Ghosts of Salem

Witch Hill in Danvers is an important part of the Salem Witch Trials.  It’s where “spectral evidence” was observed in 1692, and used as evidence against people accused of witchcraft in Salem.

The correct name for the site is Whipple Hill, and it’s a hauntingly wild and lovely location for hiking.  Marked trails lead you to the crest of the hill and a beautiful view.

Park your car at Endicott Park.  It’s across a  busy street from Witch (Whipple) Hill, and the small parking fee is worthwhile for convenience.

Cross the street and you’ll see the entrance to the trails that cross Witch Hill. The photo, above, was taken near that entrance.

The main trail includes rocks and uneven ground beneath a covering of leaves.  You’ll want good hiking shoes and perhaps a walking stick, as well.  However, active families (even those with small children) will enjoy this site for a weekend outing.  (As usual, watch for poison ivy.)

As of December 2009, I see no letterboxes at Witch Hill, but it’s a perfect location for one.

This is one of two “witch hills” in the Salem area.  Gallows Hill in Salem is sometimes called Witch Hill, too.

However, the location of the Danvers site is noted on several historical maps, and I think it’s an overlooked site.

At present, I don’t have any ghost stories related to the hill.  In my opinion, even a daytime visit will convince you that the site’s energy is unusual.  It is worth investigating.

If you have any stories related to that hill, or if you’ve investigated it, leave a comment or contact me.

The Salem ghosts book is moving ahead nicely.  I’ve visited Salem several times in recent weeks, researching various haunted locations.

One of my favorites is the foundation of the home where the “witch” hysteria began: The home of the Reverend Mr. Samuel Parris*.

His home was in Salem Village.  Today, that’s Danvers, the town next to Salem.  The infamous site of Parris’ parsonage — where he lived with his family and the accused “witch” Tituba — is at 67 Centre Street in Danvers, in back of the homes on that street.

Look for a sign between two more modern homes, indicating that it’s the path to the Parris archaeological site.  (There’s no reason to trespass on anyone’s private property.  The path is open to the public, and the Parris site is fascinating, with historical markers explaining some of its history.)

The hysteria began with Mr. Parris and his household, and that home was the former residence of the Rev. Mr. George Burroughs, hanged as a witch in 1692.

The story of Mr. Burroughs is interesting.  Claimed by some to be the “ringleader” of the witches, he’d only lived in Salem Village for a couple of years.  After his wife died and Rev. Burroughs had a salary disagreement with John Putnam, the minister moved to Maine.

Mr. Burroughs was devoutly religious and had been serving the people of Wells, Maine, for nine years when he was brought back to Salem and charged with witchcraft.  One of his loudest accusers was the nephew of John Putnam.

32 respected members of the Salem community signed a petition to save the life of George Burroughs.  One of his accusers recanted her testimony.  At the gallows on August 17, 1692, Mr. Burroughs recited the Lord’s Prayer without a single error or pause — an act no “witch” was supposed to be able to do — but he was hung anyway.

20 years later, his children were given money by the government, as partial compensation for the minister’s unjust death.

So, there are several reasons to spend time at this site.

If you’re looking for a site with intense energy related to the Witch Trials, this is a must-visit location.  Parking can be difficult on busy Centre Street; it may be easier to park on a nearby side street.

While you’re there, walk around the corner to visit the Salem Village Witch Memorial in Danvers.  Nearby, you’ll see homes that were part of the 1692 story.

References

Samuel Parris (Wikipedia article)  That’s his image, at left.

George Burroughs (article at University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law)

Salem Village Witch Memorial (article at University of Virginia Library)

Danvers Massachusetts: Historical Sites (also at UVA library)

*Mr. Parris remained in Salem — and generally despised — for several years after the Witch Trials had concluded.  He then preached in various parts of New England, including Concord and Dunstable, Massachusetts.

He died on February 27, 1720.  Many speculate that his unmarked grave is in the Old South Burial Ground in Nashua, NH (then part of Dunstable).  That cemetery is next to Royal Ridge Shopping Center at Spit Brook Road (exit 1 from Rte. 3) and Dan’l Webster Highway.

The grave of the minister’s wife, Elizabeth Parris, is at Wadsworth Cemetery in Danvers.  She died in Salem Village in 1696.

If you love Halloween — and I think most people do — be sure to look for Phyllis Hoffman’s “Celebrate” magazine.

I’m featured in the Halloween issue… but that’s not the only reason I recommend it.

Costumes, events, travel recommendations, recipes and menus, party ideas, decorations… this magazine is filled with fun ideas to make any Halloween even better.

You’ll enjoy clever recipes such as the Ghost Cookies suggestion on page 66.  You’ll start with store-bought cookies and add some simple, ghostly decorations.  It’s a great kitchen activity for families with children.

I love the clever ways to use Smart Candles, shown on pages 60 & 61.  Using those decorating ideas as a starting point, you can probably think of many other eerie ways to use those fire-safe candles, too.

On page 35, you’ll see my recommendation of Salem — and especially the Salem Inn — as the perfect Halloween destination.

Halloween is one of my favorite times of the year, and this magazine offers enough fresh (and easy) ideas to add fun to several years’ celebrations.

Look for Phyllis Hoffman’s Celebrate magazine at your grocery store or any store that carries magazines.