The Haunting of the Jekyll Island Club Hotel

Jekyll Island Club Hotel – Glynn County, Jekyll Island, Georgia

Photograph ©Jekyll Island Club Hotel

In the annals of history, the illustrious Jekyll Island Club Hotel stands as a testament to opulence, originally gracing the coastal landscape in 1887. Conceived as an exclusive haven and hunting retreat for the elite, this architectural marvel played host to an array of distinguished personalities, weaving together the stories of Joseph Pulitzer, Vincent Astor, J.P. Morgan, William Rockefeller, James Stillman, William K. Vanderbilt, George Baker, and a cadre of other influential tycoons and politicians.

Beyond its gilded origins, the Jekyll Island Club Hotel has transcended its temporal constraints, embracing a spectral dimension that adds an ethereal layer to its storied history. The corridors of this grand establishment echo with whispers of paranormal occurrences, captivating those who seek both luxury and a brush with the otherworldly.

The Sans Souci house, a cherished retreat of J.P. Morgan, is not just a haven for the living but also an abode for lingering spirits. Guests have reported encountering the unmistakable aroma of Morgan's infamous cigar smoke, a lingering reminder of the tycoon's presence.

Within the walls of the Aspinwall room, the spectral figure of General Lloyd Aspinwall has been said to materialize. Originally named the Riverfront Veranda, this room was dedicated to Aspinwall due to his affinity for it, serving as his favored sanctuary within the confines of the hotel.

In Spencer's Suite, the ghostly presence of Samuel Spencer, a figure from the past, engages with the present. Guests have recounted instances of Spencer perusing newspapers left by visitors, seamlessly traversing the realms of the living and the spectral.

A former bellhop, eternally bound to the hotel, continues to weave his spectral narrative. This benevolent apparition has been known to knock on the doors of newlywed couples, presenting the groom with a pressed suit before vanishing into the shadows. Clad in an old-fashioned bellhop's cap and suit, this "very real-looking" spirit adds a touch of nostalgia to the hotel's ghostly ensemble.

As the Jekyll Island Club Hotel stands gracefully at the crossroads of history and the supernatural, its halls whisper tales of opulence, intrigue, and spectral encounters, inviting guests to revel in an experience that transcends the boundaries of time and the living.

 
Address:
371 Riverview Drive
Jekyll Island, Georgia 31527
(912) 635-2600
Website

Haunts of the 17 Hundred 90 Inn and Tavern

The 1790 Inn and Tavern, actually titled "17 Hundred 90" Inn, is located at 306 East President Street, Savannah, Georgia. There are many buildings throughout Georgia said to be haunted, and this is most definitely of them!

The 1790 Inn is the oldest hotel in all of beautiful Savannah, originally built in 1820. It was designed by Steel White, a planter from Virginia, with the intentions of establishing a boarding house. However, a tragic riding accident took White's life before the construction was even completed.

Shortly after its completion, the building became the "17 Hundred 90 Inn". It's not clear why the name 1790 was chosen, but it is pretty clear why they did not settle upon the 1820 Inn. That was a rather catastrophic year for the town of Savannah. More than half of the city was consumed by disastrous fires, and entire families were rubbed out by an epidemic of yellow fever.
The 1790 Inn and Tavern is a very popular stop for ghost hunting tourists. The bottom floor houses a restaurant with exquisite dining, back-dropped by the rustic regalia of a centuries-old tavern. Both carry the charming ambience of an old merchant vessel.

The upper floors contain the hotel rooms of the 1790 Inn, with a total of 14 suites. The recent purchase of the old house across the street allowed the 1790 Inn to move its check-in desk, as well as providing a parking lot to visitors, a significant convenience as downtown Savannah does not provide nearly enough parking space to accommodate its residents and tourists.

The most reports of paranormal activity seem to surround the ghost of Anne Powell, a young girl who fell from the window of room 204. There are numerous stories surrounding her death.

One tells of a 16 year old girl married, rather unhappily, to Steel White; the man who died while building what later became the 1790 Inn. She fell in love with a German sailor and became pregnant by him. He was just in it for the entertainment, not love. As the story goes, he left for sea promising to return soon and marry her, but never really had any intention of coming back. After months of waiting, she found out the truth and flung herself from the window of 1790 Inn's room 204.

Another story says Anne Powell was actually a servant at 1790 Inn who was rather flirtatious, likely looking for a wealthy husband to whisk her away. She became smitten with a sailor who never intended anything more than a good time. He headed off to sea promising to return to her. She found out she was pregnant, and that he never meant to return to her, and jumped to her death from 1790 Inn's room 204

A third versions tells that Anne Powel leapt to her death when her lover's ship sailed away after her husband locked her in a bedroom (room 204). The tale relates that she watched the sails of his ship go over the horizon, then - heartbroken - leapt to her death. However, this story cannot be true because her husband, Steel White, dies before the building of 1790 Inn was ever completed.

Guests of the 1790 Inn and Tavern have claimed to witness the ghost of Anne Powell leaning over them while they slept in the bed of room 204. The most common story of Anne Powell's sightings involves men who wake to the touch of her caressing their cheek, then see her looking over them and crying just before she turns and jumps out the window.

Most stories, however, pertain to missing items, rather than sightings. Wallets, jewelry, keys and under-garments seem to be the most popular items taken, usually found later in a planter or behind a shelf. Some women have claimed that their night wear was inexplicably removed from their suitcase and laid out on the bed as if someone were about to put it on.

Anne Powell's presence has been so heavily reported in room 204 that the 1790 Inn, at one time, required any patron who stayed in this room to sign a waiver stating they would not request their money back should they choose not to stay the full night. The waiver is no longer required because most visitors who request room 204 are ghost hunters hoping to see a manifestation of Anne Powell.

Visitors have also reported seeing a disturbing apparition in the basement kitchen of 1790 Inn. She is believed to be an African American servant with a flair for voodoo. She seems to hate women in general, picking on the female workers in the kitchen, restaurant and tavern. There are reports of hair yanking, pushing in the back and "jangling bracelets at them".

by Steve Vaughan

About the Author
Currently a paranormal investigator who travels up and down the east coast investigating haunted places.

The Haunting of the Olde Pink House Restaurant & Tavern

Olde Pink House – Chatham County, Savannah, Georgia

Photograph ©Hotels-Rates.com

Address:
23 Abercorn Street
Savannah, Georgia 31401
(912) 232-4286

Originally constructed in 1771, the house on Abercorn Street was the creation of James Habersham Jr., a Revolutionary War hero who rose to the rank of "major." Crafted from red bricks covered in plaster, the house bore an unusual appearance as the brick's color bled through, resulting in a pink hue. James, disliking the pink color, would diligently paint the house white whenever the brickwork influenced the plaster.

Despite this color predicament, James and his wife raised three boys in the house, which has stood resilient for over two centuries. It has weathered significant historical events, including the great fire of 1820, the War of 1812, and emerged unscathed from the Civil War.

In the 1920s, a new owner embraced change, painting the house a pleasing shade of pink. Today, this historic mansion stands proudly as a five-star restaurant and tavern on Abercorn Street.

Legend has it that the Pink House is haunted by the ghost of James Habersham himself. Employees report frequent sightings of his apparition, particularly during the fall and winter months. Another friendly spirit, appearing as a Revolutionary War-era soldier, has been observed sitting at the bar, raising his drink to customers with a smile before vanishing.

The Pink House also hosts the ghost of a descendant of James Habersham, seen in solid form ordering a drink from the bar. This apparition reportedly walks down to the cemetery, disappearing into the Button family monument, where his body was laid to rest.

On the second floor, a female entity is said to haunt, her cries audible to patrons and employees alike. Additionally, the spectral presence of a former house servant lingers, along with the playful apparitions of slave children in the basement. These mischievous spirits engage in pranks like throwing dice against walls, striking bartenders with wine bottles, and locking people in restrooms.

Despite these eerie occurrences, patrons and employees regard the Old Pink House with affection, considering the friendly spirits as integral elements that contribute to the charm of this historic establishment. Reports of paranormal phenomena persist, adding an intriguing layer to the rich history of the Pink House.

The Haunting of the Kehoe House

Kehoe House – Chatham County, Savannah, Georgia

Photograph ©Kehoe House.Com

Address:
123 Habersham Street
Savannah, Georgia 31401
(912) 232-1020
Website

The historic William Kehoe Inn has been renovated and restored to make it into the four story grandeur that it is today. This classic Victorian was turned into a bed and breakfast in 1992, and then renovated and remodeled further to make it into a four-star luxury inn that stands proudly on Habersham Street today.

The inn was named after Mr. William Kehoe, who migrated here from Ireland when he was ten years old. William came from a poor, but God-fearing family. However, when William grew up he flourished in the iron business and became quite wealthy.

William married a woman named Annie and together they had ten children. No one really knows for sure how many children Annie birthed; it is thought that a few may have died of birthing complications or disease. The only certain deaths among the Kehoe children was a set of twins who apparently were playing and had some sort of fatal accident in the chimney, killing both children.

Many who have visited this inn have reported hearing children’s voices and the sounds of children running and playing on the second and third floors. One guest in particular claimed that she was awakened in the middle of the night by someone gently stroking her hair and cheek. When she opened her eyes she was face to face with a child who quickly disappeared right before her eyes.

William spent a lot of time on the fourth floor where he had made himself a little retreat. This was his quiet spot to relax and enjoy some peace and solitude. William’s apparition has been said to use this same room in the evening hours and many have reported the lights being on there, when no living person was responsible.

One of the desk clerks also assumed it was William who rang the doorbell three times one night only to have the clerk open the door to an empty terrace. After the third time, the clerk sat back down and suddenly all of the doors on the first floor opened on their own!

Annie spent quite a bit of time with her children and at night she would routinely tuck all of the children into bed on the second and third floors. It is said that Annie still looks after those who are sleeping on these floors. Annie’s apparition has been seen sitting on the bed next to awakened guests and once she was reported to have kissed one of the former owners on the cheek. The strong scent of roses has been associated with Annie’s apparition and her presence has been reportedly felt by many on the second and third floors.

The Most Haunted House in Savannah

The most haunted house in Savannah, Georgia is the Hampton Lillibridge residence. It is the scene of several tragic deaths and the source of true scary stories about real ghosts. Exorcism has failed to cleanse the house.

The Hampton Lillibridge House
Too Creepy For Occupancy

The most haunted house in Savannah, according to old-timers, is the Hampton Lillibridge House at 507 East Saint Julian Street on Washington Square. The home was originally built by Rhode Islander, Hampton Lillibridge in 1796.

When Hampton Lillibridge died, his widow remarried and disposed of the property. The home passed from owner to owner, and eventually became a boarding house. A sailor hung himself in one of the third story guest rooms during that period.

A Fateful Move

No one would live in the house for a number of years after that until it was finally purchased by intrepid antique dealer Jim Williams in 1963. The house was rapidly deteriorating. Williams also purchased the house next door, with the intent to restore both. However, a laborer was crushed to death during the move of the second house, another victim of the curse attached to the structure.

Workers involved in the 1963 relocation, conceivably stumbled on the source of the paranormal activity associated with Savannah's most haunted house. To their horror, workmen uncovered an ancient crypt as they were preparing the foundation to move.
Judging from the crypt's tabby construction, it dated back to early colonial times. Workers reported that the crypt was empty and so they had simply sealed it up and reburied it. Williams now suspects this to be the source of the haunting and regrets not having investigated more thoroughly at the time.

The Others

There is an abundance of macabre events associated with the Hampton Lillibridge house. Tools and equipment of men working on the restoration mysteriously disappeared or were relocated. Mocking laughter and footsteps were reported on several occasions.
Jim Williams himself reported numerous abnormalities during his tenure in the house. For example, he once followed a shadowy figure to the end of an upper story hall where it mysteriously disappeared through a door. Williams tried to open the door himself, but it was locked tight.

On December 7, 1963 the distraught Williams at last conducted an exorcism of the haunted house under the auspices of an Episcopal bishop. Unfortunately, the cleansing was ineffective as the paranormal activity resumed within a week.
There are no willing buyers because of the many true scary stories associated with the most haunted house in Savannah. Neighbors report shadowy figures in the windows and eerie music and laughter as if some paranormal party is underway at one of Savannah's most haunted places.

by Dennis Woods

About the Author
Who needs Hawaii, when we've got Hilton Head? For more information about the No. 1 vacation destination in the continental United States visit http://www.best-hilton-head-vacations.com Author Dennis Woods invites you to use the handy vacation planner worksheet at http://www.best-hilton-head-vacations.com/trip-planner.html for discounts on meals, accommodations, and much more.