Be prepared for a ghostly time at Sprague

Posted 9/22/17

It has been known since the 1920s that there are mysterious “souls” residing at the Governor Sprague Mansion in Cranston.

Maybe it is Amasa Sprague, Gov. William Sprague’s father, who was …

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Be prepared for a ghostly time at Sprague

Posted

It has been known since the 1920s that there are mysterious “souls” residing at the Governor Sprague Mansion in Cranston.

Maybe it is Amasa Sprague, Gov. William Sprague’s father, who was murdered not far from the home just beyond the Print Works. Maybe Charlie the Butler – he took care of a very wealthy family who resided at the mansion during the Victorian era. What about Kate Chase herself, considered the Bell of Washington, D.C. during the Civil War? Maybe it’s the Lady in Black usually looking out of the windows in the cupola when the moon is full, or the little girl someone heard asking for “mama, mama.”

This sets the stage for the annual Charlie the Ghost Party fundraising event to benefit the Cranston Historical Society on Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. This year they will feature Rhode Island’s Jared the Magician and Mentalist who will entertain guests.

Jared DuBois is a well-known magical entertainer and mentalist. He has sharpened his skills performing mind-reading curiosities that will entertain and mesmerize all in attendance. His sleight-of-hand magic with cards, coins and borrowed objects will make you wonder, “How does he do that?”

Tickets are $15 per person and can be reserved by calling 944-9226. Seating is limited and it is highly suggested you call ahead to reserve your place since this annual event has always been a sellout.

The history behind Charlie at the Mansion goes back to the 1880s. He was a butler at the mansion and had two daughters and he wanted the eldest to marry the son of the owner of the mansion at that time. Unfortunately, it saddened Charlie that it never came to be and, after his death, it is thought he is still “roaming” the mansion distraught because he also thought that if the daughter married the owner’s son, he would be rich, too. In an incident with a Ouija Board in 1968, Charlie’s name was spelled out.

Costumes are encouraged (no masks) for the evening attire. A friend to the Sprague Mansion, Adam Florio of Coventry, will share his love of Halloween by decorating the Mansion with his collection of ghoulish characters and other frightful pals. Some Mansion rooms will be open for touring.

You can have your future read by intriguing readers (separate fee): Debb Brown, who will conduct Tarot Card and Psychic Readings and MaryJo Guadalupe will offer Oracle Readings.

Light refreshments will be served featuring Texas Road House snacks. Age appropriate for 12 years and older. Send your check by Oct. 25 to Cranston Historical Society, 1351 Cranston St., Cranston, RI 02920. After Oct. 25 call Mary Mierka at 944-9226 to make sure tickets are still available.

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  • DebbBrown

    Once Again I like to Thank Gov William Sprague Mansion for having me. Charlie The Butler Halloween Party is my favorite Event! I look forward to it every year! I have been Doing Tarot Psychic Readings at the Mansion for the Past Three Years . It has been a wonderful Turn out this Halloween ! Thank you Again and see you next Year !!!!!

    Debb P Brown

    Wednesday, November 1, 2017 Report this