The Enigmatic Boston House: Nestled in the heart of Fort Pierce, Florida, the Boston House stands as a striking example of early 20th-century architecture. Built in 1909, this elegant three-story red-brick mansion boasts 4,300 square feet and five spacious bedrooms. While many might expect a haunted house to be dilapidated and eerie, the Boston House defies this stereotype with its grandeur and rich history.
Key Points
A Glimpse into the Past
Originally named Cresthaven, the Boston House was commissioned by William T. Jones, an engineer for the Florida East Coast Railroad. After suffering a serious injury in a dynamite explosion caused by a careless workman, Jones received a $6,000 settlement. He used this money to construct his dream home on a high ridge overlooking the Indian River, a location that offered both beauty and a sense of security.
Jones and his wife raised five children in this palatial residence. However, their time at Cresthaven was marred by tragedy. The family faced a series of heartbreaking events, including the accidental shooting of a playmate by their youngest son, the motorcycle deaths of two of their sons, and the untimely heart attack of their daughter. These tragedies cast a long shadow over the family and the home itself.
The Transition to Boston House
As the Great Depression took its toll, Jones found himself in dire financial straits. After borrowing money from a friend, Irving C. Whitney, he was unable to repay the loan when Whitney passed away. Whitney’s sister, Rose, inherited the estate and demanded repayment, ultimately forcing the Jones family to vacate the property in 1949. Rose, a retired schoolteacher from Massachusetts, moved into the home with her sister Isabelle, leading to the name change to Boston House.
The mansion remained in a state of uncertainty for several years, with unclear ownership records from 1954 to 1975. However, the house’s reputation as a site of paranormal activity began to take shape during this time.
The Haunting Begins
In 1975, the Boston House was sold to an engineering firm, Wood, Beard and Associates. The following year, Leonard Cottern and his wife Dianne purchased the property. Rumors circulated that the couple held séances in the attic, which only added to the house’s mystique. In 1983, Cottern sold the mansion to Kendall Phillips and his law partners, who would own it for the next 25 years.
Phillips was informed by Cottern about the house’s paranormal reputation, including reports that engineers had refused to work on the third floor after dark. As strange occurrences began to unfold, Phillips found himself intrigued rather than frightened. During renovations, he noticed that materials left overnight would mysteriously vanish, and workers reported sudden temperature drops and unexplained noises.
One particularly eerie incident involved a second-floor attorney who discovered that a draft overlay he had left open was rolled up and returned to its carrying tube overnight. Phillips’s daughter also witnessed a computer screen typing random letters, despite the machine being turned off.
Unexplained Phenomena
The Boston House’s upper floors, especially the attic, became the epicenter of paranormal activity. Phillips invited psychics to investigate, and they reported a strong presence of a woman. One night, as Phillips and several others stood outside, they saw the silhouette of a woman in the attic window, moving from one gabled window to another.
Reports of lights being seen on the third floor, even when no one was present, became common. A copy repairman claimed to have seen a Victorian-dressed apparition vanish through a wall while working on the third floor. Although the current owner, Steve Ziskinder, has not personally experienced any unusual occurrences, others have reported smelling the aroma of strong coffee when none was present.
One lawyer recounted a bizarre incident where he left ten stacks of organized papers in his office, only to find them rearranged in a random order the next day. A friend in law enforcement attempted to capture evidence of the ghostly presence, recording distinct sounds of a woman’s laughter and witnessing doors opening and closing on their own.
The Legend of Aleaceon Perkins
Among the many legends surrounding the Boston House is the tale of Aleaceon Perkins, a woman who lost her husband and young son while fishing. It is said that she haunts the attic, waiting for their return. However, this legend does not align with the documented history of the house, showcasing the blend of fact and folklore that often accompanies haunted locations.
Preservation and Legacy
Kendall Phillips embraced the Boston House’s haunted reputation, even creating “Ghostbusters” T-shirts for his law firm. He took pride in the work his firm did to have the mansion placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
Today, the Boston House stands not only as a testament to architectural beauty but also as a site steeped in history and mystery. Whether you are a skeptic or a believer in the supernatural, the stories of the Boston House continue to captivate those who hear them, making it a must-visit location for history buffs and ghost enthusiasts alike.
Conclusion
The Boston House in Fort Pierce, Florida, is more than just a haunted mansion; it is a symbol of resilience, tragedy, and the enduring human spirit. Its rich history, combined with the tales of paranormal activity, creates an intriguing narrative that draws visitors from near and far. As you explore this architectural marvel, you may find yourself captivated by the stories that echo through its halls, leaving you to wonder what secrets the Boston House still holds.
