A legend from as far back as the 1960s tells of the historic Old Canal Inn’s “Death Seat.” So the story goes, there were two men about 70 years of age who preferred this particular red-cushioned seat, because it had better lighting. The men would fight over who got the seat–but as bad luck would have it, both men had sudden heart attacks within 10 days of sitting here. Today the seat is roped off and has a burger platter named after it. No kidding. According to reports, the Death Seat Burger Platter is only served on Mondays. Its beer-battered and deep fried burger is topped with roasted garlic and jalapeno-nacho cheddar mashed potatoes and served with french fries, cole slaw and macaroni salad.
Old Canal Inn
Hunt Homestead
Hunt Homestead, circa 1758, is famous for being the wintering spot for 60 Revolutionary War cavalry horses. It’s also rumored to be home to a ghost. The woman’s apparition, wearing a dark hood, passes by the kitchen window toward the back door, then vanishes. The ghost has traveled this route hundreds of times since the building’s 1976 renovation; her identity is unknown.
The Spy House - Seabrook-Wilson House
Seabrook-Wilson House, also known as the Spy House, is said to be the first house on the Jersey shoreline. It was constructed by Thomas Whitlock in the 1600s and is rumored to be haunted. It operated as a tavern during the Revolutionary war, and reports say that British troops would visit here and talk strategy, which the tavern owner would relay to the Colonial troops. Now, at least 5 ghosts are said to linger here. One is a lady in white, who walks room to room. Another is a bearded sea captain, and a third is a young boy who looks out the windows. Legend has it that long ago the notorious Captain Morgan hid treasure and performed torture in the basement; his apparition has been reported here as well.
Raritan Public Library
The historic Raritan Public Library is said to be haunted by a former librarian. Lights have been known to turn on and off by themselves, and books move on their own. Even more spooky, locals have seen the apparition of an elderly woman in the window and also in the adjacent garden.
Ringwood Manor
Ringwood Manor began in 1740, built by the Ogden family, although it was expanded over the years. Witnesses say it is haunted, and report footsteps, locked doors that open on their own, chills, cold spots, and apparitions of former residents.
Philadelphia Watch Case Company Building
The 1908 Philadelphia Watch Case Company Building has an 8-story clock tower and a great many sculptured friezes–but that’s not all. The place is rumored to be haunted by apparitions and spirit orbs.
Wallace House and Old Dutch Parsonage
The Old Dutch Parsonage was built in 1751 and was moved around 1913 to its present location, next door to the 1775 Wallace House. The Parsonage is said to be extremely haunted, with screams, banging, and objects being moved around at night. The Wallace House also is said to have a ghost, albeit a friendly one, known to tug clothing or tap the shoulders of guests and guides during tours. George Washington and his officers allegedly stayed here during the Revolutionary War.
Hageman Farm
Hageman Farm is a historic house first settled by Catherine and Adrian Hegeman from the Netherlands in 1650 or 1651. It was occupied by relatives until 1972, then stood empty for 5 years until it was purchased and restored by the Meadows Foundation. Reports say an apparition of an elderly man has been seen walking through the house or peering through the dining room windows, possibly wearing a Civil War uniform.
Blauvelt Cemetery - Old Burying Ground
Blauvelt Cemetery, or the Old Burying Ground, has been in use since 1722 and is rumored to be full of ghostly presences. Visitors have found strange shadows, orbs or mists in the photos they’ve taken here, and reports say there is also the unexplained sound of a clock ticking on the premises.
Allaire Village
The 1800s living history museum Allaire Village is said to be haunted by Hal Allaire, son of James Peter Allaire. The ghost hangs out in the Big House, playing pranks on the costumed employees by moving objects or playing with candles. Oscar Smith is another spirit said to reside at the village, specifically around the Manager’s House. Reports say this ghost likes to spell out names using the children’s toy blocks.
