About This Location
A beautifully preserved 19th-century iron-working village within Allaire State Park. Founded as Howell Works, the community included a blast furnace, workers' homes, a church, general store, and the grand "Big House" manor. James P. Allaire died on the property in 1858.
The Ghost Story
Multiple spirits haunt the village, most notably Hal Allaire, son of the founder. Oscar Cheesman Smith, the iron works manager, haunts the Manager's House and enjoys spelling out names with children's toy blocks. Workers report candlelight and faces in the windows of the Big House after closing. Chairs move on their own, strange voices echo through buildings, and images appear in mirrors that aren't actually there. Benjamin Marks, described as "a nasty, angry man who wears boots," is sensed by psychics.