Ghosts at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue

The inauguration is over and we've got a brand new President residing in the White House. Carpets are rolled up and replaced, furniture rearranged, and the redecorating is set to begin. Our nation's house is a haunted one. Once more the ghosts that call the country's number one residence home will have to contend with the foibles and policies of new tenants.

Abraham Lincoln is by far the most famous ghost residing at the White House. Over the years several people, from foreign dignitaries to household staff, have seen his lonely apparition. His is a solemn spirit that either gazes intently out the window, rocks in one of the chairs, or knocks at one of the bedroom doors.

Shortly before his assassination, Mr. Lincoln and his wife, Mary Todd were faced with tragedy with the death of their young son Willie. Mrs. Lincoln was so heartbroken she began consulting seers and holding seances. Before long, she decided that the spirit of the little boy was with still with them in the home. And indeed the little boy's ghost has been seen on occasion.

A ghostly sentry stands guard in the halls and has given more than one visitor a case of fright by vanishing before their startled eyes. Occasionally the apparition of a long dead gray cat stalks silently through the house, no doubt in search of a ghostly little mouse or two.

One of the busiest ghosts in the house is that of Abigail Adams. Mrs. Adams accompanied her husband into the White House before its completion. She was an industrious woman who insisted on doing her own laundry and chose the East Room as the best place for the job. Her presence is seen and felt there, and is associated with the strong aroma of soap and water.

Our nation's home is not a quiet one. Too many tragedies and joyous celebrations have occurred within its walls for that. Many of the sounds from long ago events still echo in the White House. The sounds of ghostly laughter and hushed conversation have been reported in the home throughout the years. Some say it is none other than the ghost of Andrew Jackson who laughs so loudly for no apparent reason. The conversations are probably between him and his advisors.

That there are ghosts in the White House, there can be little doubt. But what will the new first family make of these ghosts that live with them at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue? Only history will tell.

Go To Page: 1 2

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic