The Staircase, the Candle, and the Wine Glass
In the conversion to apartments in the 1930s, the heart of the W. F. Patton House, its grand staircase, was hidden from view. The balustrade was removed, replaced by a solid wall. Only the first-floor newel post was saved – moved to a landing between the second and third floors.
Rebuilding the staircase began in earnest early in the spring of 2010. At that time, the original stair treads were refinished, smoothing 120 years of wear. White oak fascia, missing since the 1930s, was replicated. A reproduction balustrade with white oak handrail and matching corner posts was carefully hand made and emplaced. Decorative wrought iron balusters were installed. And the original carved newel post was returned to its rightful place in the first-floor hall. By June, the heart of the Patton House looked much as it did in 1890.
On Saturday, June 19, 2010, Paul and Marjory celebrated restoration of the grand staircase with their family, friends, and neighbors. Marjory and granddaughter Carissa cut a ribbon stretched across the first landing. The House seemed happy, enjoying both its restored heart and the guests who came to visit.
On Sunday, the Liepes washed and stowed the glasses and silver. The last of the detritus from this gala event was removed, though the flowers and candles remained on the dining table.
On Monday morning at about seven o’clock, Paul proceeded downstairs with Fletch (the Liepes’ Bichon Frise) for their usual morning stroll. However, this was to be delayed. What Paul saw in the dining room sent him back upstairs to call for Marjory and retrieve his camera.
One lit candle and a soiled wine glass were at the head of the dining table. This picture shows the table as Paul found it.
There was coldness around the chair along with a sickly-sweet aroma. Both disappeared when the candle was extinguished.
Marjory is quite certain there were no glasses on the table. Paul says that a physical presence was impossible. On Sunday night, he set the intruder alarm as is his custom. Only a phantasmal presence could have entered undetected.
So, who was this late guest (pun intended) to the staircase celebration? Some say it was William Fearn Patton himself, enjoying his house in its original trim. Others suggest more-recent owners – perhaps Oliver W. Dudley or the recently-passed Robert I. Harper. We will never know, but we do wish visitors would not play with matches.
July 2010 PCL