August 22, 2010

1:54 P.M.

The Ghosts of Dey Mansion Taking of Manhattan

ey Mansion, located in Wayne, New Jersey has a lot to say of the ghosts that may have been left behind the walls and out in front of this Danish archeteture design of mastery and beauty. The inside landscape of this house is a picture perfect view at every turn. Small doors that lead to magnificent rooms that once held the bodies and minds of George Washington and his troops for months at a time, especially at the time when the British took Manhattan at the very pivotal point of the Revolutionary War. George Washington was said to have received a vision from an angel about America’s future just around the bend up north at Valley Forge. The house was a safe haven for Washington and his troops. At the time of the pronounced betrayal of George Washington by Benedict Arnold, it was said that President Washington battled his own ghosts of fury and frustration throughout the rooms of Dey Mansion.

As it was considered to be haunted, their was no evidence in the pictures taken, but our tour guide shared stories of the energies felt by herself and other visitors throughout the years. One man felt welcomed in the first few rooms but had to turn away with an uneasy feeling as soon as he went to explore the conference room. Our guide had explained a warm breeze coming to encompass her around her shoulders, as if being greeted warmly by an old friend. She took it as a sign that she was supposed to be there. There was a quaint and stoic welcoming feeling when entering the mansion, and as we explored the first level of rooms you can feel the hustle and bustle of the energy that must have occurred on the original wood plank floors below our feet. Each room had a initial aestetic of simplicity, but as we explored the furniture pieces with our eyes, we could see the masterful elegance and artistic intent of the craftspeople and builders. The second floor felt a bit heavier, and somber. The sleeping quarters of the families and Washington himself were here.

There was a Masonic Holy Bible in a case in the attic above where much activity and war strategies were probably meandered over. The attic did make us feel rather claustrophobic and we had to get out of there after looking at a few Revolutionary War muskets that were also contained in glass. The art on the walls both on the first and second floor held the image of deep and depressed souls rather surprisingly so. The paintings were dark and dismal hanging about, like the aura of the house itself. The rain came down as we looked out the window and out onto the front lawn below. The house had a name. It was trying to tell us that much. Dey Mansion, pronounced ‘Die’ Mansion, probably saw more life in its 270 years since it was built; and that is a long time. So, I’m sure it’s seen its share of ghosts as well.