Here’s a fun story, courtesy of Tarrytown-Sleepy Hollow Patch, about a ghost sighting at Sunnyside, Washington Irving’s Tarrytown home.
While visiting Sunnyside in late June, 14-year-old aspiring writer Rachel Lambert took a number of photos of the exterior of the house, and took a quick shot of Irving’s upstairs bedroom window. Looking at the photo later on her computer, she believes she caught a peek of Irving through the window, hunched over writing. Here’s a video Rachel posted on YouTube. See for yourself:
Irving once remarked that if he were to return as a ghost, he would likely haunt his beloved Sunnyside — and he also assured family and friends that they’d have nothing to fear, as he’d be a pleasant ghost. My pal Rob Schweitzer at Historic Hudson Valley noted that there have been no reports of paranormal activity at Sunnyside — or at least not yet. I tend to agree that the photo is a stretch, but it’s still fun to speculate. And if an Irving sighting encourages Miss Lambert to pursue a career as a writer, then I’d say that Washington Irving — that spinner of ghostly yarns, and a master of hoaxes — would approve of all the chatter and speculation.
Brian:
I thought this was VERY interesting.
And, yes, if Ms. Lambert is to be a writer, the image was there for a reason.
Steve
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Brian,
This was a wonderful story. I hope Ms. Lambert remembers this wonderful experience for a lifetime. However, I have an identical photo taken in June. I am sure Mr. Irving himself would have a wonderful time with this story as he was a master of spinning similar yarns.
Donna
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Hi Donna:
I agree. Irving, and the area of Sleepy Hollow-Tarrytown – is extremely inspirational. Case in point is my buying a 1908 copy of “The Sketch Book” and not looking back ever since.
Ms. Lambert has obviously benefitted from all of this. I can think of nothing better.
Steve
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