A Party Of Departed Spirits: Ask each guest to come as the ghost of some famous deceased character. Each must bring a pumpkin lantern as their ticket of admission. When all guests are assembled, announce that the first game will be guessing the ghosts. Number each person, then furnish pen and paper for the contest. Award a prize to the one who guesses the most correctly.

Ducking For Apples: Place a dime in one apple, a ring in another and a button in the third. These denote fortune, marriage and single blessedness. Mix these apples in a large tub with as many others as will fit. Players try without the use of hands to secure an apple in their mouth. Everyone must then pare their apples, trying not to break the paring strip. The apple paring is thrown over the left shoulder and is then said to form the first initial of the parer's life mate.

Sailing Walnut Boats: Boats are made from the empty walnut shells. In each is fastened a short piece of brightly-colored candle, along with the name of someone at the party. Light the candle and set it afloat with others in a tub. The boat bearing the candle first extinguished on its own will denote a bachelor or an old maid.

Candle Blowing: Blindfold players and let them blow out a candle, the number of puffs required to extinguish the flame governing the number of years before the player's marriage.

The Luggies Or The Three Bowls: Place three dishes on the floor. One containing clean water, one containing milky water and one to be kept empty. Blindfold and the spin each player, asking the player to place his or her fingers in one dish. If clean water is touched, then there will be marriage to a gentleman or a maid. If milky water is touched, that signifies widowhood or separation. If the empty bowl is touched, then there will be no marriage at all.

The Looking-Glass: If a maid walks backwards down a stairway by candlelight, while gazing into a looking-glass, she may see the face of her future mate.

Pumpkin Fortress: "Twirl a Pumpkin, then strike true, For the name depends on you." Paste gummed letters on a pumpkin. Hand it by a string and twist it a few times before letting go. When it starts to spin, players stick it with a hat pin. Whatever letter they strike will be the initial of the player's intended.

Secret Messages: Stuff large, halved walnuts with fortunes written in lemon juice, which will become visible when held over a candle.

A Gift Of Charms And Talismans: Each guest picks a small sack tied with orange and black ribbon. Inside each bag is a strip of paper bearing an individual charm for each guest. They are told that the bags are blessed by Titania, Queen of the Fairies, and her blessing would serve to keep away the witches for a period of one year.

Mystery Cake: "Cut the Flour Cake of fate, It your fortune will dictate." Pack dry flour tightly in a deep cake tin and insert small fortune-telling charms attached to strips of paper. When ready to play, turn the cake out onto a board. Each player must cut a slice and remove what he or she finds with his or her teeth.

The first image is of the post that once supported a grand entrance gate. It is just crumbling away into dust.

http://www.newenglandcuriosities.com/images/gatepost.jpg

This is image of the doorway to the castle. You can almost imagine a spectral figure looking out, keeping watch.

http://www.newenglandcuriosities.com/images/kimballdoor.jpg

This is the entire castle - in a sad condition. The sunlight is the only warmth it currently knows.

http://www.newenglandcuriosities.com/images/kimballhor.jpg

The view from the Castle of Lake Winnepausaukee. A million dollar view of one of New Hampshire's summertime playgrounds.

http://www.newenglandcuriosities.com/images/viewlake.jpg

Comments always welcome and encouraged.

She is also known as the Captain's Lady and the Watcher of the Isles of Shoals. She has been sighted on White Island (where the lighthouse stands) and also on Smuttynose Island. A lot has been written about her over the years. Of course there are many tales of pirates out on these 9 islands, so named for a shoal or school of fish (fishing was very abundant in the area). If you can just imagine Pirates out amongst the Isles waiting for some unwary ship. Now, some people tell the tale that she was a companion of the infamous pirate Blackbeard, or a companion to one of those who sailed with him. Whomever she is said to accompany she was left behind on the Isles. It is said she was told to guard a great treasure buried somewhere out amongst the rocks. She was told to watch over the treasure even if it "was until doomsday" awaiting her lover's return. As the story goes he sailed off looking for another adventure. In his travels he encountered a warship and refused to surrender, so he blew up his own ship's magazine with all hands on board. *Which does relate to the story of Edward Teach (Blackbeard). So, she was left to be the lady in waiting on the Island. She is often described as a woman in a long white gown, wearing a long sea coat, who stands on an outcropping of rock staring out to sea. Many people have claimed that they have heard her say "He Will Return."

There have been numerous sightings of her out on the Isles throughout the years. In fact in 1978 a young Coast Guardsmen was out on White Island securing the boats and the dock and claims to have seen the Lady. If you remember how quickly the storm blew in and with such ferocity, I'm sure that you could understand his fright in not knowing if he and the rest of the Guard would survive. He says as he turned around from the boat, standing before him was the woman in white. He told her about his fear of survival and asked about his own fate. In a reassuring way she told him that everything would be all right and for him not to worry. He returned to the shelter on the island and didn't see her again. He says he felt a sense of calm wash over him, much like the waves that glide over the rocks, and he wasn't so frightened after speaking to her. When the storm finally passed after unleashing quite a fury, he and the rest of the men on the White Island were safe and unharmed.

It sometimes makes me wonder, if on some foggy night while I am standing on the coast looking out to see the flash of White Island lighthouse, if she's out there guarding treasure and reassuring those who need it. Is she doomed to be forever lonely as she stands at her post, waiting for someone who will never return. A ghostly sad, but romantic tale, but don't all stories of romance have a shadow of sadness to stir your emotion - and don't many ghosts linger in places they hold dear?

Feedback is always welcomed here at Shadows and Spirits.

A quick history lesson - Fort Foster was once associated with Fort Constitution (which we covered in our last article.) in New Castle. The current construction on the Fort commenced in 1899 and a fair amount of the buildings were completed by 1902. The Fort was closed in 1948, all of the weapons were dismantled and scrapped. It then became a recreational site for the Naval Shipyard through the 1950's, it was then later transferred to the town of Kittery. There are great places to explore inside the along the Fort walls. All buildings are closed to the public, except the Mine Observation Tower, which is used as the public restrooms, the upper part is closed off. There is a great pier that you can walk out onto and you will get a great view of Whaleback Lighthouse and the old Lifesaving station. As you look out from here you will see large concrete blocks that go out to the island where the lifesaving station is. Contrary to popular belief, that was not a bridge out to the island. That is where submarine nets were placed to capture German U-Boats - during World War II. There is a great view of New Castle, and the boat traffic that goes by is always interesting. It's also a wonderful spot for a summer picnic, with a nearby playground.

The Fort is rumored to be haunted by the "Lady In Red". She is said to wander the Fort in the evenings around dusk, and it quite often seen from the water and from New Castle. She is said to always be alone and wrapped in a long red coat. The Lady wanders the shore, nearly gliding across the land, like her feet don't touch the ground. While I have not been able to find out more about who she is, or what her name is, there have been sightings of her for over the past 25 years. Perhaps she just enjoys watching the beautiful sunsets from this spot, or maybe she is just waiting for a lost love to return.

It was on the eve of the Revolution that the fort played its most dramatic role in history. On December 13, 1774, Paul Revere rode from Boston with a message that the fort at Rhode Island had been dismantled and troops were coming to take over Fort William and Mary. The following day the drums beat to collect the Sons of Liberty, and 400 men from Portsmouth, Rye and New Castle raided the fort and removed 98 barrels (approximately five tons) of gunpowder.

The next night, a small party led by John Sullivan removed 16 pieces of small cannon and military stores. This raid took place before the Paul Revere's famous ride, and played an important role in the chain of events leading to the Revolution.

By the summer of 1775, Governor Wentworth, with Lady Frances and their infant son, took refuge in the fort and lived there two months in hopes that a conflict could be avoided. On August 24, 1775, the Governor and his family sailed to Boston leaving the Fort. The name of the Fort was changed to Fort Constitution after the Revolutionary War.

On the 4th day of July 1809, an accident caused an explosion at the Fort. In preparation for a 4th of July salute there were two ammunition chests, containing about 350 pounds of powder, and one containing balls, and in another area there were also seventeen cartridges of two pounds each. The company at the time was having dinner when the explosion happened.

Quoted from Brewster's Rambles About Portsmouth "They ran out to witness the distressing scene of men dead and alive, their clothes burning, and the ground covered with fragments of timber and boards, scattered balls and pieces of iron on every side. The sides and wainscot of the house were beaten in; balls were sent through the windows, and five 24-pound balls were carried beyond the house. One poor fellow was carried over the roof of the house; the limb of another was driven through a thick door over the dining room, leaving a hole in the door the shape of the foot; other bodies were carried nearly a hundred yards from the fatal spot. Of the killed were three soldiers, one citizen and three boys. Six soldiers and several citizens were wounded. The scene was heart-rending."

Now let's fast forward to the present. Last fall and this past summer I was lucky enough to walk with some well-known psychic investigators on the grounds of the Fort while doing an investigation at the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse. In both instances they immediately sensed sadness while walking around the fort. They each believed that the number 4 was present in relation to the feelings they were having. In one instance, an investigator described the scene as chaotic with men running around in distress. The psychics went on further to say that they sensed young spirits in the fort associated with a "4" number. They believed these spirits were wandering about the grounds of the fort, but moved away when approached. Another interesting note that was made was the different places in time that seemed to be captured in the many corners of the fort. On the upper areas near the gun stations of the fort they noted spirits laughing and joking with one another, almost in some form of celebration. You could feel the spirit vibrations on the ground as you moved along near the fort walls. The people I walked the grounds with had no prior information about where they were going and what they would see.

So, is the fort inhabited by the spirits of the past? Well, the thought of a location that is nearly 400 years old with a strong presence and amount of people really makes someone wonder. The fort itself is captivating, and you can seemingly get lost in time wandering around the grounds. Plus this is a great place to let you imagination wander along with you. As you walk around, you are in the shadow of the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse, and from a vantage point along the top of the fort you can see just beyond to Whaleback Lighthouse. There are wonderful views of Kittery across the water. The boat traffic that goes by can be quite intriguing as well. With local tugboats, sailboats, ships, barges and the Thomas Leighton all traveling by throughout the day. I have even witnessed an occasional harbor seal warming themselves out on the rocks near the lighthouse.

I will caution you to watch where you step, as there are a few deep holes that you might miss as you walk along. Fort Constitution State Historic Site is located at the Coast Guard Station, just off of Route 1B in New Castle. It is an active Coast Guard Base, so be sure to park in designated parking lot for visitors. An once a month you can visit the lighthouse and get great views of the fort from the lantern room. Visit www.portsmouthharborlighthouse.org for dates and times.

I really suggest exploring Fort Constitution, for I really do believe it holds many stories and spirits that are waiting to be discovered.

The stones contained in the cemetery are mostly in very good condition and definitely promote close inspection. For example you will find the very unusually shaped stone of Elizabeth N. Babb. You'll marvel how long this intricately shaped piece of granite has lasted decade after decade. The nearby very ornate tombstone for a child has an artful sadness. The stone reads - In memory of Maria Coues who died very suddenly Sept 13th 1797 aged nine years. The stone for Mrs. Lucy Salter has a wonderful carving of a setting sun (very symbolic of the times meaning the soul rising to heaven). There is a gorgeous cherub for the grave of Elizabeth Ham (symbolizing man's immortal side, suggesting life rather than death, and the joy of resurrection.) The angel's chubby faced cheeks seem to have been carved just yesterday, but are about 200 years old. The 1773 tombstone for Mary Manning has a very unusual carving, one of a full sized skeleton leaning on a scythe, which is very rare for a New England graveyard. There are some winged skulls and an amazing assortment of Grecian urns on many stones, also.

Some epitaphs are easily read, while some others have sunken into the ground with the stone. Many are poignant, ethereal and loving.

My flesh shall slumber in this ground
Till the last trumpets joyful sound
Then burst the chains with sweet surprise
And in my Saviours arms shall rise

Friends & Physicians could not save
My mortal body from the Grave
Nor shall the grave confine me here
When Christ commands me to appear.

Towards the back of the graveyard underneath a towering and impressive willow tree is a striking tomb for the Wendell family. The grass grows across the top of it in a thick, lush carpet where squirrels chase each other over it, in this peaceful environment. As for now, the silent tomb doesn't offer a lot of information about it's inhabitants, but comments on John Wendell can be found on a dusty page in an old book where he was described as "a wealthy supporter of the Revolutionary cause who regularly communicated with notables such as General George Washington, Major John Sullivan and Captain John Paul Jones". The large impressive iron door which is now assisted by the overgrown earth, keeps the tomb closed tight. http://www.newenglandcuriosities.com/images/pletomb.JPG A very short walk past the tomb the trees open up to a small rocky area next to the South Mill Pond, where the sunlight dances joyfully on the water.

In what I guess you could call the center of the cemetery is another tomb, very close to the parking lot for the Mark Wentworth home. What I found most interesting about this tomb, besides the fact that I couldn't identify any markings on it, was the tree growing over it. The large tree had really stretched it's roots into the top of the tomb, so much so that the bricks from the roof of the tomb were actually becoming part of the tree. As time has been marching on, you could see whole bricks completely engulfed and embedded in the roots of the tree. To see the roof of the tomb you had to look between the twining legs of this massive tree. I couldn't help but wonder, as I examined the roots, about the saying that we all become of the earth when we die, it seemed to be illustrating itself right in front of me. Whereas people continually pass this spot walking or parking in the area and heading off to their destination, this just seemed to catch my attention and appreciation of our own mortality.

The graveyard is maintained by the Mayor's Blue Ribbon committee of whom I mentioned in a previous entry. It is small but has a peacefulness that radiates even on a snowy day when it's covered in a cold, white blanket. It should take about a half an hour to explore and is worth a stop. As always please be respectful of the grounds and stones contained therein.

Jones' property was very extensive with approximately 2000 acres including his mansion, numerous barns, stables and lavish gardens. Giant ponds with elaborate fountains were also on the property. His property extended beyond the location of the Spaulding Turnpike. He also allowed the public to visit the grounds of his property. But the centerpiece of the estate was his gorgeous home. Today the home is surrounded by neighborhoods and businesses and the remnants of one of his ponds is now used for ice-skating in the winter. The home itself has been divided up into apartments currently. I can't help but slow down every time I drive by and think about how amazing this place once was. The inspiration for the Wentworth is clearly visible in the lines and style of the architecture. Yet, there is no marker on the home and most people who pass by it may not really know it's place in local history. You can't miss the house on Maplewood Avenue, it's on the left before you approach the set of lights for Woodbury Avenue. It's the historic home waiting to be noticed...

Their mission statement really sums up their goals and hopes for the future of Portsmouth historic burying grounds.

"Whereas burial grounds, from time immemorial, remain the most tangible links humanity maintains with its past, the committee's goal is to make the city's four historic ancient grounds more recognizable and available as historic and educational urban parks affording visitors quiet retreats for reflection and meditation within the city limits.
To achieve this goal of bringing to the public's attention, said burial grounds, North, Union (on The National Register of Historic Places), Pleasant Street, and Point of Graves, should be sites at which resident and visitor alike may experience personally guided tours, lectures, educational programs and eventually, audio, self-guided tours.

School groups and others will be encouraged to come to these sites to learn more about Portsmouth's history. All should be made aware that cemeteries provide an insight into the Revolutionary War heroes who contributed to the founding of this country such as John Langdon and William Whipple, who, according to historian David McCullough, are America's secondary Founding Fathers. Additionally, burial grounds provide insight into lost histories, giving us traces of people whose lives would be forgotten without these grounds. The burial grounds are also a wonderful display of an early American art form, tombstone carvings. A vital project should be the restoration, resetting and cleaning of many of markers and the eventual publishing of a volume depicting all the gravesites."

Currently the North Cemetery is undergoing extensive restorations to it's stones and grounds. Time and acid rain has made their job quite an undertaking (no pun intended). But the results are really something to be admired, the resetting and repair of the stones are part of the long road that this graveyard has. The vision of the Mayor's Blue Ribbon Committee is to turn the North Cemetery into a place that is home to reproduction gardens and paths that welcome exploration. They would also like to make the graveyards handicapped accessible.

For example the condition of the Point of Graves Cemetary in An Old Town By The Sea by Thomas Bailey Aldrich in 1883, describes what one might see should they stop by for a visit. By reading the passage you can easily understand that it wasn't as beautifully maintained as it is today.

"Turning down a lane on your left, a few rods beyond Liberty Bridge, you reach a spot known as the Point of Graves, chiefly interesting as showing what a graveyard may come to if it last long enough. In 1671 one Captain John Pickering, of whom we shall have more to say, ceded to the town a piece of ground on this neck for burial purposes. It is an odd-shaped lot, comprising about half an acre, inclosed by a crumbling red brick wall two or three feet high, with wood capping. The place is overgrown with thistles, rank grass, and fungi; the black slate headstones have mostly fallen over; those that still make a pretense of standing slant to every point of the compass, and look as if they were being blown this way and that by a mysterious gale which leaves everything else untouched; the mounds have sunk to the common level, and the old underground tombs have collapsed. Here and there the moss and weeds you can pick out some name that shines in the history of the early settlement; hundreds of the flower of the colony lie here, but the known and the unknown, gentle and simple, mingle their dust on a perfect equality now. The marble that once bore a haughty coat of arms is as smooth as the humblest slate stone guiltless of heraldry. The lion and the unicorn, wherever they appear on some cracked slab, are very much tamed by time. The once fat-faced cherubs, with wing at either cheek, are the merest skeletons now. Pride, pomp, grief, and remembrance are all at end. No reverent feet come here, no tears fall here; the old graveyard itself is dead! A more dismal, uncanny spot than this at twilight would be hard to find. It is noticed that when the boys pass it after nightfall, they always go by whistling with a gayety that is perfectly hollow."

In future entries to this blog I will go into more detail about notable people that are buried in Portsmouth's graveyards, their stories and information about the wonderful folk art on their stones. I thought that the best approach is to let you know what efforts are being made to help make this places accessable and enjoyable. I suggest that if you are interested in the committee that you look up http://www.portsmoutholdgraves.org and learn about their efforts. You can also find out how you might be able to help them reach their goals. They have a couple of more dates for their Brining the Dead to Life Series: Mon., Sept. 12, 2005, in the North Cemetery, on Maplewood Ave. Portsmouth, Valerie Cunningham, author "Black Portsmouth" will speak and on Sunday, Sept. 18, 2005 at the North Cemetery, Maplewood Ave. Portsmouth, there will be a Jewish Festival at Abraham Isaac gravesite each at 6:00 pm. There are many wonderful ghost stories and legends associated with Portsmouth's cemetaries and I will be periodically posting them in this blog in the future.

On November 30th, at 10:00 am, the Isidore sailed it's maiden voyage south with a load of cargo from Kennebunkport, Maine. However the nights before the men set sail two of the Isidore's crew had dreams - or should I say nightmares about the barque's voyage. In fact one sailor had visions of his own face in a coffin, along with many other faces from the crew. He had hoped by pleading with the Captain that their journey could be delayed. Another sailor was so terrified because of his dream he hid in the woods as the ship set sail. He knew by doing this he was in violation of his contract, as he had been paid in advance and could readily be imprisoned. The Isidore was headed to New Orleans and it's destination thereafter was France.

So, the next morning as a fierce storm moved in, the 396 ton barque sailed off. Within 12 hours of setting sail the Isidore was in grave peril. The barque was battered severely from a violent winter nor'easter, sending it off course and finally the winds and snow drove the ship aground just north of Cape Neddick in York. Strangely enough when the storm cleared 7 bodies were found washed ashore on the beach. The remainder of the crew was lost at sea.

It was nearly 40 years later in 1879 that the "Nubble" Cape Neddick lighthouse was established in the area to warn mariners of the dangers along the coast. Since then stories have arisen of this ghostly ship who is commandeered by a phantom crew. This ship is described as quite an interesting study from numerous reports. The ship glides silently across the water with tattered sails that would be unable to sustain any wind. The damage to the ship is very evident by looking at the stern of the ship and seeing the ocean waves clear through the other side. The crew is said to stare straight ahead almost into oblivion. When the ship is approached by passing vessels it seems to sail off almost into the mists. The ship has been seen from Rye beach and along the Seacoast. Some fishermen have claimed attempts to approach the ship and they cannot seem to get close enough before the ship makes it's escape.

If you visit Kennebunkport, Maine check out the Nonamtum Cemetery, there lies James Murphy, who was lost in the wreck of the Isidore. In the Village Cemetery there are stones for Captain Leander Foss, 15-year-old seaman George P. Lewis, and cabin boy George Davis, all of whom died in that same wreck.

The epitaph for George P. Lewis reads as follows:

D. November 30, 1842
Age 15 Years 8 Months
He with all the crew was lost in the barque Isidore near Bald Head, Wells 12 hours after leaving this Port.

Today's journey brings us to the First Congregational Church burial ground in Kittery Point located on Route 103, which was first established in 1714. This beautifully maintained graveyard along the river is certainly worth a trip and investigation. The grounds are well manicured and it is easy to walk around. Ornate gates invite you to step into the past. There is a beautiful overlook and view of New Castle from a bench surrounded by wonderful gardens. The only activity in the graveyard is that of buzzing bees and drifting butterflies on ocean breezes. I was surprised by the many large spiders spinning their webs in the trees and bushes - so watch your step underneath the overhanging trees at the edges of the grounds.

Now lets get back to the talking stones. There are some fascinating stones and people buried here. One of the most striking stones is that of William Whipple, who's son signed the Declaration of Independence and who was a famed Revolutionary War General. The stone is that of a large winged skull, also referred to as Death's head. Folklore tells us that the winged skull's meaning was that at the time the belief was Death was an physical entity that would come to claim you when you time was due. The winged skull had been used for many years preceding William Whipple's death in 1751. It was also a grim reminder in Colonial times that as you passed the local graveyard that you should live a good and honest life while you are alive. Some legends of the winged skull also claim that it is representative of the soul's ascension. The carving on the stone has weathered very well considering it's age of over 250 years old.

Nearby is one of the most ornate gravestones in the yard, and is that of Robert Cutt Whipple who is the brother of William. It has two wonderfully carved cherubs on it with a central crown. The scroll work along the sides of the stone is extremely fancy and in excellent condition. In many graveyards of this era you will also see many delightful angelic faces, which in most cases represented the resurrection of the soul.

As you make your way around the grounds you will come across an amazing carving of the Brig Hattie Eaton. Look closely at this stone you can actually see the carving of a person in despair on the brig. The stone tells us that the journey was from the West Indies to Boston, however were cast away on Gerrish Island (a pictoral of the island is also carved on the stone). The memorial is to the "8 white and negro and 1 stowaway". Near the stone are small markers for the 6 bodies never claimed. This very dark gray slate stone reflects a glimpse into the perilous seafaring history of the New England coast.

You can also find the grave for Levi Thaxter who was married to Celia Thaxter of the Isles of Shoals famed for her gardens and poetry. Levi had done many readings of the poet Robert Browning and you can actually read a poem that Browning penned for Levi which is on a bronze tablet near the crumbling grave of Levi at the edge of the graveyard.

There are many other discoveries to be found in the graveyard should you decide to visit it. The Lady Peperrell House is a Georgia Period home that stands on the corner adjacent to the burying grounds. This magnificent house was built in 1760 for he widow of Sir William Pepperell who was an American colonial merchant. He was a soldier who commanded the land forces which captured the French fortress of Louisburg and he rose to the highest military honors which his country could bestow upon him. In fact Pepperell, Massachusetts was named after Sir William. In addition, Fort McClary (just down the road) was once known as Pepperell’s Fort due to its proximity to the Pepperell home and funding from the family. This beautiful home with 4 bedrooms and property with adjacent carriage house is currently for sale for $1,495,000.

So next time you are out for a Sunday drive and you want to spend a half an hour time traveling - stop by this wonderful burying ground for a local history lesson in stones.

Please respect graveyards and their monuments within.

Let's start our journey with a mysterious forgotten German castle with an uncertain future and ghost stories to match. The story is that of Kimball Castle in Gilford. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, yet the castle has no electricity or running water. Sadly the windows are boarded up and the five bedrooms, two bathrooms and adjoining servants' quarters all need repair and extensive restoration.

In 1895 Benjamin Ames Kimball purchased 300 acres on Lockes Hill, set out on beautiful Belknap Point. Spectacular views from the castle encompassed 300 degrees of what was known as "The Broads" of Lake Winnipesaukee. It took two years (1897-1899) and $50,000 to complete the castle. Kimball was president of the Concord & Montreal Railroad during unstable times in the industry due to consolidations and mergers. According to the Lake Winnipesaukee Historical Society the castle's design copies a castle along the Rhine River in Germany that Kimball saw on vacation. Kimball spent winters in Concord, New Hampshire at the mansion that still stands in front of the Capital Theatre on Main Street. In the summer he moved to Gilford and had a railroad station built down the hill from his property so he could commute to and from work in his private rail car. Kimball died in 1919.

In 1960 when Charlotte Kimball, Benjamin's daughter-in-law and last heir, died her will stipulated that the property never be used for commercial purposes. I have heard that she stayed many years there alone there and didn't like living in the cold, dark and dreary castle. She left the estate and several hundred thousand dollars to a charitable foundation with the stipulation that they create a nature preserve on the site. Unfortunately, the preserve was never created and in 1981 the New Hampshire Attorney General's Office took control of the land and offered it to the Town of Gilford if they could save the Castle and create the preserve.

Various town committees studied the site for years but voters decided they did not want town money spent restoring the Castle. Finally, the Attorney General threatened to take the property back if the Town did not make some progress. In 1990 the Town convinced the Attorney General that the best way to carry out the goals of Charlotte Kimball's will was to remove the stipulation against commercial development on the land surrounding the Castle and subdivide it off. The Town then created the Locke's Hill Nature Preserve on the remaining 260 acres and laid out hiking and skiing trails on it. Today the castle is in pretty sad shape and was recently put up for sale. The current owner had hoped to create a landmark Hotel similar to the Mountain View Grand in Whitefield or the Balsams in Dixville Notch. The property needs extensive repair and it seems as though their majestic days have passed like the summer breezes do across lake Winnipesaukee.

As the breezes flow in and out of this drafty castle the stories of otherworldly inhabitants are whispered. I have heard that the grave of their prized thoroughbred horse (who is buried on the grounds) is haunted and that strange apparitions have been seen in that area, yet when approached they seem to disappear. People have stated that they have felt a presence in and around the house and believed that someone was watching them, and many cold spots have been discovered throughout the castle. I have also heard that a former caretaker reported that large heavy doors would open an close at will most unexpectedly. Also strange lights have been seen in the former sewing room of Mrs. Kimball. The kitchen is said to be a very active area for whatever presence that still inhabits the castle with sightings of a silent, mysterious woman wandering about. Perhaps if there are ghosts they are most unhappy about the many years of vandalism that took their toll during the 60's and 70's when the castle was stripped by vandals who have took every piece of rare tapestries, hand crafted furniture, and exquisite paintings from the castle. The gates were ripped off their supports and even a fireplace mantel from one of the bedrooms was taken. Also, the oak banisters on the balcony were stolen and all of the four dragon gargoyles on the castle's parapets were taken. Certainly enough to make any spirit, alive or dead upset. The once breathtaking terraced gardens are now overgrown with tall grasses and weeds and overshadowed by the growth over the years.

The castle grounds are basically off-limits to the public and visitors are not allowed without prior permission. You can visit Lockes Hill which was once part of the Kimball estate, and is now the Kimball Wildlife Forest, preserved for the study and enjoyment of wildlife habitat. A two-mile trail loops over the summit of Lockes Hill and provides gorgeous views of approximately 40 islands in Lake Winnipesaukee. You can find the trailhead on Route 11 in Gilford. If you would like to see photographs and learn more about Kimball Castle - visit http://www.kimballcastle.com Some of the historical information used for this entry can be found there along with more about Benjamin Ames Kimball.