Along with historic places that were settled centuries ago, comes a plethora of tales about hauntings by those who committed dastardly deeds, or those against whom the deeds were committed long ago. Huntington is no exception, it certainly has it's share of spooky stories and haunted places. Grab a hot beverage and pull the covers up tight as I tell you about three such places right here in our hometown.
Fun Fact: Each year on Halloween, Huntington unofficially changes it's name to "Hauntington" ! The idea came from the mind of a 7 year old girl. She loves the spirit of Halloween in Huntington so much, she asked town officials to change the town's name to Hauntington. So on October 31st - Ipitty Bippity Bop! - Huntington transforms into Hauntington. Now that's the spirit of Halloween!
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| The historic cemetery in Huntington NY, Old Burying Hill Cemetery, is at the Eastern edge of town. The earliest grave marker is from 1712. |
THE HAUNTED CHATEAU AT COINDRE HALL
Coindre Hall is a massive estate built in a French medieval castle style by George McKeeson, a wealthy pharmaceutical entrepreneur in 1912. George and his wife Pearl shared many happy years on their lavish estate. During WWI they raised their Niece at Coindre Hall after her parents died during the sinking of the Titanic.
Like so many of the super wealthy of that era, the stock market crash of 1929 and subsequent massive tax hikes for the wealthy, meant the McKeeson's could no longer afford to keep up the estate. The county eventually took ownership of it and it is now a public space that is often rented out for events such as weddings.
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| The Chateau at Coindre Hall, Huntington NY |
We often take Icy to Coindre Hall because the back part of the estate, an expansive steep hill that leads all the way down to Huntington Bay, is dog friendly. We've enjoyed many hours with Icy playing on the lawn and in the bay at Coindre Hall, never realizing that spectral sightings were common there!
I only recently found out that there is an underground tunnel that leads all the way from the Chateau down to the bay, where the McKeeson's boat house once stood. Mr. McKeeson didn't want to walk outside in the cold to get to his boat so he had a tunnel constructed. During Prohibition, the tunnel served as a way to smuggle alcohol from boats up to the house. I had no idea Icy was romping along grass that covered a hidden tunnel!
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| Icy, standing on a large tree stump to get a better look at the side of the chateau |
For years, the staff and guests have reported seeing ghostly apparitions in the 40 room 30,000 square foot Chateau, and on the grounds of the estate. These spectral visitors have been spotted mostly during evening events and are usually dressed in 1930's era clothing. One ghost is reported to look and dress like a gangster or bootlegger from the 1930's. Other spirits look like party guests from the period. Not surprising, as George and Pearl were known for the lavish parties they threw!
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| Rear view of the chateau at Coindre Hall, Huntington NY |
Fun Fact: John and I had looked at having our wedding at Coindre Hall but decided against it due to cost and logistics of the venue. Too bad, we might have had some pretty interesting, albeit uninvited, guests at our wedding!
THE 1750 DAVID CONKLIN FARMHOUSE MUSEUM
The Conklin House is a historic home built in 1750 by Thomas Conklin. This gable-roofed house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. The Conklin family lived in the house for over 150 years. It contains historical artifacts and is decorated in historical fashion. It is owned by the Huntington Historical Society and is open for tours a couple of days per week (call for days/times). It's also available for small events in the barn on the property.
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| The historic David Conklin House, Huntington NY is supposedly haunted |
In 1777 David Conklin was captured by the British and held prisoner. He was accused of assisting the rebels during the Revolutionary War.
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| The David Conklin House was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985 |
It's been said that ancestors of the Conklin family have haunted the home for years. Volunteers in the historic house have reported feeling someone or something touching or standing behind them when in fact no one was there.
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| Beautiful detail on the back windows of the Conklin House |
Some have reported strange noises and footsteps for which they can find no explanation. One of the previous owners claimed that she continually had the feeling she was being watched and followed.
Fun Fact: I once worked with a guy who is actually related to the Conklin family! He lived in another state but knew all about the historical Conklin house here in Huntington.
FIORELLO DOLCE PATISSERIE
Right in Huntington village there's a wonderful patisserie and bakery that is believed to be haunted. It is situated on what was the site of row housing for the poor and is said to be haunted by the spirits of some of those individuals. One such spectral visitor is a teenager named Eddie that supposedly met a harrowing demise during a drug deal during his lifetime. Staff at the bakery have also reported oven doors opening by themselves and an iPad that turns itself on and starts playing music!
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| Everything is so tempting at Fiorello bakery in Huntington, NY |
I've never seen or felt any weird presence in the bakery. Icy and Phoebe didn't seem to sense anything weird either, but I did find lots of delicious goodies to feed my sugar addiction. Maybe the spirits come back just to get a whiff of their delicious cookies and pastries baking in the oven, I know I would!
If you enjoyed this post, you'll love reading about our trip to Salem Massachusetts: A Spooky Dog Friendly Halloween, and our trip with the dogs to Spirited Colonial Williamsburg: A Perfectly Spooky Halloween!
Have you visited any haunted sites in your town? Do tell by leaving us a comment! We eat up comments like Candy Corn!
...The Woods are lovely, dark and deep
But I have promises to keep
And miles to go before I sleep
- excerpted from the poem "Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening", by Robert Frost
HAPPY HALLOWEEN, GOUL-FRIENDS!!
If you enjoyed this post, you'll love reading about our trip to Salem Massachusetts: A Spooky Dog Friendly Halloween, and our trip with the dogs to Spirited Colonial Williamsburg: A Perfectly Spooky Halloween!
Have you visited any haunted sites in your town? Do tell by leaving us a comment! We eat up comments like Candy Corn!
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| FLASHBACK! to my favorite costume of Icy's, the Headless Horseman! |
