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Spooky Lantern Trolley Tour held in Lewes
The tour began on the deck at the Lewes Ferry Terminal where tour leader Russ Allen talked about the Bad Weather Witch. After the 18th century British warship the DeBraak sank off Cape Henlopen supposedly with a chest full of gold, many treasure seekers tried to get the chest. But every time a try was made, bad weather came up and the searches were all called off, until 1986 when the ship was recovered. BY STEVEN BILLUPS
November 8, 2015
The tour stopped at the marker for the Unknown Sailors Cemetery on the way to the trolleys. Tour leader Russ Allen talked about how old sailing vessels dumped dead sailors or sick sailors overboard in the Delaware River and Bay. The currents would bring the bodies to Lewes Beach. They would then be taken to the the marsh that is now the terminal parking lot. It is estimated that there are 600 to 800 bodies under the parking lot. BY STEVEN BILLUPS
The first stop in Lewes was in 1812 Park. Susan King, played by Rachel Shapiro, lived in the Cannonball House. She lost two husbands who were ship captains. One night she fixed a hot toddy by the fire. Her dress caught fire and she died. Some say she still haunts the residence. BY STEVEN BILLUPS
Russ Allen points to the cannonball in the foundation of the Cannonball House. BY STEVEN BILLUPS
Capt. James Drew of the HMS DeBraak sits with Elizabeth Cullen. Their graves sit next to each other, and Capt. Drew says he is tired of hearing Cullen comparing their ages because her birthdate on her headstone is Feb. 30, 1760. Shown talking with the ghost is tour leader Russ Allen and local historian Hazel Brittingham is in the background. Capt. Drew is played by Paul Collins and Cullen is played by BJ Young. BY STEVEN BILLUPS
At 202 Third St. Hettie Mecalf met the group as she looked for her cat. The residence was formerly a livery. She is said to be still haunting the house, locking doors and changing linens. Metcalf was played by Anna Tonya. BY STEVEN BILLUPS
Widow Relic Drew mourns in St. Peter's graveyard. BY STEVEN BILLUPS
Tour leader Russ Allen points out Capt. Drew's gravestone. BY STEVEN BILLUPS
Ryves Holt tries to scare off the tour group, claiming that the first chief justice from Sussex County should not be disturbed. Lewes historian Hazel Brittingham is not intimidated. The home, built in 1655, is still occupied by Holt, according to Delaware Historic Haunts. DHH investigators were told by Holt's ghost to "Be gone." Holt is played by Marcos Salavierra. BY STEVEN BILLUPS
The Lewes Historical Society and the Cape May-Lewes Ferry teamed up to take locals and visitors on a Spooky Lantern Trolley Tour to some of the most haunted sites in Lewes. The tours were held Oct. 24 and 31, and were expanded a few more days due to popular demand. The tour started at the Lewes Ferry Terminal and continued through downtown Lewes and onto the Lewes Historical Society's grounds.
