of being haunted, we thought to include it. Waverly Hills opened as a hospital for tuberculosis patients in 1926. Tuberculosis was a dreaded killer of the time and most of the patients who entered would die there. It is estimated that at the height of the epidemic a patient died every hour. This large complex had a long tunnel nicknamed the "body chute" where the bodies were transferred to a train at the bottom of the hill. It was covered so patients would not be disheartened by seeing the number of dead being removed from the hospital. Because Tuberculosis was not well understood, there were many experiments that occurred, some were beneficial and some were more brutal leading to tales of mistreatment and abuse. In 1982, the hospital was shut down under allegations of abuse. The Haunting: The tales of a haunting started after the hospital was shut down and allowed into disrepair. Transients, vandals and kids would break in. Stories began to spread of small children playing in the halls, lights going on when there was not power, doors being slammed, voices crying out, and various other ghoulish activities. One specific spot, room 502, is on the floor where the mentally ill tuberculosis patients were housed. This room was the nurses station where two nurses committed suicide on separate occasions for reasons unknown.The Viewing: There are tours run by the Waverly Hills Historical Society. Tours must be arranged as this is a private site and trespassers will be prosecuted. Overnight tours can also be arranged in advance. To find out more click here. More on this spooky site...www.therealwaverlyhills.comwww.prairieghosts.com/waverly_tb.html http://whsmemorial.tripod.com/YouTube Video - www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Tcl3eRoNUkBack to TopLouisianaNew Orleans - Magnolia Mansion The History: This home was built in 1857 by Alexander Harris. After Alexander died of yellow fever his widow remarried and sold the home to the Maginnis family. John Maginnis owned a cotton mill and it was whispered he was struck by lightning because of the cruel way he treated his employees. In 1939, John's daughter inherited the home and willed it to the Red Cross. The Red Cross used the home to train nurses for WWII and the Korean War. In 1954 the home was again sold into private ownership. Magnolia Mansion was renovated in 2001 and opened as a B&B in 2002.The Haunting: When renovating the home, the crew had to stop as an oily substance appeared over the walls. The owner then verbalized her plans for the place out loud so the ghosts would know exactly what she was up to. She told them she was improving the home and the ghosts would not be able to scare the guests away. This appeased them for awhile. However, ghosts are still reputed to slam doors and snuggle into bed with guests on occasion. Many guests have photos of orbs and a few extra faces from their visits as well.The Viewing: This adult catering B&B offers a great escape to any non-smoker over 21 years of age. Specializing in romance with Elopement and Wedding packages, the B&B also has fun with their ghosts offering a Romantic Ghostly Getaway Package which includes a room, treats and ghost walking tours. For more information, click here. More on this spooky site...www.magnoliamansion.comVideo - http://video.msn.com

St. Francisville - Myrtles Plantation The History: This home was built by David Bradford in 1794 but stories of haunting did not start until the 1950's. The house had a long history with many different owners. There is only one recorded murder of William Winter in 1871. However, there are many tales that are told about the home to justify the haunting. Most of these seem to be fabricated tales, but many say that is just because the house is so haunted, people needed to make up some kind of explanation.The Haunting: Among the haunting activity is the ghost of a woman in a green turban who some believe to be the ghost of a slave killed for poisoning the head mistress and her two daughters. Others claim this ghost is not a young slave but an older, unknown woman. There is also a little girl who has appeared as well as a frustrated piano player who continuously practices the same cord over and over on the old piano.The Viewing: You can dine in the restaurant, take a tour or spend the night. The choice is up to you. Click here for more information. More on this spooky site...www.myrtlesplantation.comwww.prairieghosts.com/myrtles.htmlwww.hauntedhouses.comYouTube Video - www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIMAXKBOMp8Back to TopMaineSearsport - Watchtide The History: Built in the early 1790s, ownership transferred to Brigadier General Henry Knox in 1794. He was a trusted ally to George Washington and was the first Secretary of War for the U.S. After General Knox sold the property, it went through many owners, many of them sea captains who were involved in the shipping industry of the area. The house was an inn starting in 1917 to the 1940s when it then became a private home again. In 1994, the inn reopened and is still family operated today.The Haunting: Guests and a previous owner have reported seeing phantoms in period appropriate dress floating around the home. There are reports of music heard without a "source." Footsteps have also been heard. However, the new B&B owner says there does not seem to be as much activity of late. Perhaps it was the recent remodel that chased away or appeased the spirits.The Viewing: Recently renovated, this B&B offers a great quiet getaway as well as easy access to many of the great sites around Maine. To make your reservation, click here. More on this spooky site...www.watchtide.comwww.fabuloustravel.comBack to Top Ghost ImageMarylandFrederick - Schifferstadt The History: This German colonial house was built in 1758 by Joseph Bruner. Built during the French and Indian War, the house was made to double as a refuge for colonials in the country. Originally tenant farmers and recent immigrants from Germany, the Bruner families and others like them fought to be able to purchase their land from crooked landlords. They eventually prevailed. The home would remain a family residence until it was sold to the Frederick County Landmark Foundation in 1974. The Haunting: Although apparitions are not reported, the sound of footsteps and activity can be heard. Interestingly, voices have been heard in English and, of course, German!The Viewing: Today the museum highlights early German colonial life and the experiences during the French and Indian War. The museum is open on Saturdays or by appointment. Although the museum hosts special events, most of them are historical and cultural - why not enjoy Oktoberfest while peaking for ghosts? More on this spooky site...www.frederickcountylandmarksfoundation.org/fclf_schiffgen.htmlwww.hauntedhouses.com/states/md/schifferstadt.cfmBack to TopMassachusettsFall River - Lizzy Borden House The History: As with so many haunted homes, this story begins with a murder. On the morning of August 4, 1892, Andrew and Abby Borden were murdered by ax in their home. Their eldest daughter, Lizzy, was tried and latter acquitted of the murders. However, she was ostracized from the community for the rest of her life. Some consider that she had a split personality, even those close to her recall erratic and violent behavior. And of course there was the creation of the rhyme:Lizzie Borden took an axGave her mother forty whacks;When she saw what she had doneGave her father forty-one!The Haunting: There is a strange woman who tucks guests into bed and perhaps the same woman can be heard weeping in the night. Objects move on their own and electrical equipment such as lights and cameras have some interference. Many claim the most active room is Lizzy's old bedroom - which you can stay in if you want...The Viewing: The home is now a bed and breakfast. You may spend the night, take a tour or even spend a weekend at Ghost Hunter University! To find out more, click here. More on this spooky site...www.lizzie-borden.comwww.hauntedhamilton.com/gotw_lizzieborden.html www.prairieghosts.com/lizzie.htmlBack to Top Ghost ImageMichiganMarshall - National House Inn The History: Originally as stage stop between Detroit and Chicago, this inn was built in 1835 by Colonel Andrew Mann. The inn continued to serve passengers as a railroad hotel until business slowed and it was sold and turned into a windmill and wagon factory. In 1902 the inn was converted into apartments and during prohibition offered a secret room to buy and consume alcohol. By 1976 the building was in need of repair and was remodeled into a bed and breakfast.The Haunting: This inn is still the home to a lady in red. Her connection with the place is unknown but she likes to make her presence known by popping up on the living now and again.The Viewing: The oldest inn in Michigan still operates today as a bed and breakfast. Although not promoting their ghosts, they offer weekend getaway packages as well as a historical home tour. For more information on spending the night click here. More on this spooky site...www.nationalhouseinn.comwww.hauntedhouses.com/states/mi/national_house_inn.cfmBack to TopMinnesotaSt. Paul - Forepaugh's Victorian Mansion The History: Joseph Forepaugh had the home built in 1870 for his family. It is rumored he had an affair with one of the servants, Molly, who hung herself after they broke it off. Joseph later also committed suicide, rumors stating that it was his loss of Molly driving him into depression.The Haunting: Molly is still seen floating about the mansion. She seems to reside on the 3rd floor but enjoys coming down and checking out wedding events on occasion. Although Joseph shot himself in a nearby park, he is said to wander the mansion as well.The Viewing: Today the home has been renovated and turned into a nice French restaurant. Weddings are also popular at the mansion. To find out more, click here. More on this spooky site...www.forepaughs.comwww.hauntedhouses.comwww.prairieghosts.com/forep.htmlBack to TopMississippiNatchez - Monmouth Plantation The History: Originally built in 1818, the mansion was purchased by General Quitman, a Mexican War hero, in 1826. The home was almost burned to the ground during the Civil War when the Union won this area of Mississippi. However, Quitman's daughters pleaded loyalty to the Union to save their home (their father was a staunch secessionist). The house stayed in the family until 1914. The home then went into disrepair until it was recently restored after 1978.The Haunting: The General himself stomps around the halls and makes many feel his presence as guests and staff cannot shake the thought that someone is staring at them. He also shows up as a specter to let all know he has an eye on things. Since the new owners have restored the home to its antebellum decor, there seems to be less stomping by the imposing General.The Viewing: Regardless of the haunts, this hotel offers luxury accommodation and a great escape. To find out more, click here. More on this spooky site...www.monmouthplantation.comwww.hauntedhouses.com/states/ms/monmouth.cfmBack to TopMissouriSt. Louis - Lemp Mansion The History: This house was purchased by William Lemp around 1864 to use as a residence and office for the family brewery. William's father had used a family recipe/method to create a lager beer. This beer quickly became popular and William's father abandoned his grocery store to become a full time brewer. The beer continued to be made by the family until 1922 when family mishap and prohibition forced them to shut down and sell for good. The mansion itself has a sorrowful history with one brother dying under mysterious circumstances and three other men of the family committing suicide inside. The Haunting: With three suicides one can easily guess where the idea of ghosts haunting the mansion started. However, the families odd history also adds fuel to the imagination. There is the rumor that William Lemp had an illegitimate son with Down syndrome who was kept hidden in the mansion attic his whole life. He is now said to be seen haunting the mansion and has the nickname "Monkey Face Boy." Tales of haunting first started after 1949 when the mansion was sold and turned into a boarding house. Strange knocking and footsteps throughout the mansion scared the tenants away so the house started to run into disrepair. In 1975, the mansion was saved and renovated and turned into a restaurant and inn. All types of sights and sounds have continued and are still reported today. The Viewing: Spend the night! Or take a tour if you're too scared... The mansion is a bed and breakfast that offers tours and a restaurant to those who don't want to spend the night. They also host a Halloween Party and Murder Mystery Dinner Theater. To find out more click here. More on this spooky site...www.lempmansion.comwww.legendsofamerica.com/MO-LempMansion.htmlBack to TopMontanaPray - Chico Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa The History: In 1894 Percie and Bill Knowles inherited a home near the hot springs and opened their doors as a boarding house as there were not any accommodations in the area yet. They built a hotel in 1900. In 1912, Percie teamed with Dr. Townsend and turned the hotel into a hospital. It would remain a hospital until the 1940s when it would begin to change hands. In 1974, it was renovated and again opened as a B&B.The Haunting: There is a woman in white who likes to wander the halls and spook the security guards. She also likes room 349 where she makes sure the rocking chair is always facing the window. Many think it is Percie making certain everyone is minding their manners and running her hotel/hospital efficiently. The Viewing: Relax your spooked nerves in the day spa or natural hot springs. Or get some more adventure on a trail ride or a dog sled trek in the winter. To find out more, click here. More on this spooky site...www.chicohotsprings.comwww.chicohotsprings.com/publications/big_sky_ghosts.htmlwww.spiritsociety.org/report.php?HauntID=65Back to Top Ghost ImageNebraskaOmaha - White House Apartments The History: Part of the Little Italy neighborhood, this home was built at the turn of the 20th century. Before being converted to the apartments it still is today, this Victorian home was also altered into a hospital for a while.The Haunting: A woman in white supposedly still lives here and keeps the new residents company.The Viewing: These apartments are still listed as low income housing, a.k.a. private property so enjoy from a distance. More on this spooky site...www.hauntedhouses.com/states/ne/white_house_apartments.cfmBack to Top Ghost ImageNevadaCarson City - Abraham Curry House The History: Abraham Curry was the founder of Carson City and was involved with everything from the mint to acting as prison warden. It is convenient then that the sandstone for his home built around 1869 was quarried by the prisoners. Curry died shortly after the building was complete.The Haunting: Curry was not ready to leave the house so recently built before his death so he has stayed on. He has been seen as a full apparition and appears to be looking for someone before he disappears again.The Viewing: Sorry, not going to happen; this home is now a law office. More on this spooky site...www.nps.gov/nr/travel/nevada/abr.htmwww.hauntedhouses.com/states/nv/abraham_curry_house.cfmBack to TopNew HampshireDurham - Three Chimneys Inn The History: The Three Chimneys Inn was built in 1649 as a residence for Valentine Hill. The home was used during the Revolutionary War to house munitions stolen from the British. The house stayed relatively privately owned and within about four different families. Extensive renovations were done recently in the 1990s.The Haunting: It is possible one of the ghosts is that of Hill's daughter, Hannah, who drowned nearby. Hannah seems to like to hang out in the dining areas and there is an unidentified gentleman spirit that hangs out there as well. The spirits here like to play with electrical equipment - many things just don't work in certain rooms. Furniture will be heard moving about in guestrooms where no one is staying. Also, there will be music heard from the dining rooms. The gentleman has been heard stomping around pacing and one of the spirits even shattered a water glass in the dining hall while dinner was being served.The Viewing: Although built in the 17th century, you won't have to rough it here. An elegant stay along the coast and you might get to meet Hannah as well. Click here for more information. More on this spooky site...www.threechimneysinn.comwww.associatedcontent.com/article/433780/

Ghost ImageNew JerseyCape May - The Southern Mansion Inn The History: This home was built for George Allen in 1863 and would stay in his family for 83 years. A fire in 1979 destroyed many of the southern style mansions in the area; The Southern Mansion would survive as one of the few reminders of this connection with the south. In the 1940s the home was sold and turned into a boarding house. It slowly fell into disrepair until 1994 when Bray and Wildes bought it and began restoration.The Haunting: The last of the Allen family, Ester Mercur, is believed to haunt the halls. She is a happy ghost who looks after the action in the kitchen but is also seen dancing and laughing in other areas of the home. She also wears heavy perfume. There seem to be other entities there as well but all generally polite with the living.The Viewing: Spend the night! This Bed and Breakfast offers luxurious accommodations and close access to the beach. The ghosts here are friendly bunch and might provide a little extra amusement for your dollar. For more information about staying click here. More on this spooky site...www.southernmansion.comwww.hauntedhouses.com/states/nj/southern_mansion.cfmBack to Top Ghost ImageNew MexicoSanta Fe - La Posada Hotel The History: Abraham Staab built this home along the Santa Fe Trail in 1882. His wife, Julia, became a recluse in the home after she lost her seventh child. The Nason family bought the property in the 1930s and first turned it into a hotel which it has been ever since. The hotel has enjoyed popularity with the artistic community and is credited to providing a meeting ground for the leaders of the Santa Fe Arts Movement.The Haunting: Julia is still wandering the halls of the home. She can be a bit bipolar as a ghost; one minute she is running away from visitors down the hall, the next she is throwing the glasses from the bar shelves.The Viewing: La Posada is now a luxury resort offering everything from weekend getaways to romantic weddings. For information about spending the night click here. More on this spooky site...http://laposada.rockresorts.com/www.legendsofamerica.com/nm-laposadahotel.htmlwww.hauntedhouses.com/states/nm/la_posada.cfmBack to TopNew YorkAmityville - Amityville The History: On November 14, 1974 at 3 AM Ronald DeFeo took a rifle and systematically shot his parents, two brothers and two sisters. This is the ghastly beginning of the hauntings in this Amityville home. The fame of this home spread after the ownership of Lutz family who purchased the home in 1975. They stayed only 28 days before the supernatural pushed them back out.The Haunting: At first the Lutz family noticed cold spots and muffled spots where sound did not carry well. This they could ignore as unusual but not necessarily unnatural. However, soon other events began to happen. Mr. Lutz would hear loud noises or footsteps downstairs but when he went downstairs, it was quiet and the dog would be sleeping as if nothing had happened. Mrs. Lutz began to feel the presence of an older woman and began to show increased aging as if she was becoming the old woman herself. They then discovered a small store room painted red that did not appear on the original house plans. The room had a strong odor that did not have an identifiable source and the dog was scared of the room. The mysterious events and depressing feelings of the house kept adding up until the family decided to break free. The story of the haunting has been made into movies, but Mr. Lutz considered these to be exaggerated. The Viewing: This home is privately owned. The curious are asked to respect the owner's privacy and not visit the home. It is NOT open for tours. More on this spooky site...www.amityvillehorror.comwww.ghostvillage.comwww.amityvillehorrortruth.comBack to Top Ghost ImageNorth CarolinaRaleigh - Andrew Johnson's House The History: Andrew Johnson was born in this small house in 1808. His parents kept the home as employees of the Casso's Inn; his mother was a weaver and his father a hostler and janitor. The Haunting: Instead of a person a candle is seen in the window and moves from the first to second floor with uncanny speed before being snuffed out for the night.The Viewing: Andrew Johnson's house is now part of a larger park, the Mordecai Historic Park. There are tours Tuesday thru Sunday or by arrangement for groups. For times and entrance fees, click here. More on this spooky site...http://raleighnc.gov/mordecaihttp://ncpedia.org/biography/johnson-andrewwww.hauntedhouses.com/states/nc/andrew_johnson_home.cfmbooks.google.comBack to TopNorth DakotaAnamoose - Sage Hill Bed & Breakfast The History: First opened in 1928 and known as "White School," this bed and breakfast started history as a primary school. This model school set an example for the area. It used wind power and offered students hot meals and warm showers. The teachers and bus drivers stayed on site. There were two horse barns onsite to house the horses that pulled the school bus/wagons. At its peak, there were 100 students enrolled. The school closed in 1968 because of lack of enrollment.The Haunting: Legend has it that a superintendent and student died in a fire caused by a coal burning stove. The superintendent smoked cigars and the smell of cigar smoke still hangs in the air at times. Objects like to move by themselves around here and lights and even toilets work on their own.The Viewing: Sage Hill was recently converted to a bed and breakfast by the current owners in 1996. Even remodeled, it has the feel of the old schoolhouse. Want to spend the night? To find out more, click here. More on this spooky site...http://sagehillnd.com/index.htmlhttp://hauntsofamerica.blogspot.com/2008/01/haunting-of-sage-hill-bed-and-breakfast.htmlBack to TopOhioCleveland - Franklin Castle The History: Hannes Tiedemann built this house in 1865. Unfortunately, they lost four children in a short amount of time leading to some speculation of unnatural deaths. The house architecture aids in the mystery of the house as there are secret passageways and hidden rooms throughout. There are also rumors of Tiedemann having affairs that lead to jealousy and, ultimately, to murder. One of the most tragic tales is that of Tiedemann hanging his niece to put her out of misery from her insanity or to punish her for her promiscuity.The Haunting: Past residents have heard a small child crying and heard footsteps out in the corridor. There is also claim that the tower room is haunted by the "woman in black" who can be heard choking. Lights also swing around and some objects have been moved or thrown.The Viewing: Today the mansion houses a private club restricted to members and their guests. It was rumored at one time they would eventually start tours to the building, however, nothing is posted on their website about this yet. More on this spooky site...www.franklincastleclub.comwww.prairieghosts.com/oh-frank.htmlBack to TopOklahomaGuthrie - The Stone Lion Inn The History: F.E. Houghton built this mansion in 1907. It served most of its years as a residence and later was turned into a funeral home. The only person to die in the home seems to be a young girl who died of whooping cough after receiving the wrong medicine.The Haunting: After turning this mansion into an inn, the new owners woke up at night to the sounds of footsteps and doors opening and closing. They called the police but no intruder was found. Soon after they realized they had their first "guest" who may be a small girl as she likes to take out the toys at night to play.The Viewing: Ready for some fun? From a murder mystery night or perhaps a chance to see a real ghost, click here for more information about how to stay. More on this spooky site...www.stonelioninn.comBack to TopOregonYachats - Heceta House The History: This house accompanies a lighthouse on the Oregon coast built in 1894. Many families occupied the house complex over time which included a post office, school and the light house. But it is only the keeper's house that has tales of hauntings. Many believe this is the mother of child who fell off the cliffs back at the turn of the century. The Haunting: The ghost named Rue is said to be an extra caretaker of the house. She makes it known if she is displeased with any activity in the house. One of the more humorous accounts was of her screaming in the middle of a card game, she didn't want them playing cards in her house! The Viewing: This house is now a bed and breakfast. It also has guided tours from its interpretive center. Although the current owners don't play up and advertise the ghost they have said guests have told them of strange encounters. To spend the night click here. More on this spooky site...www.hauntedhouses.comwww.hecetalighthouse.comBack to TopPennsylvaniaGettysburg - Farnsworth House Inn The History: A house was built here in 1810 and later changed to brick in 1833. During the Civil War, the Sweeney family lived in the home and the Confederates used the home as a shelter for their sharpshooters. The current owners purchased the home in 1972 and have worked on renovating the home keeping the early 19th century feel and history.The Haunting: Many ghosts haunt this home. Including Confederate soldiers who like to move furniture and stomp around the attic. Another soldier has been spotted carrying his wounded comrade to the cellar. He is heard singing to his dying friend as well. Mary, a midwife, likes to tend to anyone who is sick or distressed and may sit down on the bed next to anyone who seems to need the company. There is a small boy who died in a carriage accident out front and his grieving father who also haunt the halls.The Viewing: Whether a Civil War enthusiast who needs a place to stay or interested in meeting some of the wandering spirits, this inn will fit the bill. This inn has fun with history providing ghost stories in their tours and theater shows. To find out more, click here. More on this spooky site...www.farnsworthhouseinn.comwww.scaryplace.com/FarnsworthFacts.htmlwww.hauntedhouses.com/states/pa/farnsworth_house.cfmBack to TopRhode IslandNewport - Belcourt Castle The History: This 60 room castle was completed in 1894 as a summer cottage for Oliver Belmont. This "bachelor pad" had only one bedroom, no guestrooms and the entire first floor was dedicated to Oliver's carriage horses and their carriages. Eventually it was renovated for Oliver's new wife, Alva (formerly Mrs. Vanderbilt) who enjoyed staying at this home. Belcourt was purchased by the Tinney family in 1956 who began giving tours in 1957. The Haunting: Unlike other homes where the house holds the spirits, it is believed the ghosts at Belcourt Castle come from the numerous antiques in its' collection. The most famous is "the monk" who seems to be connected to a 17th century German woodcarving. This shadowy figure appears next to the carving and then disappears. The Gothic ballroom contains some of the most haunted artifacts including possessed chairs!The Viewing: Belcourt Castle offers a 90 minutes ghost tour for $18/person. There are also other general tours, candlelight tours and teas. For more information, click here. More on this spooky site...www.belcourtcastle.orgwww.quahog.org/attractions/index.php?id=1031www.associatedcontent.comBack to TopNewport - Castle Hill Inn & Resort The History: The location for Castle Hill originally had a watch house as early as 1740 when it was used to watch the sea for ships during the war between Britain and Spain. The Americans used the same location during the Revolutionary War to bombard British ships as they passed. In 1874, Alexander Agassiz, an explorer and scientist settled here to better study the marine life. It was not only his home but a lab that housed research students as well.The Haunting: There is a girl spirit here who may have some connection to the original owner, Agassiz. She throws a bit of a tantrum now and then and has trashed some of the china on occasion.The Viewing: This inn offers a luxury escape on the coast. For more information, click here. More on this spooky site...www.castlehillinn.comBack to TopSouth CarolinaCharleston - The Battery Carriage House Inn The History: This house was built in 1843 for Samuel Stevens, a prominent lender in the area who helped local cotton farms finance their farms. In 1870, after the Civil War had ended the local wealthy in Charleston, Col. Lathers (of the Union Army), bought the home and had it remodeled to the current New York fashion, Second Empire. However, Col. Lathers was told he wasn't welcome in Charleston and sold the home in 1874 to Andrew Simonds, the great-great grandfather of the current owner.The Haunting: There is a gentleman ghost who may be the son of a former owner who jumped off the roof to commit suicide. But he is a gentle ghost and just seems to enjoy the company. There is also a headless torso who makes many feel threatened by his creepy appearance and moaning. He might be the ghost a pirate as some were executed close to the hotel. However it is just as likely he is a soldier from the Civil War. Some guests report seeing energy orbs or have electronics turn on when they are really off. Overall it seems rooms 8 and 10 have the most activity.The Viewing: The owners of the hotel have not seen any of the ghosts themselves, but they don't mind if you want to try and catch a glimpse for yourself. Click here to find out more. More on this spooky site...www.batterycarriagehouse.comwww.batterycarriagehouse.com/ghosts.htmwww.hauntedhouses.com/states/sc/battery_carriage_house.cfmBack to Top Ghost ImageSouth DakotaDeadwood - Adams House The History: This home, built in 1892, came after Deadwood's colorful mining camp days. Harris and Anna Franklin had the home built and their family stayed in it until 1920 when it sold to W.E. and Alice Adams. This is the same W.E. Adams who started the first museum in Deadwood in 1930. His second wife, Mary, closed the door on Adams House after his death in 1934 and left everything intact; the house was a time capsule of everything from books on the shelves to cookies in the cookie jar. In 1987 the home was remodeled as became a bed and breakfast until it was sold to Deadwood’s Historic Preservation Commission in 1992.The Haunting: Of course this home didn't change much when closed up so W.E. Adams has continued to feel right at home in the afterlife. Rumors state that his widow heard his ghost walking around before she decided to leave. Cigar smoke can be smelled on the second floor and from time to time a tour will see objects move on their own.The Viewing: Now a museum, you can learn about Deadwood's history at the same time you peak for spooky apparitions. For more information on times and cost, click here. More on this spooky site...www.adamsmuseumandhouse.orgwww.hauntedhouses.com/states/sd/adams_house.cfmBack to TopTennesseeNashville - The Hermitage The History: Andrew Jackson purchased this farm and acreage in 1804 from his friend Nathaniel Hays. Using slave labor, he turned the 1000 acres into a grand plantation producing cotton, crops for local use and race horses. From 1829-1837, Andrew Jackson served as the 7th President of the United States. After serving office he returned to the Hermitage where he later died and was buried in 1845. President Jackson's son tried to keep the Hermitage together but in the end had to start selling portions of the now 1050 acre plantation. It was considered by the U.S. Congress whether to turn the Hermitage into an extension of West Point as a military academy. However, this was not adopted. By 1889 the Hermitage was in disrepair. The Tennessee Ladies Hermitage Association (LHA) formed and spearheaded the effort to save the landmark. They were able to get 25 acres which included the main mansion and other historic buildings. The other remaining 475 acres were given to the Tennessee Confederate Soldiers' Home and made into a hospital. When the hospital shut down in 1933, all 500 acres were returned to the LHA. The LHA continued to regain the land of the Hermitage and bring it under their care and restoration. Today, 1120 acres are run under the Hermitage as both a Historic landmark and Wildlife area.The Haunting: It is said that as the plantation fell into disrepair, the spirits became angry and restless. Caretakers refused to spend the night there. The ladies of the LHA would soon find out why when they decided to rotate staying there until a watchman could be hired. Loud noises kept them awake at night. One being of Andrew Jackson himself riding his horse on the stairway. The kitchen was also a ruckus with pots and pans pounding. In the morning they could see that nothing was disturbed. Other apparitions that have been seen are of slaves who are still bound in chains to the property.The Viewing: Today you can visit this museum which includes access to the Andrew Jackson Visitor Center, Hermitage Mansion, and Hermitage Grounds and Gardens. To find out more, click here. More on this spooky site...www.thehermitage.comwww.hauntedhouses.com/states/tn/hermitage.cfmwww.prairieghosts.com/hermitage.htmlBack to TopTexasAustin - Driskill Hotel The History: Jesse Lincoln Driskill opened this hotel in 1886. The hotel was grand and luxurious, funded by his success as a cattle baron. In 1888, the family lost its fortune due to drought and a cold winter that killed most of the cattle. The hotel then changed from owner to owner with the most recent change of hands in 1995. The Haunting: Driskill is claimed to still wander the hotel, puffing cigar smoke while he turns lights on and off. There is the ghost of a small girl, the daughter of a senator, who was left unattended and fell to her death while playing with her ball - she can still be heard bouncing the ball today. The Viewing: The hotel today offers all kinds of pampering. To find out more about staying, click here. More on this spooky site...www.driskillhotel.comwww.austinghosttours.comwww.hauntedtexas.comBack to TopUtahSalt Lake City - McCune Mansion The History: This mansion was built in 1900 by a railroad tycoon named Alfred W. McCune. After leaving for California in 1920, the McCune's donated the mansion to the Latter-Day Saint Church. It was then turned into the McCune School of Music. It later became a Brigham Young University Salk Lake City Center and Virginia Tanner Modern Dance School. In 1999 it was purchased by Phil McCarthy who worked to restore the mansion and open it as a hotel.The Haunting: Music is said to still haunt the McCune halls. A small room under the stairs was used by the McCune's as a stage for hired musicians. The whole house would be filled with music but their guests did not know from where it came. It is said this music still fills the air from here. Other happenings include doors locking that are not fit with locks, doors opening on their own and lights going on and off on their own.The Viewing: You can schedule a tour of the mansion through the Utah Heritage Foundation. To find out more about spending the night, click here. More on this spooky site...www.mccunemansion.comwww.hauntedhouses.com/states/ut/mccune_mansion.cfmwww.prairieghosts.com/mccune.htmlBack to TopVermontStowe - The Green Mountain Inn The History: This home was built in 1833 by Peter Lovejoy. The home changed hands and became a hotel in the later 19th century. Mark Lovejoy purchased the hotel in 1893 and renamed it The Green Mountain Inn. The inn stayed in service while having many different owners. In the 1980s massive renovations were done including the addition of clubhouses and townhouses with luxury suites.The Haunting: A tap dancer named Boots Berry haunts the third floor of this inn. Born in 1840, Boots was actually born in the servants quarters - now hotel room 302. He gained local notoriety after he stopped spooked horses from running away with the stagecoach. Boots was treated to one too many drinks and became a bit of an alcoholic and lost his job at the inn. Boots left the area and, as legend has it, was arrested in New Orleans where he learned to tap dance from his cellmate. After a life of a traveling vagrant he returned penniless. During a winter snow storm a girl was stranded on the roof of the inn. Since Boots was familiar with the area (right above the same servants quarters) he found a way to her and helped her to safety. He however slipped and fell to his death. Now it is said during winter storms you can hear Boots tap dancing on the third floor.The Viewing: There is lot to do in the area and at the inn itself. Ice cream, chocolate and wine tasting - yes please! Click here to find out more. More on this spooky site...www.greenmountaininn.comwww.greenmountaininn.com/bootsberry.htmlwww.associatedcontent.com/article/408542

Ghost ImageVirginiaYorktown - Moore House The History: The land was first inhabited by colonists in the 1630s but the home was likely built in the 1730s when it, along with 500 acres, was called Temple Farm. Augustine Moor purchased the property in 1760. During the siege of Yorktown in 1781 he and his family fled the area. In their absence, their home was used to negotiate the surrender of British troops with General George Washington. After the Revolutionary War the house changed hands frequently. During the Civil War it was damaged. In 1881 the house was refurbished to celebrate the centennial of the British surrender at Yorktown. In 1931 another round of restoration by the National Park Service (one of the first of its kind), restored the house to its former condition.The Haunting: It seems that Augustine Moore Jr. still sleeps in the beds and can be also felt following group tours around the house. There may also be other entities as other areas of the house also show ruffled sheets or depressed cushions from unseen loungers. Perhaps these ghosts are just a bit tired.The Viewing: The Moore House is now part of the Yorktown Battlefield National Park. You can tour the park for a nominal fee, for more information click here. More on this spooky site...www.nps.gov/york/historyculture/moore-house.htmwww.hauntedhouses.com/states/va/moore_house.cfmBack to TopWashingtonLakewood - Thornwood Castle The History: Thornewood Castle was built for Chester Thorne, a successful founder of the Port of Tacoma. This Tudor/Gothic estate was completed in 1911. Inspired by the estates in Britain, the stained glass windows were even imported from a castle in Europe. The castle has many different imports that add to the structure and contents of the building. One of the more interesting aspects is the "wishbone sticks" left by the Native American workers who helped in the construction. These sticks help to ward off evil and are found at the foundation in the basement.The Haunting: There are multiple photographs taken of orbs throughout the castle and reports of objects moving on their own. Tape recorders have picked up voices, one of an unknown child. One child did drown in the lake and is said to haunt its shore, perhaps they visit the house as well? Overall, the spirits at Thornwood seem to be a good natured sort. There is not a violent history attached to this home. Although the wife of Mr. Thorne is said to haunt the halls, this is more because she likes the place rather than she is out to get anyone. In fact, some believe Thornwood Castle acts as a vortex and can attract ghosts from the other side. Some guests have reported making contact with loved ones from their lives who have no connection with the castle.The Viewing: You may stay in the castle as it is now a B&B. There are Candle Light Tours: for $100 and the cost of a room you can spend the night exploring the haunted halls with a small group of ghost hunters. To spend the night, click here. More on this spooky site...www.thornewoodcastle.comwww.legendsofamerica.com/WA-ThornewoodCastle.htmlwww.prairieghosts.com/rosered.htmlBack to TopWashington, D.C.The White House The History: The White House became the home to our presidents in 1800 with President John Adams being the first resident. There have been many presidents and first ladies in the home and some have decided not to leave... The Haunting: President Abraham Lincoln is the most popular ghost with the most sightings. The first to see him was First Lady, Grace Coolidge. He has also been spotted by guards and guests. Other presidents that like to make an appearance are President Benjamin Harrison, President Andrew Johnson, President John Tyler and President Andrew Jackson. First Ladies that have made appearances include Abigail Adams and Dorothea Madison. There is also the apparition of a black cat which has been said to be seen before national tragedies such as the stock market crash of 1929 and before the assassination of President Kennedy in 1963. The Viewing: Of course you can still visit the White House today. For information about tours or for a virtual tour, click here. More on this spooky site...www.whitehouse.govhttp://paranormal.about.com/library/weekly/aa022100a.htm http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/ghosts/

Ghost ImageWest VirginiaHarpers Ferry The History: Known mostly for its connection with John Brown and his failed slave rebellion, this town offers a unique look at 19th century history. In 1799 a US Arsenal and Armory factory was built here and industry grew in the area. In 1859 John Brown tried to seize the arsenal to arm slaves and begin a revolution for their freedom. His raid failed and he was found guilty of treason. During the Civil War (between 1861-1865) the town suffered from its strategic location and changed hand between the North and South eight times. In 1867 Storer College was started here with the mission to educate freed slaves but was also open to any student of both genders. However, segregation later etched away at the school's initial universal intent. The Haunting: Despite the fact that many park volunteers dress in period garb, park employees, volunteers and guests have also seen 19th century dressed apparitions around the town. Considering his violent end, John Brown has been seen around town and in the Kennedy Farmhouse (his old headquarters) and appears rather friendly and smiles at visitors on the street. However, there are some sad spirits in this war scarred town. A unknown man in the National Park Service Guest House glares at visitors and even pushed one. A young drummer boy who was tossed out of a window still can be heard crying for his mother and the crash of a chimney that killed a small baby during bombardment can still be felt to shake another house.The Viewing: Run by the National Park Service today, Harpers Ferry is a unique combination of Civil War time capsule, living history museum and general tourist destination. For information on visiting, click here. More on this spooky site...www.nps.gov/hafe/www.harpersferryghost.20m.comwww.hauntedhouses.com/states/wv/harpers_ferry.cfmwww.prairieghosts.com/ferry.htmlBack to TopWisconsinMilwaukee - Brumder Mansion The History: George Brumder had the home built in 1910 for his son, George Jr. After they sold the home, the house was everything from a boarding house to an activity center for a Lutheran church. They used the home for office space, a theater, and later opened a coffee house with a live music venue. The current owners purchased the home in 1997 and opened the renovated space as a B&B in 1998. The Haunting: The Gold Room was once the room of one of the Brumder daughters who never married after suffering a broken heart early in life. She is said to still stay in the room, in fact she was quite appalled and upset when the current owner spent the night in this room with her dogs - no dogs allowed! Your dreams will be haunted if any dogs sleep on the bed!The Viewing: It's a Bed & Breakfast, so take the plunge and spend the night - request the Gold Suite! You can even join a ghost hunting seminar or enjoy a haunted history dinner! For more information, click here. More on this spooky site...http://milwaukeebedbreakfast.com/www.milwaukeeghosts.comwww.hauntedhouses.comBack to Top Ghost ImageWyomingLaramie - Wyoming Territorial Prison The History: Built in 1872, this prison was one of the few in this broad territory but it did not house the most notorious killers as these were sent to Cheyenne. The most famous resident was Butch Cassidy. It only housed about 1000 prisoners as after 1890 a new prison was founded in Rawlins and the University of Wyoming took over the Territorial Prison for stock yard training and experiments. No prisoners were executed here or even died here as they were sent home to die to save the state the trouble of burying them. One inmate did die of a heart attack, Julius Greenwich and it is said his ghost now haunts the place.The Haunting: Julius was convicted of 2nd degree murder because he murdered his wife in a rage after he found her working in a brothel he frequented. He was a cigar salesman and even set up a cigar factory in the prison so yes, you guessed it, cigar smoke often fills the air mysteriously. He has also been spotted standing in the doorway that used to be his cell.The Viewing: This site was restored in 1989 and includes exhibits about Laramie and frontier living as well as the history of the prison. For more information about visiting, click here. More on this spooky site...http://wyoparks.state.wy.us/Site/SiteInfo.asp?siteID=25www.wyomingterritorialprison.comwww.wyomingheritage.org/territorialPrison.htmlwww.hauntedhouses.com/states/wy/wyoming-territorial-prison.cfmBack to Top Still can't get enough? No problem! Here are some websites that list even more haunted hotels, inns, castles, historical sites, cemeteries, tours, and other ghostly fun. Just a quick note: many haunted houses seem to get their start from murder or untimely death. Although we have not gone into graphic details here, please note that some of these sites do go into much more (sometimes gruesome) detail!American Hauntingshttp://www.prairieghosts.com/This site is a bit busy, but if you look through it there are some great excerpts from their books and fun ghost tours they run.Haunted Accommodations.comhttp://www.hauntedaccommodations.com/A ghostly list of haunted hotels, tours, and city sites in the U.S. and abroad.Haunted Houses.comhttp://hauntedhouses.com/A great selection about haunted homes, places, movies, ghost towns and more! The site is very well done with good pictures and fun stories.Haunted World.comhttp://www.hauntworld.com/ This site lists and reviews haunted houses but also has other tales and ghost hangouts listed by state. A little bit of everything, it is a fun site.Real Hauntshttp://www.realhaunts.com/Another fun collection of haunted and spooky places to stay or see on your vacation. Attractions listed by state.The Shadowlands: Ghosts & Hauntingshttp://theshadowlands.net/ghost/This site lists all the stories that exist about spooky places in your neighborhood. Entries are short and to the point.Still want more? How about a Haunted Vacation? Check out our list of Haunted Hotels, Inns and Castles!Looking for a little adventure, but it's too wet outside to play? Why not snuggle indoors and thrill your imagination with a haunted vacation? Many hotels, inns, and even castles offer spooky weekend getaways. Perhaps a friendly ghost will fold your clothes and lay them out on the bed; a mischievous one might turn on the lights and radio at 2:00AM; or perhaps one with a chip on his shoulder might give you a little "bump in the night" to remind you he is there. You might find it a good laugh or a little fun to shake up the fall and winter humdrums. Click on the banner below to read our previous article that lists scary places to stay for a haunted vacation. We tried to collect from across the U.S. and added in a few international destinations just in case you prefer a ghost with an accent! Enjoy and have some fun!