Also Known as Spy House, this old Tavern is Home to as Many as 22 Ghosts
Seabrook-Wilson House, Middletown New Jersey
- Categories:
- New Jersey
- House
- Haunted Structures
History of the Seabrook-Wilson House
On June 10th, 1696, Thomas Whitlock, an original patentee of Monmouth County, sold to Daniel Seabrook, his wife's son, his property at Shoal Harbor consisting of 202 acres.In 1717 the farm Daniel Seabrook had purchased was in the possession of James Seabrook, his son. In 1730, James sold his property to Daniel Seabrook for 800 pounds. This Daniel was James' son. Records show that when Daniel died in 175Q he left his "plantation" at Shoal Harbor to his two sons. This is the first definite record of the house being there.
The land and home remained in the Seabrook family through the nineteenth century. Various members of the family, including Thomas, were involved in the Revolutionary: War. Thomas was elected as a representative to the Assembly in 1780, The family was active in various commercial enterprises in the area. Transportation was one of their major interests. Aaron Seabrook was a founder of the Port Monmouth Transportation Company. The company also built the Port Monmouth Hotel. The line was active in the Civil War as a troop transport.
His brother, Henry, moved to Keyport from the Shoal Harbor homestead and founded the Middletown Point Steamboat Co..
In the 1850's, a sister of Henry and Aaron married Rev. W.V. Wilson. Wilson had been leader of various congregations including All Saints Memorial Church in Navesink. He was also noted for his financial ability. The Wilsons settled in the family homestead at Shoal Harbor at their marriage. Rev. Wilson also was involved in the shipping and ferry boat enterprises that his brother-in-laws had established.
The residents of the house have contributed to the development of Monmouth County. The Seabrook ownership of the land dates back to 1696 when it was bought from a Patentee. Parts of the house date from the 1750's.
In later years the home was used as a tavern and inn serving travelers and seafarers on Sandy Hook Bay. The building became famous under the nickname Spy House, due to stories that it was used by Revolutionary War patriots to spy on British ships in the bay. The spy stories are likely folklore, as historical records show no evidence of the claims.
In the 1970s and 1980s the house was featured in local ghost tours. The legends include apparitions of Revolutionary War Soldiers pacing upstairs and looking out the windows; a woman in vintage dress walking in the halls; and sightings of British Soldiers drinking in the tavern.
The property was taken over by the Monmouth County Park System in the 1990s, and is a visitor and interpretive center. Visiting information can be found at the Park System website.
Description of the Seabrook-Wilson House
This house has gone through numerous changes throughout its history. The earliest section is on the west end and measures approximately 28 feet by 17 feet. This section consisted of two rooms, one approximately 16 feet square and a smaller 11x16 foot room. The partition between these two rooms has been removed and other partitions added at later dates. The fireplace still remains in the larger room, though the oven has been removed, leaving only the opening. A lean-to shed off the west wall was used to cover the projecting oven and provide for storage. This section could date from the early 18th century as indicated by the remaining architectural features. Family history indicates 17th century settlement, however this house does not appear to go back this far. This unit has a finished open beam ceiling and a hewn oak frame. The walls are brick filled. With the lack of architectural details, however, this type of construction could have been done as late as the Revolutionary period. There is a cellar under part of this section. There is a section with a brick floor several feet lower than the first floor, which was later covered over at the same level as the first floor, possibly originally a milk or cold room. There was only a loft above, as shown on the oil painting done in 1875. Presently it is two stories.The house was extended to the east in the late 18th century or early 19th. Part of the original unit was partitioned off for a winder stair and a hall leading to this extension, This extension, presently the south center room, was a parlor with a fireplace. Another room extended off the east of this room, but was demolished when the next section was added. Only the plaster wall of this room remains, concealed behind the wall of the present east unit. The remaining room presently has Victorian windows and trim, though its and casings are earlier. This unit had originally been one story with dormers, as shown in the painting. It is presently two stories.
A 2½ story addition was added to the east end of the house, possibly moved from another location. This consists of a front and back parlor, each with a gable end fireplace. The form and details are late Greek Revival, probably c. 1830-1850. These two parlors retain much of their original detail.
In 1880, Rev. William Wilson enlarged the house to its present form. Probably at this time the north center room was added. In this room is an earlier stair case moved from another location. He raised the roof over the center section to the height of the west unit. At this time the second floor over the original east unit was probably added. The Greek Revival cornice and frieze, as shown in the painting, were probably removed at this time.
