Seneca Falls Historical Society

The Haunting

The original structure was built in 1823 as a one room wooden house. Edward Mynderse son of the early land developer Colonel Wilhelmus Mynderse, erected a two-story brick house in the Italianate style in 1855. The building was part of a ten-acre estate with carriage house, tool house, vineyard and garden and orchard. 

The Mynderse family lived here until 1880 when the house was purchased by Mrs. Ellen Partridge, who began extensive remodeling and updating which finally resulted in the 23 room Queen Anne style Victorian dwelling we see today.  The Architectural and decorative details by Mrs. Partridge included the square niches throughout the house, painted stained glass windows, gas lights, the blonde oak woodwork in the dining room and main entrance and the cherry woodwork in the rest of the house, the carved fireplaces and the 3^rd floor. There are 19 stain glass windows in the entire house. Construction on the house was completed around 1885. Ellen then sold the house in 1890 to Mr. and Mrs. Norman Becker who raised six children in the house.  The Becker’s lived here until 1961, when the historical society bought the building. No major changes have been made since the 1880’s.

Former family members, Historical Society staff and psychic mediums believe there are three ghosts that reside in the house. The original owner Edward Mynderse is a ghost that doesn't like change in the house and sometimes plays tricks on staff or lets his presence be known. A former nanny is believed to be heard walking around on the third floor. Also a young Irish girl is heard crying on a back stairways, possibly upset about wanting to return to her home country.

Contact:

55 Cayuga Street
Seneca Falls, NY 13148
P: (315) 568-8412