I wanted to find a story that showed the embodiment of the joyous Christmas season, while also centered around the paranormal. I didn’t know what I’d find, since ghost stories generally end up having a some sort of dark and sinister twist, because, well….. why not? We all love to be scared from time to time. I thought that finding the perfect story would take me to some other parts of the country, or world for that matter. To my delightful surprise, I found it right in our backyard. At the Overlook Mansion Bed & Breakfast located in the historic district of Reading Pennsylvania.
When it comes to mansions, this place is impeccable. Not only for the original Victorian style architecture inside and out, but for the supernatural residents as well. While talking with owner Daphne Miller and spiritual medium and Overlook historian Lisa Landolfi, I had the feeling we could go on and on about the various spirits and energies that still call the place home. Their stories, and unique characteristics could probably fill books, for now, our focus is on the spirits who love Christmas. The celebrations, and joy that embodies the Holiday spirit. Which is made evident by the Christmas room, where throughout the year you will find it decorated for Christmas. Tree and all!
Our Christmas story begins with the Fergusson/Hoff family. Many family members were residents of the home over time, the most notable was the family of Elizabeth and Charles Hoff and their 4 children (Valeria, Elizabeth, Dorothy, and Wilson).
While sitting in the Christmas Room learning about the Hoff girls, there were a few times when I felt the temperature in the room drop, and the feeling of a small draft, like that of an open door. No doors had been opened, and all windows remained closed. Lisa also began getting chills at these various times. Perhaps they knew their story was being told, and wanted to relive their happy moments in the house. From their debutante balls, performing Christmas shows in the house, and their yearly holiday masquerade ball.
The girls, who maintain a child-like presence in the home, are known for hiding and peeping around the Christmas tree. They have also been known to press themselves up to glass doors of music room during events, laughing and having a grand time. Their presence is strongest during the holiday season, and during celebratory events. Several EVPs of the girls have been captured during these events, and sounds of singing. They obviously still love the joyful and happy atmosphere of the holiday season.
There is another young presence in the home who loves the Christmas season. Daphne and Lisa describe him as an adorable little boy named Tommy. You can find one of his favorite toys, which is also an ornament on the tree. He has been known to move several of his favorite ornaments, often times on request . Tommy’s youthful energy can felt running throughout the home. Predominantly he is felt on the stairs, visitors often feel someone hanging on their leg, or see a shadow on the top of the steps matching the height of a child.
Tommy’s relationship to the home, is not quite clear. It is believed at some point he played in the house. Perhaps with one of the many fergusson/Hoff family members, or someone who worked on the grounds. A burned baseball was found in the chimney, Daphne and Lisa said he seems to respond this ball. His presence is so strong, that he has been known to affect moods in the house, and retrieving the ball can often help in improving the feel of the home, and enticing Tommy’s playfulness.
After learning the stories of these Ghosts of Christmas, it’s not hard to understand why the tree remains up all year. Daphne says she came to the realization, when on several occasions, prior to leaving the house she would make sure the tree lights were off. By the time she was out the door and in front of the house, the tree lights were once again turned on.
At the Overlook Mansion, they focus on the good positive energy that abounds in the home. It is refreshing proof that not all ghost stories have to be scary. I look forward to hopefully learning more of the other spirits in the home. Until then, I want to wish a Merry Christmas to Tommy, Valeria, Elizabeth, Dorothy, Wilson and all of the other spirits who still call this beautiful place home.
The Overlook Bed & Breakfast hosts several events throughout the year, from local paranormal groups, to non-paranormal related events, please see their website for details, and check them out on Facebook. If you should attend an event, and feel a little tug on your leg, don’t fret or be afraid, it’s just Tommy trying to playfully hitch a ride.
A big thank you to Daphne and Lisa for the taking the time to interview with the Ghost Geeks from Penns Ghost Paranormal.