The Haunting of Mather House: The Ghostly Tale of Emily from Vermont

Vermont's rich history and picturesque landscapes have given rise to numerous tales of the supernatural, with ghost stories capturing the imaginations of both residents and visitors alike. One such story revolves around a young woman named Emily, who is said to have died at what is now known as Mather House at Marlboro College. In this article, we'll delve into the eerie legend of Emily's ghost and the chilling events that continue to haunt Mather House to this day.

The Tragic Tale of Emily

The story of Emily begins in the early 20th century, when she was a young woman living in rural Vermont. In an era when women's opportunities were limited, Emily aspired to pursue higher education and expand her horizons beyond the confines of her small town. Tragically, her dreams were cut short when she met an untimely death at her home, which would later become Mather House at Marlboro College.

The Haunting of Mather House

Since Emily's death, numerous accounts of paranormal activity have been reported at Mather House. Students and faculty members alike have claimed to hear mysterious footsteps, inexplicable knocking sounds, and even eerie whispers echoing through the halls. Many believe that these strange occurrences are the work of Emily's restless spirit, still longing for the education she was never able to obtain in life.

Emily's Ghostly Presence

Over the years, sightings of Emily's ghost have become a common occurrence at Mather House. Described as a young woman dressed in early 20th-century clothing, her apparition has been seen wandering the hallways and peering through windows. In some instances, witnesses have reported that Emily appears to be weeping, her sorrowful cries filling the air with an unsettling sadness. Others have claimed to feel a sudden chill in the air, accompanied by the overwhelming sense of a mournful presence.

Mather House's Enduring Mystery

The haunting of Mather House and the ghostly tale of Emily from Vermont continue to captivate the imaginations of those who encounter her story. As students and faculty navigate the halls of Marlboro College, the lingering presence of Emily's spirit serves as a chilling reminder of the tragic tale that unfolded within Mather House's walls. Whether fact or fiction, the legend of Emily and her unfulfilled dreams continues to endure, offering a haunting glimpse into the past and a sobering lesson for the living.

A century ago, Emily and her mysterious lover came to an end not unlike the story of Romeo and Juliet. Sometime in the late nineteenth century, back when the college was a working farm, Emily fell in love with a traveling salesman who called upon families within nearby Vermont villages.

Her parents were very strict and forbade the relationship, ordering the young man away from their daughter. Devastated by the turn of events, the despondent salesman threw himself into a stream and drowned.

Upon hearing the news, Emily climbed to the attic of her family’s home and hanged herself.

The home where Emily is said to have died is now known as Mather House, the college’s main administration building. The stream where the heart broken salesman drowned still flows through the college campus.

Suicide at the time was considered shameful and embarrassing for a family to endure.

Emily was buried in an unmarked grave below her parent’s barn, which was later remodeled into Dalrymple Hall, a building containing classrooms. Her body rested peacefully in the grave until the 1950’s when excavation to build the Howland House disinterred her anonymous burial site.

Despite numerous attempts to uncover the truth behind the haunting of Mather House, Emily's story remains shrouded in mystery. Some speculate that her restless spirit is unable to move on, forever bound to the place where her dreams were shattered. Others believe that her presence serves as a reminder of the importance of pursuing one's aspirations, even in the face of adversity.

The dining hall and Mather building at Marlboro College – Courtesy of WikiMedia

It is the Howland House where unexplained occurrences have led some to believe that Emily’s disturbed grave caused her spirit to walk among the living.

Students have reported seeing a female figure wandering the campus at night, and many have felt uneasy when alone in Howland or Dalrymple during the evening hours. Cold spots and banging noises (with no apparent cause) are often encountered around the campus.

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