Halloween is just around the corner, and nothing screams that particular holiday like a good ghost story. Believe it or not, Monmouth and Ocean County's long history means there are plenty of ghosts just waiting to be spotted in the many surrounding communities. Scorned maidens, distaster victims, revolutionary war soldiers and creepy children number among the many residents of the Jersey Shore most haunted locales.
Not all of these places are open to the public, but feel free to step away from the safety of your bayfront home to check out the ones that are...if you dare!
Stephen Crane House - 508 4th Avenue, Asbury Park
Stephen Crane was the author of the classic Red Badge of Courage, and his home is known to be among the most haunted along the Jersey Shore. According to the historic home's caretaker, visitors should be careful if they leave a bottle of scotch out in the open. Sealed bottles and even those left in their boxes have been known to become mysteriously emptied of their contents.
Lakehurst Hangar No. 1 - Route 547, Lakehurst
The tragedy of the Hindenburg crash is among the most significant aviation disasters in our country's history. Although it's not open to the public, it's been rumoured that Lakehurst's Hangar No. 1 along route 547 is still home to a number of that horrible disaster's victims. Reportedly, they still wander the hangar waiting for the next airship to arrive, oblivious to their current state.
Proprietary House - 149 Kearny Avenue, Perth Amboy
This home has a long history surrounding it, and its most notable residents. It was once the home of William Franklin, the last Royal Governor of New Jersey, as well as the illegitimate son of the one-and-only Benjamin Franklin. A number of ghosts have been spotted on the property, including that of a young boy and a revolutionary war soldier.
Seabrook-Wilson House - 119 Port Monmouth Road, Middletown
Arguably the most haunted place in the United States, the Seabrook-Wilson House also goes by the name of the Spy House. Ghosts have been known to scare children on their way by; the spirit of a small boy has regularly been spotted looking out from an upper-level window. In all, there has allegedly been sighting of an incredible 22 active ghosts in and around the home.
Monmouth University Library - 400 Cedar Ave, West Long Branch
What might be the most punctual ghost on the shore, the Monmouth University Library ghost can be seen very regularly. Library employees report that every night at midnight, the whispy figure of a woman in a white dress can be seen descending one of the library's staircases. This occurance is so regular, in fact, that the library's hours end at 11:30 to allow the apparition to make her rounds in peace.
A Little Something for the Kids
Allaire Village's Haunted Hayrides & Haunted Village
On the weekends leading up to Halloween, the historic Village of Allaire in Wall Township has put together a spooky event that's fit for the whole family. As night falls, the village fills up with a scary selection of ghouls and other terrifying apparitions - the darker it gets the spookier it becomes. And don't forget the hayride.
Admission is $15 for adults, and $10 for children under 12. The attraction kicks off after 6pm most days. See the Allaire Village events page for more info.
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