The Governors Mansion

November 3, 2028

It was over, the Governors race had concluded, and Sean Wellington was the next Governor for the State of Delaware. It was a close race but a Republican finally won, in a primarily Democratic state.

Woodburn - The historic name given to the estate built around 1790-1798, by Charles Hillyard III. The name likely refers to the wooded rural setting of the property near Dover, at the time of its construction. It has served as the official Governors residence since its purchase by the state in 1965. However, before that it has housed landowners, farmers, a judge, and two US senators. It is known for one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture, built around 1798.

Although it was well known to be highly haunted, Sean Wellington was not a bit worried about it. He said, "Everything has a myth to it these days." I am not afraid of this haunted house, or the haunted stories behind this great old home.

Mr. Wellington was keenly aware of the legend of the man on the staircase, a ghost, namely Mr. Charles Hillyard III. Legend tells the story of Mr. Hillard supposedly wearing a powered wig, knee breeches and a ruffled shirt. Mr. Hillyard, the builder of Woodburn, was known in his lifetime to enjoy a strong drink, and he was known after death, to drink whatever was available to him.

Still nothing was to dissuade him from moving into this grand old home, now known as the Governors Mansion.

The Third Tuesday in January 2029

It was moving day, and Sean Welliington was beside himself with excitement. Not only was it his first day at work as Governor, his wife Emma and his son Georgie, were moving into the Governors Mansion. Emma also heard of the ghosts that haunted their new home, and she wasn't impressed. She was just happy to move into the most prestigious house in the state of Delaware.

It was Emma, and Georgie, and Sean took off on his lunch hour to see how the moving was coming along. They were sure there was no merit or truth in the haunted stories, that people told.

Easter passed, and then Summer came and Emma and Sean planned the Governor's garden, and took particular care to pick out just the right annual flowers.

Georgie, particularly like the reflecting pool, and sometimes he would go out and throw a penny in it and make a wish. One day he came in and said who is that little girl out in the garden? She was wearing a red checkered dress, and told me not to throw pennies into the fountain. Emma quickly ran out there to the gardens to see what little girl he was talking about, but found no one there.

Christmas Time

At Christmas time, the Governor had his first Chrismas in the mansion, and of course they were entertaining. There were alcoholic beverages served and an elaborate dinner. Emma told Sean about the little girl spotted in the gardens, but Sean said it was probably a little girl that came in from off the street, walking. It is exactly protected from the street, and the public, he said.

The dinner was everything he hoped it would be, and more. Sean had drank more than his share of vintage wine, and he himself admitted to Emma that he was a little "tipsy". She smiled and said, "Be careful going up the steps."

Sean agreed to be careful, and proceeded to climb one step at a time, the staircase that led to his and Emma's bedroom.

Suddenly, Sean heard a voice, saying, "Watch your step." Sean look around, and saw a man with a white powdered wig, knee breeches and a ruffled shirt. He thought to himself that is how the myth got started,- too much alcohol.

The next night, Sean fixed himself a nightcap and filled the wine cannister before he retired for bed. He thought to himself, we will see if that dam ghost is real or not. He proceeded to climb the stairway to the upstairs bedrooms, and once again, he heard, "Watch your step. those nightcaps will get you every time." He was dressed the same way, but this time, Sean decided to find out who was playing tricks on him.

He called out, "Charles, is that you? Won't you join me for a second nightcap?" The figure started down the stair case but never said a word. Sean observed him as he picked up the glass of vintage wine, and put it up to his mouth.

Sean proceeded to say, "Charles Hillard, I presume?". The figure shook his head positively. When the man finished his drink of vintage wine, Sean watched as he made his way back up the staircase again.

"Charles, Sean yelled out, where are you going, what do you have to say for yourself?" The figure in the knit breeches and ruffled shirt, just continued to climb the stairs, without giving Sean a reply.

........... Do you believe in ghosts? ..............

...........Do you believe in spirits?...............

Do you believe the Governors Mansion in Delaware is haunted?

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