Friday, October 31, 2008

Washington Ghost Stories For Halloween

As if things weren't scary enough in Washington right now, many believe that President Lincoln has never left the White House -- that his spirit remains waiting to complete his second term. For years presidents, first ladies, guests, and members of the White House staff claim to have either seen Lincoln or felt his presence. So when is he going to get to it and resume office?

The Rose Room is believed to be one of the most haunted spots in the White House. In it is Andrew Jackson's bed. People have felt his presence and say that "Old Hickory" still lives in his former bedroom.

When Mrs. Woodrow Wilson lived in the White House, she ordered gardeners to dig up the Rose Garden. Dolly Madison had planned and built the garden. As the workmen started to comply with the request of Mrs. Wilson, they saw Dolly Madison standing in front of them and ran away. The Rose Garden has bloomed for nearly two hundred years.

When Abagail Adams moved into the White House, she couldn't decide where to hang the family wash. She finally selected the warmest and driest place in that cold and damp mansion. A clothes line was strung between the walls of the East Room. It is said that to this day the ghost of Abigail Adams is seen hurrying toward the East Room -- with arms out stretched as if carrying a load of laundry.

Of course not one of those alleged White House ghosts is as terrifying as its present, living occupant. And the deeds of that current resident will haunt us for decades.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Well put Mary - we will be haunted by the current resident forever. Perhaps he doesn't realize he will go down in history books as one of "not so smart" presidents.