The Houghton Mansion in Haunted Massachusetts

The Houghton Mansion: A Haunting Legacy in North Adams, Massachusetts

Located in North Adams, the smallest city in Massachusetts, the Houghton Mansion stands as a testament to the grandeur and opulence of the past. Designed in the Neoclassical Revival style with Greek and Italian influences, this intricate structure was built in 1897 by Albert Charles Houghton, the President of Arnold Print Works and the first Mayor of North Adams. The mansion served as a display of wealth and status, reflecting the accomplishments of Houghton’s successful career. Over the years, the Houghton Mansion has witnessed a series of tragic events and eerie occurrences, leading many to believe that it is haunted by the spirits of its former occupants.

The History of the Houghton Mansion

The Houghton Mansion was initially inhabited by Albert C. Houghton, his wife Cordelia, and their youngest daughter, Mary. Tragedy struck the family in 1914 when Mary Houghton, along with Sybill Hutton, the family’s housekeeper, and Albert C. Houghton, were killed in a car crash. The family’s chauffeur, John Widders, who was driving that fateful night, blamed himself for the accident. Despite being exonerated by the State of Vermont, Widders took his own life in the cellar of the Houghton Barn.

Following these tragic events, Albert’s daughter Florence Houghton and her husband, William A. Gallup, moved into the mansion to care for Mrs. Houghton. However, Mrs. Houghton passed away in 1916, and Florence and her husband remained in the mansion until 1926. It was then sold to an order of Masons, who transformed the garden area into a lodge and added a Masonic temple for their rituals.

While some modifications have been made to the mansion over the years, such as the replacement of the original Spanish tiles for financial reasons, its overall appearance has remained largely unchanged since the late 1800s. Today, the Houghton Mansion stands empty and serves primarily as a destination for paranormal tours and investigations, drawing the attention of those intrigued by its haunted reputation.

Is the Houghton Mansion Haunted?

The Houghton Mansion has gained a reputation as a site of intense paranormal activity. Many believe that the spirits of the Houghton family and their chauffeur, John Widders, still linger within its walls. Masons who have stayed in the lodge have reported experiencing unexplained phenomena, such as hearing mysterious noises and witnessing doors slamming shut when no one else was present. Visitors have also reported the distinct sound of heavy footfalls that cannot be traced to any physical source.

One of the most compelling accounts involves hearing voices believed to belong to Mary and Albert Houghton, as well as John Widders. Witnesses have claimed to hear their spectral voices whispering in the corridors and rooms of the mansion. Additionally, sightings of a little girl in the basement have been reported, with some speculating that her presence predates the construction of the mansion itself. The Houghton family themselves had described an eerie feeling in the basement, which is also the location where John Widders tragically took his own life.

Numerous visitors to the mansion have reported unsettling experiences, including unexplained touches, the sound of bangs and rustling, and flickering lights. It is believed that the paranormal happenings at the Houghton Mansion may have been intensified by the modifications made by the Masons, religious rituals performed on the premises, and modern refurbishing projects.

The Houghton Mansion in North Adams, Massachusetts, is a fascinating historical site shrouded in a haunting legacy. Its Neoclassical Revival architecture and association with the Houghton family’s tragic events have given rise to numerous reports of paranormal activity. From voices and footsteps to unexplained touches and flickering lights, visitors to the mansion have encountered phenomena that defy rational explanation. Whether the spirits of the Houghton family and John Widders truly reside within the mansion or if there are other forces at play, the Houghton Mansion remains an enduring enigma in New England’s history, captivating those with a fascination for the supernatural.

Address: 172 Church St, North Adams, MA 01247
Sources:
1. Houghton Mansion Official Website – https://houghtonmansion.com/
2. The Berkshire Edge – https://theberkshireedge.com/
3. New England Historical Society – https://newenglandhistoricalsociety.com/

TL;DR Highlights

• The Houghton Mansion, located in North Adams, Massachusetts, was built in 1897 by Albert Charles Houghton, a prominent figure in the community who served as the President of Arnold Print Works and the first Mayor of North Adams.
• Tragic events unfolded in the Houghton family’s history when Mary Houghton, along with Sybill Hutton and Albert C. Houghton, were killed in a car crash in 1914. The family’s chauffeur, John Widders, blamed himself for the accident and later took his own life in the cellar of the Houghton Barn.
• After the deaths of the Houghton family members, the mansion was occupied by Albert’s daughter Florence Houghton and her husband until 1926. Subsequently, it was sold to an order of Masons who transformed the garden area into a lodge and added a Masonic temple.
• The Houghton Mansion has gained a reputation for being haunted, with many believing that the spirits of the Houghton family and John Widders still linger within its walls. Reports of unexplained phenomena include hearing mysterious noises, witnessing doors slamming shut, and the distinct sound of heavy footfalls.
• Witnesses have claimed to hear voices believed to belong to Mary and Albert Houghton, as well as John Widders, whispering in the corridors and rooms of the mansion. Sightings of a little girl in the basement, along with reports of unexplained touches, bangs, rustling sounds, and flickering lights, further contribute to the haunted reputation of the Houghton Mansion.