Wayside Inn
Longfellow's Wayside Inn was built in 1716 and is considered the oldest in the country. The Inn was an expansion of David Howe's home known as Howe's Tavern. Four generation of Howes operated and expanded as business thrived until 1861. Relatives who inherited the establish stopped overnight accommodations but rented it out for dances and lengthy visits. Henry Longfellow never owned Wayside Inn but it was renamed after him in 1892.
Longfellow wrote a series of poems based on fictional characters who gathered regularly at the Inn. Published in 1863, The Tales of Wayside Inn launched it to national fame. Edward Rivers Lemon purchased the Inn in 1892, renamed it and operated it as “a retreat for literary pilgrims.” In 1923, Henry Ford, the last private owner, purchased and expanded it to 3,000 acres. He added several buildings including The Martha-Mary Chapel, Grist Mill, and Redstone School.
Longfellow's Wayside Inn has had it share of famous visitors but is it haunted? Many have reported seeing Civil War soldiers but one entity stands out the most. Jerusha Howe a.k.a. "The Belle of Sudbury" was the sister of one of the Howe family members. She is often seen roaming throughout the house but appears mostly in Rooms 9 and 10. Her perfume has been detected in various parts as well. Many paranormal investigators will tell you to document the ghostly experiences in your home or business. The Inn began this tradition in the early 1900s by establishing the Secret Drawer Society or SDS. Letters are hidden through the rooms containing details of the writers experiences during their stay. This tradition continues until this day.
For information, please visit their website: http://www.wayside.org/
Longfellow wrote a series of poems based on fictional characters who gathered regularly at the Inn. Published in 1863, The Tales of Wayside Inn launched it to national fame. Edward Rivers Lemon purchased the Inn in 1892, renamed it and operated it as “a retreat for literary pilgrims.” In 1923, Henry Ford, the last private owner, purchased and expanded it to 3,000 acres. He added several buildings including The Martha-Mary Chapel, Grist Mill, and Redstone School.
Longfellow's Wayside Inn has had it share of famous visitors but is it haunted? Many have reported seeing Civil War soldiers but one entity stands out the most. Jerusha Howe a.k.a. "The Belle of Sudbury" was the sister of one of the Howe family members. She is often seen roaming throughout the house but appears mostly in Rooms 9 and 10. Her perfume has been detected in various parts as well. Many paranormal investigators will tell you to document the ghostly experiences in your home or business. The Inn began this tradition in the early 1900s by establishing the Secret Drawer Society or SDS. Letters are hidden through the rooms containing details of the writers experiences during their stay. This tradition continues until this day.
For information, please visit their website: http://www.wayside.org/
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