Haunted Pubs of New England

by Roxie Zwicker

  There are more than a few people in town getting acquainted with the ghost at the tavern. Some visitors find themselves drawn to the tavern in a most unusual way. Nancy told me that on a regular basis, a car rolls into the parking lot with the lights out. The car battery has lost power as it came down the road passing by the tavern. She says that as soon as they see someone on the property they always say, “Thank God you’re here!”

  Nancy is certain that the spirit of Frank is very much a presence at the tavern. She said that on some occasions, the oven doors in the kitchen drop open, but it often takes two people pulling hard to get these same doors open. Lights have been known to go off and on and candles often relight themselves after being blown out. Sounds of footsteps come from empty rooms in the tavern. Power saws have been known to turn off and on most unexpectedly.

  Nancy also mentioned that many psychics have come into the tavern and sensed Frank’s presence, noting that he likes the attention he gets and that he’s a prankster. In March of 2007, a paranormal investigative group called East Coast Transcommunication Organization (ECTO) from New Hampshire visited the tavern to see what they could find. This group features the talents of Karen Mossey, an electronic voice phenomenon (EVP) specialist who was the consultant on the movie White Noise. Her goal was to capture the spirits’ messages on her electronic voice recorder.

  They immediately picked up on spirits in the building, especially in one upstairs room where it just so happened that one of the waitresses had always felt uncomfortable. The impression was that this was the room where Frank had committed suicide.

  Karen recorded a few EVP messages, including “Can’t your hear me?” and “Karen’s here.” A number of photographs taken revealed orbs, including a very interesting blue orb. The group was so pleased with their findings that they felt the location warranted further investigation.

  The tavern is a great place to gather with friends to enjoy the view—or the “Boo”—as the tavern has periodic luncheons where you can listen to the investigators tell tales about their experiences at the tavern. They have a large menu with great tavern fare—including a full seafood menu, prime rib, burgers and more—so there is something for everyone. There’s even lakeside dining outdoors and a wood-paneled lounge indoors.

  If you are driving down Main Street in Hopkinton some night and your vehicle exhibits strange behavior—such as the headlights flickering out or the engine dying—you might then find yourself standing in the parking lot of the Fireside Tavern wondering what just happened. Go inside and order up their Frank ’n Boo Berry drink as the lights flicker around you. Should a door open to reveal that no one is on the other side, don’t be alarmed. It’s just Frank coming out to say hello. When you return to your car, it will start without incident, and you can take comfort in the fact that Frank was glad you stopped by.

  To make a Frank ’n Boo Berry drink, pour a measure of Stoli Blueberry Vodka. Add a splash of Blue Curacao, a dash of Sprite and a splash of cranberry juice.

  FFROST SAWYER TAVERN, DURHAM

  Durham, New Hampshire, was originally settled as the Oyster River Plantation in 1635. The name came from the discovery of a large bed of oysters halfway between the falls and the mouth of the river. Initially part of Dover, the town was incorporated as Durham in 1736. Today the town is home to the University of New Hampshire.

  In July of 1694, during King Philips War, the village was savagely attacked by the French and the Abenaki. This late-night sneak attack against the villagers was swift and they didn’t have a chance. All five of their garrisons were burned to the ground, along with their crops. Approximately 104 of the villagers were killed, and another 27 were taken captive. This brutal attack also included the torture and scalping of many of the population. Their homes were burned, but the church was spared; the minister is said to have written religious verses on the wall in hope for some divine intervention from this horror. It took many years for the village to recover from the devastating raid.

  Located on along the banks of the Oyster River, the Three Chimneys Inn and Ffrost Sawyer Tavern affords visitors a fine view of terraced gardens and waterways. Valentine Hill built and owned a sawmill and a gristmill along the falls of the river. The valuable sawmill aided the growing shipbuilding trade in Durham. Valentine Hill was then granted five hundred acres for a farm adjacent to his sawmill. His home was built in 1649 and was brought up the river by gundalow, a flat and shallow workboat unique to the area. It was a single-story house with a basement and the upstairs living area combined with the kitchen. This part of the house is now the Ffrost Sawyer Tavern. The home was part of the original village settlement and is the oldest house in Durham (and one of the oldest in New Hampshire).

  Because of the Oyster River Massacre, the house was equipped with large “Indian Shutters” to protect the residents against any future attacks. It is said that during the Revolutionary War the home was a secret storehouse for munitions that were obtained from the British forts in nearby Portsmouth and were hidden for later use by the Sons of Liberty (the Revolutionary troops).

  In the eighteenth century, the home was bequeathed to the Woodman family, who were descendants of the Hill family by marriage. During those years, the property at the bottom of the hill was deeded to the town for use as a graveyard. Pine trees were planted along the outer edges of the burial ground, and now shadow the back of the inn. In 1795, a brick cistern was constructed inside the barn to collect fresh water for the family’s use.

  The nineteenth century brought changes to the property, including a new owner, George Ffrost, who wanted to update the home with new features. Jacob Odel (buried in the graveyard adjacent to the property) was hired as the architect, and he updated the interior and added Federal-style trim to the home. The carriage house was updated to reflect the style of the times, including the beautiful cupola and Italian-style eaves. A large well was hand dug on the property and measures twelve feet across and forty feet deep. The well was used through the typhoid epidemic, and its use ended in 1912. Today the location is still visible but is covered by a large piece of granite.

  The ghosts of the Ffrost Sawyer Tavern often make themselves known in strange ways.

  There are gorgeous terraced gardens on the property, along with a wonderful assortment of flowering trees and perennials. The gardens were originally designed and planted by the Ffrost sisters, who inherited the property from George Ffrost. Careful restoration and maintenance of the gardens make them a popular background for the numerous weddings that have taken place on the property.

  In the early twentieth century, James and Margaret Pepperall (Ffrost) Sawyer became the next owners of the property. They completed the transition from country farmhouse to a Colonial-revival summer estate. The gorgeous stone wall that borders the edges of the property was built under their ownership. They enhanced the gardens with arbors and a swimming pool, which now serves as a reflection pond for the inn. There are many secluded areas of the gardens with seating arrangements that make visitors feel like they are in their own little hideaways.

  It seems quite surprising that after all the efforts to make the estate a beautiful showpiece, the property was left to ruin. It seemed as though a permanent owner couldn’t be found, and the property was sold again and again. The future of the property was uncertain; it was quickly deteriorating due to the effects of the elements and the march of time. What was once a grand estate became overgrown, forgotten and a shadow of its former self. But somehow the property survived long enough for someone with vision to purchase the struggling estate. Sagamore Hill, Incorporated, became the new owners of the property in 1987, and they went straight to work to resurrect this historic location. Very extensive renovations took place over a number of years and it finally was completed in 1997. The Three Chimneys Inn and the Ffrost Sawyer Tavern opened their doors to the public in 1998.

  Many people believe that the tavern is haunted by the very active spirit of Hannah Sawyer. Hannah is said to have committed sui
cide in her youth. Her haunting image hangs just above a stairwell landing in the inn. The ethereal painting of Hannah, peering at you over a book, seems to have its own luminosity; you can almost feel the glow from it. Her dark eyes look right through you, and her sweet, shy smile is almost reassuring. Be sure to locate it should you visit the inn. You’ll be very glad you did.

  Room number six at the inn holds the memory of Hannah within its walls, for this is the room where she is said to have committed suicide. Guests staying in room six have described seeing a girl fitting Hannah’s description in the room with them. One guest claimed to see the curtains moving as the apparition of a girl breezed by them and then vanished.

  The cemetery behind the Ffrost Sawyer Tavern is said to be quite haunted.

  Thomas Moriarty was a caretaker at the estate for twenty years, from 1952 to 1972, and he believed that there was a spirit on the grounds. He had a variety of stories from his ghostly experiences during his stewardship of the homestead. He sometimes heard loud footsteps on the floors above him and frantically checked to see if the door was locked. He called out to see if anyone was there, but there was no response, only mysterious noises. Perhaps he wasn’t alone in the house, as he had assumed.

  I spoke to a former employee at the tavern (who strangely enough now owns a haunted pub—Molly Malone’s, mentioned earlier in this chapter), and he was completely convinced the property was haunted. He said that often when he left the tavern for the night and looked down the hill toward the cemetery he saw shadows moving around in the graveyard, yet the parking lot was empty and there was no one around.

  He said he often felt as though someone was following him as he worked in the tavern. Once he said he felt the sensation of a long dress brushing by him and there wasn’t anyone visible there. “The place feels very haunted,” he explained. He said that other employees mentioned seeing the apparition of Hannah by the large open-hearth fireplace, and typical of her other appearances, she was gone in just moments. She has also been seen peeking around the corner of the staircase, and it has been said that she has often watched patrons and employees from behind the railing along the staircase. Hannah quickly disappears when detected. Her visits are typically fleeting, but quite noticeable.

  The inn manager, Karen Meyer, has said that she is very familiar with the numerous stories of encounters with the spirit of the inn. In addition, she believes that the ghost is often watching over her. Her stories include the employees’ explanations that they’ve seen spirits passing through the walls of the historic building. Books and other personal belongings being moved throughout the rooms without any explanation seems commonplace. She believes the ghostly incidents happen the most in the fall.

  One eerie experience seemed to stand out from the numerous tales. One night as Karen was sitting with the night clerk at the reception desk, a spirited smell was in the air. The overpowering smell of vodka permeated the area. She said that neither of them was drinking, but they both could smell the strong, distinct odor. Puzzled by their experience, they discovered that the smell completely disappeared within minutes.

  Music has been said to turn on when the system is shut off. Perhaps the spirit wanted to listen to the melodies. Another tale tells of a strange man seen coming in the door one night. Well, the figure sort of looked like a man, but he was only visible from the waist up; his bottom half was invisible. He passed through the room and disappeared into the wall near the back door. Some staff members have even claimed to hear their names being called by someone, only to discover no one around. Copy machines and computers have been known to have unexplainable problems as well. The copier has been said to produce copies even after it’s been turned off and unplugged! There was even the unnerving experience of a glass floating in the air and then smashing against one of the tables in the dining room during a party.

  If you are dining at the tavern, your backdrop will include granite walls, a large hearth and rough-hewn beams, which help to create a warm atmosphere. You’ll find yourself fascinated with the great architecture of the room. There is a fascinating collection of unique drinking mugs hanging throughout the room, and they warrant a closer look. The tavern has a very extensive wine list and you will find many choices that are complementary to their menu selections. Should you decide to enjoy a Reuben, you will find that this sandwich has a very unique flavor, as they add marinated portobello mushrooms to the mix.

  While you enjoy your visit to the historic tavern, you may feel someone brushing by your table, but you may not see them. Perhaps you will notice a lovely girl standing beside the hearth, and she will disappear only moments later. No need to think you’ve had one too many glasses of wine; you’ve just been the latest person to encounter the ghost of the Ffrost Sawyer Tavern.

  RHODE ISLAND

  STAGECOACH INN & TAVERN, CHEPACHET

  You have to be intrigued by a place that sells a souvenir shirt with a hooded phantom that reads, “Eat, Drink and Be Scary.” The Stagecoach Inn, in Chepachet, Rhode Island, has many phantom spirits and a high number of ghostly encounters.

  The first settlements in the area were made in 1706. At that time it was a section of the Providence Plantations. One of the first settlers was a Frenchman by the name of Tourtelott, who had left numerous descendants who claimed to be descended from Roger Williams, the founder of Rhode Island.

  Built in the early 1700s, the tavern operated as a stagecoach stop along the busy Putnam Pike (now Route 44) that connected Providence, Rhode Island, and Hartford, Connecticut. Behind the tavern were stables where drivers could exchange horses for the remainder of their journey. The building was originally a two-and-a-half-story Colonial dwelling built on a stone foundation. The centerpiece of the tavern was a huge fireplace around which the rest of the building was constructed. Framed walls and floors extended from the fireplace using hand-hewn native chestnut and oak lumber in a post-and-beam construction. These beams and timbers are evident throughout the tavern and restaurant.

  In 1842, the People’s party elected Chepachet resident Thomas Dorr, who was a well-respected lawyer, Rhode Island governor. Samuel King, the incumbent governor, refused to step down. The tavern became embroiled in this political controversy. Governor Dorr called the Rhode Island General Assembly to convene in the tavern. The mounting struggle for power prompted Governor King to order a general call to arms to stop what became known as “Dorr’s Rebellion.” King’s forces marched toward Chepachet to do battle with Dorr’s troops, who were entrenched atop Acote’s Hill (now a cemetery located just a quarter of a mile from the tavern). Dorr, realizing he would be outnumbered and outgunned, wisely withdrew to the tavern before their arrival.

  The Stagecoach Tavern in Chepachet, Rhode Island, recently unearthed an unusual artifact.

  Hours later, when King and his troops arrived in the village, they marched up to the tavern. When they found that they couldn’t get inside, they pointed their pistols toward the windows of the tavern. When Dorr’s men inside pointed their muskets in return, King’s troops backed off. Jedediah Sprague, the tavern keeper, jumped out a window to defend his establishment. Words were exchanged, tempers flared higher and one of King’s soldiers fired a shot through the keyhole of the locked door. Inside the tavern, one of the soldiers was struck in the thigh.

  Jedediah Sprague didn’t fare too well because of this upheaval. In order to save his patrons and his establishment, he was forced to admit King’s troops to the tavern. Sprague was forced to take care of the troops through the remainder of the summer of 1842. An 1844 historical document discloses that during the course of that time, King’s troops consumed 37 gallons of brandy, 29 gallons of West India rum, 34 flasks of liquor, dozens of bottles of old Madeira and sherry, 12 dozen bottles of champagne and 2 dozen bottles of cider. They were also responsible for using up 820 bushels of oats, 17 tons of hay, 50 bushels of corn, 16 bushels of meal and a quarter ton of straw. In all, they consumed 2,400 dinners and smoked 11,500 cigars. Their bill was never paid, and J
edediah was forced to bear the burden himself.

  Some years later a woman was murdered on Valentine’s Day by a jealous lover. Her image hangs in the main dining room of the restaurant. Her spirit has been seen often in both the tavern and the restaurant and she is described as wearing a nineteenth-century gown with her hair neatly pulled up. Some employees have described hearing sobbing coming from the room at the end of the evening. When they try to find the source, this mysterious woman is seen and then vanishes moments later.

  The sink in the restroom has been known to turn off and on at will. Guests and employees have also heard empty benches creaking as if someone was sitting down on them, yet there was clearly no one there. During a paranormal investigation it was said that a glass sitting on a table mysteriously exploded, sending shards throughout the room. Fortunately no one was injured.

  In 1998, while repairs were being made to the building’s nearly three-hundred-year-old foundation, the owners uncovered an object carefully wrapped in oilcloth. It had been buried about a foot below the surface next to the foundation. Inside the cloth was a sawed-off shotgun, beautifully preserved and inscribed with the initials F.J.W. It was soon determined that the initials stood for Frederick J. Williams, who had been employed as an armed guard by the Providence-to-Worcester stagecoach line in the early nineteenth century. Mr. Williams regularly made a stop at the tavern and had been a frequent visitor to the building. His weapon of choice for guarding the passengers and their belongings was a sawed-off shotgun, the very weapon discovered out back. However, why his shotgun was buried on the property remains a mystery.

  The tavern has changed hands throughout the twentieth century, becoming a drab apartment building, then a billiard parlor, later a pub and finally a restaurant. The bartender and other employees were more than willing to share a few stories of unusual events in the tavern. They pointed out a large chip in the wooden floor, which had just happened from a bizarre event the previous week. The bar was open, with quite a few patrons enjoying their beverages, when all of the sudden, the large twenty-seven-inch television (situated above the bar on a sturdy shelf) came crashing down, leaving a large scar in the floor. The television case was cracked, but it was still working, which seemed odd, since it fell nearly four feet to the floor. Also, all of the dust on the shelf was completely undisturbed. The television is still being used, with a very pronounced crack in the case. Take a look for yourself if you visit.