Monday, October 31, 2011

The Ultimate Haunted House

In the spirit of Halloween, I figured I'd share one of my favorite houses with you guys- the Webster Wagner Mansion in Palatine Bridge, NY. Whether or not this place is really haunted, it sure looks the part! Built in 1876, the home was built for inventor Webster Wagner, who invented the sleeping and parlor cars for the railroad, in addition to a ground-breaking ventilation system. Basically, he was largely responsible for improving the comfort of railroad travel. Is it somewhat ironic that after he built this home, he died in the same car he invented, in a fiery train crash in 1882.

Today, the mansion is in a terrible state of decay, but surprisingly is not abandoned. It is actually currently lived in, though the owner is somewhat of a recluse. A few years ago, half of the porch collapsed, followed by a portion of the third and second floors collapsing over the parlors due to water infiltration. The mansion is still standing, but on its final legs. While its future looks grimm, I hope someone will come along and save it..it would be sad to see such a part of local history lost...




7 comments:

  1. I love the Masnion and its history! Someday when im rich beyond all dreams, I want a Roman-Gothic house out in the country- "deadicated" for Halloween partys. :)

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  2. That is such a beautiful mansion (The windows and wood detail is amazing).. it's too bad it's on its last legs. *Hopefully someone will try and restore it*

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  3. Wow, i believe it is haunted, especially after the history of it's owner's death! It looks creepy as all get out!

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  4. I'd love to see it at night, but not too close up. Craftsmanship was amazing in the time when this was built, all the detail is incredible. Nice post!

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  5. I'm surprised it's still lived in. I would think it wouldn't be safe and be condemned. It's sad to see it wasting away. I hope it's not too late to be saved.

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  6. Wow! What fantastic architecture.

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