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Halloween at the Haunted Whaley House
September/October 2018
By Dean Glass
 Lillian Whaley on the front porch of the haunted Whaley House, c. 1950. SOHO Collection |
By 1922, the haunted reputation of Old Town's Whaley House was so well known that its then-owner Lillian Whaley became disturbed by the many remarks made to her about it by both friends and strangers. "It has bothered me very much," she wrote in her journal on May 28 of that same year. "Before this, I have not thought much about it, but now that it has broken through at the old place it assumes proportions! It may stop the rent of the place. I have always encouraged the talk—the idea, rather—of the old place being haunted as it has helped to preserve it—kept the children away, also superstitious grown-ups." Finally accepting that her house was indeed haunted, Lillian added, "So it seems to be a real 'hant'."
Now, ninety-six years later, the Whaley House's ghostly notoriety has the opposite effect, bringing visitors from all over the globe hoping to spot a spirit in the stately old mansion.
Operated by SOHO since 2000, the Whaley House celebrates its ghosts in late-October with extended hours from the 24th through the 31st, providing oil lamp tours for the amateur ghost hunter, the professional parapsychologist, and the skeptic looking for proof of the supernatural.
No matter which category you fall into, there is also plenty to see for the history buff in all of us. Home to a pioneer family and a hub of social activity in early San Diego, it also housed the city's first professional theater, second county courthouse, and the Whaley & Crosthwaite General Store, making the Whaley House one of the most important historic sites in San Diego County.
Whether you come for the history or the mystery, the Whaley House is a must-experience. This Halloween, commune with the paranormal while seeing San Diego history "at home." You never know what you might encounter.
October and Halloween calendar of events HERE.
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