The Hauntings
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The explanation for all this is that the house was designed by ghosts for ghosts.
In l903, Theodore Roosevelt, who was then president, passed through San Jose and called at the Winchester Mansion. He was turned away with the message that "the house was not open to strangers." According to servants' tales, the only guests that Sarah entertained were spectral ones. Each evening at 12 midnight, a bell summoned them. Another bell tolling at 2 heralded their exit.
During these two hours the strains of organ music could be heard by passersby. There are several organs in the house, for Sarah was once a fine musician, but as the years passed arthritis severely crippled her hands, It was said that the affliction was so intense that she could scarcely hold the pencil with which to make the building plans she was constantly creating and changing.
If so, then who was the phantom organist?
Dining in splendor with her secretary-companion, Sarah enjoyed the best vintage wines. One evening she went to the wine cellar (to which only she possessed the key) to locate a very special bottle. To her horror, she discovered a black hand print on the wall. That night the spirits confided that it was the print of a demon's hand. Sarah took this as a warning against alcohol and had the cellar walled up so carefully that, to this day the liquid treasure has yet to be found.
In 1981 on two separate occasions, two tour guides passed by the front kitchen (which is never in use) and smelled the strong aroma of chicken soup. As well, footsteps can be heard in Mrs. Winchester's bedroom, as Brent Miller, a former caretaker experienced.
Sarah Winchester died on Sept. 5, l922 at the age of 82. But was that the end of her story? Hardly, to judge from the weird tales that surround the house. Over the years a variety of other strange phenomena have been reported including chains rattling, cold spots, and whispers.
Nationally recognized psychic Sylvia Browne, was asked to make contact with Sarah Winchester. As TV lights gleamed and cameras whirled, Sylvia went into a deep trance. The message was clear "Who are these people? What are they doing in my house?"
Dozens of psychics have visited the house over the years and most have come away convinced, or claim to be convinced, that spirits still wander the place.
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