Is the Patterson House Haunted? Here's What We Found

Editor's note: With Halloween approaching, the staff of Menifee 24/7 went searching for haunted houses. Why not, we figured? Whether you believe or not, the hunt itself is exciting. Here's staff writer Jillianne Hayes' first-person account of a recent tour of the Patterson House in nearby Winchester:

At dusk one quiet evening, I asked the curator of the Patterson House and Museum in Winchester to tour the house and surrounding land. Residents swear it's haunted. We went to investigate.

According to Gregg Cowdery, our tour guide, and the Patterson House website, the house was built in 1891 to replace a smaller adobe structure on the site that was the home of John Patterson, his wife Maria, three daughters and a son. John Patterson brought his family from Northern California and was one of the first major land owners in the area. The photo at the left shows members of the Patterson family.

The home, vacant for many years, is now owned and operated as a museum by the Winchester Historical Society. It includes many of the original furnishings.

I brought with me my 6-year-old daughter, Riley; the editor of Menifee 24/7, Doug Spoon; and the associate editor, Kristen Spoon. We pulled up to a gate that was wide open and very welcoming. My first thought was, "I can't wait to see what this has to offer our readers. I am sure I won't be frightened."

Cowdery began his tour by providing an overview of  the family history, the house construction, and the 120 apparitions that have been detected on the grounds. As we discussed the large plaque facing the house, a couple sauntered onto the property in our direction and began to ask questions.
This couple was Katherine Baker and Allan Rolley (below right, with Cowdery).

"We saw the gate open and people in polo shirts here on the property.  We wanted to know what was going on," Katherine said timidly. Almost on top of Katherine's comment, Allan added, "We wanted to see what was up, so we drove in. Is that OK? What's with this house and what are you guys doing here?"

"These folks are here to tour the property and write an article. I am here at different times, so you have perfect timing. You can join the tour if you'd like," Cowdery said. "It's going to get dark soon and the house has no electricity, so we better head inside."

Right before entering the house, Cowdery outside the front door and smiled.

"Well, folks, I can tell you that Jessie is right here with me at the moment. She has sort of adopted me," Cowdery said.  "Jessie is the third eldest Patterson daughter, who died at age 22."
When asked how he knew she was there, he responded with a grin on his face.

"I feel my hair standing up and the temperature around me changes," Cowdery said confidently.

This didn't immediately have me believing in the "Patterson Spirits," but I was definitely intrigued.

Upon entering into house, you have an immediate sense of trespassing (at least I did). The belongings from the past were carefully displayed as if the family would return at any moment. Every knickknack had a neat story.


"See these tiny shoes? These were Tilla Patterson's. People were a lot smaller back then," Cowdery said.

It was then time to go upstairs to view the rest of the house. My 6-year-old, who is sensitive to the abnormal as well, was beginning to feel uneasy being in the house. She chose to walk outside with Kristen, to play soccer with the half pit bull, half Malamute guard dog, Frankie.

"Mommy, I am not going up those stairs. I don't want any ghosts to bother me," she said.

I didn't blame Riley a bit, but I wasn't about to stop now. We motioned to Cowdery that we were ready to continue the tour.

As we walked up a narrow staircase and viewed the first room, I was interested in the decor and the construction of the small space. In the second bedroom, we saw the cutest old wooden baby cradle, a model airplane, and a set of old school books on an old desk. After I commented on the cradle, Cowdery warned, "Oh, by the way, that cradle right there is known to just start rocking on its own. Beware."

I followed Cowdery to the next room, where Jessie's bed was. Doug, Katherine, and Allen were still in the second bedroom. Soon I heard Doug ask Katherine, "When you were over by the cradle just now, did you bump it?"

I peered around the corner -- and the cradle was rocking, all by itself. I looked over at Katherine for her response and she was shaking her head, saying "Nope, I was in the doorway getting ready to walk out. What a trip! It's still moving. Do the floors creak or move right here?"

I stepped on the floor boards next to the cradle. No creaking and no vibration that would cause the cradle to move. When Katherine tried to film this happening, her phone screen was white. Nothing showed in the viewfinder, and she did not catch the action like she had hoped. Gradually, the rocking of the cradle decreased.

Just then, Doug said to no one in particular, "C'mon, I want to film this. Please make it rock again." Almost immediately, the rocking increased. Doug captured video of this on his iPhone.



Typically, I get very frightened when things like this happen. This time, I was intrigued and felt like whatever was there was accepting of my presence. There is something there for sure -- but seemingly a friendly presence.

As we left, Doug said he had felt a sense of cold up and down his spine the whole time we were in the house. It was a feeling he couldn't seem to get rid of. I told him I felt the same way.

Gregg Cowdery, we thank you for allowing us the time to view the property. We will be coming back before "All Hallows Eve" to take the Haunted House Night Tour. Katherine and Allen, thank you for accidentally showing up. It made the experience that much more interesting.

Cowdery shows the property by appointment. This is also true of the Haunted House Tour at night.

For more information, visit the Winchester House Facebook page.

Gregg Cowdery says this photo shows an apparation appearing at of the brick monument in front of the house.

A giant spinning wheel sits in one of the upstairs bedrooms.

A replica carriage sits near the spot where the original Patterson adobe house stood.