On May 6, 1856, Thomas Whaley began construction of his new home and proclaimed “My new house, when completed, will be the handsomest, most comfortable and convenient place in town or within 150 miles of here.” The two-story Greek Revival house was designed by Thomas Whaley and made from bricks created in Whaley’s very own brickyard on Conde Street. The house was the first of its kind and cost more than $10,000 when completed. Furnished with mahogany and rosewood furniture, Brussels carpets, and damask drapes, the Whaley House was overwhelmingly praised as “the first of its kind and finest home in Southern California.”
From 1869 through 1871, the Whaley House became the gathering place for the entire San Diego community. Besides being the Whaley family home, it was also San Diego’s first commercial theater, the county courthouse, and a general store. The home became such an integral part of the community that it was later the focal point in a battle between Old Town residents and New Town residents. The San Diego County government had been renting a portion of Whaley House for its offices and records. Whaley offered several times to sell the house to the county, but the offer was ignored. New Towners demanded that the county offices and records be moved to New Town. Despite threats of armed resistance from the Old Towners, the records were moved on March 31, 1871, effectively shifting the focus of the city to New Town.
Although the Whaley House was a communal treasure, it served primarily as the residential home for Thomas Whaley and his family. Unfortunately, tragedy continued to strike the Whaley family while they lived in the home leading to an increase in reported paranormal activity. In fact, the Whaley family told the San Diego Union shortly after moving in that they heard heavy footsteps in the house, which they believed to be the ghost of James “Yankee Jim” Robinson, who had earlier been hanged on the property for stealing a boat. Another tragic event, the violent suicide of Violet, one of the Whaley daughters, moved Thomas to build a new home in downtown San Diego and relocate his family.
In 1890, Thomas Whaley passed away in their new home on State Street, never to return to the original Whaley estate. Abandoned for close to 20 years, the Whaley House was neglected and in poor condition until Francis Whaley, their eldest son, decided to go back in 1909. After moving in, Francis set about restoring the property and entertaining tourists by playing his guitar and telling stories about the house’s background. In the years that followed, most members of the Whaley family returned to live and eventually die in their original family home, including Francis who passed away one year after his mother Anna, in 1913.
FAQs
The Whaley house was home to a theatre troupe, a courthouse, and a general store. It is believed that boat thief Yankee Jim Robinson was hanged right on the grounds where the Whaley House now stands.
How much does it cost to get into the Whaley House? ›
What is the summary of the haunted houses? ›
Longfellow's poem “Haunted Houses” delves into the nature of memory and the passage of time. The poem paints a vivid picture of a deserted house, once vibrant and full of life, now abandoned and haunted by the memories of its past inhabitants.
What would I find in a haunted house name? ›
Many haunted houses are believed to contain ghosts. They can also contain the spirits of dead people. The rumour that a house is haunted often starts after something violent or tragic happens in the house, such as a murder or suicide.
What is the haunted house in San Diego that tortures you? ›
McKamey Manor is an American haunted house attraction in which survival horror-style events are enacted. It is considered a pioneer of "extreme" haunted attractions. Founded in San Diego by Russ McKamey, it was originally located on his property until it was moved to Tennessee in 2017.
Where was the real world house in San Diego? ›
The residence
The cast's residence was a custom-designed, two-story house at 4922 North Harbor Drive in San Diego. The house, formerly a Blue Crab Seafood restaurant and a marine supply company, sits on the edge of the southeast end of Driscoll's Wharf, overlooking America's Cup Harbor in Point Loma.
Where was the haunting of Whaley House filmed? ›
Although the film was shot on location at the historic Bembridge House in Long Beach, California, the history and ghostly legends of the Whaley House were used as a basis for the movie.
Can kids go to the Whaley House? ›
**The Whaley House Evening Guided Tour is rated PG-13. Due to some sensitive topics, the Evening Guided Tour is not recommended for children 12 years of age or younger.
How long is the Whaley House? ›
Approximately 30 to 40-minute guided tour through the historic Whaley House and the surrounding grounds.
What does from graves forgotten stretch their dusty hands mean? ›
"We have no title deeds to house or lands; Owners and occupants of earlier dates. From graves forgotten stretch their dusty hands, And hold in mortmain still their old estates." Explanation: The poet suggests that the spirits of previous owners still lay claim to their old properties, reaching from forgotten graves.
In conclusion, the setting of "Haunted Houses" significantly contributes to the poem's exploration of the passage of time. Longfellow uses the imagery of a deserted house, filled with the echoes of its past occupants, to illustrate how memories persist and influence the present.
What is the Netflix show about the haunted house? ›
Flashing between past and present, a fractured family confronts haunting memories of their old home and the terrifying events that drove them from it. Watch all you want.
What is the scariest haunted house in the world? ›
McKamey Manor, run by Russ McKamey in San Diego, California, has been described in reports as a 'psychological nightmare'.
- 1 of 5. Live animals are used. ...
- 2 of 5. People scream to get out. ...
- 3 of 5. Many can't handle the experience. ...
- 4 of 5. Snakes are one of the attractions. ...
- 5 of 5. One person even suffered a heart attack.
There is inherit risk in attending Creepy Hollow Haunted House. Actors ARE allowed to intentionally touch you. Actors do jump out to startle and scare you. Attendees voluntarily assume all risks associated with attending Creepy Hollow Haunted House.
What are the ghosts in Haunted Mansion called? ›
The singling busts in the graveyard are (from left to right) Rollo Rumkin (Verne Rowe), Uncle Theodore (Thurl Ravenscroft), Cousin Algernon (Chuck Schroeder), Ned Nub (Jay Meyer) and Phineas P. Pock (Bob Ebright). The hitchhiking ghosts are known as Ezra Beane, Professor Phineas Plump and Gus.
What is the history of Kensington San Diego? ›
History. Kensington was founded in 1910 when a map was filed on April 9, 1910. The map contains the name of two sisters who owned the land which became the Kensington Park subdivision. Abby (Hall) Hitchco*ck and Mary (Hall) Gleason inherited the ex-Rancho Mission land from the estate of their deceased brother and mother ...
Where is Thomas Whaley buried? ›
Whaley died in Old Town San Diego 1890. His wife Anna died February 24, 1913. They are buried at Mount Hope Cemetery.
What is the movie The Haunting of Whaley House about? ›
Where is Bill Gates San Diego house? ›
Where is Bill Gates' house in Del Mar? Bill Gates' Del Mar house is at 2808 Ocean Front. Th house was built by architect and designer Ken Ronchetti back in 1999, and has a generouse 120 feet of ocean frontage.
