Residing in San Diego's historic Old Town is a two-story, brick, Greek Revival home known as the Whaley House. Built by Thomas Whaley in 1857, over the former site of gallows, the Whaley House quickly became a center for paranormal phenomena. Members of the family would hear mysterious footsteps and soon came to believe that the ghost of "Yankee Jim" Robinson, (who was hung on the gallows in 1852,) was responsible.
Deaths In The Whaley House
Numerous deaths have occurred in the Whaley House between hangings and Whaley family members. Thomas's daughter, Violet, committed suicide after becoming depressed over her divorce. Thomas and his wife, Anna, lost their 18-month-old son, Thomas Jr., when he died of Scarlet Fever. Mary Ann Reynolds, granddaughter of Thomas and Anna, perished after accidentally ingesting rat poison.
Ghosts Of The Whaley House
Numerous sightings of different ghosts have been experienced by patrons touring the Whaley House. While some have seen "Yankee Jim" Robinson, others have caught glimpses of both Thomas and Anna Whaley. The ghost of a child is said to reside there and at times in the kitchen, visitors have reported feeling someone tugging on their clothes. Even the Whaley's family dog, Dolly Varden, has been spotted.
Visiting The Whaley House In San Diego
The Whaley House is open daily during the summer from 10 AM to 10 PM. Contact them or check their website for operating hours for the rest of the year as they are open year-round. Ticket prices are $6 for adults and $5 for children 3-12. During this time self-guided tours are available, although there are always docents on hand to answer questions. Admission is also included to the Old Adobe Chapel Museum.
Evening prices, beginning at 5pm, are $10 for adults and $5 for children. Beginning at 7pm, guided tours begin and take place every half-hour. Docents take guests around the house filling them in on the history of the home. Lit only by lamps, an extra eerie feeling comes over the home as the docents share their ghost stories with the crowd.
Ghost Hunting At the Whaley House
Once a month the staff of the Whaley House, along with members of the San Diego Ghost Hunters, conduct a paranormal investigation of the Whaley house from 10:30pm until midnight. Learn about ghost hunting equipment while trying to have spirit contact. This event is limited to 20 people and the full payment of $50 is required when the reservation is made.
There is no guarantee that a ghost wil be seen at the Whaley House or that any orbs will be captured on film. However, the historic value alone makes this tour worthwhile.
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