Poltergeist at the Old Westbury Inn

The Poltergeist at the Old Westbury Inn: A Haunting in Long Island

The Old Westbury Inn, a historic mansion nestled in the verdant rolling hills of Old Westbury, New York, has long been shrouded in mystery and whispers of the supernatural. For over a century, reports of unexplained phenomena have persisted, culminating in one of the most notorious poltergeist cases in American history. This article delves into the intricate details surrounding this haunting, from its inception to present-day investigations.

The History and Background

The Old Westbury Inn was built in 1875 by wealthy merchant William Beman as a summer home for his family. Over the years, it has undergone several transformations, including serving as a hotel and now functioning primarily as an upscale wedding venue. However, its most notorious period began in the early 1900s when Mrs. Charles Hoxie rented the property.

Mrs. Hoxie, a widow with four children, moved into the mansion on March 23, 1904. Almost immediately, strange occurrences began to plague her family and the surrounding area. The poltergeist activity became so intense that neighbors reported hearing noises, doors slamming, and objects moving about even when no one was present.

Key Events or Sightings

#### April 5, 1904: The First Major Incident

On April 5, 1904, the first major incident occurred. Mrs. Hoxie’s eldest daughter, Edith, reported that a heavy lamp had been knocked off its stand in her bedroom, narrowly missing her head as it tumbled to the floor. A few days later, the same thing happened again, but this time the lamp broke into pieces. These incidents sparked widespread curiosity and fear among the local community.

#### August 17, 1904: The Library Incident

In late summer, the poltergeist took a turn for the bizarre when it targeted the library of the Old Westbury Inn. On August 17, 1904, several books were found scattered on the floor, with their pages torn out and pages stuck together inexplicably. This incident was witnessed by Mrs. Hoxie’s youngest daughter, Nellie, who had been reading in her room just moments before.

#### December 23, 1904: The Night of Terror

The most memorable event took place on the night of December 23, 1904. Reports from multiple sources described a series of violent and terrifying episodes that lasted for hours. Doors slammed with such force that they broke their hinges; tables were overturned; and several items were thrown across the room, narrowly missing people. Nellie Hoxie recounted how she was awakened by a loud thud and saw a heavy chair flying through the air before it crashed into her door.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

#### Mrs. Charles Hoxie

Mrs. Hoxie herself provided detailed accounts of the incidents to local newspapers, describing the poltergeist as a malevolent entity that seemed to target the family members most closely related to her late husband. She believed that the spirit was vengeful and seeking revenge for some unknown wrongdoing.

#### Dr. Henry Slade

Dr. Henry Slade, a prominent spiritualist and medium, visited the Old Westbury Inn in 1904. He claimed to have witnessed the poltergeist activity firsthand and even attempted to communicate with the entity. During one session, he reportedly heard the voice of a man saying, “Why are you here? I am not at fault.” This account was documented by multiple witnesses.

Investigations or Research

#### Dr. James Cameron

Dr. James Cameron, a psychologist from Columbia University, conducted an in-depth investigation into the Old Westbury Inn case. His approach combined scientific methodology with traditional spiritualist techniques. He set up cameras and sound recording devices to capture any evidence of paranormal activity but found no concrete proof.

#### The New York State Legislature

In 1905, the New York State Legislature convened a special session to investigate the poltergeist phenomena at the Old Westbury Inn. Several state representatives visited the property and heard first-hand accounts from Mrs. Hoxie and her daughters. Although they found no clear evidence of supernatural activity, their report noted that the incidents were too numerous and consistent to be dismissed as mere hysteria.

The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery

Despite extensive investigations and reports, the Old Westbury Inn remains a site of unexplained phenomena. Occasional sightings continue to be reported by employees and guests, particularly during late-night hours. Some attribute these occurrences to residual energy or hauntings linked to past events, while others believe in the presence of a malevolent entity.

The legacy of the Old Westbury Inn continues to intrigue both paranormal enthusiasts and skeptics alike. The property has become something of a pilgrimage site for those interested in poltergeist cases, with tours and ghost hunts organized regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the most famous incident reported at the Old Westbury Inn?

A: One of the most famous incidents was on December 23, 1904, when multiple rooms experienced violent disturbances. Doors slammed with such force that they broke their hinges; tables were overturned; and several items were thrown across the room.

Q: Who conducted the first scientific investigation into this poltergeist case?

A: Dr. James Cameron from Columbia University investigated the Old Westbury Inn case, combining scientific methods with spiritualist techniques to gather evidence.

Q: Were there any official reports or investigations by government bodies?

A: Yes, in 1905, the New York State Legislature convened a special session to investigate the poltergeist phenomena at the Old Westbury Inn. They heard firsthand accounts from Mrs. Hoxie and her daughters but found no clear evidence of supernatural activity.

Q: Are there any ongoing investigations or modern attempts to solve this mystery?

A: While formal investigations have largely concluded, paranormal enthusiasts and researchers occasionally revisit the site for ghost hunts and EVP sessions. These efforts continue to generate interest in the case without resolving its mysteries.

Q: How has the Old Westbury Inn been used since the poltergeist activity began?

A: The Old Westbury Inn has experienced several transformations. It served as a summer home, then became a hotel, and now primarily functions as an upscale wedding venue. Despite these changes, the property still experiences unexplained phenomena, making it a popular location for paranormal enthusiasts.