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The Winchester Mystery House really is a mystery. Why did Sarah Lockwood Pardee Winchester spend millions transforming the eight-room farmhouse she purchased upon moving to San Jose, California, from New Haven, Connecticut, like she did? What was the purpose of all the doors, stairways, windows and skylights? Was there even a purpose?
Popular speculations include a psychic directed her to do it. Others say she was haunted by all those who had died from the Winchester rifle her husband’s company had manufactured. Still others combine the two and say a psychic said the the ghosts caused by the “Gun That Won the West” would forever haunt her, but she could confuse them by building an elaborate labyrinth.
But no one’s really sure. She cut herself off from society and devoted herself to building “the world’s most beautiful, yet bizarre mansion.”
As you might imagine, this eccentric masterpiece is a popular tourist destination. The house embraces visitors year-round but also often offers special events. Christmas and Halloween are popular times for the house to shine, but so is Friday the 13th.
Speaking of shining, the Winchester Mystery House has two special activities planned for Friday, December 13, 2019: a Flashlight Tour and the chance for one lucky guest to ring Sarah’s bell.
Friday the 13th Flashlight Tour
Did you know among the things Sarah was obsessed with, the number 13 was among them? That’s why every time there’s a Friday the 13th, the Winchester Mystery House opens for a special evening tour.
“Back by popular demand, the Flashlight Tour guides guests through the mansion while hearing unnerving stories of the home’s haunted history. It is a rare chance to glimpse one of the world’s most haunted mansions at night.”
Tickets start at $49.
Bell Toll Contest
Another way to honor Sarah and her number 13 obsession is by letting someone ring the antique bell bell adorning the top of the house on Friday the 13th. But how to pick one lucky visitor? With a contest, of course!
On Friday, December 13, 2019, one lucky winner will get to ring the bell at 1 p.m. –the 13th hour of the day. The submission deadline is December 5, 2019, with a winner being selected on December 6th.
All you have to do to enter is submit your best Winchester Mystery House photo and caption it with your favorite memory or strangest experience.
To enter, go to https://winchestermysteryhouse.com/bell-toll-contest/.
That’s also where you can see all the submissions and vote on them. (Entry with the most votes wins.)
For More Info
To learn more about the Winchester Mystery House and their special events, visit their website: https://winchestermysteryhouse.com/.
Check-In
Have you ever visited the Winchester Mystery House?
Courtney Mroch is a globe-trotting restless spirit who’s both possessed by wanderlust and the spirit of adventure, and obsessed with true crime, horror, the paranormal, and weird days. Perhaps it has something to do with her genes? She is related to occult royalty, after all. Marie Laveau, the famous Voodoo practitioner of New Orleans, is one of her ancestors. (Yes, really! As explained here.) That could also explain her infatuation with skeletons.
Speaking of mystical, to learn how Courtney channeled her battle with cancer to conjure up this site, check out HJ’s Origin Story.
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