Rolling Hills Asylum

E. Bethany, NY

Courtesy of Lori Carlson (Former owner of Rolling Hills)

“Strange history and legends surround the old Genesee County Home in Bethany, New York. Rumors of figures in windows, strange noises, and eerie stories have circulated among local residents for over one hundred and eighty years. Many are convinced the souls of past residents still walk its halls. Historical records show over 1,750 occupants have died here. Many are buried on the property and in the adjacent Genesee County Park which was once a part of the County Home lands. The building has a long tormented history as a former poor house, insane asylum, orphanage, and nursing home. Read more

The Shanley Hotel

Napanoch, NY

By: Thelma Ankney

Located in Napanoch, New York sits the historic Shanley Hotel. It was originally built in 1845 by Thomas Rich and was known as “one of the area’s best”. Throughout the years it had been owned by many different people and had served different purposes.  One of the things the hotel was known for was being a “Private Gentleman’s Quarter”.  It was in March of 1895, while wealthy landowner Adolgh Wagner owned it, that a fire burned the building down.  It was quickly rebuilt and reopened to the public. In October of 1906, James Louis Shanley, a successful businessman, purchased the “Napanoch Hotel” and it became famous for its extravagant parties and events. It even played host to the rich and famous such as Eleanor Roosevelt and Thomas Edison. After James passed away, it became too much for his wife, Beatrice, to handle so she sold it to Mr. Al Hazen in 1944. Read more

The Garibaldi-Meucci Museum

Staten Island, NY

By: Thelma Ankney

Built in the 1840’s, the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum was once the home of the inventor, Antonio Meucci and his wife Ester.  They settled into their home in Staten Island after migrating from Havana in 1850. Meucci invented the smokeless candle, which became very popular by neighbors and churches. Antonio and his wife were kind people who would allow travelers to stay in their home. When Guiseppe Garibaldi was exiled from Italy in 1850, he came to live with the couple. When Garibaldi lived with Meucci, they became good friends and even worked together as candle makers to earn income.  Garibaldi returned to Italy in 1854 where he led many battles that resulted in unifying Italy. He became known worldwide as the “Hero of Two Worlds.” Read more

The Morris-Jumel Mansion

New York, NY

By: Thelma Ankney

Located in Washington Heights, The Morris-Jumel Mansion, now a museum, is said to be the oldest house in Manhattan which also means it has a long and interesting history behind it. Built in 1765 by British Colonel Roger Morris and his wife, Mary Phillipse, this hilltop Estate was originally called Mount Morris and covered more than 130 acres. Unfortunately their stay at the Mansion was short lived due to the victory of America during the war. It was because of its prime location that Mount Morris became a valued military property and was used by General George Washington during the fall of 1776. The Estate was also known for it’s grand dinner parties which included such guests as John Adam, Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton. Read more

One If By Land, Two If By Sea Restaurant

New York, NY

By: Thelma Ankney

Built in 1767 and once known as the Richmond Hill Estate, The One if By Land restaurant is one of NYC’s oldest and most historic landmarks. The mansion’s original location was where today’s Charlton and Hudson Street are before being moved to its current location on Barrow Street.  It is said that because of its majestic stature and close proximity to NYC, General George Washington took residency at Richmond Hill and made it his head quarters in defense of Manhattan. It was here where a young Aaron Burr was introduced. In 1794, when Burr was attorney General of New York, he purchased the estate and turned it into a carriage house. The famous duel with Alexander Hamilton in 1804, caused Burr to lose the house. It also said that the house had a straight tunnel built underneath that lead straight out into the Hudson. It is not known as to why or who originally built it. Some believe it was built to smuggle contraband and others says it was an escape route out of the estate. Later on, that tunnel was used as part of the “Underground Railroad”, helping slaves escape to their freedom. Read more

Knollwood Estate (King Zog Estate)

Muttontown, NY

By: Noah Ankney

Lying in ruins in the Muttontown Preserve in Muttontown, NY is the once elegant Knollwood Estate which was built for Wall Street mogul and steel tycoon, Charles Hudson.  Built between 1906 and 1920 on Long Islands Gold Coast by architects Hiss and Weekes, the Knollwood Estate would later be known as the King Zog Estate. Read more

The Maine Maid Inn

Jericho, NY

By: Thelma Ankney

Considered to be the oldest restaurant on Long Island’s north shore, the Maine Maid Inn was built in 1789 and was originally the home of Elias Hicks. By 1775, he was responsible for the freedom of many slaves in the area by letting everyone know that he strongly believed “all men were equals in the eyes of God”.  He played a big role in the Abolition Movement of Jericho. In 1802, the building was the first Post Office in Jericho which was founded by William Guthre.  The house later went to Elias’ son-in-law Valentine Hicks along with his wife Abigail and their 3 daughters who were well respected members of the Quaker Community.  Valentine Hicks help found the town of Jericho and became President of the Long Island Rail Road after bring rail road service to the local area. Read more

Old Bethpage Village Restoration

Old Bethpage, NY

By: Thelma Ankney

Located on about 200 acres of land on the Powel Farm Property in Nassau County sits the Old Bethpage Village Restoration, a Colonial style “Living Museum”. Although it was established in 1963, the 55 buildings on the property were built in the 1800’s and moved to where they are now.  The purpose of developing this site was to help save and restore some of the fast diminishing historic buildings and to give people an idea and a glimpse of the Dutch and English lifestyle from back in the 1640’s. Read more

The Amityville "Horror" House

By: Lisa Schreiner & Thelma Ankney

*Disclaimer: Although the supposed events that occurred at the Amityville house are very much of interest, we at LIPRI ask that you respect the current residents of the home and their privacy and refrain from going to the house itself.

When people hear the name Amityville, a quaint town along the shore isn’t quite what comes to mind.  Instead, the horrible tragedy of a family murdered and later, another family’s story of paranormal torment comes to mind.  However, the history of Amityville goes back way before November 14th 1974;  when a drug-addled man took a shotgun to his parents, two brothers and two sisters as they lay sleeping.  This article isn’t to prove or disprove claims of hauntings or possession, but rather an informative piece that leaves you, the reader, to decide what you believe to be true and what you believe to be a hoax. Read more

The Legends Of Mt. Misery

Huntington, NY

By: Thelma Ankney

One of Long Island’s well known urban legends is that if Mt. Misery in Huntington.  Deep within the woods of  West Hills Park stem hundreds of paths leading you through the area that is shrouded in spooky and mysterious myths and urban legends. What teen hasn’t gone trekking through these woods at some point in their lives to see if they could come in contact with the ghosts said to haunt the area?  Read more

The Legends of Sweet Hollow Road

Huntington, NY

By: Thelma Ankney

One of the most well known urban legends on Long Island is that of Sweet Hollow Rd in Huntington. It’s a long, narrow road surrounded by woods that winds and turns enough times that it leaves you a little disoriented. If you’re brave enough to travel this road at night, it seems the trees and the dark begin to   swallow you the further you go. This particular road and area is connected to another well known legend, Mt. Misery. Both of these legends seem to have numerous strange claims of unexplained phenomena that people are very drawn to. Read more

Jayne's Hill

Huntington, NY

By: Thelma Ankney

Known as the highest natural point on Long Island, Jayne’s Hill is surrounded in as much mystery as its sister sites, Mt. Misery & Sweet Hollow Road.  They’re all part of the same area of land which is West Hills County Park. Jayne’s Hills has some historical significance since writer Silas Wood & poet, Walt Whitman spent time there as inspiration. Read more

Kings Park Psychiatric Center

Kings Park, NY

Contributed by Lisa Schreiner

Pulling into what was once the Kings Park Psychiatric Center, you are greeted by what’s easily the most recognizable structure in the compound.  Building 93 defines what most would picture a typical psychiatric hospital to look like; a looming, ominous building, seemingly shadowing the town.  It’s no surprise to hear countless paranormal experiences and stories of hauntings.  Read more

Sagtikos Manor

Bayshore, NY

By: Thelma Ankney

On the south shore of Long Island, sits this historical and grand landmark which dates back to more than 300 years.  The property and house were originally purchased by Stephanus Van Cortladt from the Secatogue tribe in 1692. After Mr. Van Cortlandt’s death, the home was purchased in 1706 by Timothy Carll who proceeded to expand the property before it was bought by Jonathan Thompson as a gift for his son, Isaac, and new bride, Mary Gardiner. George Washington spent a night at the Estate in 1790, which he mentioned in a journal during the American Revolution. It was reported that there was an assassination attempt while he stayed here & that the bullet holes are still on the outside of the main house. Read more

Katies Of Smithtown

Smithtown, NY

By: Thelma Ankney

Katie’s Bar in Smithtown is a beautiful, cool and laid back hang out where the locals come for a great time with their friends and the out-of-towners come for the ghost. The building that is known as Katie’s was originally a speakeasy during the prohibition era, then later was turned into the Hotel Traynor which burned down in December of 1909 and later on it became J.H. Bishop Candy Shoppe. Before Katie’s was opened in 2000 by current owner Brian Karppinen, or “Big Brian”, it had been known as a few different names with a few different owners. It was then said that there is a curse placed on this building because it seemed that no matter who attempted to run a business from there, it never made any money. Read more

The Legend of Lake Ronkonkoma

Lake Ronkonkoma, NY

By Thelma Ankney

Long Island has many urban legends that have the Native American theme behind it and the legend of Lake Ronkonkoma is one of those. It is said that several tribes inhabited the area such as Nissequogues, Setaukets, Secatogues and Unkechaugs. The lake is the largest fresh water lake on Long Island and was originally called Raconkamuck, which, in Algonquin means “the boundary fishing place”.   After many drownings where the bodies were never found, the natives believed the lake was bottomless. Read more

Normandie Inn

Bohemia, NY

By: Thelma Ankney

In Bohemia sits a gothic-style structure dating back to the early 1920’s known as the Normandie Inn. It was originally built as the home for a Czech Baron, then was known as Hotel Chateau La Boheme. It was also a speakeasy during prohibition and in the early 2000’s was turned into an Inn & Restaurant. Unfortunately it went out of business and sat abandoned until 2004. Read more

The Country House Restaurant

Stony Brook, NY

By: Thelma Ankney

Located in the historic part of Stony Brook sits the Country House Restaurant. It was originally built in 1710 as a farmhouse by Obediah Davis from Mt. Sinai. In the 1800’s it is said that the house was also used as a stagecoach stop and then became the home of English actor Thomas Haddaway.  The house was then known as Haddaway House and was also where the first Episcopal Sunday School in Stony Brook was founded. Stories also tell of old séances taking place by a neighbor, William Sydney Mount. Read more

Camp Hero

Montauk, NY

Contributed By: Lisa Schreiner

Dating as far back as 1943 with the Philadelphia Experiment, the Montauk Project is widely debated amongst conspiracy theory enthusiasts, government agencies and skeptics on both sides. Although there is no denial that a military base existed, unlike our friends in the southwest, Camp Hero/Montauk Air Force Base has become the center of questionable activity starting in the 1960’s. It is said that the U.S. government conducted a series of secret projects at Camp Hero for the purpose of developing psychological warfare techniques including time travel. Some believe the projects were a continuation of the failed Philadelphia experiment (1943, Philadelphia Naval Yard). Read more

Montauk Manor

Montauk, NY

By: Thelma Ankney

Opened in 1927 this English Tudor-style, 3 floors, 200 rooms mansion was the vision of multi-millionaire Carl Fisher. He had been responsible for opening some of the most beautiful and successful resorts in the Miami area and wanted to bring that luxury to Long Island.  When Montauk Manor opened its doors he wanted it to be “most fabulous summer resort ever imagined in the western world”.  Read more

Execution Rocks Lighthouse

Long Island Sound

By: Thelma Ankney

In the west end of the Long Island Sound on, what looks like a reef not big enough to hold a structure, sits Execution Rocks Lighthouse. It was originally built in 1847, which is a few years after the Sands Point Light built but was determined that it was not doing a sufficient job to keep mariners from danger. The job was given to an architect named Alexander Parris who decided on the site claiming it to be the most effective location. Read more

Eastern State Penitentiary

Philadelphia, PA

By: Thelma Ankney

Eastern State Penitentiary was designed and built in 1822 by a young British architect named John Haviland. He had submitted his design to the Pennsylvania Prison Society and was chosen over 3 other architects. His “radial” design was chosen for its uniqueness, seven cell blocks that extended out from a central rotunda.  Each cell would have its own running water, toilet, heat and even a skylight. The prison was to be one of the largest in the state, housing all kinds of criminals. In 1829, the doors of Eastern State opened and was considered the most expensive prison built at it’s time. Read more

The Riddle House

West Palm Beach, FL

Contributed By: Lisa Schreiner

Located in West Palm Beach, Florida, the Riddle House dates back to 1905 when it was built and used as a funeral parlor.  Originally, the home stood at 327 Acacia Street in downtown West Palm Beach but was later relocated to Yesteryear Village, located in the same city, in the 1980’s.  Although the house was moved from it’s original location, many claim to believe the spirits there remain in the dwelling. Read more

Haunted Georgia

By: Thelma Ankney

Known as the “Peach State”, Georgia was one of the original states of the thirteen colonies. It is also known as “The Empire State of the South”. In 2002 Savannah was dubbed “America’s Most Haunted City” by the American Institute of Parapsychology. Read more

Haunted Tennessee

By: Thelma Ankney

The Bell Witch

Located in Adams, the story of the Bell Witch is one of the most infamous legends in America. There are many different accounts of what really happened but it’s said that this is the first haunting case ever. It started in 1817 at the home of John Bell & his family when strange things began to happen. The phenomenon ranged from knocking & scratching on the walls to the family members being tormented by having their hair pulled & being pinched. Read more

The Myrtles Plantation Legends

Courtesy of Troy Taylor & David Wiseheart

Original Article: Prairie Ghosts

Handprints in the mirrors, footsteps on the stairs, mysterious smells, vanishing objects, death by poison, hangings, murder and gunfire — the Myrtles Plantation in the West Feliciana town of St. Francisville, Louisiana holds the rather dubious record of hosting more ghostly phenomena than just about any other house in the country. But what could be more dubious than the honor itself — perhaps some of the questionable history that has been presented to “explain” why the house is so haunted in the first place! Read more

Is The Myrtles Plantation Haunting a Hoax??

Original Article: Virginia Ghosts

In December of 2002, Rick and Bobbie Atristain visited the Myrtles Planation while on their honeymoon. Bobbie’s review of the trip wasn’t favorable – considering the Plantation has the reputation as being one of the Most Haunted Houses in America – it fell quite short of that proclamation. You can read her review with the originial alledgedly haunted history here. Read more

Elmore Bridge - Elmore, Ohio

Synopsis of “Elmore Headless Motorcyclist”
March 21st, 2008
Written by Noah Ankney former Director of OHPRI

On March 21st of any year, the grated bridge on Slemmer-Portage road in Elmore, Ohio looks more like a used car lot than anything.  However the reason that brings these cars full of people to the location is far more interesting than one can imagine. Read more