Woodinville, like much of the surrounding rural area outside of Seattle, has a rich history of settlement. From the time of the native Samammish People to the arrival of the namesake Woodin family in the late eighteen hundreds, this region has always been full of life.
However, as we approach the most spooky day of the year, it’s worth remembering that there is also a history here rooted in the paranormal.
Stimson Manor, Woodinville, April 9, 2011
Chateau Ste. Michelle sits across the street from the Willows Lodge, and has been the leading force behind the Washington Wine movement for over a quarter of a century. The beautiful grounds there will be hosting a Halloween party tonight (10/30) from seven until eleven; complete with costumes, live music, and contests. It’s sure to be a great time, but remember, if you feel a shutter up your spine or a tingle of fear brewing in your belly, it’s not necessarily solely a result of the atmosphere and wine. In fact, you just might be sensing the presence of Elizabeth, a former maid for the Stimson family. Her eerie tail begins as many conflicts do: with a love triangle. The legend continues that Elizabeth and Mr. Stimson maintained more than just a professional relationship. To make matters worse, their alleged interactions were said to have resulted in a pregnancy, which obviously didn’t go over well with Mr. Stimson’s better half. The story takes a sharp turn into a dark territory as it continues to claim that Nellie (AKA Mrs. Stimson) was so upset about this affair that she took matters into her own hands and pushed Elizabeth to her death down a dark narrow stairway in the Manor House. Employees and visitors often report feeling strange cool drafts and having generally uneasy nerves; either supporting the haunted claim some feel this history created or simply reinforcing the idea that the mind tends to wander a bit when alcohol is consumed.
Harry Houdini performing in the Chinese Water Torture Cell
Still, be it a result of the drink or a real life phenomenon, the Halloween theme here continues at the Willows Lodge, again thanks in part to the Stimson family. During a run at the Orpheum theatre Harry Houdini himself accepted an invitation to visit here at the family farm, enjoying a night at the hunting lodge that sat where the Willows Lodge is currently constructed. Houdini was more than happy to oblige requests for some magic, including a trick that resulted in a playing card being lodged into the ceiling of the building for years. Fast-forward nearly a century to 2003 and the Willows Lodge gets a call from the Houdini Society, who arranged a séance to communicate with the legendary magician. Their efforts at contact were ultimately unsuccessful, serving to debunk this practice once and for all if Houdini –who is credited with saying the following- is to be believed:
“If it is possible for anyone to get through after death, that person will be me.”
As far as lingering reports of haunting here are concerned; I have yet to hear anything specific. However, the concierge desk (where I am standing as I write this up) is the exact location on which the society set up Houdini’s famous Chinese Water Torture Cell as an attraction to bring attention to the event. Who knows, perhaps with the heightened sensitivity to such things brought about by Halloween a ghostly shadow of the device or specter of the before mentioned forlorn Elizabeth might just make an appearance. It’s possible I guess, but I will place my bets on just another fun night of great wine and maybe a little too much candy.
