In the earlier years, haunted houses caused havoc. Very few people were willing to enter, leave alone purchase them. Research shows that people enjoy scary adventures as long as they are in a safe environment. These include movies, thrill rides, and, wait for it… visiting haunted houses.
Today, haunted houses are as good (or better in some aspects) as Hollywood horror movies. With that comes media attention and increased public interest. Here, we discuss some little-known haunted house facts to keep you updated.
1. The Orton and Spooner Ghost House Was the First Haunted House
Even though there were reports of haunted houses as early as the 1800s, many people recognize the Orton and Spooner Ghost House in Liphook, England, as the first haunted house. In 1915, Patrick Collins built the house originally for his wife. However, over time, it evolved into a public attraction.
Walking through a creepy, eerie house without knowing what would transpire fascinated the locals. Patrick’s life was a circus, so he had no problem transforming the house into a haunted one.
2. The Carbon Monoxide Theory
Psychology experts insist haunted houses are not real. But how do you explain the feeling of someone watching you when you enter a supposedly haunted house? What about the footsteps, voices, and ghosts that people see?
The carbon monoxide theory explains that, after staying uninhabited for long periods, the aging and defective appliances in the house emit carbon monoxide. When exposed to this gas, you can experience dizziness, headaches, hallucinations, and might cause sudden death.
What about the “ghosts” recorded on camera in haunted houses? The carbon monoxide theory explains this by suggesting the videos and photographs taken result from dust, fingers, and insects moving in front of the camera lens. Multiple exposures also play a role.
3. There are Talks of the U.S. White House Being a Haunted House
The United States White House dates back to 1800. Since then, many country officials and staff have inhabited the building, with some losing their lives there. The whispers of the ghosts visiting White House inhabitants are expected, given it meets one of the qualifications: someone dying in it.
To further fuel this narrative, great leaders and respected people such as Prime Minister Winston Churchill, First Lady Grace Coolidge, and Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands all reported seeing the ghost of Abraham Lincoln.
Additionally, White House staff members claimed they saw Willie Lincoln (who died in the White House). Others said Abigail Adams hung laundry in the East Room, and they could smell the scent of lavender.
So, of the people who heard Thomas Jefferson playing the violin in the Yellow Oval Room to the ones who believed Dolley Madison protected the Rose Garden, who is crazier? Or is the White House indeed haunted?
4. Walt Disney Built the First Real Commercial Haunted House
Most of the haunted houses before 1969 were low quality with cheap thrills. Walt Disney took this opportunity to create the haunted mansion. He focused on bringing the real wrath of haunted houses and giving adrenaline junkies something worthwhile.
Walt used advanced technological devices to create ghosts and witches that talked to achieve this. He wanted to create an interactive experience, and he did. It remains a success to date. Occasional refurbishment of the facility usually happens to help keep it “alive.”
5. Many People Associate Haunted Houses with Death
Because there were no state-of-the-art medical facilities in the past, people dying in their houses was normal. There were occasions when an individual could visit their friend only to find them dead by hanging or whatever means.
Over time, people believed the houses whose owners died suddenly were haunted. They said the spirits of the dead roamed the place, especially the bedrooms. No one would dare inhabit such premises, so they stayed isolated for years.
