By L. Roberts
In a city as old as
New York, you're bound to find odd tales and unexplained mysteries. You might even find some ghosts! If you're into ghost hunting and eerie tales, or just want to experience a new twist on New York's history, check out some of these haunted sites around the city for thrills and chills.
Famous People
Many hauntings in New York take place in the former homes of famous people who died in the city. John Lennon's ghost is sometimes seen outside The Dakota (Central Park West at 72nd Street), where he was shot by a crazed fan. Mark Twain's ghost has been sighted in the stairwell of the house where he died at 14 W. 10th St. Edgar Allan Poe, spotted in various locations throughout the United States, has often been sighted wandering the East Village. Dylan Thomas' ghost has been seen in the White Horse Tavern (567 Hudson St.); he apparently died after drinking 18 shots of whiskey at the bar and is said to occasionally appear at his favorite corner table. Judy Garland's ghost has been spotted at the Palace Theater (1564 Broadway) where she used to perform.
Members of the Algonquin Hotel's infamous Round Table---including Dorothy Parker, Robert Benchley and Edna Ferber---have sometimes been seen drifting through the hotel (59 W. 44th St.). The ghost of former Vice President Aaron Burr also has been spotted at the One If By Land, Two If By Sea Restaurant (17 Barrow St.), a location that was once his carriage house. His daughter's ghost allegedly removes earrings from female customers seated at the bar, so keep an eye on your valuables!
Theaters
They say every theater has a ghost, and in New York, this seems to be true. The Palace Theatre (1564 Broadway) has Judy Garland's ghost, as well as a cellist dressed in white in the orchestra pit and a young girl in the balcony. Hopefully you won't run into the acrobat's ghost; it is said that those who see this particular apparition will soon be joining him!
Over at Radio City Music Hall (1260 6th Ave.), it's said that on opening nights the theater's builder, S.L. "Roxy" Rothafel, appears with a beautiful woman on his arm. And at the New Amsterdam Theatre (214 W. 42nd St.), the ghost of a Ziegfeld Follies girl named Olive Thomas occasionally appears in her green dress and Follies headpiece.
Houses and Monuments
In addition to theaters, a number of old New York houses are said to be haunted. The Morris-Jumel Mansion (65 Jumel Terrace), the oldest home in Manhattan, is said to be haunted by the former lady of the house, Eliza Jumel. Additionally, the Old Merchant's House (29 E. 4th St.) is now a museum, but has also earned the title of "America's most haunted house." All the home's original 19th century furnishings are intact, so perhaps it's only natural that one of its former residents, Gertrude Tredwell, is occasionally spotted in the kitchen or her bedroom.
The Empire State Building (350 Fifth Ave.) is said to be haunted by the people who committed suicide by jumping off its observation decks. Due to its former purpose as a site for hangings, as well as a public cemetery, Washington Square Park is also thought to be haunted by people such as Dutch director-general of New Amsterdam, Peter Stuyvesant.
Tours
If you're looking for a guided tour, be sure to check out the Ghosts of New York walking tour with Dr. Phil. A 90-minute tour that covers less than a mile, this leisurely paced expedition will give you plenty of historical background on the ghosts of New York City. Tour leader Phil Schoenberg is a professor at Queens College and an experienced guide to the darker sides of the city. To take a tour, book online at their website (www.ghostsofny.com) or call (718) 591-4741.
Resources
About the Author:
Laura Roberts is the editor-in-chief of Black Heart Magazine and author of the weekly sex column, "V for Vixen," at Hour.ca. She is currently working on her first book, a guide to the sexy side of Montreal.
