Riverside House

Riverside House: A Haunted Oasis in New England

Riverside House, located in the quaint town of Malden, Massachusetts, has been a focal point of paranormal activity for nearly a century. Built in 1890 by industrialist Henry Thompson, the house stands as a testament to its rich history and eerie reputation. For decades, whispers of ghostly apparitions and unexplained phenomena have permeated through its walls, drawing curious visitors and skeptical investigators alike.

The History and Background

Riverside House was constructed in 1890 by Henry Thompson, a wealthy industrialist who owned several textile mills in the area. The house itself is a prime example of Victorian architecture, with sprawling gardens and a grand entrance adorned with intricate woodwork. Over the years, it has served as both a private residence and an event venue, but its most notable period was during the 1920s when it became the home of Eleanor Thompson, Henry’s daughter.

Eleanor was known for her eccentricity and love for the arts. She frequently hosted parties where guests would gather to drink, dance, and enjoy the stunning views from the house’s terrace. However, tragedy struck in 1935 when Eleanor mysteriously disappeared during one such gathering. Her disappearance remains unsolved, and it is said that she haunts the house to this day.

Key Events or Sightings

#### The Disappearance of Eleanor Thompson (1935)

Eleanor’s disappearance on October 20, 1935, sparked a wave of speculation and fear among residents. That evening, guests at the party noticed her absence just as the night grew dark. Despite numerous searches both inside and outside the house, she was never found. Some witnesses claim to have seen her ghostly figure near the gardens, while others report hearing her laughter echoing through empty rooms.

#### The Mysterious Lights (1950s)

In the 1950s, a series of mysterious lights began appearing in the windows and gardens of Riverside House late at night. These lights would flicker on and off erratically, often leading to reports of strange noises and footsteps. Local folklore suggests that these phenomena are linked to Eleanor’s restless spirit.

#### The Haunted Tour (1970s)

During the 1970s, guided tours of Riverside House became a popular attraction in Malden. Tours were led by volunteer guides who claimed to have experienced paranormal activity firsthand. One tour guide named Sarah Johnson reported seeing a translucent figure standing near the staircase on October 23, 1978. Another guest, Richard Peterson, recounted feeling an intense cold spot and hearing whispers in his ear during a tour on November 4, 1976.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

#### Emily Rogers (1990)

In 1990, Emily Rogers was invited to stay at Riverside House for a weekend retreat. According to her account, she woke up early one morning to find the door of her bedroom locked from the outside. Despite her efforts to open it, the door remained firmly shut. When she called out for help, no one responded. As she paced around the room, she heard faint sobbing sounds coming from a nearby hallway.

#### The Electronic Voice Phenomenon (2005)

In 2005, paranormal investigators from the New England Paranormal Society conducted a thorough investigation of Riverside House. During their EVP session on July 17, they recorded several instances where seemingly intelligible voices spoke directly into the audio equipment. One voice said, “Can you see me now?” Another voice asked, “Are you scared yet?”

Investigations or Research

#### The New England Paranormal Society (2005)

The New England Paranormal Society (NEPS) conducted a detailed investigation of Riverside House in 2005. They employed state-of-the-art equipment, including thermal imaging cameras and digital voice recorders. During their stay, they documented numerous instances of unexplained temperature drops and electromagnetic fluctuations.

#### The Malden Historical Society (2010)

In 2010, the Malden Historical Society commissioned a comprehensive historical research project to uncover more about Eleanor Thompson’s life and her possible connection to the paranormal events at Riverside House. Researchers discovered letters between Henry and Eleanor detailing her fascination with spiritualism and her belief in the afterlife.

The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery

Today, Riverside House remains an active location for paranormal investigations and tours. While some people find the house peaceful and serene, others report lingering feelings of unease and inexplicable occurrences. The Malden Historical Society continues to document new accounts and evidence, hoping to shed light on the mysteries surrounding Eleanor Thompson’s disappearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Has anyone ever found evidence of Eleanor Thompson’s ghost?

A: While there are numerous reported sightings and experiences, no concrete physical evidence has been discovered. However, EVP recordings have provided some intriguing audio clips that suggest someone or something is communicating through the house.

Q: Are tours still available at Riverside House?

A: Yes, guided tours of Riverside House continue to be offered seasonally. Tours are led by knowledgeable volunteers who share their experiences and provide insight into the house’s history and paranormal claims.

Q: Has anyone ever tried to solve Eleanor’s disappearance?

A: Several amateur sleuths and historians have attempted to piece together clues from old records, but a definitive solution has yet to be found. The mystery of Eleanor’s disappearance remains open for investigation.

Q: Are there any upcoming investigations planned at Riverside House?

A: Yes, the New England Paranormal Society (NEPS) plans an annual investigation each October, coinciding with Halloween. These events are well-attended and offer a unique opportunity for both believers and skeptics to experience the house firsthand.

Q: What is the official stance of Malden authorities regarding the ghostly activity?

A: The town of Malden has no official stance on the paranormal claims at Riverside House. However, local law enforcement often receives calls from visitors reporting strange occurrences, leading them to occasionally visit the site and take statements but rarely intervene.

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Riverside House continues to captivate both believers and skeptics alike, maintaining its status as a central figure in Malden’s rich history of paranormal phenomena. Whether you believe in ghosts or simply find the story compelling, Riverside House remains an intriguing destination for those seeking to explore the mysterious and unexplained.